Chicago Boat Show Moving from McCormick Place in 2025

The Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show is moving from McCormick Place to the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont, Illinois in 2025, announced the National Marine Manufacturers Association. The move will position the show for additional growth and help meet the needs of the boating industry and attendees. 

“After consulting with stakeholders and in-depth analysis, the best path forward is producing the Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show at the DES Convention Center,” says Darren Envall, vice president of Midwest Boat & Sportshows for NMMA. “The more centralized Rosemont, IL location positions the show for growth, accommodating the expanding boating population across a broader Chicagoland region, from the city and surrounding neighborhoods to the suburbs and exurbs of Chicago, and surrounding states.”

The 2025 show, scheduled for January 8-12, will take place at the DES Convention Center and host both large and small boats and exhibitors from a multi-state area spanning Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

“We have so many great memories of the Chicago Boat Show at McCormick Place, but the time for a change is here. We look forward to the revitalization of the boat show at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and exhibiting in 2025 and beyond to bring the best of boating to attendees!” adds Jesse Gaengel, president of The Boat House.

The DES Convention Center is centrally located just 15 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, and offers 840,000 square feet of exhibition space, nearby restaurants, hotels, shops and entertainment, with a host of transportation options.

“The Chicagoland area is a hub for tourism and events, and the Village of Rosemont is no exception with its convenient location, close parking, and great amenities,” says Christopher Stephens, executive director of the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. “On behalf of Rosemont and the DES Convention Center, we are pleased and honored to welcome the Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show to its new home and show exhibitors and both current and future boaters all that Rosemont has to offer. We look forward to carrying on this Chicago tradition and are invested in continuing this partnership with the NMMA.”

To learn more, visit chicagoboatshow.com.