HIMSS return signals Chicago’s convention industry revival

Chicago’s first convention signing of the New Year is a monumental one. After pulling out of Chicago for its 2012 convention, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) will return to Chicago for its annual conference and exhibition in 2015 and 2019.


“Chicago is a leader in medical technology and for HIMSS, our attendees and exhibitors, an excellent, and accessible place to do business,” said H. Stephen Lieber, HIMSS president and CEO.

According to Lieber, HIMSS received positive feedback from company representatives who have exhibited at McCormick Place since initial reforms were put in place last year.

“We are pleased to be back in Chicago, now one of the cities and the Midwest location in our conference rotation,” said Lieber. “With the changes now in place, we look forward to HIMSS15 and HIMSS19 here in Chicago.”

HIMSS made headlines in late 2009 when it moved its 2012 convention from Chicago citing high costs. The move was a catalyst for the groundbreaking laws enacted by the Illinois General Assembly last spring.

HIMSS is now the first show to recommit to Chicago after previously pulling out of the city citing reforms as key to its decision to return.

“HIMSS is a highly-regarded convention, and we are happy to welcome the show and its visitors from all over the world back to the City of Chicago,” said Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. “Our city is a leader in both the medical and technology fields, and we are honored to play host to this important event that stands at the intersection of the two disciplines.”

“This signing is a great way to propel our convention industry into another year of progress,” said Jim Reilly, trustee of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority. “2010 was a groundbreaking year and the reforms made it all possible. We are moving the momentum forward, as we focus on ensuring our customer’s continued success in the new year and beyond.”

HIMSS is the industry’s premier gathering for healthcare IT solutions. The show attracts 30,000 attendees from around the world and is expected to generate $33.6 million in direct expenditures during each convention it holds in the city.

“Bringing this major medical convention back is a huge win for Illinois and will strengthen one of our most important economic engines; the visitor industry,” said Governor Pat Quinn. “A strong visitor industry is critical to driving more business and economic growth benefitting our city, state and Illinois taxpayers.”

More than a dozen shows have signed with Chicago in recent months, including the American Society of Nephrology, Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), International Housewares Association, Association for Manufacturing Technology and the National Restaurant Association.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome HIMSS back to Chicago and we are grateful for its role in driving reforms to bring about a new era in our visitor industry,” said Bruce V. Rauner, chairman of the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau. “HIMSS’ return is a true testament to the success of the reforms approved last spring and proves we are well positioned for continued growth and vitality.”