ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Village of Rosemont proudly commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, celebrating five decades of innovation, growth and community impact since the landmark venue first opened its doors on October 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,” said Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens. “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 such as 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 Village received a $2.7 million grant from Illinois Governor 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 Convention Center. These upgrades greatly improved accessibility and guest 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 visitors annually for trade shows, conferences, banquets and special events. Today, the Center hosts more than 100 events each year, welcoming over 1 million guests annually. Its continuous 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 Convention Center remains a top destination for both national and international events. The Center’s location is another key to its enduring success. With more than 6,000 hotel rooms within the Village, a vibrant entertainment district known as Parkway Bank Park, and a variety of 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,” said Chris Stephens, Executive Director of the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. “50 years later, we’re proud to continue that tradition of welcoming guests from every corner of the country and providing a first-class experience that keeps them coming back.”
As Rosemont celebrates this special milestone, the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center stands as a testament to innovation, resilience and the enduring spirit of a community that continues to grow, evolve and lead the way in the meetings and conventions industry.
For more information on the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, visit www.rosemont.com/convention.
