SXSWMar 13–16, 2027 (Creative Industries Expo)
SXSW (South by Southwest) Expo & Activations
Move-In: 2027-03-11
EST. 10x10 ALL-IN
Cost Guide →~$8,533
AUSTIN, TXEXHIBITOR-FRIENDLY
Calculate Austin Convention Center Drayage →Austin Convention Center & Palmer Events Center
Texas technology, Web3, CPG, and creative hub hosting SXSW Expo, Consensus, AfroTech, and Texas restaurant/retail shows.
UNION & BUILDING TELEMETRYExhibitor-Friendly
LABOR JURISDICTIONTexas Right-to-Work (IATSE Local 205)
CEILING CLEARANCEExhibit Halls 1–5: 30–31 ft clear height
DRAYAGE ESTIMATE~$168 per 100 lbs (CWT)
VENUE ADDRESS500 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
EXHIBITOR DIY SETUP & MARSHALING RULES
Union Jurisdiction & Dock Rules at Austin Convention Center
- DIY Exhibitor Setup Rule: Exhibitors may hand-carry and assemble 10x10 and 10x20 SEG lightboxes, tension fabric walls, and podium counters using their own team.
- Marshaling Yard & Dock Protocol: Downtown Red River St loading docks have tight turnarounds during SXSW and Consensus; advance warehouse shipping is recommended.
- Ceiling Height & Hanging Sign Limits: Exhibit Halls 1–5: 30–31 ft clear height
SLASH DRAYAGE WITH TOOL-FREE DISPLAYS
Lightweight Purchased Displays & Turnkey Rentals
Avoid $1,500+ union drayage bills at Austin Convention Center with tool-free purchased displays (yours to keep) or turnkey rental booths:
- 3ft SEG Fabric Stand (14 lbs — $165 Buy & Keep) →
- 10ft SEG Fabric Display (34 lbs — $475 Buy & Keep) →
- 20ft SEG Fabric Wall (64 lbs — $895 Buy & Keep) →
- 8ft Backlit SEG Lightbox (48 lbs — $1190 Buy & Keep) →
- 10ft Backlit SEG Wall (56 lbs — $1250 Buy & Keep) →
- Straight Tension Fabric Wall (26 lbs — $525 Buy & Keep) →
- The NXT PopUp 10x10 (10x10 Turnkey Rental — $650) →
- The NXT Base 10x10 (10x10 Turnkey Rental — $1,150) →
Upcoming 2026–2027 Trade Shows in Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions — Austin Convention CenterShow 3 FAQs ▾
Can I set up my own 10x10 or 10x20 trade show booth at Austin Convention Center?
Exhibitors may hand-carry and assemble 10x10 and 10x20 SEG lightboxes, tension fabric walls, and podium counters using their own team. Primary labor jurisdiction at Austin Convention Center is Texas Right-to-Work (IATSE Local 205) (Exhibitor-Friendly). For larger 20x20 island builds or hands-free installation, NXT Stage provides full union-compliant turnkey Installation & Dismantle (I&D) crews.
How much does drayage (material handling) cost at Austin Convention Center?
Average material handling (drayage) at Austin Convention Center is ~$168 per CWT (100 lbs), and a standard 500W electrical drop averages ~$215. Switching from heavy legacy wood crates (1,200+ lbs) to NXT Stage lightweight SIP/aluminum rental booths (100–280 lbs) or purchased SEG lightboxes (14–56 lbs) typically saves $900–$2,100 in venue drayage fees.
Where is the marshaling yard and what are the ceiling height limits at Austin Convention Center?
Downtown Red River St loading docks have tight turnarounds during SXSW and Consensus; advance warehouse shipping is recommended. Ceiling height clearances: Exhibit Halls 1–5: 30–31 ft clear height. Official venue address: 500 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701.