FORGOTTEN HISTORY: Metropolitan pier and exposition authority | History Defined

Hotels in Chicago are getting close to pre-pandemic business levels, and more convention travelers in 2023 could close the gap

The events calendar for McCormick Place, Chicago's massive convention complex, is filling up, with interest mounting among potential attendees and exhibitors, and that means 2023 could be the year convention travelers return in big numbers to downtown Chicago, providing a much-needed boost to hotels still suffering from the ongoing pandemic.

Chicago Tribune · Jan 17, 2023

After two years of empty show floors and hotel rooms, McCormick Place gears up for the return of conventions to Chicago

When the Inspired Home Show returned to McCormick Place earlier this month after a three-year pandemic hiatus, the annual housewares show was the smallest in recent memory, and among the most significant in its 80-year history.

Chicago Tribune · Mar 24, 2022

McCormick Place CEO warns of casino impact

Any plan to convert parts of the convention campus for gambling could hurt operations and push some shows out of town, Larita Clark told the board of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority.

Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 15, 2022