Last verified: September 11, 2026 · how we verify
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Q2B Chicago x CQE 2026 is part of the Q2B conference series, an international platform for quantum computing that brings together the research community and the companies working to commercialise it. The series is presented by QC Ware, and the Chicago edition is co-branded with CQE, linking the event to the city's quantum research ecosystem. Its audience spans researchers, industry professionals, startups, educators, students and investors. The conference takes place from 8 to 10 December 2026 at the Marriott Marquis Chicago as an in-person event. Q2B programmes typically combine talks from academic and industry speakers with hands-on workshops, technology demonstrations and an exhibition area, giving attendees a view of both foundational research and early business applications. Chicago is a fitting host, given the region's concentration of national laboratories, universities and quantum hardware efforts. Attendees can learn about recent progress in quantum hardware, algorithms and software, and gain a clearer sense of where quantum technologies may deliver practical value. For a field still moving from laboratory to market, Q2B Chicago provides a meeting point where scientists, engineers and investors can assess progress together and form the collaborations that the next stage of quantum computing will require.
Q2B Chicago x CQE 2026 takes place December 8–10, 2026 in Chicago, United States.
Q2B Chicago x CQE 2026 is an in-person event.
Travel questions? See Good to know in the travel guide below.
Q2B runs at the Marriott Marquis beside McCormick Place in the South Loop, which puts delegates a few minutes from the Museum Campus and a short ride from the Loop proper. December in Chicago is unambiguous winter: around freezing, frequent snow, and the lake wind cutting across the open convention plazas. The upside is a quiet, handsome city, Christkindlmarket in full swing, and museums with no queues at all.
McCormick Place is served by Metra Electric from Millennium Station, roughly 10 minutes, and by CTA buses along the lakefront. From O'Hare (ORD) the Blue Line reaches the Loop in about 45 minutes, then transfer; from Midway (MDW) the Orange Line takes around 30. In deep winter many delegates simply use rideshare for the final leg rather than waiting outdoors for a connection.
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Coverage in the South Loop and convention district is reliable, though the halls themselves get congested during plenaries. An eSIM organised before arrival keeps international delegates off punitive US roaming for a three-day stay. Set up an eSIM with Airalo before you board and you're online the moment you land.
Field Museum. A natural history collection including Sue the Tyrannosaurus, on the Museum Campus about 15 minutes from McCormick Place. December is its quietest season, which transforms the experience. Three hours for the headline halls, and the campus walk is short but bitterly exposed. Tickets on Tiqets →
Shedd Aquarium. On the same lakefront campus, with an Oceanarium looking out over Lake Michigan through a glass wall - a striking view when the lake is grey and churning in winter. Book a timed entry. Two to three hours, and easy to pair with the Field Museum next door. Tickets on Go City →
Adler Planetarium. At the tip of Northerly Island, with the single best skyline view in Chicago from behind it. Relevant company for a quantum crowd, and rarely busy in December. Ninety minutes inside, plus ten for the view - worth braving the wind along the point. Tickets on Go City →
Christkindlmarket. A German-style Christmas market in Daley Plaza in the Loop, running through December with gluhwein, ornaments and a standing crowd of locals. It is the reason to head downtown in the evening. An hour, and go on a weekday when it is less crushed.
How do I get to McCormick Place from downtown?
Metra Electric from Millennium Station takes about 10 minutes to McCormick Place, and CTA buses run along the lakefront. Rideshare is common in winter weather.
How cold is Chicago in December?
Around freezing, often below, with snow likely and strong wind off the lake. A proper winter coat, hat and gloves are not optional for the walk between venues.
Is the Museum Campus walkable from the venue?
It is close - roughly 15 minutes on foot - but the route is exposed to lake wind. In December most people take a bus or rideshare for those few blocks.
Travel notes written for Q2B Chicago x CQE 2026 attendees. Links marked above are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Verify schedules and opening hours on official websites before you travel.
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