IPW Event Location

Below is a preliminary schedule (subject to change). Details will be added as they are confirmed. 

Unless otherwise noted, all events will be held at McCormick Place.

Friday, June 13, 2025
8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Booth Set-Up

Exhibitors with a 10' x 20' or larger booth are allowed to start setting up on Friday, June 13. Registration and exhibition fees must be paid in advance to access the show floor for move-in.

Saturday, June 14, 2025
8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Booth Set-Up

8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Destination Experiences Registration Desk

8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Registration Hours

8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Press Room Hours

Varies

Ad Hoc Meetings, Brand Activations

Varies

Destination Experiences for Buyers

Destination Experiences depart from the convention center.

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the tour departure time to check-in.

 

Sunday, June 15, 2025
7:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Press Room Hours

8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Destination Experiences Registration Desk

8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Booth Set-Up

8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Registration Hours

8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

IPW Press Brunch and Tours

Open only to registered journalists.

We look forward to welcoming all registered IPW media to an exclusive Press Brunch on Sunday, June 15 from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the historic Wrigley Field, the second-oldest ballpark in the U.S. and home to the Chicago Cubs! 

Enjoy all the game-day excitement as the Cubs face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the unique traditions and charm of Wrigley Field, built in 1914 and the beloved home of the Chicago Cubs for more than a century!
 

Tours depart directly from the press brunch at 11:30 a.m. and return to the convention center by 4 p.m.

Times Vary

Destination Experiences for Buyers

Destination Experiences depart from the convention center.

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the tour departure time to check-in.

9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Tourism Cares' Meaningful Travel Experience with IPW

This tour in partnership with South Side Tours will showcase the vibrant history, culture, and community of Chicago's South Side, featuring live storytelling, insights from local speakers, and special tour stops. After the tour, participants will enjoy a catered networking lunch at the DuSable Museum, and a guided tour of the exhibits.

Participants to arrive back McCormick Place around 2:15pm. 

Space is limited! Register now.

Questions? Contact Kristina Rocks.

9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Brand USA Global Trends and Market Insights

Come learn top travel trends, insights, and updates with Brand USA.

7:00-10:00 p.m.

Opening Event - The Field Museum

Welcome to Chicago’s House Party 2.0, a vibrant celebration of the city’s culture. The event will transform the Field Museum into a lively, interactive space, blending iconic Chicago sounds, art, and energy.

Guests can enjoy pop-up performances, themed lounges, and food from local vendors while immersing themselves in the city’s rich cultural vibes. Highlights include a late-night silent disco, a karaoke lounge, and a stunning garden gathering with a beautiful lakefront view. From start to finish, the event pulses with the heartbeat of Chicago.
 

Open to all registered delegates.

Monday, June 16, 2025
8:00-8:45 a.m.

Media Breakfast and Press Conference

Open only to registered journalists

8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Registration Hours

8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Press Room Hours

9:00-10:15 a.m.

Business Appointments

9:10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Brand USA Media Marketplace

Open only to registered journalists and Media Marketplace participants.

10:30-11:30 a.m.

Open Networking

11:45 a.m.-12:20 p.m.

Business Appointments

12:30-1:45 p.m.

Lunch

2:00-4:35 p.m.

Business Appointments

4:35-5:30 p.m.

Open Networking

6:00-10:00 p.m.

Magnificent Mile Monday

Choose Chicago invites you to attend an all-delegate celebration on Magnificent Mile Monday for an immersive evening showcasing the best of Chicago’s most iconic neighborhood. Join fellow IPW attendees as you stroll, shop, sip, and savor through curated experiences and activations along The Magnificent Mile. The night wraps with a can’t-miss celebration — featuring live music, local flavors, cocktails, and Chicago’s signature energy.

Tuesday, June 17, 2025
8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Registration Hours

8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Press Room Hours

9:00-10:15 a.m.

Business Appointments

9:30-9:50 a.m.

Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau Press Conference

Open only to registered journalists

10:00-10:20 a.m.

Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Press Conference

Open only to registered journalists

10:20-11:30 a.m.

Networking Session and Open Appointments

10:30-10:50 a.m.

Destination DC Press Conference

Open only to registered journalists

11:00-11:20 a.m.

U.S. Route 66 Centennial Celebration Press Conference

Open only to registered journalists

11:45 a.m.-12:20 p.m.

Business Appointments

12:30-1:45 p.m.

Lunch

2:00-4:35 p.m.

Business Appointments

4:35-5:30 p.m.

Open Networking

7:00-9:30 p.m.

Explore Chicago Neighborhoods

Choose Chicago invites IPW attendees to fully experience Chicago before, during, and after the event. To make your exploration unforgettable, we’re curating a unique, immersive neighborhood experience featuring Hyde Park, Pilsen, and West Town.

These vibrant communities are home to iconic landmarks—such as the private residence of President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama—along with rich cultural and culinary diversity, dynamic entertainment, and the true spirit of Chicago!
 

Wednesday, June 18, 2025
8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Registration Hours

8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Press Room Hours

9:00-10:15 a.m.

Business Appointments

9:30-9:50 a.m.

New York City Tourism + Conventions Press Conference

Open only to registered journalists

10:00-10:20 a.m.

Tennessee Tourism Press Conference

Open only to registered journalists

10:20-11:30 a.m.

Networking Session and Open Appointments

10:30-10:50 a.m.

North Dakota Tourism - Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Press Conference

Open only to registered journalists

11:00-11:20 a.m.

Utah Office of Tourism Press Conference

Open only to registered journalists

11:30-Noon

Visit Lauderdale (Future Host City) Press Conference

Open only to registered journalists

11:45 a.m.-12:20 p.m.

Business Appointments

12:30-1:45 p.m.

Lunch

2:00-4:35 p.m.

Business Appointments

4:35-5:15 p.m.

Open Networking

4:40 p.m.

$10,000 Buyer Prize Drawing

All registered (in-person) international and domestic buyers are eligible; however you must be present during the drawing to win.

4:45-6:30 p.m.

Booth Teardown

7:00-10:00 p.m.

Closing Event - Navy Pier

Get your kicks at IPW 2025’s Closing Night reception as we celebrate Chicago—the starting point of the legendary Route 66!

Explore a variety of immersive activations across the iconic Navy Pier, showcasing our city’s rich history. Savor Chicago’s diverse culinary scene with delicious food and drinks while soaking in stunning lakefront views. As the sun sets, gather at the end of the pier for a special surprise you won’t want to miss.

Open to all registered delegates.

Thursday, June 19, 2025
8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Booth Teardown

Varies

Post-FAM Tour Departures