Find Your Event, Parking Garage, Skybridge & Hotel
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center sits near Chicago O’Hare Airport, with indoor skybridge connections to parking and selected hotels. Use this guide to find 2026 events, parking costs, exhibition halls, transportation, hotel choices and the correct entrance before arriving.
Rosemont Convention Center Events: October–December 2026
The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center hosts exhibitions, collectibles shows, industry meetings, consumer events and large conventions. The official event calendar distinguishes public events from professional conferences and organizer-controlled registrations.
| Event | Officially listed dates | Visitor focus |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Women’s Expo | October 24–25, 2026 | Consumer exhibition and shopping experiences. |
| Great Food Expo | October 24–25, 2026 | Food-related exhibitors and demonstrations. |
| Health Connect Partners Fall Conference | October 26–28, 2026 | Professional healthcare industry conference. |
| SMTA International | October 27–29, 2026 exhibition dates; broader conference October 25–29 | Electronics manufacturing technical conference and trade show. |
| The ASSEMBLY Show | October 27–29, 2026 | Manufacturing and assembly industry exhibition. |
| IFT Chicago Suppliers Night | November 4, 2026 | Food industry suppliers and professional networking. |
| Chicago Toy & Game Fair | November 7–8, 2026 | Consumer toy and game exhibits. |
| PLMA Private Label Show | November 16–17, 2026 | Private-label retail trade exhibition. |
| Chicago Sports Spectacular | November 20–22, 2026 | Sports collectibles and related exhibitors. |
| Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals | November 21–22, 2026 | Collector vehicles and automotive displays. |
| Midwest FurFest | December 4–6, 2026 | Convention programming and community events. |
How to Find Tickets and Entry Details
- Open the official convention center events calendar.
- Select the correct event and date.
- Look for the event organizer’s website or registration link.
- Confirm whether the event is a public show, trade-only exhibition or registered conference.
- Check ticket prices, age rules, badge pickup and opening hours.
- Find the assigned exhibition hall or meeting room.
- Complete admission or registration through the authorized organizer.
Rosemont Convention Center Parking: Price, Garages & Rules
The convention center lists two public parking facilities. Both are useful for event visitors, and skybridge routes provide a protected way into the building.
| Parking detail | Published visitor information |
|---|---|
| Standard convention parking | $20 for a 24-hour period |
| In-and-out privileges | Not included |
| William Street Garage | 9500 Williams Street, Rosemont, IL 60018 |
| East Parking Garage | 9221 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Rosemont, IL 60018 |
| Indoor convention access | Skybridge connections, subject to current event access arrangements |
| Special valet service | Event-dependent; charges and payment method may differ |
| Public drop-off | Main circular drive at 5555 N. River Road |
William Street Parking Garage
Official address: 9500 Williams Street, Rosemont, IL 60018.
Location: Behind the Embassy Suites property, on the opposite side of River Road from the convention center.
Walking access: Follow the internal signs to the connecting skybridge. The garage-to-convention route generally brings visitors to Level 2, where elevators and escalators lead toward lower-level event halls.
Good for: Visitors wanting weather-protected convention access and a nearby hotel connection.
East Parking Garage
Official address: 9221 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Rosemont, IL 60018.
Walking access: Follow the pedestrian and skybridge signs toward the convention center.
Good for: Visitors approaching from the Bryn Mawr Avenue side or whose event instructions designate the East Garage.
Parking Micro-Steps
- Find your event’s assigned exhibition hall or recommended entrance.
- Choose the William Street or East Garage using the event parking instructions.
- Navigate to the appropriate garage entrance and follow electronic signs.
- Check the displayed charge before entering.
- Park in an authorized space and save your garage level.
- Follow the skybridge route toward the convention center.
- Use escalators or elevators to reach your event registration level.
- Remember that leaving the garage normally ends your parking entitlement.
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Floor Plans & Halls
The complex advertises 840,000 square feet of flexible exhibition space. Its halls can accommodate smaller shows or be configured for large multi-hall exhibitions. The exact number of active hall sections depends on the organizer’s setup.
| Facility feature | Official specification |
|---|---|
| Total flexible exhibition space | 840,000 sq ft |
| Continuous exhibition area | 250,000 sq ft |
| Principal exhibit halls | Six in the venue’s general specification |
| Maximum multi-hall booth configuration | Up to approximately 3,566 booths |
| Large continuous setup | Up to approximately 1,225 booths |
| Conference rooms | Up to 50 |
| Ceiling height | 16–26 feet |
| Registration lobby | Approximately 30,000 sq ft |
| Drive-in freight doors | Seven |
| Depressed loading docks | 16 |
Understand the Main Event Areas
Exhibition Halls
The building uses lettered hall designations. A show’s assigned hall may be A, B, another hall, or a combination of multiple areas. Check your specific event plan before entering.
Conference Rooms
Smaller professional sessions, seminars and workshops may use numbered or designated conference rooms outside the main exhibition floor.
Ballroom & Conference Center
The conference complex also includes approximately 55,000 square feet of configurable catered event space, used for meetings, receptions and banquets.
Skybridge Level
Public parking and selected hotel skybridges can lead to the convention center’s upper circulation level. Your final exhibit hall or registration desk may be on another level.
Find Your Hall Before Arriving
- Open the official event organizer’s attendee information.
- Find the hall letter, meeting room and registration location.
- View the convention center’s official hall map or virtual tour.
- Identify your skybridge arrival and nearest elevators.
- Plan extra time if changing floors or walking between exhibition wings.
- Follow current signs and any temporary access restrictions.
Hotels Near Rosemont Convention Center: Skybridge & Walking Access
Rosemont’s hotel district is well suited to conferences. Some hotels connect directly through an enclosed skybridge, while others are across River Road or require a separate short walk.
| Hotel | Address | Convention access |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Rosemont/Chicago O’Hare | 5550 N. River Road | Direct skybridge connection advertised by Hilton. |
| Embassy Suites Chicago O’Hare Rosemont | 5500 N. River Road | Skybridge access; made-to-order breakfast and evening reception. |
| Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago | 9300 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue | Nearby full-service convention hotel with event-block availability. |
| DoubleTree Chicago O’Hare Airport–Rosemont | 5460 N. River Road | Across from the convention center, with airport shuttle service. |
| Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare | 5440 N. River Road | Adjacent convention-district location near entertainment and shopping. |
| Aloft Chicago O’Hare | 9700 Balmoral Avenue | Near Fashion Outlets and Parkway Bank Park; separate hotel-to-convention journey. |
| The Westin O’Hare | 6100 N. River Road | Near the convention district, with complimentary airport shuttle. |
How to Choose Your Hotel
- Check whether your event offers an official hotel room block.
- Prioritize a skybridge-connected hotel if you want to minimize outdoor walking.
- Compare the total room rate, parking, breakfast and cancellation terms.
- Check whether airport shuttle service is available and whether it operates at your arrival time.
- Verify which building or lobby receives your event registration.
- Use only the housing partner authorized by the event organizer.
O’Hare Airport to Rosemont Convention Center: Train, Shuttle & Taxi
Chicago O’Hare International Airport is close to the convention center. Visitors can use taxis, rideshares, hotel airport shuttles or the CTA Blue Line with a local bus connection.
Taxi or Rideshare
Best for: Direct arrival with luggage.
Use the designated airport pickup location and set your destination to 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018.
The convention center’s public pickup and drop-off zone is at its main circular drive.
CTA Blue Line
Best for: Travelers wanting rail-based transport.
Board the Blue Line from O’Hare toward the city and exit at Rosemont station. The station is not inside the convention center, so plan your onward connection.
Pace Route 811
Best for: Linking Rosemont CTA station with the convention center and entertainment area.
The Rosemont Entertainment Circulator is a free route serving the convention center, Fashion Outlets and Parkway Bank Park.
Hotel Airport Shuttle
Best for: Guests at hotels that advertise complimentary transfers.
Several Rosemont hotels offer airport shuttles. Confirm the hotel’s pickup location, service hours and eligibility before relying on one.
Airport to Convention Center Using CTA + Pace
- Follow airport signs to the CTA Blue Line station.
- Check the current train fare and service alerts.
- Board a citybound Blue Line train and exit at Rosemont.
- Follow signs toward the Rosemont Transit Center.
- Find the current Pace Route 811 stop and timetable.
- Take the circulator to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center stop.
- Enter the convention center and proceed to your event’s registration location.
Accessibility, Wheelchairs, Dining & Visitor Services
The venue provides visitor information, on-site dining and accessibility coordination. The exact services available inside a specific hall can depend on the event.
| Service | What to know |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair assistance | Request through the official attending page; check availability and pickup process before visiting. |
| Accessible routes | Use the appropriate elevators, entrances and skybridge routes according to current venue accessibility signage. |
| Event-specific accommodation | Contact your event organizer for seating, interpretation or session-specific arrangements. |
| Concierge | Located in the main lobby for event and local visitor questions. |
| Great Expoteria | Cafeteria-style dining on the north side; accessible from the Hall B area or exterior Bryn Mawr entrances. |
| Bist-Rose Lobby Bar | Located near the main entrance, with food and bar service. |
| Starbucks | Located in the main lobby. |
| Exhibitor internet | Dedicated networking and event internet services are available through venue arrangements. |
Dining Discounts: Show Your Badge
Rosemont’s Show Your Badge program provides restaurant and dining promotions for participating convention visitors. Offers can change annually and may require presenting a valid convention badge to the participating restaurant.
Exhibitors: Freight, Loading Docks & Internet
The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center provides infrastructure for large trade shows, but exhibit setup is controlled by the event’s approved floor plan, contractor and service manual.
| Exhibitor requirement | Venue capability or guidance |
|---|---|
| Drive-in freight doors | Seven |
| Depressed loading docks | 16 |
| Ceiling height | 16–26 ft, depending on space |
| Floor load | Venue describes unlimited floor loads except Hall G; individual installations still require approval |
| Electrical options | 110, 208 and 480 volt configurations |
| Additional services | Water, drains, compressed air, telephone and gas availability |
| Network | High-speed fiber internet and event networking services |
| Exposition services | Rosemont Exposition Services provides event setup and exhibitor support |
Exhibitor Micro-Checklist
- Obtain the organizer’s current exhibitor kit.
- Confirm the assigned hall and booth number.
- Check move-in time and service contractor.
- Identify whether freight must go to an advance warehouse or show site.
- Reserve electrical, internet and display services.
- Check any requirements for machinery or large equipment.
- Confirm insurance, labor and fire-safety rules.
- Arrange outbound freight collection before show closing.
Rosemont Exposition Services
Office: 9301 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, Rosemont, IL 60018.
Phone: 847-696-2208.
Use the event service contractor and official exhibitor instructions for actual freight labels and move-in arrangements.
Exposition Services InformationWhat to Do Near Rosemont Convention Center
Rosemont is compact enough that many visitors can enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment without traveling into central Chicago.
Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Shopping destination with stores and food options. Served by Rosemont-area connections including Pace Route 811.
Parkway Bank Park
Entertainment district with restaurants and activities, connected to the wider convention district via pedestrian routes and local transport.
Rosemont Theatre
Concert and performance venue. Check show times separately because theater events are not necessarily convention center events.
Allstate Arena
Major entertainment and sporting arena in Rosemont, farther from the convention center. Plan a separate transfer rather than assuming an adjacent location.
Rosemont Convention Center Map & Directions
Venue: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Address: 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018
Telephone: 847-692-2220
Email: descenter@villageofrosemont.org
First-Time Visitor Checklist
Before Your Trip
- Confirm your event’s 2026 date and hours.
- Save ticket or conference registration.
- Identify the correct exhibition hall.
- Choose parking or airport transport.
- Check hotel skybridge access.
- Review accessibility arrangements.
When You Arrive
- Follow the correct garage or rideshare signage.
- Remember your parking level and entrance.
- Find the skybridge or main lobby.
- Locate registration and collect your badge.
- Identify food outlets and restrooms.
- Confirm the return transport route.
Rosemont Convention Center: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Rosemont Convention Center’s official name and address?
It is the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center at 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018. The main telephone number is 847-692-2220.
2. How much is parking at Rosemont Convention Center?
Current official visitor information lists $20 for a 24-hour parking period at its public garages. Rates are subject to change and special-event services may differ.
3. Does convention center parking allow re-entry?
No. Standard parking does not include in-and-out privileges. Leaving and returning can require another parking payment.
4. Which parking garages serve the convention center?
The official venue lists William Street Parking Garage at 9500 Williams Street and East Parking Garage at 9221 Bryn Mawr Avenue in Rosemont. Follow current event signs and skybridge directions.
5. Where can I find Rosemont Convention Center events?
The official DES Convention Center event calendar lists shows by date. Organizers provide ticket prices, admission policies, registration links and specific event hours.
6. Are hotels connected to the Rosemont Convention Center?
Yes. Hotels including Hilton Rosemont/Chicago O’Hare and Embassy Suites Chicago O’Hare Rosemont advertise skybridge connections. Other nearby hotels may require an outdoor walk.
7. How do I reach Rosemont Convention Center from O’Hare Airport?
Travelers can use a taxi or rideshare, or take the CTA Blue Line to Rosemont station and connect to local transport such as the free Pace Route 811.
8. How large is Donald E. Stephens Convention Center?
The venue advertises 840,000 square feet of flexible exhibition space, including a 250,000-square-foot continuous area, six principal exhibition halls and up to 50 conference rooms.
9. Is there a free bus to the Rosemont Convention Center?
Yes. Pace Route 811, the Rosemont Entertainment Circulator, operates as a free bus route serving Rosemont Transit Center, the convention center and other local destinations.
10. Can I request a wheelchair at the convention center?
The official attendee page includes a wheelchair request option. Visitors should confirm advance arrangements, equipment availability and pickup instructions, and contact their event organizer for any additional accessibility services.
Official Sources & Visitor Resources
Information is drawn primarily from the Village of Rosemont, the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Pace, CTA and official event-organizer resources.
- Official Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
- Official Events Calendar
- Parking, Rideshare & Wheelchair Assistance
- Convention Facilities & Technical Details
- Convention Hall Map
- Virtual Tour
- Official Venue Contact Information
- Official Rosemont Hotel Directory
- Free Rosemont Entertainment Circulator
- CTA Blue Line Schedules
- SMTA International 2026 Visitor Planning
- The ASSEMBLY Show 2026 Venue Information
Independent guide: Convention-center.org is not operated by the Village of Rosemont, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center or its event organizers. Ticket prices, schedules, parking fees, garage access and hotel services can change. Complete purchases and registrations through authorized providers.