The American Bar Association’s ABA Techshow, marking its 40th anniversary, took place this year at the McCormick Convention Center in Chicago, departing from its previous venue at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. As one of the longest-running legal technology conferences, Techshow continues to draw attention for its programming dedicated to both small firm lawyers and legal professionals. Despite a backdrop of increased legal tech conferences, Techshow remains a standout for its educational offerings, especially noted this year for its strong line-up of speakers and panels, achieving a balance between practical topics—such as marketing, ethics, cybersecurity—and cutting-edge legal tech themes like generative AI and augmented reality in law practice.
The change of venue to McCormick Convention Center came as a necessity due to scheduling constraints at the Hyatt, not necessarily the need for more space. Occupying part of the enormous McCormick complex, Techshow faced challenges typically not expected from a conference embedded in a sense of community and continuity. With a history of offering intimate, interactive spaces, the enormity and location of McCormick isolated the conference community, spreading attendees thinly across the venue.
While Techshow experienced record attendance estimated at 2,000 people this year, the vast open spaces of McCormick created a paradoxical sense of emptiness that dampened the social interactions and spontaneous networking that are hallmarks of the event. As attendees moved between distant event spaces, the opportunity for mingling or making new acquaintances diminished, as did the flow of participants to and from the exhibit hall, leading to exhibitor dissatisfaction with foot traffic.
The historical transition to McCormick speaks to the growing pressures and logistical decisions involved in hosting large-scale legal technology events. As Techshow continues its commitment to McCormick for another two years, expectations remain high for organizers to optimize the space and reinvigorate the communal experience that defines Techshow.
Coincidentally, this venue change coincides with a similar transition for Legalweek, the oldest legal tech conference, set to move from its home at the New York Hilton to the Javits Convention Center. As both conferences navigate these logistical evolutions, there is anticipation within the legal tech community for how these events will manage the growing pains and continue to foster the essential networking opportunities that are integral to the profession’s development. More details on Techshow’s experiences at the McCormick Convention Center can be found here.