01
DiscoverExplore
Saturday 5 December
Learn • Explore • Collaborate
- Business Expo & Product Showcase
- Expert Speakers & Industry Panels
- Manufacturing Pavilion
- Live Demonstrations
Anjuman-e-Saifee Chicago presents a Business Expo
Where businesses meet, grow & thrive
The Biz Connect Showcase
Entrepreneurs, business owners, manufacturers, retailers, innovators, startups and investors from across the community — two days to connect, collaborate and grow, under one roof in Chicagoland.
- 54ExhibitorsSigned so far, more to come
- 17SpeakersConfirmed so far, more to come
- 8SessionsPlus two keynotes
- FreeEntryPre-registration required
- 54 exhibitors and more to come, across eight industry pavilions — with a dedicated focus on manufacturing.
- Opening keynote: Abidali Neemuchwala — Tech Investor and Ex-CEO Wipro.
- Guests of honour: Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and Jonathan L. Jackson.
Entry is free, but pre-registration is required — registration closes 3 December.
Saturday 11:00 am · Opening keynote
CEO Stories
Prominent CEOs share their journeys and what they learned along the way — the weekend opens with the one session everybody in the room has a reason to be at.
Who attends
Who you’ll meet
Every seat has a purpose. These are the people in the room and what each of them came for — so you know who to look for, and who is looking for you.
Executives
Seeking partners and vendors.
Business owners
Scaling or succession planning.
Founders
Ready to raise or launch.
Investors
Looking for vetted opportunities.
Community leaders
Builders of local commerce.
Professionals
Advisors, consultants, specialists.
What’s in it for you
Eight reasons to attend
People, ideas and opportunities — two days built so you leave with more of all three than you arrived with.
Fresh perspectives
Hear new ideas and trends from across industries.
Sector pavilions
Eight focused zones — spend your time where your industry lives.
Brand visibility
Show your products and services to people who buy, partner and invest.
Real conversations
Step away from the screen and talk face to face.
Hands-on workshops
Government contracting, sales strategy, and more.
Connections that last
Build a network you can tap long after this weekend.
CEO stories
Learn from CEOs as they share their journeys and insights.
Networking bingo
Turn introductions into connections with a playful challenge.
Programme
Two days of inspiration, innovation & opportunity
Each day has its own job. Day one puts the businesses in front of the room, day two turns all of it into what comes next.
02
GrowThrive
Sunday 6 December
Lead • Innovate • Thrive
- Startup & Innovation Spotlight
- Leadership & Business Growth Sessions
- Closing Keynote
- Recognition Ceremony & Final Networking
Confirmed sessions and speakers are listed below. Remaining slots, including the keynotes, are announced as they are finalised.
Biz Connect Chicago 2026 Speaker Agenda
Saturday 5 December8:30am – 3:30pm
Sunday 6 December8:30am – 3:30pm
9:00 am
Saturday 5 December
Programme to be announced
Sunday 6 December
Programme to be announced
10:00 am
Saturday 5 December
Programme to be announced
Sunday 6 December
How do I use AI in my business?
A panel on using AI to generate more revenue for your business.
Alifya Kagalwala
Mufaddal Khambaty
Hussain Presswala
Abdeali Nagarwala
11:00 am
Saturday 5 December
Keynote
CEO Stories
Prominent CEOs share their journeys and what they learned along the way.
Abidali NeemuchwalaTech Investor and Ex-CEO Wipro
Sunday 6 December
Keynote
CEO Stories
Prominent CEOs share their journeys and learnings — so you don’t make the same mistake.
Abeezar TybejeeCEO, Shipcom Wireless
12:00 pm
Saturday 5 December
Community and Public Leadership
A conversation on community priorities, civic engagement and the connections between business and public service.
Saba Haider
Sunday 6 December
Programme to be announced
1:00 pm
Saturday 5 December
Selling to the Government: A Hands-On Workshop
Understand procurement opportunities, tips, guidelines, tender readiness and the steps toward competing for government contracts with Apex Accelerator (Ian Quan), Hussain Ezzy, Fakhruddin Cutlerywala and Huzaifa Hussain.
Ian Quan
Hussain Ezzy
Fakhruddin Cutlerywala
Huzaifa Hussain
Sunday 6 December
Sell Differently: the mindset shift that changes everything
What if your biggest sales barrier isn’t your strategy, your skills or your pipeline — but your mindset? How a shift in perspective can transform the way you sell, influence and win.
Tasneem Talib Ali
2:00 pm
Saturday 5 December
Manufacturing Opportunities
How to get into manufacturing — tips, grants, tax breaks and more, with the Illinois Manufacturing Association.
Speakers to be announced.
Sunday 6 December
Biz Lifecycle: from start to finish
Lessons on ideation, starting, sustaining, growing and scaling a business, including women’s entrepreneurship.
Tasneem Khokha
Mustaali Kanch
Mustansir Saifuddin
Husaina Badshah
3:00 pm
Saturday 5 December
Raffles and Networking Bingo
Prize raffles and the networking bingo challenge to close the day.
Sunday 6 December
Raffles and Networking Bingo
Prize raffles and the networking bingo challenge to close the day.
Speakers
Who you will hear from
Keynote
Abidali Neemuchwala
Tech Investor and Ex-CEO Wipro
CEO Stories
Saba Haider
Community & Public Leadership
Alifya Kagalwala
AI in your business
Mufaddal Khambaty
AI in your business
Hussain Presswala
AI in your business
Abdeali Nagarwala
AI in your business
Ian Quan
Selling to the Government
Hussain Ezzy
Selling to the Government
Fakhruddin Cutlerywala
Selling to the Government
Huzaifa Hussain
Selling to the Government
Tasneem Talib Ali
Sell Differently
Tasneem Khokha
Biz Lifecycle
Mustaali Kanch
Biz Lifecycle
Mustansir Saifuddin
Biz Lifecycle
Husaina Badshah
Biz Lifecycle
Yusuf Hakim
Session to be announced
Keynote
Abeezar Tybejee
CEO, Shipcom Wireless
CEO Stories
With over 23 years of experience in startups, the Department of Defense and business development, Abeezar has built Shipcom into a trusted partner for agencies including the US Marines, US Navy, DHS, FEMA and more. Their flagship Shipcom AI platform powers the $14 billion supply chain of the US Navy’s DDG 51 Class Aegis Program, ensures IoT logistics and cybersecurity for DHS-CBP operations on the US Southern Border, and supports FEMA’s emergency supply chain needs.
Guests of honour
Distinguished guests
Meet the leaders bringing public service, enterprise and community progress to Biz Connect Chicago.
The Honorable
Raja Krishnamoorthi
U.S. Representative, Illinois’ 8th District
The Honorable
Jonathan L. Jackson
U.S. Representative, Illinois’ 1st District
Dr. M. Anand Prakash
Consul General of India
Zaman Mehdi
Consul General of Pakistan
John Curran
Illinois State Senator, 41st District
Exhibitors
Who is on the floor
54 businesses confirmed so far, across eight industry pavilions. More are being added as the committee confirms them — pick a pavilion to see who is in it.
53 Jewels
Retail & Consumer Goods
Alwaan
Food & Hospitality
A Chicago food business of twenty years' standing.
AMAZ
Technology & Innovation
Networking and cybersecurity services.
BluPencil Consulting (opens in a new tab)
Technology & Innovation
Bohri & Associates
Professional Services
Broad Peak Systems Inc
Technology & Innovation
CIG Garment Manufacturing (opens in a new tab)
Manufacturing
Customised garment manufacturing — hoodies, sweatshirts, sweatpants, polo shirts — knitting its own fabric in Toronto.
Crescent Consultants
Professional Services
Cysora (opens in a new tab)
Technology & Innovation
Emrixtech Inc (opens in a new tab)
Professional Services
Ezzy Associates (opens in a new tab)
Professional Services
Faya Jewels
Retail & Consumer Goods
Floor Chem Inc
Manufacturing
Greenback Holdings Inc.
Professional Services
A business web app, launching soon.
HarborTechAI
Technology & Innovation
HAZWOPER OSHA Training
Professional Services
Hilal Software Corporation
Technology & Innovation
Business automation built on AI.
iThink Solutions
Healthcare & Wellness
Jamali Kitchen
Food & Hospitality
Jamali Kopy Kat Printing
Retail & Consumer Goods
A family-owned printing company in Bellwood, established in 1973 and serving businesses across the area for over fifty years.
Kapasi’s Kupcakes
Food & Hospitality
Kettle & Oak (opens in a new tab)
Real Estate & Construction
Kings Bathroom and Kitchen
Manufacturing
Full home renovation, and kitchen cabinets manufactured in house.
LSS Sweet and Spicy
Food & Hospitality
Maaeidaah Catering
Food & Hospitality
Majma Cafe
Food & Hospitality
A tea and fusion café in the making, bringing a few recipes to the floor.
Melt N Dip
Food & Hospitality
MH Handcrafted
Manufacturing
Premium event fabrication and builds, specialising in brand activations and pop-ups.
Mubarak Caterers
Food & Hospitality
Nafees Consulting
Professional Services
Recruitment across the industrial and corporate sectors, partnering with businesses throughout North America on sales, HR, finance, IT and administration hiring.
Namaa Properties (opens in a new tab)
Real Estate & Construction
Nuqisoaps
Manufacturing
All-natural, organic and vegan skin and hair care, made with herbs and suited to all ages and skin types.
Quami Libas
Retail & Consumer Goods
Men's and children's wear — kurta, saya suits, pehran, izar, topi, pheta, phagdi, masalla and rumals.
Royal Cyber (opens in a new tab)
Technology & Innovation
SBS America (opens in a new tab)
Real Estate & Construction
A Mumineen investment fund bringing diversified options across asset classes to the community.
Scentivana
Manufacturing
Perfume, attar and bakhoor.
Siraj Frames
Retail & Consumer Goods
Framed photographs and canvases of Aqa Moula, exhibiting on behalf of a family business in India.
Smooth Solutions Medspa (opens in a new tab)
Healthcare & Wellness
SpotGenius (opens in a new tab)
Technology & Innovation
Stallion Builders, Inc (opens in a new tab)
Real Estate & Construction
Sukoon Selection
Manufacturing
Handcrafted jewellery.
Surti Diamond Company
Retail & Consumer Goods
The Premium Basket (opens in a new tab)
Food & Hospitality
The Trendy Store
Retail & Consumer Goods
Tip Top
Retail & Consumer Goods
Vanilla Bean
Food & Hospitality
A home-based pastry business specialising in custom desserts and cakes, run by a certified pastry chef.
Vela Healthcare and Wellness
Healthcare & Wellness
WOLF
Real Estate & Construction
Xcelacore AI (opens in a new tab)
Technology & Innovation
Xcelacore AI delivers enterprise-grade AI solutions, right-sized for the businesses that drive our economy.
Zahra's Kitchen
Food & Hospitality
Zeez Bakeshop
Food & Hospitality
ZS Global Enterprise (opens in a new tab)
Real Estate & Construction
Showing all 54 confirmed exhibitors.
Registration
Register to attend
Attendee
FreePre-registration required
Why attend
- Hear from leaders who have built businesses within and beyond the community.
- Find the trends, tools and technology reshaping your sector before your competition does.
- Build relationships that outlast the weekend — suppliers, partners, mentors, customers.
Your pass includes
- Full two-day access to keynotes, panels and sessions
- Entry to the exhibition floor across both days
- One ticket covers both days — come to either, or both
- Attendee badge and event materials
- Automatic, exclusive raffle ticket (prizes include big-screen TV, iPad, and more!)
Complete your registration
Register for the showcase
It takes about three minutes. Entry is free — there is nothing to pay, but everyone attending must register. Your registration includes an exclusive raffle ticket (prizes include big-screen TV, iPad, and more!)
Name, email and phone to hand
About 3 minutes
Confirmation by email once the form is in
Form not loading? It opens fine in its own tab. Open the registration form
The Venue
Compass Arena, Willowbrook
A state-of-the-art arena and dining destination in Chicagoland—open floor for the expo, rooms for sessions, and space to keep talking once the sessions end.
- Address625 Joliet Road, Willowbrook, Illinois 60527
- Getting thereRoughly 25–30 minutes from Chicago Midway (MDW) and about 40 minutes from O’Hare (ORD), traffic permitting.
- ParkingOn-site parking available for attendees and exhibitors.
Exterior
Photograph to come
Expo floor
Photograph to come
Dining
Photograph to come
Where to stay
Delta Hotels by Marriott Chicago Willowbrook
7800 S Kingery Highway, Willowbrook — a few minutes from the arena on Route 83. A discounted group rate is available for showcase guests; mention The Biz Connect Showcase when booking.
Questions
Good to know
Who is this showcase for?
Anyone doing business or preparing to. Established owners, professionals, manufacturers and retailers will find buyers and partners; startups, students and first-time founders will find mentors and a first audience. You do not need a booth to get value from both days.
How do I register?
Complete the form above — name, email, phone and a little about your business. Entry is free, but pre-registration is required: register in advance rather than turning up on the day. Your confirmation is emailed once the form is in. Attendees must be over 16.
Can I come for just one day?
Yes. One ticket covers both days and you are welcome at either. Saturday leans toward the exhibition floor, government procurement and manufacturing; Sunday toward AI, sales and the business lifecycle panel. The full agenda is above.
Is food available at the venue?
Yes. Food stalls and vendors will be on site across both days serving halal food. Compass Arena is a combined arena and dining venue. There are also halal restaurants a few minutes away if you would rather go out — several are listed above.
Around Chicago
Make a weekend of it
Compass Arena is about 25 minutes from downtown Chicago. If you are travelling in for the showcase, these are worth the extra day.
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
One of the great encyclopaedic museums — the Impressionist rooms, American Gothic, and the Thorne Miniature Rooms. Book a timed entry slot.
Plan a visit
View
Skydeck at Willis Tower
103 floors up, with the glass Ledge boxes that cantilever out over Wacker Drive. Timed tickets, cheapest well before sunset.
Book tickets
Tour
Architecture River Cruise
The Chicago Architecture Center's docent-led cruise along all three branches of the river. Widely rated the single best thing to do in the city.
Browse tours
Free
Millennium Park & The Bean
Cloud Gate, the Pritzker Pavilion and Lurie Garden, all walkable from the Loop. No ticket needed.
Park information
Museum
Museum of Science and Industry
A captured U-505 submarine, a full coal mine and a 3,500 sq ft model railroad. The strongest pick if families are travelling with you.
Tickets & hours
Family
Navy Pier
The Centennial Wheel, boat departures and the lakefront promenade. Entry is free; rides and attractions are ticketed individually.
What's on
Food is available on site. Food stalls and vendors will be at
Compass Arena across both days serving halal food, so you do not need to leave the
venue to eat. The restaurants below are for anyone who wants to make more of the
trip.
Halal dining near the venue
Willowbrook, Oak Brook and Naperville — drive times from Compass ArenaLevantine
Damascus Falafel
The closest strong option to the arena, right up Route 83. Sit-down Levantine grills and mezze, 4.6 on Zabihah with a high halal rating. Prayer space on request.
Directions & phoneMiddle Eastern
Kabob Q
Full-service kebab house a couple of minutes further on 75th. Straightforward, comfortable, and easy for a group after sessions.
Directions & phoneMediterranean
Pita Pita Mediterranean Grill
Sit-down Mediterranean carrying Zabihah's top halal rating and a five-star average. The pick if you want somewhere properly nice for a business dinner.
Directions & phoneAfghan
Afghani Box
Full-service Afghan kitchen — kabuli pulao, mantu, charcoal kebabs. Also top halal rating and five stars.
Directions & phoneMiddle Eastern
Pitaville
Larger sit-down room that handles bigger tables well. High halal rating across two dozen reviews.
Directions & phoneIndian · Pakistani
JK Kabab
The closest thing to familiar desi cooking done as a proper sit-down restaurant rather than a counter.
Directions & phoneWorth the drive into the city
25–40 minutes from the arenaIndian · Pakistani
Ghareeb Nawaz
A Chicago institution — enormous plates, very cheap, no frills at all. Go for the food and the story, not the room.
DetailsMiddle Eastern
Naz's Halal Food
Platters, gyros and grills. Also carries Zabihah's highest halal rating.
DetailsMediterranean
I Dream Of Falafel
Fast-casual bowls and wraps with several Loop locations — the easiest option between sessions downtown.
DetailsIndian · Pakistani
Tandoor Char House
Sit-down North Indian on Halsted, one of the higher-rated halal kitchens in the city.
Details
Every restaurant above is drawn from Zabihah, the community-verified halal directory, and none is listed as serving alcohol. Zabihah carries 200+ more across Chicago. Please still confirm directly before you go — ownership and certification change, and this list is a starting point rather than an endorsement. Drive times are approximate.