Entertainment & Media Trade Shows in Chicago 2027: Complete Guide
Chicago has become a big name in entertainment and media. In 2027, it hosts some of the best entertainment & media trade shows in Chicago for people across the globe.
If you’re interested in the entertainment sector or have services or products related to media and entertainment, then these exhibitions are the best way to get leads and see what’s trending in the industry. Here’s what to know about the trade shows and their Chicago Convention Center calendar to stay up to date on your booth planning.
The Biggest Entertainment & Media Trade Shows in Chicago for 2027
At entertainment and media expos in Chicago, you’ll find comics, gaming, golf, and pickleball-type entertainment, and these aren’t small local meetups. These events have a lot of exhibitors and visitors from across the country. Here’s the information for each trade show.
Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) 2027
Dates: April 30–May 2, 2027
Venue: McCormick Place
C2E2 2027 is the Midwest’s biggest party for comics, cosplay, gaming, anime, and more. Reed Exhibitions is the organizer of this show. Here, 400 exhibitors and 70,000+ attendees come to see what’s new and what’s trending.
What will you see at the C2E2 show?
- Comic books, graphic novels, publishers, animation studios, apparel, toys, plush, figures, collectible statues, and fan merch.
- Arcade machines, game software, online and mobile games, and board games.
- Screenings, media products, content buyers, distributors, and TV networks.
Why exhibit: thousands of interested attendees show up ready to find new products and meet the people who make them. If you want to sell art, push a new game, or promote a media brand, you must exhibit here. For exhibit display, you can get a 10×10 booth size, specially designed for small creators and artists. Want demos and a small meeting spot? Go for 10×20 or 20×20. Big publishers and media companies often go for a 30×30 or 30×50 island.
ASI Show Chicago 2027
Dates: July 27–29, 2027
Venue: McCormick Place
The ASI Show is the top entertainment & media trade show in Chicago for the promotional products industry. Distributors and suppliers meet to see what’s new in branded merchandise, apparel, and corporate gifts.
The 2026 show opened with a full day of education, followed by two exhibit days. Expect the same setup in 2027, with Education Day on July 27 and the show floor on July 28 and 29. Third-party listings estimate around 400 exhibitors and 16,000 visitors.
What exhibitors get:
- Face-to-face time with distributors who want to handle products in person.
- Education sessions and power sessions on sales, marketing, AI, and decoration trends.
- A keynote and plenty of networking.
Why exhibit: if you supply promo products, branded merch, corporate gifts, or apparel, this is where you meet the people who buy them for clients. You can opt for a 10×10 or 10×20 space for a single product range. Suppliers with several categories can use a 20×20 or larger to set up separate zones.
Tinley Park Golf Expo 2027
Dates: January 29–30, 2027
Venue: Tinley Park Convention Center
The Tinley Park Golf Expo is a consumer entertainment and media trade fair in Chicago bringing golf retailers, resorts, and courses under one roof. It is about 30 miles south of downtown Chicago. The building has 120,000 sq. ft., with 70,000 sq. ft. of event space, ceilings up to 35 feet, and 1,500 free parking spaces. Visitors can try the latest gear, chat with course and resort reps, and pick up show-only deals.
Why exhibit: if you sell golf gear, apparel, accessories, lessons, or tee times, you’ll be talking to people who already love the game and plan to spend.
Capricon 2027
Dates: January 28–31, 2027
Venue: Marriott Chicago O’Hare
Capricon is a much-loved science fiction convention event in Chicago. It has been part of the Chicago scene since 1981. Phandemonium runs it as a volunteer, nonprofit event. This entertaining show is all about books, storytelling, and fandom.
What you’ll see at Capricon 2027:
- Talks on science fiction, fantasy, writing, art, science, and more.
- A marketplace for books, art, and merch. Dealers should note that generative AI works can’t be sold or displayed, and there’s no late sign-up.
- Sci-fi, fantasy, and other imaginative art.
- Board games, card games, and role-playing games.
- Activities for younger fans.
Why exhibit: authors, artists, small publishers, and indie creators can talk directly to their readers. The crowd is small and friendly, so conversations go deeper. If you’re booking a booth space here, you can choose a 10×10, 10×20, or 20×20 exhibit display.
World Pickleball Convention 2027
Dates: March 15–18, 2027
Venue: Chicago (venue to be confirmed)
Pickleball is one of America’s fastest-growing sports entertainment categories, and now one of its biggest conventions is heading to Chicago. The organizers call it the only annual pickleball convention and conference. The event includes exhibits, meetings, tournaments, demos, and education. The 2026 edition in Florida also covered padel, paddles, shoes, bags, apparel, training gear, and court tech. Demos work especially well, since people like to try before they buy.
Why exhibit: if your business has products like pickleball gear, apparel, court building, tech, or travel, you’ll reach players and industry buyers in one place.
Retail Media Summit 2027
Dates: June 2027 (dates not yet announced)
Venue: Palmer House Hilton, Chicago (the 2026 venue)
Work in digital advertising or retail? Don’t skip the Retail Media Summit, Chicago’s famous entertainment and media trade show. The show is organized by the Path to Purchase Institute. This show is North America’s first event built around retail media. It’s made for senior people at CPG brands, retailers, agencies, and tech firms. Keynotes, expert panels, case studies, networking sessions, and an awards reception round out the program. Past topics include retail media ROI, omnichannel campaigns, creative, AI, and how teams are set up to run retail media.
Why attend or exhibit: if you sell retail media tech, data tools, or commerce services, you’ll meet decision-makers who are shopping for partners. As this is a conference-style event, a 10×10 is often enough. A 10×20 or 20×20 may work if you want a bigger showcase or a private meeting area.
Booth Design Tips for Entertainment & Media Trade Shows in Chicago
Your booth is your foundation. It’s where people first meet your brand. Here is the trade show exhibitor checklist for booth design that you should follow.
- Know your crowd. At a fan show like C2E2, go bold, colorful, and interactive. At a B2B show like ASI, keep it clean and neat, with your product line front and center.
- Pick the right booth size. Match the size to your goals, purpose, and budget.
- Use good lighting and graphics. Backlit graphics and bold lighting help you pop in a busy hall. At entertainment shows, LED screens can play trailers, gameplay, or product demos.
- Add something people can try. People like to touch and play. A demo station, a photo spot, or a game gives them a reason to stay.
- Know the venue. If you’re exhibiting at McCormick Place, read the McCormick Place Convention Center Guide first. Learn the rules early and you’ll save time and money.
Common Trade Show Mistakes to Avoid at Entertainment Trade Shows
A great show can still fall apart if you miss the basic parts, which most exhibitors and newbie stand builders skip. Watch out for these.
- Know what you want before you book. Awareness, leads, or direct sales? Your goal drives every other choice.
- Don’t show up and hope. Post on social media, invite clients by email, and book meetings ahead of time. A solid trade show exhibitor checklist keeps you on track.
- Prepare your team. Your staff should know the products well and talk to visitors, not sit behind a table.
- Plan your follow-up. The show doesn’t end when the lights go off. Have a plan for every lead. An email within 48 hours can make a big difference.
- Know the venue rules. Every venue has its own union team that handles unloading, electrical, and overhead hanging. Check the McCormick Place Convention Center guide and other show guidebooks for these service offerings.
In Summary!
At Whimsical Exhibits, we help you create a show experience people remember after the show. Our team of experts is well-versed in the rules of entertainment & media trade shows in Chicago, and we know how to design a booth that grabs attention and brings results. Our exhibit display rental Chicago services also let you look creative and professional without the cost and hassle of owning a booth.
Fill out our form and let us know what you’re expecting from these trade shows in the US!