Loading…
Loading…
Your trip plan
A step-by-step plan for Chicago — built backwards from the goal: arrive prepared, do the expo well, get back. Event dates: August 28, 2026 – August 31, 2026.
Now
Visa & entry
If you need a visa, start the process well before August 28, 2026 — processing can take several weeks.
Travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries need an approved ESTA before flying; others require a B-1/B-2 visitor visa from a US embassy or consulate. Apply well ahead via the official US government sites.
General guidance only — always confirm requirements with the official embassy/consulate for your nationality.
Flights
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) — ~27km to centre
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) — ~16km to centre
1–2 weeks out
Connectivity & money
AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon SIMs at the airport and city stores
eSIM: Airalo and similar eSIMs cover the USA
Plug: Type A / B (North American) · 120V / 60Hz
US Dollar (USD)
Cards and contactless are accepted virtually everywhere.
Pack for the weather — August
High ~28°C · Low ~18°C
Warm, humid late summer with occasional thunderstorms.
Travel info sources: https://www.choosechicago.com · https://www.transitchicago.com · https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
Light summer clothing; a light layer for strong indoor AC and lake breezes.
Save before you go
📿 A prayer-times app, or use the venue timetable in Phase 3 below.
🆘 Emergency: 911 · Police 911
During the expo
Airport → venue & getting around
The CTA runs the "L" rapid-transit trains and an extensive bus network across the city; Metra serves the suburbs.
A Ventra card (or contactless) works on all CTA trains and buses.
Taxis and rideshare are plentiful downtown; a car helps for the southwest-suburb halal hubs.
Eat — halal near the venue
Programme — what to catch
Speakers to catch: , , ,
Prayer at the venue
| Day | Fajr | Dhuhr | Asr | Maghrib | Isha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 28 Aug | 04:32 | 12:52 | 16:35 | 19:30 | 21:04 |
| Sat 29 Aug | 04:33 | 12:51 | 16:34 | 19:29 | 21:02 |
| Sun 30 Aug | 04:35 | 12:51 | 16:33 | 19:27 | 21:00 |
| Mon 31 Aug | 04:36 | 12:51 | 16:32 | 19:25 | 20:58 |
Approximate (Muslim World League method) — confirm locally on the day.
A spare evening
Millennium Park & the Art Institute
The Loop
Cloud Gate ("The Bean") and a world-class art museum.
Navy Pier & the Riverwalk
Streeterville / River
Lakefront attractions and an architecture river cruise.
Willis Tower Skydeck
West Loop
Glass-ledge views over the city and Lake Michigan.
The reason you came
Find suppliers to meet
Browse halal suppliers ahead of the show and shortlist who to visit.
Browse the supplier directory →Book meetings ahead
Don't walk in cold — message suppliers via their directory profiles to line up meetings before you arrive.
Open the directory →