From the time fur traders first settled here in the 18th Century, Chicago has been a place where people come together for business. Our unique advantages, business history and built-in attendance base make Chicago a destination attendees and exhibitors alike can sink their teeth into. Why does Chicago rule over other cities?
- In recent years, many events that relocate to Chicago have enjoyed record-breaking attendance increases.
- More than 8.5 million people live in the metropolitan area.
- Approximately 46 million people live within a one-day drive.
- More people travel to Chicago for overnight business trips than any other destination in the country.
- Chicago has more than 300,000 business establishments, including 30 Fortune 500 headquarters.
Did You Know? When compared to other U.S. cities, Chicago is:
- #1 in manufacturing
- #1 in business service professionals
- #1 high-tech workforce
- #1 distribution center
- #2 in passenger air
- #2 financial center and Fortune 500 headquarters according to World Business Chicago, a not-for-profit economic development organization.