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CHICAGO, ILSTRICT UNION
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McCormick Place Chicago (South, North, West & Lakeside Center)

North America’s largest convention complex, hosting PACK EXPO, IMTS, National Restaurant Association Show, Sweets & Snacks, and RSNA.

Avg. Drayage: ~$215 / CWT (100 lbs) • 500W Power: ~$280 • Space: 2,600,000 sq. ft.GROUNDED TELEMETRY
UNION & BUILDING TELEMETRYStrict Union
LABOR JURISDICTIONMid-America Carpenters Regional Council & Riggers Local 136
CEILING CLEARANCESouth & North Buildings: 40–50 ft • West Building: 30–50 ft
DRAYAGE ESTIMATE~$215 per 100 lbs (CWT)
VENUE ADDRESS2301 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616
EXHIBITOR DIY SETUP & MARSHALING RULES

Union Jurisdiction & Dock Rules at McCormick Place Chicago

  • DIY Exhibitor Setup Rule: Under McCormick Place Exhibitor Rights, exhibitors may use hand tools and assemble displays in booths up to 300 sq. ft. (10x10, 10x20, 10x30) using their own employees.
  • Marshaling Yard & Dock Protocol: All freight vehicles must check in at the 31st Street Marshaling Yard before entering McCormick Place Truck Way.
  • Ceiling Height & Hanging Sign Limits: South & North Buildings: 40–50 ft • West Building: 30–50 ft
SLASH DRAYAGE WITH TOOL-FREE DISPLAYS

Lightweight Purchased Displays & Turnkey Rentals

Avoid $1,500+ union drayage bills at McCormick Place Chicago with tool-free purchased displays (yours to keep) or turnkey rental booths:

Upcoming 2026–2027 Trade Shows in Chicago, IL

Frequently Asked Questions — McCormick Place ChicagoShow 3 FAQs ▾
Can I set up my own 10x10 or 10x20 trade show booth at McCormick Place Chicago?

Under McCormick Place Exhibitor Rights, exhibitors may use hand tools and assemble displays in booths up to 300 sq. ft. (10x10, 10x20, 10x30) using their own employees. Primary labor jurisdiction at McCormick Place Chicago is Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council & Riggers Local 136 (Strict Union). 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 McCormick Place Chicago?

Average material handling (drayage) at McCormick Place Chicago is ~$215 per CWT (100 lbs), and a standard 500W electrical drop averages ~$280. 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 McCormick Place Chicago?

All freight vehicles must check in at the 31st Street Marshaling Yard before entering McCormick Place Truck Way. Ceiling height clearances: South & North Buildings: 40–50 ft • West Building: 30–50 ft. Official venue address: 2301 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616.