Model Your McCormick Place Booth, CWT Drayage & Labor Budget
- Raw Floor Space (200 sq ft × $49)
- $9,800
- Local Chicago Turnkey Booth & Graphics
- $7,308
- Material Handling / Drayage (4 CWT)
- $768
- Installation & Dismantle Labor (4 hrs)
- $632
- 20A Electrical + Hardline Ethernet
- $1,865
- Staff Lodging, Resort Fees, Tax & GSA Meals
- $7,032
Union Jurisdiction & Self-Setup Policy in Chicago
Carpenters Local 1027 (Uncrating & Build) • Decorators Local 17 (Drapery/Graphics) • IBEW Local 134 (Electrical & Monitors) • Riggers Local 136 (Heavy Machinery >2,000 lbs)
How Exhibitors Cut McCormick Place Show-Manual Invoices by 30%–55%
- Target weekday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM straight-time move-in & move-out windows at McCormick Place; weekend move-out automatically triggers 1.5x to 2.0x overtime labor and drayage surcharges.
- If exhibiting heavy industrial equipment (>2,000 lbs) at IMTS or PACK EXPO, pre-submit certified CAD weight drawings 45 days out so Machinery Movers Local 136 spot cranes once without re-spotting fees.
- Use a local Chicagoland EAC turnkey exhibit builder to ship pre-assembled aluminum frames directly on straight-time target days, cutting carpenter uncrating hours by up to 50%.
Local Chicago Exhibitor Supplier Directory (Chicago Trade Show (McCormick Place))
Compare local market pricing against show-manual rates. Select any category below to request 3 complimentary itemized proposals from insured local Chicago specialists.
Exhibiting in Chicago again within 6 months? Store booth crates locally from $249/mo vs. $4,200+ in round-trip LTL freight.
Traveling internationally? Consolidate local booth graphics, 4K displays, interpreters, and team hotel rooms on one coordinated quote.
Audio Visual & LED Rentals
Save 45%–70% vs. in-house hotel AV & show-kit 4K monitor/LED wall rentals
Custom Exhibit & Booth Builders
Save 35%–50% via local EAC custom booth builders & turnkey I&D crews
Trade Show Freight, Crate Storage & Sprinters
Direct advance-warehouse freight, crate storage & executive Sprinter shuttle loops
Rush Large-Format Print, Banners & Swag
Same-day 24hr corridor tension fabric backdrops, retractable banners & promo kits
Booth Staffing, Brand Ambassadors & Interpreters
Local W-2 badge scanners, technical interpreters & hospitality hosts (zero airfare)
DMC, VIP Buyouts & Executive Catering
Turnkey VIP reception buyouts, private steakhouse dinners & hospitality suites
Chicago Booth Budgeting, Drayage & Procurement FAQs
What does the McCormick Place Exhibitor Bill of Rights allow?
At McCormick Place, full-time exhibitor personnel may set up and dismantle their own booth up to 300 sq ft (e.g., 10x10, 10x20, or 10x30) using hand tools and cordless power tools, and may install/test their own computers and monitors up to standard single-person lift limits.
Why do weekend move-ins cost significantly more in Chicago?
Saturday work generally bills at 1.5x overtime and Sunday/holiday hours bill at 2.0x double-time across Carpenters, Decorators, IBEW electricians, and drayage unloading crews. Scheduling a Thursday straight-time target delivery can save $2,500–$9,000+ on mid-size islands.
Where do freight trucks check in for McCormick Place?
All commercial carriers must weigh in and stage at the McCormick Place Marshaling Yard (31st Street Lot) to receive a numbered dock pass onto the dedicated Busway / Truck Way before approaching South, North, or West Hall docks.