Chicago Build has wrapped for another year, delivering record-breaking attendance, expanded conference tracks offering deeper insights for the industry, and more exhibitors than ever before. With exceptional feedback from both exhibitors and attendees, Chicago Build continues to gain momentum as the Midwest’s largest construction and design show.

And 2026 brings even more excitement: Introducing three new zones, AI & Digital Construction Zone, Fire Safety and Security Zone, and HVACR Zone, with each zone acting as a dedicated hub for its sector, bringing together key brands, industry content, and highly relevant audiences.

Chicago Build 2025: A Record-Breaking Year

Chicago Build 2025 brought together the full spectrum of professionals from across the entire built environment, from contractors, architects, developers, house builders, and engineers to engineers, consultants and government bodies.

The key attendee groups at Chicago Build 2025 demonstrate the show’s powerful industry reach across every corner of the construction sector: Contractors: 25%, Homeowners: 17%, Architects: 12% Services: 11%, Developers / Housebuilders: 8%, Facilities/Property/Estate: 11%, Engineers: 4%, Government: 3%, Other: 9%.

Chicago Build welcomed attendees and senior representatives from across the Midwest’s leading organisations, including:

• Contracting Firms: 3BStrong Construction, Angstrom Design + Build, Articulate, Build Direct, Christy Webber Landscapes, Cipriani USA, Concordia, Delia Inc Paving & Sealcoating, Erosion & Construction Solutions, Expert Roofing, Express Elevators & Lifts, Farren International, Greenfield Contractors, Install Geothermal, Invisible Structures, Pacific Stair Corporation, Parks Construction Consultants and more.

• Architectural, Design & Engineering: Aaron James Design, American Society of Interior Designers, ArchFicient, Armatherm, B+N Industries, Bjelin, CityScapes Architectural Innovations, D5 Render, Framery, Intectural, James Hardie Building Products, Kaptain Premium Windows, Longboard Architectural Products, Margraf, Osborne Wood Products, Panoramic Doors, Parallel Architectural Products, StoneX USA, Terrazzo & Marble Supply, and Wolf Home Products.

• HVAC, Mechanical & Building Systems: AprilAire, Axis Portable Air, Fujitsu General America, HVAKR, Q-Pac, RectorSeal, and Wells HVAC Supply.

• Housebuilders & Developers: Gastineau Log Homes, Renovations Delivered, Greenfield Contractors, and more. 

Unrivalled Opportunities to Generate Leads and Build Partnerships

Exhibitors’ feedback speaks for itself - Chicago Build has firmly established itself as the essential event for face-to-face business and lead generation in the Midwest construction market:

"I’ve done a lot of tradeshows over the past year and this one’s got the strongest ROI already just being here for just one day."
- Oriana Dietrich, Account Executive, Microcad 

"We took a chance, and it definitely paid off. The show was much bigger show, and we made a lot of high-quality contacts. We’ve already signed up for next year’s show."
- Tracy Goettsch, Vice President of Sales, Pacific Stair Corporation 

"Chicago Build brings together an innovative, eclectic group of people that give you the opportunity to network and understand where the industry is heading."
- James Holt, Clune Construction

"Chicago Build brings the community together by providing opportunities to meet new companies, from start-ups to established companies, networking and also listen to topics that are of interest to the industry."
- Paul Morgan, JLL

The Next Evolution: Major Move Ahead and Co-Location with InstallerSHOW Chicago

Chicago Build 2026 will introduce three brand new specialist zones on the show floor: the AI & Digital Construction Zone, Fire Safety & Security Zone, and HVACR Zone. Each zone will act as a dedicated hub for its sector, bringing together leading brands, industry experts, and highly relevant audiences.

Designed to make it easier for visitors to explore the latest technologies and solutions shaping the built environment, each zone will feature targeted exhibitors, specialist conference content, and networking opportunities.

 

AI & Digital Construction Zone

A dedicated hub for the technologies transforming the built environment.

• Exhibitors showcasing AI, BIM and digital construction platforms

• A focused AI & Digital Construction conference track

• Case studies on digital transformation across the industry
   

Fire Safety & Security Zone

Spotlighting innovations protecting buildings and construction sites.

• Exhibitors specialising in fire protection, surveillance and access control

• Sessions covering fire regulations and safety innovation

• Networking with contractors, developers and safety professionals
   

HVACR Zone

Bringing together leaders in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration.

• Exhibitors showcasing next-generation HVAC systems

• Sessions on energy efficiency and indoor air quality

• Opportunities for mechanical contractors and engineers to connect with suppliers

 

Join Us at the Midwest’s Biggest Construction Show This October:

• Date: October, 28-29 2026

• Venue: McCormick Place

• Visit www.chicagobuildexpo.com to inquire about exhibiting and to learn more about the show.