Donald E. Stephens Convention Center: Events, Parking, Hotels and Directions
Attending a trade show, fan convention, consumer expo or business conference near Chicago O’Hare? Plan your visit to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center with official event dates, parking garage addresses, CTA Blue Line access, connected hotels, meeting hall information and a location map.
Donald Stephens Convention Center: Address, Phone and Quick Facts
Convention and conference venue in Rosemont.
Rosemont, Illinois 60018.
Venue and visitor inquiries.
No in-and-out privileges.
Venue-advertised flexible exhibition space.
Near ORD airport and Rosemont Blue Line station.
The convention center is operated by the Village of Rosemont and serves the greater Chicago region. It is a popular location for trade shows because it is close to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, major roads, public transit and hotels.
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Events in 2026
The venue hosts trade conferences, consumer shows, collectors’ events, industry exhibitions and family-friendly public conventions. Below are selected upcoming events published on the official Rosemont calendar as of October 16, 2026.
| Event dates | Event | Admission note |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 24–25 | Chicago Women’s Expo | Check public visitor ticket options. |
| Oct 24–25 | Great Food Expo | Check event ticket requirements. |
| Oct 26–28 | Health Connect Partners Fall Conference | Professional registration rules apply. |
| Oct 27–29 | The Assembly Show | Industry registration required as applicable. |
| Oct 27–29 | SMTA International | Check exhibitor and attendee credentials. |
| Nov 4 | IFT Chicago Section Suppliers’ Night | Check organizer registration. |
| Nov 7–8 | Chicago Toy and Game Fair | Public show in Hall F; tickets available from organizer. |
| Nov 16–17 | PLMA Private Label Show | Trade-only registration and exhibitor rules. |
| Nov 20–22 | Chicago Sports Spectacular | Consumer-event tickets and hours vary. |
| Nov 21–22 | Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals | Visitor ticket requirements apply. |
| Dec 4–6 | Midwest FurFest | Convention registration and event rules apply. |
| Dec 5–6 | Krampus Bazaar / World Oddities Expo | Check official event admission and timing. |
Dates above reflect the official event calendar. Events, hours, admission policies and hall assignments can change without notice.
How to buy the correct event ticket
Match the event name and dates to your intended visit.
Follow the organizer website linked by the venue.
Review age categories, tickets, trade credentials or registration.
Locate the correct entrance and registration process.
Use the official barcode, ticket or badge collection instructions.
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Parking: Cost and Locations
The venue identifies two official public parking garages serving convention visitors. Both use the published $20 per 24-hour period rate, without in-and-out privileges. Rates are subject to change.
William Street Parking Garage
9500 Williams StreetRosemont, IL 60018. A useful parking choice for convention attendees following the venue’s garage directions.
East Parking Garage
9221 Bryn Mawr AvenueRosemont, IL 60018. A separate public garage for venue visitors. Use the correct entrance in your navigation.
| Parking detail | Official visitor guidance |
|---|---|
| Standard published price | $20 for a 24-hour period. |
| Re-entry | No in-and-out privileges. |
| Parking addresses | 9500 Williams St or 9221 Bryn Mawr Ave. |
| Accessible parking | Confirm designated spaces and accessible route at your chosen garage. |
| Oversized vehicles | Check clearance and vehicle restrictions before arrival. |
| Event ticket | Not included in the parking charge. |
Parking costs for common visits
One parking session under the published rate.
Illustrative total before any rate changes.
Illustrative total; re-entry is not included.
Parking arrival steps
Use 9500 Williams Street or 9221 Bryn Mawr Avenue instead of entering only the venue address.
Large shows may designate preferred parking approaches or entrance directions.
The venue’s published $20 rate is subject to change.
Save the level, garage and route to your event entrance.
Follow exit instructions and do not assume free re-entry.
Convention parking versus Parkway Bank Park parking
The nearby Parkway Bank Park entertainment district has its own parking garage and validation policies. Parking there is not automatically equivalent to convention center parking.
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Exhibit Halls and Meeting Rooms
The convention complex offers large flexible exhibition areas, conference rooms, registration space and banquet facilities. The official venue lists 840,000 square feet of exhibit space and six exhibition halls.
Flexible spaces for different trade-show layouts.
Suitable for a large unified exhibit layout.
Configurations depend on the event setup.
| Facility | What to know |
|---|---|
| Exhibition halls | Six halls with flexible floor arrangements and organizer-assigned hall letters. |
| Main continuous area | 250,000-square-foot space supporting major trade shows. |
| Registration lobby | Approximately 30,000 square feet. |
| Conference center | Meeting rooms and ballroom functions for conferences and banquets. |
| Exhibit hall ceiling heights | Published range of approximately 16–26 feet. |
| Freight access | Seven drive-in doors and sixteen depressed docks. |
| Skybridge network | Connections with nearby hotel and parking areas. |
How to locate your hall
Look for the hall letter, ballroom or meeting room in your ticket or conference agenda.
Large trade shows sometimes divide the exhibit area differently, so a show-specific map is valuable.
The main public address is 5555 North River Road.
The main lobby concierge can help with show information and directions.
Hotels Near Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Rosemont has many hotels serving both O’Hare Airport and convention visitors. Several properties are within walking distance, while some have protected pedestrian or skybridge connections.
Hilton Rosemont/Chicago O’Hare
Located at 5550 North River Road, directly beside the convention center. A strong option for visitors prioritizing a short, sheltered route to events.
Embassy Suites Chicago O’Hare Rosemont
Located at 5500 North River Road. Offers suite-style accommodation and a convenient convention-district location.
Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago
Located at 9300 West Bryn Mawr Avenue. A large full-service meeting hotel with a skybridge connection to the convention complex.
DoubleTree Chicago O’Hare Rosemont
Located at 5460 North River Road. Another nearby hotel suitable for conference trips and airport connections.
Before booking a convention hotel
- Check for the event organizer’s contracted room block.
- Compare total room rates including taxes and parking.
- Confirm whether breakfast is included.
- Check airport shuttle hours and pickup procedures.
- Ask whether a skybridge serves your hotel and event entrance.
- Review accessibility and room layout needs.
- Check cancellation deadlines before paying.
- Confirm the hotel is in Rosemont, not downtown Chicago.
Getting to Donald E. Stephens Convention Center from O’Hare
The venue is approximately five minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport by road under favorable conditions. Airport travel times vary with terminal, traffic and transportation method.
CTA Blue Line
Take Chicago’s Blue Line to Rosemont station, then continue using the free Pace 811 circulator or another suitable local connection.
Pace Route 811
This free Rosemont Entertainment Circulator connects Rosemont Transit Center, the convention center, Fashion Outlets, Parkway Bank Park and other stops.
Taxi or rideshare
Use the main circular drive at 5555 North River Road for the venue’s designated passenger pickup and drop-off.
Airport hotel shuttle
Some Rosemont hotels provide O’Hare shuttle service. These are hotel-specific amenities, not a universal convention center shuttle.
Free Route 811 published service hours
| Day | Venue-listed schedule |
|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | 7:30 AM–midnight |
| Friday–Saturday | 8:30 AM–3 AM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–9:30 PM |
These are the operating windows published by the venue. Check Pace for the exact stop, departure time and holiday changes. Route 811 is listed as free service.
O’Hare airport to convention center: step by step
Follow official airport transport signs and check train operating information.
Confirm the direction and get off at Rosemont station.
Check the current timetable and whether your arrival is within the service window.
Follow posted pedestrian signs to the appropriate entrance.
Have your event ticket, badge or registration confirmation ready.
Restaurants, Free Wi-Fi and Services Inside DES Convention Center
The facility offers permanent concessions, a restaurant, lobby food and beverage options, basic guest Wi-Fi and additional visitor services. Opening times may depend on the show schedule.
| Service | Where or how it works |
|---|---|
| Great Expoteria | Cafeteria-style restaurant on the north side; access near Bryn Mawr Avenue or Hall B. |
| Bist-Rose Lobby Bar | Near the convention center’s main lobby entrance. |
| Starbucks | Located in the main lobby. |
| Free basic Wi-Fi | Public areas, meeting rooms, ballrooms and designated exhibit-floor spaces. |
| Concierge | Main lobby visitor information desk. |
| Coat check | Available at many shows; location and operation depend on event. |
| ATMs | Three units in designated facility areas. |
| Water fountains | Located throughout the convention center. |
Where to eat after your event
Parkway Bank Park is a nearby entertainment district with restaurants and attractions. The area’s Show Your Badge program offers participating dining discounts to eligible convention visitors.
Official visitor dining and Show Your Badge information ↗Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Rosemont Map
Use 5555 North River Road, Rosemont, Illinois 60018 for the main convention center entrance. Drivers who are parking should navigate to their chosen garage instead.
The embedded map marks the venue’s main entrance. William Street and East parking garages have different addresses.
Rosemont CTA Blue Line station
Rail connection toward Chicago O’Hare and downtown Chicago, with the free Pace 811 circulator.
Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Large shopping destination in the Rosemont district, also served by the circulator.
Parkway Bank Park
Dining and entertainment area near the convention center, with its own parking rules.
Rosemont Theatre
A separate live entertainment venue. Its event ticketing and parking may differ from convention center shows.
Accessible Parking, Mobility Assistance and Event Rules
The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center provides guest access across public exhibition and meeting facilities. Mobility needs and event-specific arrangements should be confirmed before arrival.
Parking and arrival
- Ask about accessible spaces at your chosen garage.
- Confirm the step-free route to your entrance.
- Use designated passenger drop-off areas.
- Check any vehicle clearance or ramp restrictions.
Inside the event
- Confirm wheelchair and mobility assistance in advance.
- Identify the accessible route to your assigned hall.
- Contact your event organizer about accommodations.
- Follow venue security and posted event policies.
How to request wheelchair assistance
Find the request wheelchair option in the general visitor section.
Follow the current vendor or venue instructions shown.
Event registration, seating, sign-language interpreting and similar services may be organizer-managed.
Trade Show Setup, Freight and Meeting Space at DES Center
The venue supports large industry exhibitions with loading docks, exhibit utilities, meeting spaces, event catering and on-site exposition services.
Exhibitor preparation
- Verify your hall and booth number.
- Read the event’s exhibitor service manual.
- Confirm loading dock and move-in schedules.
- Order power and internet in advance.
- Check equipment and display restrictions.
- Save the freight contractor’s information.
Meeting planner preparation
- Confirm attendee capacity and hall configuration.
- Request current room layouts.
- Review catering and production requirements.
- Plan registration and wayfinding.
- Arrange accessible attendee services.
- Compare nearby hotel room blocks.
The venue lists Rosemont Exposition Services for event equipment and show services at 847-696-2208. For general venue and sales inquiries, call 847-692-2220.
Official Exhibition Facilities and Services ↗ Review halls, electrical capacity, loading doors and meeting facilities.Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Event-Day Checklist
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| Before purchasing admission | Confirm date, ticket category and eligibility. |
| Before booking a hotel | Check convention room blocks and walking connections. |
| Day before your event | Save the assigned hall and check the show’s official schedule. |
| Before driving | Select the William Street or East parking garage. |
| Before taking transit | Check CTA Blue Line and Pace 811 schedules. |
| At the venue | Locate event registration before walking to your session. |
| Before leaving the parking garage | Remember that re-entry privileges are not included. |
10 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center FAQs
1. Where is Donald E. Stephens Convention Center located?
The main visitor entrance is at 5555 North River Road, Rosemont, Illinois 60018, near Chicago O’Hare Airport.
2. How much is parking at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center?
The official venue lists public parking at $20 per 24-hour period, subject to change. In-and-out privileges are not included.
3. What are the convention center parking garage addresses?
The William Street Parking Garage is at 9500 Williams Street, and the East Parking Garage is at 9221 Bryn Mawr Avenue, both in Rosemont, IL 60018.
4. Is Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in downtown Chicago?
No. It is in Rosemont near O’Hare Airport. McCormick Place is a separate convention venue in Chicago.
5. How do I get there from Chicago O’Hare Airport?
Use CTA Blue Line rail to Rosemont station and connect with the free Pace Route 811 circulator, or arrange a taxi or rideshare to 5555 North River Road.
6. Is there a free shuttle to the convention center?
Pace Route 811 is a free Rosemont circulator serving Rosemont Transit Center, the convention center and nearby destinations. Check the current operating schedule.
7. Does the convention center have free Wi-Fi?
Yes. The venue advertises basic complimentary Wi-Fi in public spaces, meeting rooms, ballrooms and designated exhibit-floor areas. Specialized exhibitor internet is separate.
8. Which hotels are close to Donald E. Stephens Convention Center?
Nearby hotels include Hilton Rosemont/Chicago O’Hare, Embassy Suites Chicago O’Hare Rosemont, Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago and DoubleTree Chicago O’Hare Rosemont. Some offer skybridge connections.
9. Where can I find Donald E. Stephens Convention Center events?
The official Rosemont convention center calendar lists upcoming shows, event dates and links to organizers. Ticket requirements depend on each individual event.
10. Does convention center parking include event tickets?
No. Garage parking and event admission are separate purchases. Your show organizer determines the ticket price, registration requirements and event entry rules.
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Maps, Parking and Event Links
Official convention center
Venue address, facilities, show information and visitor planning.
Official Rosemont convention website ↗Current event calendar
Find show dates, public admission information and organizer links.
Browse upcoming DES events ↗Parking and directions
Both official parking garages, rideshare entrance and circulator.
Parking and visitor access ↗Hall layouts and convention services
Exhibit hall arrangements, food, free basic Wi-Fi and skybridges.
Official facility information ↗Free Pace Route 811
Transit center connection, route map, live tracking and timetables.
Pace circulator schedule ↗Convention center contact
General inquiries, venue administration and event contact information.
Official DES contact page ↗