The trade show Chicago scene has a wide variety of venues to choose from, but if you are planning to be close to Midway airport, why travel all the way into the city? This article will discuss why Wintrust Sports Complex is the perfect venue for trade show companies to set up and make a great exhibition.
Finding a Great Chicago Conference Location
Part of trade show management is trying to find the right conference location. Ideally, a wide open space near some good trade show exhibit companies will get you where you want to be. Here are a few things to look for in a good location:
- PA System
- Powerful lights
- Projectors
- Wireless microphones
- Catering or Food Options
Luckily, all of these things and more can be easily found at Wintrust Sports Complex in Bedford Park, conveniently right around the corner from Midway Airport, so your travel can be as easy as possible!
What Is a Trade Show?
Before moving forward in our article, it’s helpful to answer the question “What is a trade show?” The trade show Chicago scene is quite vast, with countless shows happening every year, so the city is no stranger to these types of events.
A trade show, otherwise known as a trade fair or an exposition, is a large event typically held to bring together a community of companies that operate within the same industry. At the show, these companies are able to display and show off their latest products and services to people in their industry, and sometimes directly to their consumers as well.
There are a few different kinds of trade shows, such as:
- Consumer trade shows, where businesses sell and pitch directly to their customers
- Industry trade shows, where businesses connect with each other and make deals
- Conferences, which incorporate seminars, speeches, and more
Why Do People Travel for Trade Shows?
If you are just getting started in trade show management, attendance, and other aspects, you may wonder why people would go to such lengths to travel across the state or even the country to attend a trade show. There are many benefits to attending trade shows as a business and even as a consumer:
- Networking: Trade shows are a great place to gain allies in the industry as well as find support and collaborative methods with companies that cover bases that you do not.
- Brand Awareness: In a massive expo hall, you have the opportunity to gain new customers and make other companies aware of your brand.
- Sales and Lead Generation: Most people attending trade shows are looking for new and innovative ideas or products. Show these guests what you are made of, and generate new leads and even sales.
Trade Show Exhibit Companies in Chicagoland
The trade show Chicago scene is quite expansive, offering a wide variety of exhibit companies and teams that can help you put together the perfect exhibit. A trade show exhibit should be eye-catching and engaging to passersby, as well as informative and representative of your brand. Here are just a few great companies near the Midway airport that can easily help you set up the perfect exhibition:
- The Expo Group
- EDE Corporation
- Dimension Craft Inc
- Lakeshore Exhibit Service, Inc.
- Stevens Exhibits
- Tradeshow Transport
- And more!
Finding the right exhibit company can be a game-changer in your trade show presentation, but what about the venue itself? Finding the perfect venue for a trade show is essential.
Why Should Trade Show Companies Choose Wintrust?
When answering the question, “What is a trade show?”, the topic of venue is likely to come up in conversation. Most trade shows are held in large conference halls, gymnasiums, or similar spacious rooms with ample space for exhibits, stands, and walking room for patrons or guests.
Wintrust Sports Complex makes for the perfect trade show venue, specifically because of all its amenities and wide, open gymnasium floor. Our 116,000-square-foot venue is home to a sprawling gymnasium that can accommodate eight basketball courts, as well as a redemption arcade, laser tag arena, and a full-service restaurant and bar. There is something for everybody at Wintrust, and a few great places to unwind or take a break if you need to step away from the action of the trade show.
Organizing a Corporate Event at Wintrust Sports Complex
The world of trade show Chicago is vast; so, how do you organize a corporate event at a sports complex like Wintrust? Here are just a few tips and tricks we’ve learned along the way:
- Avoid over-scheduling and leave room for your guests to breathe.
- Form a reliable team of collaborators and planners – our team at Wintrust can be a part of that!
- Make sure your venue’s technology is working ahead of time; luckily, at Wintrust, we make this part easy.
- Talk to our team about catering, music, and our other amenities and spaces. We can help you put together the best possible event!
Tips for Trade Show Management
What is a trade show without management? Here are a few tips for managing a trade show as an exhibitor:
- Do your research
- Set clear goals for your time at the exhibition
- Budget for your space ahead of time
- Advertise in advance
Staying Near Midway Airport
The world of trade show Chicago always requires knowledge of nearby amenities, dining, hotels, and more. We’ve already highlighted the best trade show exhibit companies nearby, but what about hotels and attractions for your guests and other attendees?
Hotels Near Midway:
- Courtyard Chicago Midway Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Midway Airport
- Hampton Inn Chicago Midway Airport
- Holiday Inn Chicago – Midway Airport S
Dining:
Wine and dine with a full restaurant inside Wintrust Sports Complex!
Book Your Show at Wintrust Today
Trade show companies can rely on Wintrust Sports Complex to offer the best in technology, space, food, entertainment, and more for both your event’s attendees and customers. Contact us today to plan your expo.