Rosemont, Illinois, a Chicago suburb neighboring O’Hare International Airport 20 minutes from downtown Chicago, marked the 50th anniversary of the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center, which opened its doors on Oct. 12, 1975. What was originally known as the O’Hare Exposition Center, a modest 150,000-square-foot facility funded through $12 million in municipal bonds, has evolved into an 840,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art convention complex that stands at the heart of Rosemont’s transformation into a national hub for business and entertainment. The venue’s growth mirrors that of Rosemont itself—a town envisioned by its founding mayor, Donald E. Stephens, as a hub for commerce, hospitality, and entertainment.
“Rosemont was built around the idea of bringing people together,” says Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens in a prepared statement. “For 50 years, the Convention Center has done exactly that, serving as a gathering place for industries, innovators, and communities from across the globe. It’s not just a building; it’s the foundation on which Rosemont’s success was built.”
The original O’Hare Exposition Center opened with a women’s apparel manufacturing exposition as its first show. In its inaugural year, the center hosted 16 events, ranging from public exhibitions like the Chicago O’Hare Summer Antiques Show and the Skokie Valley Kennel Club Show to major industry trade shows.
By 1977, demand was so high that a 25,000-square-foot addition was built to accommodate the growing number of events. Within just four years, the facility was generating revenue, and surrounding hotels were operating at 100% occupancy.
As Rosemont’s reputation as a convention destination grew, so did its infrastructure. In 1985, the city received a $2.7 million grant from Illinois Gov. James Thompson’s “Build Illinois” program, which funded construction of a five-level, 4,458-car parking garage and an enclosed 7,000-foot skybridge connecting the garage directly to the center. These upgrades greatly improved accessibility and attendee experience, further cementing Rosemont’s position as a leader in the convention and hospitality industries.
Now known as the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center, the facility continues to be a driving force in Rosemont’s economy, attracting millions of attendees annually for trade shows, conferences, banquets, and special events. Today, the center hosts more than 100 events each year, welcoming over 1 million meeting-goers annually. Its contiguous 250,000-square-foot hall accommodates 1,225 booths, with the ability to configure multiple halls for up to 3,566 booths, providing unmatched flexibility for event planners. With 50 fully equipped meeting rooms, on-site catering, and a team of experienced professionals, the center remains a top destination for both national and international events.
The Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center’s location is another key to its enduring success. With more than 6,000 hotel rooms within Rosemont; a vibrant entertainment district known as Parkway Bank Park; and many restaurants, theaters, and attractions just steps away, Rosemont offers the perfect blend of business and leisure.
“Mayor Donald E. Stephens’ original vision was to create a community that was at the forefront of business and hospitality,” says Chris Stephens, executive director of the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center. “Fifty years later, we’re proud to continue that tradition of welcoming attendees from every corner of the country and providing a first-class experience that keeps them coming back.”
