McCormick Place events keep coming this fall. PACK EXPO wraps up Wednesday, and three more big shows start next week. Thousands of travelers will land at O'Hare for them.
Here's what each event is, when it happens and how to get there without stress.
| Event | Dates | Who Goes |
|---|---|---|
| CoreNet Global Summit North America | October 26 to 28 | Corporate real estate leaders |
| Chicago Build Expo | October 28 to 29 | Architects, engineers and builders |
| ANCC Magnet and Pathway Conference | October 29 to 31 | Nursing leaders from around the world |
CoreNet Global Summit North America: October 26 to 28
CoreNet Global is a community of corporate real estate leaders. Its North America Summit brings senior decision-makers to Chicago, mostly from Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies.
- Theme: "Beyond the Horizon: From Complexity to Clarity"
- Topics: AI, workplace strategy, smart buildings, sustainability and the future of corporate real estate
- Expo hours: Monday 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Tuesday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Wednesday 10:40 AM to 2:00 PM
- Hotels: The Marriott Marquis is sold out. The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place is an official Summit hotel.
The expo opens Monday evening, so many attendees will land at O'Hare Monday afternoon. Plan your ride with time to spare.
Chicago Build Expo: October 28 and 29
Chicago Build calls itself the Midwest's largest construction and design show. It's free to attend with registration.
- Who goes: More than 30,000 architecture, engineering and construction professionals are expected
- Speakers: More than 450 speakers across 13 conference tracks
- Where: Hall F2, Lakeside Center, Level 3
- Hours: Wednesday 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Thursday until 4:30 PM
- Also on site: InstallerSHOW Chicago, an HVAC show held alongside it
Tell your chauffeur you're going to Lakeside Center so the car pulls up at the right building.
ANCC Magnet and Pathway Conference: October 29 to 31
The American Nurses Credentialing Center runs this conference for nursing leaders. It honors hospitals that earn Magnet and Pathway to Excellence recognition for strong nursing care.
- Size: About 13,000 nurses from more than 30 countries came to the 2025 conference in Atlanta
- Theme: "The Power of Nurses"
- Exhibits: Open October 29 and 30
- Early events: Pre-conference sessions on October 26 and 27, and a Research Symposium on October 28
- Location: A different city each year. It was in New Orleans in 2024, Atlanta in 2025 and Chicago in 2026.
Many hospitals send whole teams. A Sprinter van keeps the group together from O'Hare to the hotel.
The Busiest Days: October 28 and 29
All three events overlap in the middle of the week. On Wednesday, October 28, CoreNet ends, Chicago Build opens and the nursing Research Symposium is on. On Thursday, October 29, Chicago Build and the Magnet Conference run side by side.
- Expect heavy traffic around McCormick Place
- Expect long taxi and rideshare lines when the shows let out
- Expect South Loop hotels to fill up
- Book your rides early
Getting From O'Hare to McCormick Place
McCormick Place is about 24 miles from O'Hare. A booked car is the easiest way to make the trip during a busy show week. Fares, vehicles and drive times are on our O'Hare to McCormick Place page.
Flat-rate O'Hare car service to the show
- Flat rates from $95 one way in a luxury sedan, tolls included
- We track your flight, and you get 60 minutes of free wait time
- Your chauffeur meets you at the curb when you come out
Group rides and hourly chauffeurs
- Full-Size SUVs, Sprinter vans and coach buses for teams, see group transportation
- Hourly chauffeur service for full show days and dinners
- Easy online booking 24/7
Where to Stay Near McCormick Place
- Hyatt Regency McCormick Place: Connected to the convention center
- Marriott Marquis Chicago: A skybridge to the West Building
- Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn and Home2 Suites: All at 123 E Cermak Rd, about a 0.4 mile walk
Where to Eat After the Show
- For client dinners: Gibsons Bar and Steakhouse in the Gold Coast, or RPM Steak in River North
- Close to McCormick: VU Rooftop Bar next door for skyline views, or dim sum at MingHin in Chinatown
We drive your group to dinner and wait until you're done.
We Are Driving a Team Through PACK EXPO
This week we are driving a business team from New York through PACK EXPO 2026, from their O'Hare pickup to client dinners at Gibsons and RPM Steak. Read how our PACK EXPO week is going.
Tips for McCormick Place Travelers
- Book your O'Hare ride as soon as your flights are set
- Know which building your event is in
- Leave the show before 5:00 PM when you can
- Reserve dinner tables ahead of time
- Keep one chauffeur by the hour if you have a full day of meetings
Book your ride to McCormick Place
Flying in for a show at McCormick Place? Book your O'Hare ride online in a few minutes or call (708) 998-6634.
Book Online Now