Travel
Find Details on Travel to, in and around Chicago.
2025 Information Coming Soon
Take advantage of the many travel options and discounts that IHA and Chicago have to offer.
Convention Center
Updated information coming soon.
Attendee Guaranteed Parking
Coat Check + Baggage Check
Complimentary coat and luggage check is available in each building at McCormick Place.
Dates & Times
- Sunday: 7:00 am – 7:30 pm
- Monday: 7:00 am – 7:30 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Locations:
North Building: N139
South Building: S104a & Gate 4
Chicago Public Transportation
Metra Electric
Ride for free on the Metra, Chicago’s commuter train system, using the complimentary pass found on the Show App.
TIP: Even if your hotel is beyond walking distance to a downtown Metra station, take the train to one of the listed stations and then take a taxi to your final destination. It will save time and money!
Metra Train Schedules
Millennium Park (Randolph St.)
Millennium Park Station (Randolph street) is below ground under Chicago’s newest landmark, Millennium Park. street level access to the station is on Michigan Ave. at the Southwest corner at Randolph street. Indoor access to the Hyatt Regency Chicago, Fairmont, Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel and Swissôtel via the South Water street exit is through the Illinois Center.
Van Buren Street Station
Van Buren Street Station is below ground on Michigan Avenue between Jackson Boulevard and Van Buren Street and allows you to emerge in the heart of Grant Park. Street level access to the station is on Michigan Avenue at the northeast, northwest and southwest corners at Van Buren Street.
Museum Campus at 111th
Museum Campus at 11th Station is just west of Michigan Avenue at Roosevelt Road and provides access to some of the city’s most famous museums.
McCormick Place Station
McCormick Place Station is located on level 2.5, in the South Building below the Grand Concourse (stairway/elevator access to the train platform). The McCormick Place station has been completely renovated. The project includes better signage, enhanced lighting and re-designs of the waiting room and platform.
Chicago Transit Authority
Ventra
Ventra is the Chicago bus and train payment system. At the Ventra Vending Machines in ‘L’ Stations you can choose to purchase a Ventra card that is reloadable and can be controlled using the Ventra App or a ticket that has limited use and cannot be reloaded. Once you have downloaded the App you can also buy and use Metra mobile tickets, get notifications for your account balance and see real-time arrivals for CTA, Pace and Metra. Fares for both the train and bus are generally $2.50 per ride. For more information or to plan a trip visit here: Chicago Transit Authority.
Chicago Bus System
A single ride is $2.50 using exact cash, a Ventra card, pay apps (apple pay etc.) or contactless bankcards.
Chicago Rail System
Chicago’s rail system consists of train lines spanning the city and is known as the “L”, short for “elevated” train. In many parts of the world, this system is also referred to as a “subway” or “metro”. A single ride is $2.50 using a Ventra card, a Ventra ticket, pay apps (apple pay etc.) or contactless bankcards unless otherwise noted.'
Green Line
The Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line station offers attendees an additional way to leave the McCormick Place campus with stops convenient for those staying in hotels south of the Chicago river and in the West Loop. Station Location: 12 e. Cermak rd. (between State St. and Wabash Ave.) two blocks northwest of the West Building.
Blue Line
The Blue line offers service directly from O’Hare International Airport to the Chicago Loop and Oak Park. It is convenient to hotels south of the River and connects to the Green, Orange and Red Lines at the Clark/Lake station. The fare entering the O’Hare Station is $5.00.
Orange Line
The Orange line offers service directly from Midway Airport to the Chicago Loop. It is convenient to hotels south of the River and connects to the Green, Blue and Red Lines at the Clark/Lake station.
Red Line
The Cermak-Chinatown Red Line station also offers attendees a way to get to McCormick Place. It has convenient stops for those staying in hotels in River North/Streeterville, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Wrigleyville. Station Location: Between Clark St. and Wentworth Ave, four blocks northwest of the West Building.
Divvy Bike Rental
Divvy is a bike sharing system that offers thousands of bikes at multiple stations across Chicagoland. For $15 (debit or credit card), you can unlock a bicycle and begin your trip. Ride codes are good for only one trip. Your Bike Pass includes unlimited trips of 3 hours or shorter for a 24 hour period. For $3.30 you can take a single trip for up to 30 minutes. Any trip longer than the set time is $0.15 per extra minute. Get a 24-hour Pass from any station kiosk. Visit Website: Divvy Bikes.
Pick-up Location: 2301 s. King Drive
(In front of McCormick Place’s main entrance)
Amtrak
Amtrak, the national rail operator, connects America with 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces. If you plan on taking the train to Chicago be sure to take advantage of their early-bird and multi-passenger sales. Customers can save 20% on coach fares with a 14-day advance purchase on most reserved trains and save up to 45% on coach fares when six people travel together on share fare option with two-day advance purchase:
- Passenger 1 – full price
- Passenger 2 – 15% off full price
- Passenger 3 – 60% off full price
- Passenger 4 to 6 - 70% off full price
For more information visit Amtrak.com.
Shuttle Bus Services
Complimentary Shuttle Bus
Complimentary shuttle bus service will be provided between the official Show hotels and McCormick Place during morning and evening hours. The on-site shuttle bus office is open on show days 30 minutes prior and 30 minutes after the hours listed below. For special needs transportation, please call +1-725-777-5998 at least 20 minutes prior to desired pick-up time.
Service Times
Routes 1 – 3 will ONLY pick-up and drop-off from the SOUTH BUILDING every 15-20 minutes between the service hours indicated below.
Route 4 – 6 will ONLY pick-up and drop-off from the NORTH BUILDING every 15-20 minutes between the service hours indicated below.
Route 7 will ONLY pick-up and drop-off from the NORTH BUILDING every hour on the the hour between the service hours indicated below.
| Date | From Hotels | To Hotels |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, March 2 | 7:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Monday, March 3 | 7:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, March 4 | 7:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
Walking Distance — No Shuttle
- Hampton Inn McCormick Place
- Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
- Marriott Marquis
Airports
Updated information coming soon.
For information on Chicago airports including gate locations visit www.flychicago.com.
Airline Discounts
United Airlines
Visit the below website and use code ZPVW217030 before searching for flights to receive up to 10% off published fares (excluding basic economy fares). You may also call the United Meeting Reservation Desk at +1-800-426-1122. Travel must occur from February 24, 2025 through March 8, 2025 to receive the discount.
Airport Concession Reductions – Show Your Badge
Chicago’s Department of Aviation would like to invite you to enjoy discounts at participating locations within Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway International Airports from February 26, 2025 through March 7.
Private Rentals
Transportation Services (Charters & Limousines)
IHA has designated limousine and private charter dispatch areas. Vehicles will be notified through a radio as exhibitors and attendees arrive at the appropriate gate. Please communicate these pickup and drop-off locations to your limousine or private charter company.
Pickup Locations for Limousines:
North & South Buildings: Level 1, Gate 27 – at East Lobby of the South Building, (2 levels below the Grand Concourse). Limos should enter from 31st street at Moe Drive and follow directions.
Pickup Locations for Private Charters
North & South Buildings: Level 1, Gate 26 – at east Lobby of the South Building, (2 levels below the Grand Concourse). Private charters should enter from 31st street at Moe Drive and follow directions.
Pickup Locations for Taxis:
- North Building: Level 1, Gate 22
- South Building: Level 1, McCormick Square, Gate 4
Visa Information
U.S.A. Visa Requirements
Attendees who require a visa to enter the U.S. should complete visa questions when registering for the Show. A Visa Letter can be automatically sent via email. Attendees who require a hand-signed document, can also make this request during the registration process.
If You Require a Visa, follow the steps below to receive an invitation letter from The Inspired Home Show:
-
- Register to attend the Show
- During the registration process, you will be prompted for a visa invitation letter. If you require the original copy of the letter sent, you must enter a shipping account number. Otherwise, an electronic copy will be available to you.
- Once you submit your request, the confirmation page will provide a link to an electronic version of your letter. This link will also appear in your badge registration confirmation email after you register.
The ESTA™ application Website is available in 24 languages and includes a help section that provides additional information for VWP travelers to guide them through the application process. To start the authorization process, please visit: Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
Note: Any traveler without a machine-readable passport will be required to obtain a visa before coming to the United States.
Additional Information:
Visa Waiver Program Countries
There are currently 39 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program. To learn more and to download an ESTA Fact Sheet, please go to https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta
| Andorra | Iceland | New Zealand |
| Australia | Ireland | Norway |
| Austria | Italy | Poland |
| Belgium | Japan | Portugal |
| Brunei | Republic of Korea | San Marino |
| Chile | Latvia | Singapore |
| Czech Republic | Liechtenstein | Slovakia |
| Denmark | Lithuania | Slovenia |
| Estonia | Luxembourg | Spain |
| Finland | Malta | Sweden |
| France | Monaco | Switzerland |
| Germany | Netherlands | Taiwan |
| Greece | United Kingdom* | |
| Hungary |
Visa Letters
Attendees who require a visa to enter the U.S. should complete visa questions when registering for the Show. A Visa Letter can be automatically sent via email. Attendees who require a hand-signed document, can also make this request during the registration process.
International Travelers
IHA works with the following travel agencies who can help you book hotel rooms and airfares to attend The Inspired Home Show.
Housewares Travel Desk
Telephone: 800-752-1052 (toll free from within the U.S.)
Telephone: 1-312-527-7300
Fax: 1-312-329-9513
Email: [email protected]
Israel
Forum Travel & Events Ltd
Expotour Exhibitions & Conferences
Trade Tower Bldg, 25 Hamered St.
Tel Aviv
Israel
Contact: Orly Glassman
Tel: +972 3-5102150
Mobile: +972 54-6740020
Fax: +972 3-5102151 or 5167404
Email: [email protected]
Mexico and Latin America (except Brazil)
Operación y Logística para Eventos (OLÉ)
Ave Del Conscripto 230
Lomas Hipódromo
53900 Naucalpan de Juárez
México
Contact: Rafael Fernandez
Tel: +52 55 8880 1636 ext. 101
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.olemx.com
OLÉ international service numbers (reduced
toll):
Chile: 123 0020-8059
Colombia: 01 800 952-0305
Costa Rica: 0 800 052-1361
Mexico: 01 800-215-3289
Nicaragua: 00 1800 505-10207
United Kingdom
Expose Travel
82 Whyteleafe Road
Caterham
Surrey CR3 5EF
United Kingdom
Contact: Paul Vasdev
Tel: 44 (0)1883 349 576, 44 (0)777 617 4786
Email:
[email protected]
Web: exposetravel.uk