If there was a competition for "America's Coolest Trade Show Site," then Chicago's Navy Pier would have to be a top candidate to take home the prize.
The 50-acre site, located on a pier that juts out into Lake Michigan, can best be described as a fantastic combination of Wrigley Field, the Santa Monica Pier, and Six Flags Over America.
"It's a perfect place for a trade show," said Dan Kisch, publisher of INSTORE. He visited the site for the first time in late 2007 and says he "fell in love with it at first sight."
Jim Reed, organizer of The SMART Jewelry Show, is also enthusiastic about the show location. "I think this is a place people are genuinely going to enjoy coming to," says Reed.
The state-of-the-art exhibition area has space for 600 booths, along with ample space for education and exhibit areas.
In addition, Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom is the perfect location for memorable nighttime events — with an 80-foot domed ceiling and panoramic views of Lake Michigan. One of the events that The SMART Jewelry Show will be hosting in the Grand Ballroom will be Show's Cool Blast Party from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 22, 2012
Navy Pier has a wide variety of entertainment options for both business travelers and families -- including a 50,000-square foot children's museum, a giant ferris wheel, and a 440-seat large-screen IMAX theater.
The complex also has a musical carousel, giant swing ride, miniature golf course and Chicago-themed funhouse maze.
All together, the show site features 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, eateries and attractions.
Of course, we believe you'll be spending most of your time at The SMART Jewelry Show.
To learn more about Navy Pier, click here
