NACAC National College Fair – Chicago
Fair Location:
Navy Pier- Festival Hall A
600 East Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
https://navypier.org/
Fair Time & Date:
Saturday, September 26, 2026
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Exhibitor Move-In:
Friday, September 25, 2026
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 13th, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Exhibitor Move-Out: 3:01 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Estimated Attendance: 3,500+
STEM/PVA Component
At the NACAC National College Fair – Chicago, there will be special sections of the exhibit hall floor designated specifically for:
STEM: science, technology, engineering, and math institutions, indicated with green/white pipe & drape
PVA: performing and visual arts institutions, indicated with yellow/white pipe & drape
The General NACAC National College Fair, indicated with blue/white pipe & drape
You have the ability to select which type of booth you prefer. Please complete the booth section survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PVBYYM2
If you would like to be placed in the general NCF section, you do not need to complete the survey. NACAC assumes you prefer the general section unless you tell us otherwise.
If we do not receive your response by August 7, 2026, your booth location will default to the general NACAC National College Fair section.
Transportation, Directions, and Parking:
Please see the facility’s website regarding parking & transportation here: https://navypier.org/plan-your-visit/getting-here-and-parking/
The East Garage is the preferred parking location. Upon parking in the East Garage, enter through Door 10 for closest access to Festival Hall A via the escalators.
Please note parking is limited in the East Garage. If the East Garage is full, overflow parking will be directed to the West Garage.
If you park in the West Garage, exit on the south side of the garage, turn left (east), and continue walking past the Bar Sol restaurant. Enter through Door 10, where escalators will lead you directly to Festival Hall A.
Loading/Unloading:
Please note there is no personal vehicle access on the pier. If you plan on loading and unloading materials, please park in the East Garage and access Festival Hall A via the elevators.
Exposition Services Provided by:
To be confirmed.
Advance Shipping Address:
To be confirmed.
Shipping Deadline:
To be confirmed.
Material Handling Charge:
To be confirmed.
Electrical & Internet/Wi-Fi Services:
To be confirmed.
Accommodations:
NACAC has contracted an official room block with the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk for a group rate of $259/night (before taxes & fees). To take advantage of this special rate, please use this booking link to complete your reservation. The room block rate can only be accessed via the designated booking link. This room block closes on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Exhibitor App:
GoToCollegeFairs is NACAC’s exclusive technology services provider for in-person NACAC National College Fairs. All lead retrieval services for in-person programs will be captured through the GTCF Mobile Scanning Application.
*Please be sure to download the app prior to arrival*.
Attached is a Quick Start Guide with step-by-step instructions on how to get setup in the app. There will be a GTCF representative onsite to answer any questions you have during the fair.
If you have any questions about the app before the fair, please email info@gotocollegefairs.com.
On-site Food and Beverage:
While light refreshments will be provided, NACAC strongly encourages you to eat a full meal before you arrive.
Contact Information:
For more information regarding this National College Fair, email Justine O’Connor (joconnor@nacacnet.org) or call at (703) 299-6853.