Industry Awards

Discover the numerous awards and recognitions that highlight McCormick Place’s excellence in the events industry. As North America’s largest convention center, we are proud to be recognized for our commitment to sustainability, innovation, customer service, and operational excellence. Learn more about how our dedication to creating world-class event experiences has earned us industry-leading accolades and certifications.

YearAward Presented ToAward Given ByType of Award
2025McCormick PlaceEXHIBITOR magazineBest Facility Exceeding 1 Million Square Feet
2025McCormick PlaceEXHIBITOR magazine2026 Center of Excellence
2025McCormick PlaceSmart MeetingsSmart Stars Awards: Best Convention Center
2025McCormick PlaceFacilities & Destination MagazinePrime Site Award
2025McCormick PlaceEvents Industry CouncilGOLD Level Certification, Sustainable Event Standards
2025McCormick PlaceGBAC STAR™ Accreditation CouncilGBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation (since 2020)
2025ChicagoCondé Nast TravelerBest Big City in the U.S. (9-time winner)
2025ChicagoFrommersBest Places to Go in 2026
2025ChicagoTime Out MagazineWorld’s Best Cities for Culture (only U.S. city to win)
2025Chicagomisterb&b’s Queer Safety Index#1 Safest City for LGBTQ+ travelers
2025ChicagoTravel Noire AwardsBest Stateside Vacation
2024McCormick PlaceEvents Industry CouncilSILVER Level Certification, Sustainable Event Standards
2024ChicagoCondé Nast TravelerBest Big City in the U.S. (8-time winner)
2023ChicagoCondé Nast TravelerBest Big City in the U.S. (7-time winner)
2022ChicagoCondé Nast TravelerBest Big City in the U.S. (6-time winner)
2021ChicagoCondé Nast TravelerBest Big City in the U.S. (5-time winner)
2020McCormick PlaceExhibitor MagazineCenters of Excellence
2020ChicagoCondé Nast TravelerBest Big City in the U.S. (4-time winner)
2019ChicagoCondé Nast TravelerBest Big City in the U.S. (3-time winner)
2018SAVOR..ChicagoEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)2018 Regional Food Recovery Challenge Award
2018Wintrust ArenaChicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design & The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban StudiesAmerican Architectural Award
2018ChicagoCondé Nast TravelerBest Big City in the U.S. (2-time winner)
2017McCormick PlaceIllinois Meetings and Events MagazineBest Conference or Resort Venue
2017ChicagoCondé Nast TravelerBest Big City in the U.S.
2016McCormick PlaceIllinois Meetings and Events MagazineBest Conference or Resort Venue
2016Savor…Chicago McCormick Place Food Service ProviderIllinois Restaurant AssociationSara Rowe ProStart Company of the Year Award
2015Savor…Chicago McCormick Place Food Service ProviderEnvironmental Protection AgencyRecognition of Outstanding Waste Reduction Efforts
2014McCormick PlaceIllinois Meetings and Events Magazine"Best Conference Center" for the "Best of Illinois Meetings+ Events"
2013McCormick PlaceIllinois Meetings and Events Magazine"Best of" Editor's Pick in the category of "Green Meetings"
2011McCormick PlaceTSEA Windy City ChapterCertificate of Appreciation
2010McCormick PlacePCMAStrategic Partnership
2010McCormick PlaceMeetingsNet 2010Association Meetings Inner Circle Award
2009McCormick PlaceTrade Show Exhibitors AssociationFavorite Convention Center
2008McCormick Place
West Hall Building		American Council of Engineering CompaniesIllinois Chapter Engineering Excellence Awards:
Honor Award for Structural Systems and the Eminent Conceptor Award
2007MPEAPublicity Club of ChicagoGolden Trumpet (Excellence in Community Relations)
2006McCormick PlaceIllinois Meetings and Events MagazineBest Convention Center and Exhibition Space
2005McCormick PlaceAssociation Meetings MagazineInner Circle Award
2004McCormick PlaceMeeting News MagazinePlanners Choice Award
2004Mc3D & McCormick PlaceIllinois Engineering CouncilMcCormick Place Expansion
2003McCormick PlaceExpo MagazineSupplier of the Year - Best Convention Center
2003McCormick PlaceSuccessful Meetings MagazineConvention Service Manager Award - Donna Caputo
2003McCormick PlaceMeeting News MagazineExcellence in Convention Facilities
2002Arie Crown TheaterAssociation of Licensed ArchitectsSuperior Achievement and Professional Design Excellence
2001McCormick PlaceAssociation MeetingsInner Circle Award
2001MPEAAmerican Institute of ArchitectsAward for Architecture: South Building
2001McCormick PlaceMeeting News MagazineExcellence in Convention Facilities
2000McCormick PlaceMeeting News MagazineOne of the top 10 convention centers for association meetings.
2000McCormick PlaceMeeting News MagazinePlanners Choice Award
1999Arie Crown TheaterAmerican Institute of ArchitectsAward for the renovation of the interior of the theatre.
1999McCormick PlaceAssociation Meetings MagazineInner Circle Award
1999McCormick PlaceFacilities & Destination MagazinePrime Site Award
1999McCormick PlaceNational Black ExpoThe Decade Award
1998MPEAConsulting Engineers Council of IllinoisSpecial Achievement Award - McCormick Place Expansion
1998McCormick PlaceProfessional Convention Managers AssociationFunction Space Verification
1998McCormick PlaceMeeting News MagazineExcellence in Convention Facilities
1998MPEAArthur AndersonBest Practices Award
1997MPEAAmerican Institute of Architects - GeorgiaSouth Building Expansion
1997MPEAAmerican Institute of Architects - ChicagoInterior Architecture Award
1997McCormick PlaceMeeting News MagazineExcellence in Convention Facilities
1997MPEAStructural Engineers Association of IllinoisMcCormick Place Expansion
1997McCormick PlaceFriends of DowntownBest New Development: McCormick Place South
1997McCormick PlaceAmerican Society of Association ExecutivesBenefactor
1997MPEAChicago Building CongressMerit Award - New Construction
1996-97McCormick PlaceCenter for Exhibition Industry ResearchIndustry Leader Patron Level
1996-97McCormick PlaceProfessional Convention Managers AssociationFunction Space Verification
1996Mc3D &
McCormick Place		Chicago Sun TimesDesign to Build To Suit Team of Year: South Building
1994McCormick PlaceMeeting News MagazineExcellence in Convention Facilities
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL

McCormick Place | MPEA
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McCormick Place, Chicago, IL