Donald E. Stephens Convention Center — Attraction in Leyden Township

I will review from a two sided perspective : I have gone to events at this Rosemont Convention Center as an atendee and working for brands, but just recently got the full experience also as vendor with my booth at Anime Magic (very fun event, lots of great photos with cosplayers but this is not the place for those 😅). To those going to events there: There is PLENTY of parking and every time there is something happening both the city police and employees are plenty to keep the streets moving, direct everyone, etc. No matter which parking lot you park at, there is a skybridge connecting to the convention center halls. You WILL appreciate this in hot summer or cold winter ! The place is well taken care of inside and beautiful from outside, with many gardens. As a vendor I was blown away, having dealt with Mccormick in Chicago mostly, this was such a NICER experience ! They are both union based, but somehow feel completely different. Everyone was extremely nice and organized, and being able to just drive a ramp right to my booth to load and unload (so did trucks!) was the big differential. I spent HOURS before waiting for union workers at Mccormick to move just a few things to a booth so we could start setting up (you literally couldn't touch it since it was shipped there, and asking about eta usually makes it take longer). Resuming : If you are either wondering about attending an event there (there is also plenty of entertainment and food options around !) or someone thinking of participating as a vendor for an event but unsure if it's worth your investment, I would say I recommend going in either case. And I am sorry, in the same breath I can easily say : if you can, avoid Mccormick and chose to go to events here instead, you will thank me 😅🤗 BONUS : Look at that sunset photo just walking back to Parking lot on...

My experience here was to attend Anime Central 2024.

Parking was easy, plenty available and $15 isn't unreasonable as flat rates go for an all-day con. Getting out of the parking garage after parking is the bad part.

The skybridge from the parking garage is outright miserable. It was a pleasant 75F outside but the Skybridge was an oven, the A/C blowers along it are straight out of a dilapidated highschool, and they were weakly breathing hot air. I don't know whether the convention or the facilities enforced the metal detector checkpoints, but the combination of the two had a massive backed up line of people roasting for a while.

The main ground-level entrance was shaded and significantly more efficient and crossing the road was enabled by police presence for the large con, otherwise it might be a bit dangerous, it's a large busy road out front.

The interior suffers from bad air conditioning as well, somehow managing to be warmer than outside with any number of people present. Completely unacceptable, to be honest. If it's that warm, it means air isn't being adequately replaced in general, which can lead to the spread of all sorts of airborne illnesses.

The interior layout of the main convention space is decent, there's a ton of room in the main building downstairs. When you trek upstairs it gets a bit less clear. There are a few interconnected buildings via skybridge and figuring out which is which is a bit of a hassle.

Also I'd just like to mention, the proximity to O'Hare is a boon for people flying in from out of town, but a major demerit for locals. Getting to the center for a local involves convoluted loops of exits and on ramps and inevitably has you dealing with O'Hare traffic even though that isn't your ultimate destination. You will need GPS to get here and it's still a...

Review: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center - Home of "World of Wheels"

Nestled in the heart of Illinois, the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center stands as a beacon of excellence in event hosting. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the "World of Wheels" event, and I must say, it was an experience beyond compare.

From the moment I stepped foot inside, I was greeted with a sense of grandeur and excitement. The spacious layout of the convention center provided ample room for enthusiasts and exhibitors alike to explore the dazzling array of classic cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles on display.

The attention to detail in the organization of the event was truly commendable. Every aspect, from the meticulously curated exhibits to the engaging activities and entertainment, was thoughtfully planned to captivate attendees of all ages.

The staff deserves high praise for their professionalism and dedication. Their friendly demeanor and willingness to assist ensured a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance.

One of the standout features of the convention center was its state-of-the-art facilities. The well-equipped exhibition halls, modern amenities, and convenient parking made navigating the event effortless, allowing visitors to focus on immersing themselves in the world of automotive excellence.

Overall, my time at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center during the "World of Wheels" event was nothing short of extraordinary. It's no wonder this venue continues to be a premier destination for hosting memorable experiences. Whether you're a car enthusiast or simply looking for a fantastic event to attend, the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is sure to exceed your...