Event Information

Connections 2026 is the premier marketing conference for mastering agentic AI. It’s where marketers build core skills, design AI-powered customer journeys, and gain the expertise to lead the future of customer engagement.

Connections 2026 takes place in Chicago at the McCormick Place West Building on June 3–4, 2026. Plus, we’ll also have an exclusive broadcast experience on Salesforce+.

Connections 2026 invites all levels of marketing, sales, and service professionals to connect every experience and market smarter, not harder. Whether you’re just getting started with the Salesforce Platform or you’re an expert, you’ll discover new ways to grow your career and your business.

Expect two days of deep learning focused on the latest Salesforce innovations in AI and agentic marketing at Connections 2026. Choose from more than 270+ sessions, keynotes, workshops, and demos led by product experts that let you get hands-on with Salesforce technology.

Yes, highlights and select sessions will be available on demand. You can also join live on Salesforce+ June 3–4. For the full experience, join us onsite in Chicago.

Salesforce+ is the place to watch all of our live events and on-demand content that help you grow your career and company, on your own time. Salesforce+ is produced by Salesforce, so you’ll find our company’s big events like Connections 2026 here — as well as virtual learning made for your role and industry. Everything is free and unlimited.

Register for Connections 2026 on Salesforce+ here to join the event virtually.

Persons under 18 years of age are not permitted within Connections or its venues. This includes the expo hall, sessions, breakouts, keynotes, and all other event activities. See full Event Terms of Service.

Yes, please review our code of conduct.

Registration

To register for the in-person experience at Connections 2026, click the Register button at the top right of this page to begin. You’ll be prompted to log in or create a Salesforce Trailblazer account to complete your registration. This account will give you access to your registration details, recommended sessions, agenda builder, and so much more.

If you created an account for a previous Salesforce event, use that same email and password in the login box. If needed, click Forgot Password to trigger a reset.

From there, you’ll provide a few additional details, select your hotel and conference pass, and then you’re on your way to experience Connections in Chicago.

A Trailblazer account is your free, unified, single sign-on that simplifies your journey in the Salesforce ecosystem. With your Trailblazer account, you can register for events, build your agenda, stream sessions on Salesforce+, learn new skills on Trailhead, connect with the community, and tap into personalized support — all in one place.

Yes. Salesforce has unified logins across all events and platforms. Going forward, you’ll need to use a Trailblazer account to register for events, access Salesforce+, build your agenda, and more.

If you attended a Salesforce event prior to May 2026, your previous login (email and password) will still work for that event only. For all future events, including Connections 2026, you’ll need to create or log in with a Trailblazer account, which connects you across the full Salesforce ecosystem.

If you’re unsure whether you already have a Trailblazer account, try logging in with your email. If needed, click Forgot Password to reset your credentials.

Register now for just $699, a savings of $200 off the Full Conference price. Grab your spot while supplies last!

It includes access to the main keynote, luminary sessions, breakouts, theater sessions, and hands-on demos at Connections 2026. It also includes refreshments, lunch, and admission to the concert.

Please contact the Connections Help Desk from 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. CT:
U.S./Canada: +1-866-855-3818
International: +1-650-416-8832
Email: connectionssupport@salesforce.com

Please contact the Connections Help Desk from 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. CT:
U.S./Canada: +1-866-855-3818
International: +1-650-416-8832
Email: connectionssupport@salesforce.com

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to the Salesforce Events Help Desk at connectionssupport@salesforce.com. For a full refund of the Event registration fees, cancellation notices must be received by 11:59:59 p.m. CT on Friday, May 1, 2026. Cancellation notices received between 12:00 a.m. CT on Saturday, May 2, 2026, and 11:59:59 p.m. CT on Friday, May 15, 2026, will be processed at 50% of the Event registration fees. No refunds will be processed for cancellation notices received after 12:00 a.m. CT on Saturday, May 16, 2026. These cancellation terms also apply to the registration fees for all classes and events ordered as part of Connections 2026.

Full cancellation/substitution terms may be found in the Events Terms of Service.

Accepted payment methods include: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or debit cards with a major credit card logo.

Substitution requests will be processed free of charge if submitted by 11:59:59 p.m. CT on Friday, May 15, 2026. Substitution requests after this date are subject to a USD 100 transaction fee.

Full cancellation/substitution terms may be found in the Events Terms of Service.

Sessions

Main Keynote: Join us to discover the latest product innovations and major announcements from Salesforce. Experience live demos, listen to luminary speakers, and be inspired by captivating stories of customer success.

Keynotes: Experience the latest product innovations and announcements from Salesforce with live demos, luminaries, and stories of customer success for a specific buyer, industry, or topic.

Breakouts: Attend our dynamic 40-minute presentation focusing on a specific product or solution, followed by a Q&A session.

Theaters: Experience a concise and informative 20-minute session introducing a specific topic. Whether it’s tips and tricks or a how-to presentation, you’ll get the essentials in a quick and engaging manner.

Interactive Session Types

Roundtable: Gather with like-minded attendees to discuss a particular topic. This is an opportunity to network and share best practices and common challenges facing the Salesforce community. Moderated by an expert at each table.

Workshop: Participate in an expert-led, 60-minute interactive session to learn a product or skill. The workshop description will let you know if computers are provided or if you need to bring your own device.

Hands-on Training: Facilitated by a Salesforce expert, this is a 60- or 90-minute session that includes guided exercises with hands-on practice in a Salesforce org. Product experts are standing by to help; computers provided.

Community Networking: Connect with peers, community leaders, and Salesforce experts in 45-minute open discussions. Share resources, explore customer success, and gain practical career insights that help you build skills and take the next step in your Salesforce journey.

Submit your session idea through the official Connections Call for Participation on the event website. Complete the online form with your session and speaker details before the CFP deadline of April 3. We look forward to receiving your submission. Best of luck!

Session Leads are encouraged to share their presentations after the conference. Registered attendees can visit the Sessions page the week after the conference to find shared presentations. Limited episodes will be available on demand on Salesforce+.

The Agenda Builder, a powerful tool at your disposal, allows registered attendees to effortlessly view and reserve sessions by date and time, giving you the freedom to shape your time at Connections. You can seamlessly add a session to your agenda by reserving a seat and favoriting sessions you’re interested in. Remember that some session types or activities, such as demos, are not reservable content and won’t appear on the Agenda Builder.

Agenda Builder Terminology

  • The “Seats Available” filter is a practical feature that allows you to see only sessions that still have seats to reserve. This ensures you’re always well-informed and confident in your session selection, making the most of your time at Connections.
  • Your “Reserved” seat can be viewed in your calendar. Click again to release your seat. Please note this DOES NOT apply to the theater, keynote, or breakout session type. 
  • When you see “Drop-in Only,’ the session is at capacity for reservable seats. However, a few seats are available onsite on a first-come, first-served basis for drop-ins. 

Reserving a seat in a session guarantees there will be space for you in that session, as long as you arrive at least five minutes before the start of the session. If a session you want to attend no longer has seats available to reserve, you may still be able to attend by showing up early and joining the drop-in line.

Queuing for sessions start 30 minutes prior to the session start time. Reserved attendees will be let in first and then at five minutes before the session begins, if seats are available, attendees from the drop-in line will gain access. If you are a drop-in attendee, we recommend arriving no later than 30 minutes prior to the session. Keynotes, breakouts, and theaters are first come, first served, and we recommend coming early to ensure you can get a seat.

Favoriting sessions within the catalog adds sessions of interest to your favorites list to view when needed. You can filter for “Your Favorites” in the session catalog navigation pane. As you plan out your schedule, you can favorite multiple sessions that occur at the same time. Please note that favoriting a session is not the same as reserving a seat.


To favorite a session, select the heart next to the session title and the session will appear in your calendar. 

Theater sessions are first come, first seated only and are not reservable. On Agenda Builder, you will have seen the “Reserve” button which allows you to register for all other session types. When it’s on a theater, breakout, or keynote session, it will only be added to your agenda for visibility and does not reserve you a seat in the session due to the session length. Please arrive to the session early to get a seat.

Keynote sessions are first come, first seated only and are not reservable. On Agenda Builder, you will have seen the “Reserve” button which allows you to register for all other session types. When it’s on a theater, breakout, or keynote session, it will only be added to your agenda for visibility and does not reserve you a seat in the session due to the session length. Please arrive to the session early to get a seat.

A drop-in attendee did not reserve a seat in a session. Arrive to the session early, and once reserved attendees have entered, the remaining seats will be given to the drop-in line. 

Build Your Agenda: Use the Agenda Builder to find the keynote, sessions, experiences, and activities that interest you most.

Review the Session Details: Read the full abstract and key takeaways for each session you’ve selected. This ensures the content aligns with your goals and gives you a head start on the topic.

Reserve Your Seat: For workshops, hands-on training, and roundtables, reserve your seat in Agenda Builder. You can book as many sessions as you’d like, as long as they don’t overlap.

Accessibility: For assistance or accessibility questions, contact the Disability Help Desk at least two weeks before the event at DisabilityHelpDesk@Salesforce.com.

Onsite: Use the Salesforce Events mobile app to navigate the campus and confirm session locations. Many sessions repeat on different days, so double-check dates and times.

Arrive Early: Session queues open 30 minutes before the published start time. Reserved seats are seated first; then any remaining seats are offered to the drop-in line on a first-come, first-seated basis. Reserved seats not claimed are released to the drop-in line five minutes before the session begins.

Session Summaries are short, AI-generated recaps of Connections theater sessions and breakouts. They highlight the key points and takeaways so you can quickly catch up on what you missed.

Summaries will appear in three places:

Most summaries will be published within 24 hours of a session finishing, often sooner.

Yes. Each summary includes a Report a Concern link so you can flag issues. Feedback goes directly to the event team for review and resolution.

Certification

There will be one certification exam opportunity at Connections 2026 preconference on June 2 from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. at McCormick Place. A limited number of seats are available. For more information, visit Guide to Certification Exams at Connections 2026.

All Salesforce certification exams valued up to $400 USD will be available. You will select your exam during the event’s exam session.

The Connections 2026 pre-conference certification event will be held from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Please arrive 30 minutes ahead of time.

No, to take a certification exam, you must be a registered Connections 2026 attendee.

The certification package can be added to your Connections 2026 Conference pass during registration or until capacity has been met. One certification exam attempt per Connections registered customer. Seats are limited.

Computers will be provided for the certification exam. Please ensure you have access to your Trailblazer profile prior to arrival and will be able to log in on a public computer. If you don’t have a Trailblazer profile, set one up here.

No, there is no additional cost associated with the certification exam being offered at Connections 2026.

One Salesforce certification exam opportunity can be added to your Connections 2026 Conference pass. The certification exam session has limited seating and you must have the certification package added to your Connections registration. Seats are limited.

Due to the certification exam testing schedule and limited space, time accommodations are not permitted during the certification exam session at Connections 2026.

If you have any certification accessibility requirements, please send us an email at disabilityhelpdesk@salesforce.com.

Trailblazer Bootcamp at Connections

Trailblazer Bootcamp is the place to level up your Salesforce skills. Jump into three days of immersive expert-led training, build meaningful connections with like-minded trailblazers, and walk away ready to put what you learned into action.

Trailblazer Bootcamp takes place before Connections from May 31–June 2 2026, at Salesforce Tower, 333 W. Wolf Point Plaza, Chicago, IL.

Each track aligns to a specific role. Take a look at the detailed descriptions of our Bootcamp tracks to see which suits you best. If you still have questions, you can post them in the Connections Bootcamp community group.

Yes. To ensure the best learning experience possible, we’ve identified some prework for you to complete before you arrive at Trailblazer Bootcamp at Connections 2026. Navigate to your track here and click on the prework link for your track.

No, Trailblazer Bootcamp is an add-on to the Connections 2026 Conference pass. Registration is currently $1,899.

Your Bootcamp experience includes everything you need to succeed, plus a certification exam voucher to put your new skills to the test.

  • Three full days of instructor led training
  • Breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily
  • Trailblazer Bootcamp Welcome Reception

There will be one (1) Connections 2026 certification exam opportunity for bootcamp attendees. This will be on Day 3 of bootcamp and will take place at the Salesforce office. Please reference the Guide to Certification Exams at Connections 2026 for more information. Please note: Computers will not be provided for Bootcamp attendees taking their Connections certification exam. More detailed information will be provided on Day 2 of your Bootcamp.

Bootcamp attendees get one in-person certification opportunity at the Salesforce office. You can save your voucher included with your bootcamp registration for later. This preconference session is an additional option for you and does not need to be added during registration.

No, computers are not provided at Trailblazer Bootcamp. Attendees will need to bring their own computer with the ability to access an internet browser and must obtain admin rights in order to download the appropriate software required to take a certification exam.

Yes. Get updates and post questions in the Connections Bootcamp community group.

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to the Salesforce Events Help Desk at connectionssupport@salesforce.com. For a full refund of the Event registration fees, cancellation notices must be received by 11:59:59 p.m. CT on Friday, May 1, 2026. Cancellation notices received between 12:00 a.m. CT on Saturday, May 2, 2026, and 11:59:59 p.m. CT on Friday, May 15, 2026, will be processed at 50% of the Event registration fees. No refunds will be processed for cancellation notices received after 12:00 a.m. CT on Saturday, May 16, 2026. These cancellation terms also apply to the registration fees for all classes and events ordered as part of Connections 2026.

Full cancellation/substitution terms may be found in the Events Terms of Service.

Accommodations

As Connections approaches, online hotel booking through our portal is now closed. You can still book rooms at our preferred hotels via our trusted partner, aRes Travel.

As Connections approaches, online hotel booking through our portal is now closed. You can still book rooms at our preferred hotels via our trusted partner, aRes Travel


Between May 15, 2026, and May 22, 2026, all Connections hotel reservations will be transferred to the appropriate hotel, and modifications to your hotel reservation will be unavailable. After May 22, 2026, if you would like assistance in making changes, please contact your hotel directly to cancel or change your reservation.

If you reserved a room via the Connections registration process, cancellations must be made according to the hotel’s cancellation policy (between 24–72 hours before arrival, depending on the hotel). Failure to do so will incur a penalty equal to the cost of one night’s room and tax. Please check the Connections Official Hotel List for your hotel’s specific cancellation policy.

Beginning Friday, May 22, 2026, please contact your hotel directly to update the name and credit card on file for the reservation.

The Connections Help Desk operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. CT:

U.S./Canada: +1-866-855-3818
International: +1-650-416-8832
Email: connectionssupport@salesforce.com

If you don’t check in on your scheduled arrival date, the hotel will cancel your entire reservation. They may choose not to reinstate it, even if you arrive the next day. Additionally, you will be charged a penalty equivalent to one night’s room and tax, regardless of whether the reservation is reinstated. You can make changes to your reservation through the registration portal until May 15, 2026. After May 22, 2026, please contact your hotel directly for any changes to your travel plans.

No, deposits are not required. However, if you cancel less than 72 hours before your arrival date, you may be charged for one night’s room and tax to the card you provided during booking. Please review the cancellation policy of the hotel you selected on the Connections Official Hotel List.

Yes, as long as you are the cardholder for the credit card you present at check-in.


If the card used to guarantee your hotel reservation is not in your name, the cardholder must be present at check-in. Alternatively, you can set up a credit card authorization form with the hotel before your arrival. Please contact the hotel directly to obtain a credit card authorization form.

If the card used to guarantee your hotel reservation is not in your name, the cardholder must be present at check-in. Alternatively, you can set up a credit card authorization form with the hotel before your arrival. Please contact the hotel directly to obtain a credit card authorization form.

If the card used to guarantee your hotel reservation is not in your name, the cardholder must be present at check-in. Alternatively, you can set up a credit card authorization form with the hotel before your arrival. Please contact the hotel directly to obtain a credit card authorization form.

Travel

For information on things to do during your stay in Chicago, check out the Chicago Travel website.

Temperatures average between 63 degrees F and 77 degrees F (17–25 degrees C) in June in Chicago. Please pack layers and check weather.com before you travel.

There are two major airports that serve Chicago: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). O’Hare is a 35-to-60-minute drive from downtown Chicago and is accessible via the CTA Blue Line train. Midway is a 25-to-40-minute drive from downtown Chicago and is accessible via the CTA Orange Line train.

You can request an invitation letter to accompany your visa application to attend Connections during the registration process. Your registration must be paid in full before your letter of invitation can be issued.

Please note that requesting a visa invitation letter does not guarantee your local authorities will grant a visa to attend the event. Additionally, you are responsible for submitting your visa application to your local embassy/consulate; conference management will not submit it on your behalf. All requests are subject to review and approval. Please allow up to 10 business days for requests to be reviewed.

Please see this site for public transportation options to arrive at McCormick: https://www.mccormickplace.com/getting-here/public-transportation/

Connections 2026 is open to international travelers who abide by regional travel restrictions and guidelines.

Accessibility

For people with disabilities and/or medical conditions, we want to ensure your Connections experience is as comfortable and accessible as possible. Connections is a dynamic event that spans multiple floors and often involves navigating crowds and walking between locations. 


If you require accommodations, please indicate this on your registration form at least two weeks in advance—a member of our team will follow up directly to support your needs. If you’re unsure whether support is needed, reach out to our Disability Help Desk to speak with an accessibility manager.

Questions? Email us at DisabilityHelpDesk@Salesforce.com.

Connections provides a range of accessibility services, such as real-time captioning, accessible seating, and sensory-friendly spaces. To help us plan effectively, please update your registration profile with any accommodation requests, including services like sign language interpreters or sighted guides, which must be submitted at least two weeks before the event.

  • Before the event: When registering, indicate your accessibility needs by May 20, 2026. If you have already registered, update your attendee profile (where you registered). A team member will contact you to confirm details.
  • During the event: Visit the Disability Help Desk (Level 3, Badge Pickup) or email us at DisabilityHelpDesk@Salesforce.com.

Yes. The Disability Help Desk will be located at McCormick Place West on Level 3 near Badge Pickup.


During the event, if you need accommodations related to a disability, please visit the Disability Help Desk, or email us at DisabilityHelpDesk@Salesforce.com.

Connections has onsite staff dedicated to assisting people with accessibility needs and inquiries. Accessibility staffers will be wearing a blue vest labeled “Accessibility Support” and will be stationed throughout the venue to support you and answer any questions you may have. 

Yes. Connections is located at McCormick Place West, and there is a designated drop-off and pickup area at Gate 40 that has ramped curbs and automatic entry doors. McCormick Place has accessible sidewalk ramps and elevators. All meeting rooms, theaters, and bathrooms are accessible by wheelchair.

Connections does not offer mobility aid rentals, but you can reserve a scooter in advance through Scootaround. Scootaround is located in McCormick Place on the ground floor and can provide a quote via phone or chat.

There will be power outlets throughout the campus. Feel free to charge wherever and when needed.

Accessible entrances and seating are available at all sessions.

Keynotes:
Seating Ambassadors with “Accessible Seating” signs will guide you.

Breakouts:
Let the room ambassador scanning badges know you need accessible seating—they’ll help you bypass the line if a seat is available.

All seats are first come, first served, and you may bring one person with you.

Sign language interpreters can be provided and must be requested by May 20, 2026. You can request this during registration by logging into your account, selecting “Update attendee profile,” and indicating “yes” under accessibility accommodations. Please provide details about your specific needs, and a team member will follow up with you directly.

While we strive to fulfill all requests, accommodations made on short notice are subject to availability.

Sighted guides can be requested upon registration and must be requested by May 20, 2026. If you have already registered, please log in to your account and select “Update attendee profile” to edit your preferences. Indicate “yes,” you need accessibility accommodations, and specify your request. A member of our team will contact you to discuss your specific requirements.

You can also request this at the Disability Help Desk. We will do our best to accommodate requests on short notice.

Connections will have a low-sensory room where attendees can decompress. You can find it in room W473.


Please help keep the space calm by following these guidelines: keep audio on personal devices off or use ear buds, avoid meetings or conversations with others, and do not bring in high-smell foods or noisy foods with crunchy textures or crinkly wrappers.

Yes. We welcome you and your service animal throughout the event. Owners must take full responsibility for their animals. Animals can relieve themselves outside anywhere around the venue. The owner is responsible for cleaning up after the animal and disposing of waste properly.

We will have accessible-height counters at Registration. There will be signs directing you through the line to the necessary desk. Please connect with a staffer if you have any questions.

Onsite Information

Badge Pickup is located at McCormick Place West, Level 3 - Lobby. Hours are:

  • Tuesday, June 2: 2:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, June 3: 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, June 4: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.


Important notes:

  • All attendees are subject to a mandatory security screening to enter the event. Be sure to allow enough time for this when planning your arrival.
  • You must show a government-issued photo ID when picking up your badge.
  • All attendees must pick up their own badge. Pick up for others is not permitted.
  • Attendees must wear their event badge at all times during conference activities. 
  • If you lose your badge, you will need to go to the registration desk and request a new one. The replacement badge fee is US$150.

For rideshare vehicles and taxis, please drop off at McCormick Place West, Gate 40 (S Indiana Ave). This is also an accessible entrance.

Attire for the event is business casual. Temperatures average between 60–80 degrees F (15–26 degrees C) in June in Chicago. Please pack layers and check weather.com before you travel.

SSID: #CNX26
PWD: Connections26

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026

  • Location: Level 1 only, by bus transportation center 
  • Hours of Operation: 7:00am - 5:30pm 

Thursday, June 4th, 2026

  • Location: Level 2
  • Hours of Operation: 7:30am - 4:30pm 

Note: Bags or backpacks exceeding 12" x 18" x 6" will not be allowed into Connections this year. These must be checked at the event Coat and Bag Check. All bags are subject to search.

Yes. To provide a welcoming environment for all attendees, a dedicated Parent’s Room will be available. 

This is a Mamava unit for nursing mothers in need of a private space. It is located on Level 1 (across from the Information Desk) and is open during normal conference hours.

Please access the Mamava unit using the Mamava app. Note, there are no storage cubbies or refrigerators inside.

Yes. All-gender bathrooms are located throughout McCormick Place West.

The Quiet Zone and Multifaith Room are available on Level 4 to all attendees. Utilize the space to pray, meditate, and quietly reflect. Prayer rugs and accessory materials will be provided. Please do not remove any items from the room.

We’ve set up multiple spaces for you to recharge and refuel. A lunch and afternoon snack will be provided during the event on Levels 1 and 3. Water bubblers are located on every level of McCormick Place West. To conserve water, we’re minimizing water-intensive products like beef and single-use plastic water bottles. 

If you require a specialty meal (halal, kosher, or celiac), please speak to a staff member in Connections Cafe on Level 3.

Lost & Found items should be returned to the Badge Pickup Help Desk on Level 3.

Hours of Operation:

  • Wednesday, June 3: 7:30am -5:00pm 
  • Thursday, June 4: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Win fun prizes while exploring the future of agentic marketing at CNX26.

After completing each Mission activity, ensure your CNX badge is scanned at the designated location. Track your progress and get more details in the Salesforce Events mobile app (App Store | Google Play).

How to play:

  1. Download the Salesforce Events mobile app.
  2. Log in with your CNX registration email.
  3. Navigate to the Mission section under "My Event" and learn more about how to play.
  4. Redeem your prize at the Registration desk on Day 2.

Salesforce Events Mobile App

The Salesforce Events app is your indispensable guide to building your personalized Connections schedule, navigating your way onsite, and finding information about activities, meal locations, and more.

Now available for download at: https://www.salesforce.com/events/mobile-app-download/

If you’re having any trouble with your app and/or logging in, please visit us at the Mobile App Help Desk near Badge Pickup on Level 3.

The Party at Connections

The party of the year is back on June 3. Join us at Wintrust Arena (6 p.m.–9 p.m.) for an electric party with food, drinks, and a mind-blowing musical performance by Smashing Pumpkins. CNX Full-Badge required. See you there.

The Party at Connections takes place at Wintrust Arena only a few steps away from McCormick Place. The celebration happens after content ends on day one of Connections. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the party goes until 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to get a good spot on the concert floor. 

Bring your CNX Conference badge — this is your ticket into the party, and you must wear it at all times. Please note that there is no reentry. Once you leave, your badge will not allow you back inside. 

As always, if you see something, say something. If you see something suspicious, text us at +1-978-533-4357.

There is no parking at or near Wintrust Arena on the night of the event.

We recommend leaving your large bags and coats at home. The concert will be fully indoors at Wintrust Arena and we want you to leave room to dance. However, purses, bags, and backpacks will be allowed inside if needed. Please note, these will be security screened at the entrance to the venue.

Wintrust Arena is located directly next to McCormick Place and is an easy walk over.

We are excited to celebrate with our Abilityforce community. If you need assistance at the the party, look for a volunteer holding a handheld “A11y” sign. We have reserved seating in the arena, all around the top of the concourse, captioning monitors, and accessible bathrooms are located throughout the venue. 

What's a party without snacks? Food and beverages are included throughout the night at no charge. Expect multiple food stations along with beer, wine, and nonalcoholic options — all with dietary restrictions in mind.

We encourage all attendees to walk to Wintrust Arean if you are heading over from McCormick Place, as this is the easiest path to the venue. If you plan to arrive from a further location, you do have the option to take a rideshare vehicle to the venue which will drop you off close to the front entrace of the arena doors. 

Don’t worry. Any items left behind will be taken to the McCormick lost and found at the end of the night and will be available for pickup the following day.

Absolutely. An assortment of heavy appetizers will be available, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. If you requested a kosher, halal, or celiac meal at registration, those specialty meals will also be available onsite. Just ask any Wintrust staff member for assistance upon arrival.

The iconic Smashing Pumpkins are our headliners this year. Get ready for a night of pure entertainment from one of Chicago’s best. Plus, stay tuned for more surprises to come from our lineup soon. 

We’d love to meet everyone, but The Party at Connections is an exclusive event for our registered attendees. To ensure there’s plenty of space for our Connections attendees to connect, we cannot accommodate plus-ones.