Electric & Electronics Trade Shows in Chicago 2027: Complete Guide
Chicago gave the world the first skyscraper, and today it builds smart factories and electric vehicles. That same drive shows up in its trade show calendar every year.
If you work in electronics, power systems, or automation, then 2027 is a big year in Chicago. At Whimsical Exhibits, we’ve helped hundreds of brands set up at these events. We can tell you one thing for sure: the electric & electronics trade shows in Chicago 2027 are not ones to skip.
This post includes all the electric & electronics trade fairs happening in Chicago in 2027. Let’s dive in.
Electric & Electronics Trade Shows in Chicago 2027: Choose Your Expo
Two of the nation’s largest venues are McCormick Place and the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. The organizers at these venues host thousands of exhibitors and visitors every year.
There are four big electric & electronic events in 2027, and they draw four different crowds. One covers HVAC and building systems. One focuses on power electronics research. One is about off-highway vehicles. And one is about the tiny parts that make modern electronics work.
So the big question is which show fits your business. Let’s go through them one by one.
AHR Expo 2027
Dates: January 25–27, 2027
Venue: McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago
AHR Expo is one of the biggest HVACR trade shows in the world. It lands at McCormick Place in Chicago from January 25 to 27, 2027. AHR Expo isn’t only about heating and cooling. It also covers refrigeration, ventilation, plumbing, indoor air quality, building automation, and sustainable tech.
More than 1,900 manufacturers and suppliers are expected to show their latest products, with engineers, contractors, OEMs, facility managers, wholesalers, and design-build pros attending from over 100 countries. If you sell anything that goes into a building’s electrical or mechanical systems, give this show serious thought.
Booth size tips for exhibitors:
- 10×10 – good for component suppliers, software companies, or first-timers who want simple lead capture.
- 10×20 – works for brands that need space for product displays and a small demo area.
- 20×20 or larger – ideal if you’re showing big equipment or hosting private meetings with buyers.
The ASHRAE Winter Conference also runs alongside the expo and adds over 100 technical sessions. That brings even more serious industry traffic to the halls. McCormick Place is also very easy to navigate. If you’re looking for an exhibit booth builder in Chicago, remember the venue has its own rules and deadlines. A local team of exhibition stand builders can help with the McCormick Place Convention Center guide.
International Conference on Electrical and Power Electronics
Dates: April 15–16, 2027
Venue: Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL
This international conference is an academic and research-driven electric and electronic trade show in Chicago. It takes place April 15 and 16, 2027. Industry pros, engineers, academics, and scholars come together to share research and talk about new work in power electronics, smart grids, renewable energy integration, and electromagnetic compatibility.
If you work in power electronics, it’s a good way to meet researchers and technical experts. The crowd is smaller than at a big expo but very focused. If your business depends on cutting-edge power tech, you’ll be in the room with the people shaping it.
It’s mainly a conference, so booth space may be limited. Still, many organizers offer tabletop displays or small rental exhibits for companies that want to be seen. A compact 10×10 usually works for technical products or research partnerships.
iVT Expo Chicago
Dates: August 25–26, 2027
Venue: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL
iVT Expo is all about off-highway vehicle technology. This electric & electronic trade fair in Chicago covers industrial vehicles, construction equipment, farm machinery, and more. In 2027, it will take place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, right next to Chicago. Attendees include OEMs, engineers, designers, and Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers from the off-highway sector. It’s trade-only, so everyone on the floor is there for business.
The expo covers cab design, components, powertrains, hydraulics, materials, and testing. The Off-Highway Evolution Conference runs alongside it, with more ways to learn and network.
To exhibit at iVT Expo Chicago, select one of the following booth sizes:
- 10×10 – best for component suppliers and tech start-ups.
- 10×20 – enough room for product demos and interactive displays.
- 20×20 – best for larger vehicle systems or meetings with OEM buyers.
SMTA International 2027
Dates: October 24–28, 2027
Venue: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL
SMTA International is one of the key electric and electronics events in Chicago for electronics manufacturing. In 2027, it runs from October 24 to 28 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont.
SMTA stands for Surface Mount Technology Association. The event brings together people from assembly equipment, electronics manufacturing, inspection, automation, and production. The expo floor features companies that supply the tools and tech behind modern electronics.
The conference includes technical sessions, networking events, and exhibits. It’s a five-day, in-person event, so exhibitors have plenty of time to meet decision-makers. If you sell anything tied to electronics assembly, soldering, inspection, or manufacturing equipment, consider exhibiting with a custom booth at the SMTA show.
How to Find Your Ideal Electric & Electronics Trade Show in Chicago?
With this many options out there, choosing can feel like a lot. Ask yourself a few simple questions before choosing any of the above electric and electronics expos in Chicago in 2027.
- What do you sell? HVAC or building systems? AHR Expo is your best bet. Power electronics research? The ICEPE conference fits. Off-highway vehicles? Go with the iVT Expo. Electronics manufacturing? SMTA International is the one.
- Who’s your target buyer? Check each show’s attendee profile. Be where your customers are.
- What’s your budget? Bigger shows like AHR Expo cost more per booth. Smaller conferences may be cheaper.
- How much space do you need? A 10×10 is fine for lead capture. A 10×20 or 20×20 gives you room for demos and meetings. Your booth builder can suggest the right size.
A good trade show exhibitor checklist also covers booth design, shipping, setup, staffing, and follow-up. Don’t forget to check that too.
Why Whimsical Exhibits Can Be Your Long-Term Exhibition Partner?
Whimsical Exhibits has been building trade show booths for over 16 years and has delivered more than 2,500 stands across the US. Our team knows the Chicago Convention Center calendar well.
Here’s what we provide:
- We build custom booths that tell your brand story and draw people in.
- We design and build trade show booths to fit your goals and budget.
- We handle design, construction, shipping, setup, and dismantling.
- We know the rules, deadlines, and layouts at Chicago venues. That means fewer surprises and smoother show days.
- Need a booth for just one show? Our exhibit display rental solution in Chicago saves money without cutting quality.
We have done successful business with every brand size and industry by providing custom end-to-end exhibition stand build services in Chicago and the US.
Final Verdict!
The electric & electronics trade shows in Chicago 2027 have something for every company in the industry. Pick the show that fits your products, your audience, and your budget. Then build a booth that makes people stop, look, and walk in.
If you need help building your booth design, give us a call. Our project managers will help you with your requirements. Reach out to us!