Building Technologies Events in Chicago

IFT ANNUAL MEETING & FOOD EXPO

In the ever-evolving landscape of the global food system, innovation is key to driving progress and meeting the needs of consumers. Enter IFT FIRST – Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology – a groundbreaking initiative by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) aimed at revolutionizing the future of food.

At the heart of IFT FIRST is the Annual Meeting & Food Expo, a premier event that serves as a nexus for professionals across the food industry spectrum. It's not just a conference; it's a convergence of minds, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of food.
Bringing together experts from both the scientific and business realms of food, the IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo is where the latest global food trends take center stage. From cutting-edge ingredients to state-of-the-art equipment, processing techniques, and packaging solutions, every aspect of the food industry finds representation under one roof.
For attendees, the Food Expo offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the industry's largest collection of suppliers and exhibitors. It's a treasure trove of inspiration, where professionals can discover the newest products, witness the latest trends firsthand, and forge strategic connections to propel their businesses and careers forward.
But what sets the IFT Food Expo apart is more than just its vast array of offerings; it's the immersive experience it provides. Attendees don't just see products – they touch, taste, and experience them firsthand. It's a sensory journey that fosters innovation and drives industry progress.
Year after year, professionals in food science and technology return to the IFT Food Expo, recognizing it as the pinnacle event in their field. With two out of every three attendees being repeat visitors, it's a testament to the expo's unparalleled value and impact.
In a world where innovation is the currency of progress, the IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo stands as a beacon of opportunity. It's not just a gathering; it's a catalyst for change, a platform where innovation meets opportunity, shaping the future of food for generations to come.

Advancing Construction Technology

Advancing Construction Technology: Celebrating a Decade of Innovation and Integration in the Built Environment

In an industry that balances physical materials with cutting-edge innovation, construction technology has become the backbone of transformation. Now in its 10th year, Advancing Construction Technology continues to lead the way in shaping the future of construction project delivery. Set to take place at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont, United States, this influential forum unites over 350 professionals committed to optimizing productivity, profitability, and performance through emerging technology.

As a contractor-driven and independent event, the conference focuses on practical implementation rather than hype—empowering attendees with real-world knowledge, field-tested case studies, and a strong peer-to-peer learning environment. Whether you’re in Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), Building Information Modeling (BIM), or responsible for on-site field tech adoption, this event promises actionable insight and measurable outcomes.

A Decade of Progress: How the Conference Evolved with the Industry

Since its inception, Advancing Construction Technology has grown into a leading platform for innovation leaders in construction. The forum’s 10th anniversary is not just a milestone—it’s a reflection of the evolution happening within the industry. Over the past decade, construction firms have moved from experimenting with digital tools to integrating them into every layer of project delivery.

This year’s agenda builds on that foundation, focusing on how to scale technology adoption across teams, departments, and business units, ensuring that investments deliver not only technical value but also ROI and team-wide buy-in.

Who Should Attend: The Professionals Driving the Digital Shift

Designed for decision-makers and project team leaders across the construction spectrum, the event attracts a well-rounded audience of forward-thinking professionals.

Core Attendee Profiles:

   Directors of Innovation and Technology

   BIM/VDC Managers and Coordinators

   Construction Project Managers

   Field Technology Specialists

   IT and Digital Transformation Leaders

   General Contractors and Subcontractors

   Design-Build Practitioners

   Technology Vendors and Platform Developers

By connecting these diverse roles, the conference encourages a 360-degree view of technology integration, from software selection and hardware implementation to cultural adoption on the job site.

Real Case Studies, Not Sales Pitches: Learning from Experience

What makes Advancing Construction Technology truly unique is its commitment to real-world content. Every session is curated to ensure honest, insightful case studies that dive into the actual challenges and breakthroughs experienced by leading construction firms.

Key Themes Across the Agenda Include:

   Implementing BIM & VDC at Scale

   Field Tech Integration for On-Site Efficiency

   Driving Organizational Buy-In for New Tools

   Standardizing Workflows to Eliminate Redundancy

   Measuring and Communicating ROI from Technology

   Overcoming Resistance and Enhancing User Experience

   Combining Data, Automation, and Visualization

Rather than theoretical discussions, speakers walk attendees through the step-by-step methods, team alignment strategies, and lessons learned that led to successful technology transformations.

Why Contractors Value This Forum

For many in construction, choosing the right tech stack can feel like navigating a maze. With the ever-expanding universe of tools and platforms, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. This forum helps participants cut through the noise, offering clarity on what works, what doesn’t, and why—all backed by firsthand field experience.

What Sets This Conference Apart:

   100% Contractor-Focused Discussions

   Peer-Led Sessions (Not Sales Pitches)

   Balanced Content Across Design, Build & Operate Phases

   In-Depth ROI Case Analysis

   Direct Access to Technology Innovators

   Meaningful Networking with Like-Minded Leaders

The value of shared experience is immeasurable, especially for companies navigating the complexity of multi-platform ecosystems, shifting workforce expectations, and fast-paced project timelines.

Building Stronger Connections Through Networking

In addition to educational sessions, Advancing Construction Technology places strong emphasis on peer-to-peer engagement, creating a space where professionals can build lasting relationships, exchange tools of the trade, and even identify potential collaborators or solution providers.

Opportunities for Interaction Include:

   Roundtable Discussions

   Panel Q&As with Industry Trailblazers

   Workshops and Deep-Dive Breakout Sessions

   Happy Hours and Networking Dinners

   On-Site Demos and Product Labs

These structured yet informal gatherings ensure that attendees leave with not only knowledge but also a stronger professional network to support ongoing innovation.

Technology with Purpose: Focusing on Value, Not Volume

One of the event’s core messages is that technology should serve purpose, not popularity. With so many solutions competing for attention, construction teams must develop a strategic lens for evaluating tools. It's not about implementing more—it’s about implementing smarter.

At the conference, firms share how they’ve achieved success by:

   Defining clear technology goals

   Involving end users early in the decision-making process

   Building standardized frameworks for rollouts

   Aligning tech decisions with organizational strategy

   Tracking performance metrics and learning from failure

This pragmatic approach ensures that participants walk away with a blueprint they can apply immediately to existing and upcoming projects.

The Future of Construction Starts Here

In an era where the construction industry is under pressure to build faster, smarter, and more sustainably, Advancing Construction Technology is helping professionals rise to the challenge. The event not only celebrates a decade of progress—it shapes the next decade of breakthroughs.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, insight, or innovation, this conference offers everything you need to make confident technology decisions that support business growth, project success, and team empowerment.

If you're involved in construction technology, this is the place to be—where strategy meets implementation, and innovation becomes reality.

ABA Techshow

In today’s fast-paced and increasingly digital world, technology is no longer a mere tool in the legal field—it’s an essential pillar supporting how lawyers practice law. The integration of technology into legal work has revolutionized the profession, enabling lawyers to operate more efficiently, enhance client service, and manage their professional and personal lives with greater ease. The rise of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and automation has transformed traditional workflows, allowing legal professionals to streamline processes, reduce errors, and focus on higher-level tasks. Whether it’s managing case files, conducting research, or communicating with clients, technology now plays a crucial role in every aspect of legal practice.

For legal professionals seeking to stay ahead of the curve, the ABA TECHSHOW offers a unique opportunity to explore the latest technological advancements in the legal world. This annual event brings together lawyers, legal professionals, and tech experts for three days of hands-on learning, networking, and discovery. At ABA TECHSHOW, attendees have the chance to dive into the most practical and relevant technologies available, gaining insights on how to apply these tools to improve efficiency and outcomes within their legal practices. From innovative software solutions for case management to advancements in e-discovery and legal research, the event provides an in-depth look at the tools that are shaping the future of law.

One of the standout features of the ABA TECHSHOW is its comprehensive Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programming. Offering a broad range of educational sessions, the event packs a wealth of knowledge into a compact timeframe, making it an invaluable experience for busy legal professionals. These sessions are designed to help attendees understand the most pressing issues and trends in the legal tech space, including cybersecurity, AI in law, and how to leverage cloud-based tools to optimize day-to-day operations. By focusing on practical, hands-on education, the event ensures that participants walk away with actionable skills and strategies that they can implement immediately in their practice.

Beyond the educational component, ABA TECHSHOW serves as a hub for networking and collaboration. It brings together industry leaders, innovators, and experts, providing attendees with ample opportunities to connect with others in the legal and tech fields. The chance to meet with peers, exchange ideas, and discuss how technology is transforming legal practice makes ABA TECHSHOW not just an event, but a community. It’s a place where professionals can share challenges and solutions, as well as learn from those who are at the forefront of legal tech development.

ABA TECHSHOW is a key event for any legal professional looking to navigate the intersection of law and technology. It provides a dynamic platform for learning, networking, and exploring the tools that are shaping the future of legal practice. Whether you are looking to stay informed about the latest tech trends, improve the efficiency of your firm, or gain insights into emerging technologies, ABA TECHSHOW offers an unmatched opportunity to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field.

ProMat

ProMat in Chicago is a premier trade fair dedicated to material handling and logistics, taking place every two years at the expansive McCormick Place. Organized by the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA), ProMat stands as one of the largest events globally for professionals involved in material handling and warehouse logistics. This significant exhibition brings together a diverse array of products and services designed to support logistics and supply chain companies, showcasing innovations in automation, warehousing, inventory control, and logistics software, among others.

The event attracts logistics and supply chain professionals eager to explore the latest technologies and solutions that can enhance their operations. From advanced material handling systems to cutting-edge pick-by-voice technologies, ProMat serves as a hub for industry leaders to discover new tools and strategies that drive efficiency and improve supply chain processes. It provides an invaluable platform for networking, learning, and sharing ideas among experts in the field.

One of the highlights of ProMat is the ProMat Innovation Award ceremony, which honors exceptional innovations in supply chain management. This recognition not only celebrates advancements in the industry but also inspires participants to strive for excellence and creativity in their own organizations. Attendees have the opportunity to engage with these groundbreaking innovations, gaining insights that can be implemented in their respective operations.

Overall, ProMat stands as a vital event for anyone involved in logistics and supply chain management, offering a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and technologies shaping the industry. Its strategic focus on material handling solutions ensures that participants leave equipped with the knowledge and connections necessary to navigate the complexities of modern logistics.