In the second half of 2025, Illinois will host numerous tech conferences that highlight innovative ideas, feature leading experts, and provide valuable networking opportunities.
There is an event tailored for every tech professional, covering areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), software development, cybersecurity, and industrial innovation.
Here is a list of the top events that inspire, educate, and foster connections within the tech community.
BuildTech 2025
Date: July 16–17, 2025
Venue: Accenture Tower
This hybrid conference, hosted by Chicago’s leading startup incubator, 1871, focuses on construction and supply chain technology. BuildTech 2025 brings together pioneers in the construction-tech space, including startups, corporate leaders, and investors.
With keynote sessions from industry leaders and networking events buzzing with new ideas, this summit is ideal for anyone involved in proptech, smart construction, or supply chain innovation. Expect to gain insight into the disruptive technologies shaping the built environment.
Why do you need to attend? Here are some reasons:
- Focus: Construction and supply chain technology.
- Perfect for: Construction-tech innovators, investors, and professionals seeking actionable insights into industry trends.
- Networking: Meet influential startups and corporate changemakers.
TechChicago Week 2025
Date: July 21–27, 2025
Venue: Across Chicago
Organized by P33 and World Business Chicago, TechChicago Week highlights the city’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. The 2025 theme, “Big Bets,” explores pivotal tech innovations including quantum computing, clean energy for data centers, and advanced microelectronics.
Across four days, attendees can engage in summits, startup pitch competitions, industry panels, and targeted networking events.
Here’s why you need to attend:
- Focus: Emerging technologies driving Chicago’s tech economy.
- Perfect for: Tech entrepreneurs, executives, and investors.
- Networking: A citywide platform to connect with sector leaders and policymakers.
Aspen Ideas: Climate
Date: July 20-11, 2025
Venue: Convene Willis Tower
Making its debut in Chicago during TechChicago Week, Aspen Ideas: Climate is a global summit dedicated to climate technology innovations. The hybrid event includes intimate keynote conversations, solution-driven panels, and networking with climate-tech leaders, scientists, and policymakers.
Here’s why you need to attend:
- Focus: Climate change solutions and their intersection with tech.
- Perfect For: Climate innovators, corporate sustainability leaders, and policy advocates.
- Networking: Build relationships with global leaders in climate-tech.
Great Lakes Software Symposium 2025
Date: August 1–2, 2025
Venue: Westin Chicago Northwest
This regional conference provides software developers and architects with tools to hone their skills. Over two days, participants engage in workshops focused on evolving frameworks, DevOps strategies, and architecture best practices.
Anchored in practical learning and collaboration, this symposium is a must-attend for those involved in software engineering.
Why attend? We’ll tell you more:
- Focus: Software development and architecture.
- Perfect for: Developers and teams seeking to sharpen technical expertise.
- Networking: Connect with peers and thought leaders in an intimate environment.
CDAO Chicago 2025
Date: August 8–9, 2025
Venue: Convene Willis Tower
This conference targets senior data and analytics leaders, offering impactful discussions on predictive analytics, scaling AI initiatives, and data governance. With a roster of over 150 senior executives, CDAO Chicago immerses attendees in actionable strategies for leveraging data and AI on a large scale.
Here’s why you shouldn’t miss it:
- Focus: Data-driven leadership and enterprise AI strategies.
- Perfect for: Data officers, analytics executives, and enterprise strategy leaders.
- Networking: Collaborate with the Midwest’s top AI and data decision-makers.
Open SkAI 2025
Date: September 2–5, 2025
Venue: SkAI Hub
This Astro-AI conference, hosted at the John Hancock Center, explores how artificial intelligence can revolutionize the field of astronomy. With research papers, interdisciplinary panels, and hands-on workshops, Open SkAI fosters creativity at the intersection of data science and astrophysics.
What’s the benefit of attending?
- Focus: Astronomy and artificial intelligence.
- Perfect for: AI researchers, astrophysicists, and space enthusiasts.
- Networking: Build collaborative relationships within a niche yet vibrant field.
FABTECH 2025
Date: September 8–11, 2025
Venue: McCormick Place
Recognized as North America’s largest manufacturing technology event, FABTECH is a four-day exposition featuring over 1,000 exhibitors and hands-on labs. It’s a haven for professionals seeking the latest in industrial automation, robotics, and IoT solutions.
Why should you attend?
- Focus: Manufacturing innovation and industrial technology.
- Perfect for: Engineers, plant managers, and manufacturing tech specialists.
- Networking: Engage directly with top-tier suppliers and systems integrators.
DjangoCon US 2025
Date: September 8–12, 2025
Venue: voco Chicago Downtown
The nation’s premier Django web framework event comes to Chicago. Featuring five days of tutorials, case studies, and development sprints, DjangoCon offers a blend of practical insight and inspiring community discussions.
Why attend?
- Focus: Python and Django framework development.
- Perfect for: Web developers and open-source supporters.
- Networking: Meet core developers and network within the Python community.
Grace Hopper Celebration 2025
Date: November 4–7, 2025
Venue: McCormick Place
Celebrating women and non-binary individuals in technology, Grace Hopper Celebration is the largest event of its kind, drawing tens of thousands. The 2025 theme, “Unbound,” encourages attendees to explore the future of tech leadership through diversity.
Why is it important for you to attend?
- Focus: Fostering diversity in tech.
- Perfect for: Women in IT, recruiters, and aspiring tech professionals.
- Networking: A massive, career-building platform with attendees from around the globe.
BSidesChicago 2025
Date: October 31 – November 1, 2025
Venue: Hilton Chicago
A vital conference for cybersecurity professionals, BSidesChicago emphasizes community, diversity, and creative problem-solving.
This year’s event features both workshops and a main conference while incorporating hands-on challenges like lock-picking and capture-the-flag competitions.
Here’s why you need to attend:
- Focus: Cybersecurity trends and community-building.
- Perfect for: Professionals and students with a passion for security and ethical hacking.
- Networking: A grassroots setting to collaborate and learn from peers.
Rockwell Automation Fair 2025
Date: November 17–20, 2025
Venue: McCormick Place
This flagship industrial automation event showcases breakthroughs in robotics, control systems, and IIoT. Rockwell Automation Fair also features hands-on training and interactive product demos, offering applicable knowledge for industry professionals.
We explain to you why you need to attend:
- Focus: Smart manufacturing and automation.
- Perfect for: Engineers, IT experts, and operational leaders.
- Networking: Join discussions with global experts on the future of manufacturing.
Project Summit & Business Analyst World Chicago 2025
Date: October 6-8, 2025
Venue: Chicago Marriott Naperville
This conference blends education and networking for project management and business analysis professionals. With a focus on agile methodologies, stakeholder management, and practical tools, attendees leave with actionable strategies for optimizing business outcomes.
Discover the top reasons you won’t want to miss this event!
- Focus: Project and business analysis excellence.
- Perfect for: PMs, BAs, and aspiring tech project leaders.
- Networking: Connect with senior project professionals facing similar challenges.
Takeaway
The tech conferences in Illinois from July through December 2025 spotlight diverse innovations, expert panels, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Attending any of these events ensures new insights, broader networks, and momentum in your professional growth.
Now is the time to mark your calendar and prepare to connect, learn, and lead in the dynamic world of tech.
Get in touch with us to discover more about our IT staff augmentation services and stay updated on the latest tech events and trends by connecting with us on LinkedIn.
FAQ
What types of tech conferences are covered in this list?
This list features events spanning several technology domains, including artificial intelligence (AI), software development, cybersecurity, industrial innovation, and project management.
No matter if you are an entrepreneur, developer, data analyst, or executive, you’ll discover conferences that cater to your specific interests and career objectives.
Who should attend these tech conferences?
These conferences are suited for a diverse audience, such as C-level executives, project managers, software developers, engineers, data analysts, and entrepreneurs.
Every event is structured to support professionals who want to stay at the forefront of their industries, expand their networks, and explore cutting-edge technologies.
How can I choose the right conference for my goals?
Choosing the right conference begins with identifying your primary interests, such as learning more about AI, exploring innovations in construction technology, boosting operational efficiency, or broadening your professional network.
It’s important to review each event’s details, including its themes, whether it is in-person or hybrid, and the types of sessions offered, to ensure alignment with your development goals.
Are there opportunities for networking at these events?
Yes, networking is a central component of each of these conferences. Attendees can look forward to mixers, breakout sessions, and interactive workshops designed to connect them with industry leaders, potential collaborators, and other technology professionals.
Whether you enjoy focused one-on-one discussions or larger networking events, these conferences provide valuable avenues to build professional relationships.
What are some essential tips to prepare for these conferences?
To prepare effectively for these events, start by researching the agenda and keynote speakers so you can make the most of your time. Update your professional profile, such as LinkedIn, to be ready for new networking opportunities.
Think about specific questions or topics you’d like to discuss with peers and industry experts. Also, ensure you have tools for sharing your contact details, such as business cards or a digital contact app, so you can connect seamlessly.
How can I maximize the value of attending these conferences?
Maximizing the value starts with taking full advantage of all opportunities available, including attending keynote presentations, participating in workshops, and joining networking sessions.
After the event, follow up with new contacts to nurture those connections. Finally, use the insights you’ve gathered to inform your strategies and drive innovation within your professional sphere.
