Chicago Construction News staff writer
The global concrete industry’s most prominent gathering, the ACI Concrete Convention, will return to the Chicago area next spring, bringing hundreds of technical sessions, committee meetings, and networking opportunities to Rosemont.
Hosted by the American Concrete Institute (ACI), the 2026 Spring Convention is scheduled to run from Sunday, March 29, through Wed., April 1, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago. The event is widely regarded as the “world’s gathering place for advancing concrete materials, design, construction, and repair,” according to the ACI.
The convention offers professionals a forum for education, networking, and providing input on the development of the concrete industry’s codes, specifications, and guides. The comprehensive schedule includes more than 300 committee meetings and more than 40 technical and educational sessions designed to deliver the latest research, case studies, and best practices.
Local industry connection
The event holds particular significance for the local market, as the ACI Illinois Chapter is hosting the international convention. Local organizers from the Chicagoland and suburban concrete industries have encouraged professionals to attend and volunteer to support the event.
Technical topics relevant to the Chicago area’s robust infrastructure and building sector will be featured. These include sessions covering advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and case studies, such as high-stakes infrastructure repair projects utilizing innovative methods like underwater concrete pouring and hydro-demolition. The convention also addresses the integration of sustainable materials, such as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and CarbonCure technology, into projects.
Educational and professional development
The four-day convention provides opportunities for attendees—including engineers, architects, contractors, educators, and materials representatives—to earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs). Various certification exams, such as the Concrete Construction Special Inspector Certification Exam, are also expected to be conducted.
The event is planned as a primarily in-person experience, including all committee meetings and social gatherings. Select programming will also be available on-demand for registered attendees.
Registration for the Spring 2026 ACI Concrete Convention is currently open through the ACI website. Discounted early registration rates are available until March 27, 2026.
