Organizer

The Mart

Chicago’s landmark design center and marketplace, hosting flagship trade shows for commercial interiors, fashion, and specialized industries.

Directory listing reviewed June 2026

222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 470, Chicago, IL 60654, United States[3]2 upcomingManufacturing & AutomationBroadcastChemicalNorth America +3
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About The Mart

Geographic reach: North America, United States, Midwest USA, International exhibitors and visitors

The Mart, officially known as THE MART, is a landmark commercial building and design center in downtown Chicago that doubles as one of the city’s most important trade show and marketplace hubs. Opened in 1930 as the Merchandise Mart, the property has evolved from a massive wholesale center into a curated ecosystem for design, furnishings, technology, and specialty retail, while also hosting many of the Midwest’s leading B2B events.

Owned by Vornado Realty Trust, one of the largest real estate owners and managers in the United States, THE MART spans approximately 4 million square feet and accommodates permanent showrooms, flexible event space, and public areas configured for exhibitions and conferences. As an organizer and venue operator, The Mart is best known for **NeoCon**, a flagship commercial interiors show that attracts manufacturers, architects, designers, and facility professionals from around the world.

It also stages fashion and apparel markets such as **National Bridal Market Chicago** and **Chicago Collective – Men’s Edition**, which leverage the building’s showroom infrastructure to create efficient, order-writing environments for buyers and brands. These events position The Mart at the intersection of design, manufacturing, hospitality, and retail, providing exhibitors with access to a highly qualified professional audience and visitors with a concentrated view of leading products and trends.

The Mart’s value proposition is its combination of historic prestige, central Chicago location, and purpose-built facilities tailored to B2B commerce. Exhibitors benefit from year-round showroom presence alongside time-bound trade fairs, while buyers gain reliable seasonal markets in a single, easily accessible building.

With strong transportation links, on-site services, and a long track record of hosting design, fashion, and specialty industry events, The Mart functions as a strategic marketplace platform for companies seeking exposure in North American design and retail channels.

Flagship Events

NeoConChicago · Annual
National Bridal Market ChicagoChicago · Biannual (Spring/Fall markets, typical)
Chicago Collective – Men’s EditionChicago · Biannual (seasonal menswear markets, typical)

Frequently Asked Questions

Events by The Mart

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