WELCOME
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
NAVY PIER
Get excited to make meaningful connections. Take a look at what's ahead at our 2026 Business Expo!
Join Us at the Midwest's Largest Single-Day Business Conference!
The IHCC Annual Business Conference & Expo is back at Navy Pier this August 27!
The IHCC Annual Business Conference & Expo returns to Navy Pier this August 27, and it’s more than just a business event. It’s the largest single-day gathering of Illinois’ business ecosystem, where corporate leaders, public agencies, industry professionals, and entrepreneurs all come together to connect, collaborate, and grow.
With over 90 exhibitors, expert-led workshops, targeted matchmaking, and thousands of attendees from across sectors, this is where the engines of Illinois’ economy meet in real time. Whether you’re launching a startup, scaling your business, exploring new markets, or representing a public or private organization looking to connect with diverse suppliers and partners, this is where you need to be.
Come ready to build momentum, make meaningful connections, and walk away with more than just business cards. Walk away with real opportunities.
Overview
Opening Breakfast: We’ve secured industry leaders and visionaries who will share their insights and experiences in the business world to inspire and motivate you.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow participants, potential partners, and mentors who can help you advance your career or business goals.
Exhibition Floor: Explore a diverse range of businesses and organizations in our exhibition area, where you can discover new products, services, resources, and opportunities.
Workshops and Conferences: Gain practical knowledge and skills through a series of workshops and conferences on various topics, including entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, and more.
EXHIBITOR FLOOR
Explore the Exhibitor Floor
Meet over 90 exhibitors driving innovation, opportunity, and business growth across Illinois and beyond.
The Exhibitor Hall is free and open to all — whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or simply curious about the business landscape, there’s something here for you.
Connect directly with:
Companies, organizations, and agencies shaping the future of business
Decision-makers from major corporations, financial institutions, and government agencies
Programs and resources designed for startups, established businesses, and everything in between
Discover opportunities to:
Access tools and resources to grow your small business
Learn about supplier diversity and procurement programs
Expand your network and build valuable partnerships
Whether you’re here to grow, learn, or explore, the Exhibitor Floor is your gateway to what’s next in Illinois business.
OPENING BREAKFAST
Join us for an unforgettable morning at our opening breakfast event, where you’ll have the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals before immersing yourself in a captivating session with industry leaders and visionaries. Get ready to be inspired and motivated as they share their invaluable insights and entrepreneurial experiences, setting the stage for an electrifying day ahead.
To reserve a table for your team, contact Ivette Orozco at [email protected]
Opening Breakfast Speakers:
Keynote Speaker:
Ken Salazar,
Former Colorado Attorney General, U.S. Senator, Secretary of the Interior, and Ambassador to Mexico
Ken Salazar is a veteran public servant, attorney, and key architect of North American trade and energy policy. As former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Secretary of the Interior, and U.S. Senator, he has spearheaded high-stakes initiatives driving cross-border commerce, infrastructure growth, and economic opportunity.
JB Pritzker — Governor of Illinois | Speaker
Brandon Johnson — Mayor of Chicago | Speaker
Elizabeth Nieto — Senior VP of Talent and Culture at American Airlines | Speaker
Fellicia Foster — Chief HR Officer for U.S. Banking at BMO | Speaker
Ramiro Cavazos — President & CEO, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) | Panel Moderator
Michael Frerichs — Illinois State Treasurer | Panelist
Oscar Bedolla — Chief Strategy Officer for the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park | Panelist
Betsy Ziegler — CEO of 1871 | Panelist
Eliana La Casa — Comedian | MC
2026 WORKSHOPS:
We are excited to be hosting a series of workshops covering a range of topics including entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, and finances.
Join us and learn from industry experts on how to enhance your business and entrepreneurial journey.
The best part is that all the workshops are FREE once you register as an attendee.
See details of each workshop by clicking on the registration button below.
2026 WORKSHOPS:
AI & Cybersecurity for Small Business Success — Presented by Verizon
Artificial Intelligence in Action: Learn to Organize, Automate & Scale Your Business — Presented by Go Real Digital
Build a business with Amazon — Presented by Amazon
De Idea a Realidad: Cómo Empezar tu Negocio — Panel de expertos de Serna Legal Services, CMYY Tax y más…
Forecasting Like a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) — Presented by Wipfli
Franchising Master Class Room — Presented by McDonalds
Funding Without Failure: How Smart Entrepreneurs Access Capital — Presented by US Bank
How Bankable are you? Understanding Business Credit & Borrowing Power — Presented by Bank of America (BMO)
Inteligencia Artificial Hecha Fácil: Domina lo que nadie te enseña de la IA — Presentado por Unicorn Properties
Legal Clinic: Business Law Essentials for Entrepreneurs — Presented by CIBC
Marketing in a Digital World — Presented by Chase
Save Energy: Grow Your Business with Nicor Gas —Presented by Nicor Gas
The Golden Alternative: The Credit Union Advantage for Small Businesses — Presented by The Credit Union League
The Ultimate Guide to Start your Business — Panel of Experts from Serna Legal Services, CMYY Tax, Accelefund, Miller Berger and more…
Tu Gente, Tu Negocio, Tu Salud — Presented by United Healthcare
MATCHMAKING ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS
The Matchmaking One-on-One Sessions are set up in a “speed dating” format, allowing subcontractors to engage with different Primes. This session offers:
- Valuable targeted discussions with prime contractors for small subcontracting firms.
- Meaningful connections that could impact the future of your business.
- Opportunities to expand networks and create avenues for collaborations.
COCKTAIL NETWORKING RECEPTION
Cocktail Networking Reception at Bar Sol
We’ll conclude the day with a Cocktail Networking Reception at Bar Sol, a standout opportunity to connect with fellow Expo participants in a relaxed, social setting.
Continue the conversation, strengthen new connections, and meet potential collaborators over drinks and light bites.
Tickets are required for this event.
