Chicago trade show booths: prices and what is included

Purple Exhibits designs, builds, ships and installs trade show booths for Chicago shows such as IMTS, RSNA, the National Restaurant Association Show and ProMat, with one all-in price. A 10x20 rental booth for a Chicago show starts at $19,550 and a 20x20 at $21,900, including design, production, shipping both ways and Chicago’s union install and dismantle labor. Only the show’s own charges are extra.

All-in rental prices for a Chicago show

Booth size	From
10x20	$19,550
10x30	$23,500
20x20	$21,900
10x40	$41,450
20x40	$31,400
30x30	$46,500
40x40	$52,600
60x60	$93,650

Chicago is a union city. These prices already include its install and dismantle labor, about $3,150 more on a 10x20 than a Las Vegas, Orlando or Texas show. The size pages open with Las Vegas prices; pick Chicago in the city menu to see these.

Included in the price

Free custom design, with one round of changes
Booth structure and printed graphics
Furniture, lighting, screens and flooring shown in the design
Shipping to and from Chicago
Union install and dismantle at the show
Show paperwork and a project manager

Billed by the show

Material handling (drayage)
Electrical
Wi-Fi
Rigging labor for hanging signs

Get a free design and price

Chicago venue guides

Chicago show guides

Chicago booth questions

How much does a trade show booth cost in Chicago?

For a Chicago show, Purple Exhibits rents booths at one all-in price: from $19,550 for a 10x20, $21,900 for a 20x20, $31,400 for a 20x40 and $52,600 for a 40x40. That covers design, production, graphics, furniture, lighting, shipping both ways, install and dismantle, show paperwork and a project manager. Chicago is a union city, and its union install and dismantle labor is already in these prices. Only the show's own charges are extra: material handling (drayage), electrical, Wi-Fi and rigging labor for hanging signs. A custom booth you own is quoted from its design.

What is included in an all-in Chicago booth rental?

Design and planning, the booth structure and printed graphics, the furniture, lighting, screens and flooring shown in the design, shipping to and from Chicago, install and dismantle, show paperwork and a project manager. See every Chicago rental design and price.

What do Chicago shows charge separately?

The show and its official contractor bill material handling (drayage), electrical, Wi-Fi and rigging labor for hanging signs directly to the exhibitor. These depend on your booth weight, power needs and the show, so they are not part of the booth price.

Why does a booth cost more in Chicago than in Las Vegas?

Chicago is a union city, so install and dismantle labor costs more there. On a 10x20 rental that adds about $3,150 compared with a Las Vegas, Orlando or Texas show, and Purple Exhibits already includes it in its Chicago prices. The booth, graphics, shipping and project management cost the same.

Which Chicago venues do you deliver booths to?

All the main Chicago venues, including McCormick Place, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Navy Pier Festival Hall and Schaumburg Convention Center. Each has a venue guide with halls, move-in rules and booth tips.

Is the booth design free for a Chicago show?

Yes. We make a custom design concept for your space at no charge, with one round of changes, before you decide to go ahead. Ask for your free design.

Should I rent or buy a booth for a Chicago show?

Renting is usually cheaper if you exhibit once or twice a year or change booth size between shows. Buying makes sense when you exhibit often with the same size and want to store the booth between shows. The booth cost guide compares both.

Custom Trade Show Booths in Chicago

Chicago is one of the most important trade show destinations in the United States, hosting major conventions across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, food service, retail, and technology. With large-scale events at McCormick Place and other prominent venues, competition on the show floor is intense. Custom trade show booths in Chicago are designed to capture attention, communicate clearly, and create meaningful business opportunities.

At Purple Exhibits, we design and deliver custom exhibit solutions tailored to your brand identity and marketing objectives. From concept development to fabrication and on-site execution, every detail is strategically planned to ensure your booth performs effectively in a competitive exhibition environment.

A custom exhibit is not just a structure – it is a branded space built to attract, engage, and convert.

Strategic Trade Show Booth Design for Maximum Engagement Chicago

Effective trade show booth design in Chicago begins with understanding your goals. Every booth must support brand visibility while encouraging natural visitor interaction and engagement.

Our design process focuses on:

Understanding your marketing objectives
• Identifying your target audience
• Planning strategic booth layout and traffic flow
• Integrating high-impact graphics and lighting
• Supporting product displays and private meeting areas

We create 3D renderings and detailed layouts that combine visual impact with operational functionality. The result is a booth that stands out while remaining practical for staff interaction and lead generation.

In large venues like McCormick Place, strategic design ensures your booth is organized, noticeable, and aligned with your event goals.

Why Choose Us Chicago

When exhibiting in Chicago, you need more than a booth builder - you need a reliable partner who understands venue requirements, logistics, and performance expectations.

Strategic Design Approach

We begin with your objectives - brand awareness, product launches, lead generation, or networking. Every layout is designed to create clear engagement zones and support conversions.

In-House Fabrication & Quality Control

With controlled production processes, we maintain consistent quality standards, durable finishes, and dependable timelines.

Proven Project Management

Our experienced project managers coordinate timelines, approvals, vendor communication, and compliance requirements specific to Chicago venues.

On-Time Delivery & Installation

Trade shows operate on strict deadlines. Our structured execution process ensures your booth is ready before show opening without last-minute complications.

Our Process

How We Bring Your Booth to Life

We’ve simplified trade show prep with a workflow designed for speed, quality, and zero stress.

Experienced Booth Builders Delivering Precision & Quality Chicago

Execution quality plays a critical role in trade show success. Our experienced Chicago booth builders focus on precise fabrication and reliable construction to ensure your exhibit maintains a polished appearance throughout the event.

Our services include:

Custom fabrication and detailed finishing
Structural integrity and safety compliance
High-quality graphic production
Pre-show preparation and inspection

From production to show floor setup, we ensure every component meets professional standards. Attendees see a finished, high-impact booth. You experience smooth coordination and reliable delivery.

Flexible Modular & Portable Exhibit Solutions for Events Chicago

Proudly serving exhibitors across the nation with fast delivery and local support.

For brands that exhibit regularly, flexibility and scalability are essential. Modular and portable exhibit solutions provide adaptability without sacrificing brand presence.

These solutions allow you to:

• Reconfigure layouts for different booth sizes
• Maintain brand consistency across multiple events
• Reduce long-term exhibiting costs
• Simplify shipping, handling, and storage

Whether you require a fully custom exhibit or a modular system built for long-term use, we design solutions that balance efficiency, durability, and visual impact.

Modular Exhibits

Scalable booth systems
Reconfigurable layouts for varying show sizes
Cost-effective long-term investment
Easy storage and transportation

Portable Displays

Lightweight and quick setup
Ideal for smaller expos & corporate events
Pop-up displays, tension fabric systems, and banner stands
Budget-friendly exhibiting solutions

Cities We Serve Nationwide

Proudly serving exhibitors across the nation with fast delivery and local support.

What we do in Chicago, IL

Everything you need for a successful trade show in Chicago, IL—from booth design and rentals to logistics, installation, and on-site support.

CUSTOM TRADE SHOW BOOTH DESIGN

Design impactful custom trade show booths that capture attention and showcase your brand at exhibitions.

TRADE SHOW BOOTH RENTAL

Flexible trade show booth rental solutions to create a professional exhibit presence at events.

TRADE SHOW INSTALLATION & DISMANTLE (I&D)

Professional booth installation and dismantle for smooth setup and teardown at events.

TRADE SHOW LOGISTICS & SHIPPING

Ensure safe and timely transport of your exhibit materials with reliable trade show logistics and shipping services.

EXHIBIT STORAGE & WAREHOUSING

Secure storage solutions to safely keep exhibit booths and materials between events.

TRADE SHOW COORDINATION

Expert trade show coordination to manage logistics, schedules, and smooth event execution.

EXHIBIT SALESPEOPLE STAFFING

Professional exhibit sales staff to engage visitors, represent your brand, and generate leads.

TRADE SHOW MARKETING & PROMOTIONAL

Custom promotional products and marketing materials to attract visitors and boost brand visibility.

EXHIBIT GRAPHICS & PRINTING

Create eye-catching exhibit graphics and high-quality prints that enhance your booth and showcase your brand at exhibitions.

Serving Chicago and Beyond

Purple Exhibits proudly supports exhibitors at convention centers, expo halls, hotels, and event venues throughout Chicago, Rosemont, Schaumburg, Tinley Park, Naperville, Oak Brook, Arlington Heights, Evanston, Skokie, and the greater Chicagoland area. Whether you need a custom exhibit, trade show booth rental, exhibit design, installation and dismantle, logistics, graphics, or complete trade show management, our team is ready to help make your next Chicago trade show, conference, convention, or exhibition a success.

McCormick Place

2301 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616

The largest convention center in North America and the premier destination for trade shows, conventions, and exhibitions in Chicago. Hosts major events such as IMTS, RSNA, Chicago Auto Show, NRA Show, FABTECH, and many more.

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

5555 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018

One of the busiest convention centers in the Chicago area, located near O'Hare Airport. Hosts trade shows, expos, association meetings, and conferences throughout the year.

Metropolitan Pier & Exposition (Navy Pier Event Center)

600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

A waterfront event venue offering exhibition halls, conference facilities, meeting rooms, and large-scale event space with iconic Chicago skyline views.

Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel

1551 N Thoreau Dr, Schaumburg, IL 60173

A major conference and convention venue in the northwest Chicago suburbs, hosting corporate meetings, industry conferences, expos, and trade events.

Tinley Park Convention Center

18451 Convention Center Dr, Tinley Park, IL 60477

A popular venue for regional trade shows, consumer expos, business conferences, and association meetings throughout the year.

Popular Trade Shows Happening in Chicago, IL

Chicago, Illinois is one of the nation’s premier destinations for trade shows, conventions, conferences, exhibitions, and annual meetings, attracting millions of attendees and exhibitors from around the world each year.

Below are some of the most popular trade shows and conferences held in Chicago, including industry-leading events such as IMTS, RSNA, PACK EXPO International, FABTECH, WEFTEC, NeoCon, and the National Restaurant Association Show.

Purple Exhibits proudly supports exhibitors attending these major Chicago events with trade show booth rentals, custom exhibits, exhibit design, installation and dismantle, logistics, graphics, and complete trade show management services throughout Chicago and the greater Chicagoland area.

IMTS – International Manufacturing Technology Show

IMTS is one of the largest trade shows in Chicago and the premier manufacturing technology exhibition in North America. The event brings together manufacturers, engineers, and industry leaders to showcase automation, robotics, CNC machinery, and advanced manufacturing solutions.

RSNA Annual Meeting

RSNA is one of the largest healthcare conferences in Chicago and the world's leading radiology exhibition, attracting medical professionals, healthcare organizations, and medical technology companies from around the globe.

National Restaurant Association Show

The National Restaurant Association Show is one of the most popular trade shows in Chicago for the foodservice and hospitality industry, featuring innovative food products, restaurant technology, equipment, and operational solutions.

PACK EXPO

PACK EXPO International is one of the largest packaging and processing trade shows in Chicago, connecting manufacturers, packaging professionals, and supply chain leaders with the latest innovations and technologies.

Chicago Auto Show

The Chicago Auto Show is one of the most recognized exhibitions in Chicago and the largest auto show in North America, featuring new vehicles, electric vehicles, concept cars, automotive technology, and mobility innovations.

NeoCon

NeoCon is one of the leading design conferences and trade shows in Chicago, showcasing commercial interiors, office furniture, flooring, lighting, workplace solutions, and architectural products.

FABTECH

FABTECH is one of the largest manufacturing trade shows in Chicago, bringing together professionals from the metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing industries to discover new technologies and equipment.

IFT FIRST

IFT FIRST is a premier food science and food technology conference in Chicago that connects food manufacturers, researchers, suppliers, and innovators to explore the future of food and beverage production.

Automate

Automate is one of the fastest-growing technology trade shows in Chicago, featuring robotics, artificial intelligence, machine vision, motion control, and industrial automation solutions.

The Inspired Home Show

The Inspired Home Show is one of the largest home goods and housewares trade shows in Chicago, bringing together manufacturers, retailers, buyers, and consumer product brands from around the world.

ASI Show Chicago

ASI Show Chicago is a leading promotional products trade show and conference where distributors, suppliers, and marketing professionals discover the latest branded merchandise and advertising solutions.

WEFTEC

WEFTEC is one of the largest environmental conferences and trade shows in Chicago, focusing on water quality, wastewater treatment, infrastructure, sustainability, and environmental technologies.

Rental Booths

Is a Custom Exhibit Right for me?

Let’s get right on that answer for you:

Have a Purple Moment.

According to psychology, purple is the color of wisdom, creativity, compassion and luxury.

So with all this talk of events and deadlines, we invite you take a moment, inhale deeply, harvest your positive energies, and find the Purple within.

Better now? Back to business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most common questions about trade show booths in Chicago.

Why should I choose a custom trade show booth for Chicago exhibitions?

A custom trade show booth helps your brand stand out in competitive venues like McCormick Place. It is designed specifically to reflect your brand identity, attract visitors, and create meaningful engagement opportunities that generate leads and business growth.

What services are included in your Chicago trade show booth solutions?

Our Chicago booth services include custom booth design, 3D rendering, fabrication, graphic production, project management, shipping, installation, dismantling, and storage. We handle the complete process so your team can focus on networking and presenting

Do you provide modular and portable trade show booths in Chicago?

Yes, we offer modular and portable booth solutions that are lightweight, reusable, and adaptable to different booth sizes. These solutions are ideal for companies exhibiting frequently and looking for cost-effective, flexible display options.

How long does it take to design and build a custom booth in Chicago?

Purple Exhibits builds booths in 30 to 45 days. The design concept is free, with one round of changes. Start as soon as your booth space is confirmed, so you also meet the show's order deadlines.

Can you help with booth logistics and on-site installation in Chicago?

Yes, our experienced team manages complete logistics, including shipping, on-site installation, dismantling, and coordination with venue regulations. This ensures your booth is ready on time and operates smoothly during the event.

Do you provide 3D booth design previews before production?

Yes, we create detailed 3D renderings and visual mockups so you can review layout, branding, lighting, and structure before fabrication begins. This ensures the final booth matches your expectations and marketing goals

What industries do you support with trade show booths in Chicago?

We work with businesses across industries including healthcare, manufacturing, technology, retail, food service, and more. Each booth is customized to meet industry-specific goals, audience expectations, and branding requirements.