Trade show booth costs in Chicago
What it costs to exhibit at Chicago's convention centers: published labor and drayage rates, and all-in budgets for 6 major shows.
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress, public domain
Published rates at Chicago venues
Installation labor per hour and drayage per 100 lb, from published exhibitor kits.
| Venue | Labor | Drayage per 100 lb | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| McCormick Place | $138–$220/hr | $150–$250 | Industry guide |
| Donald E. Stephens Convention Center | $180/hr | $115–$125 | Official |
Booth costs at Chicago shows
Typical all-in cost of a 10×20 custom or hybrid booth at each show. Market estimates, not Purple Exhibits prices.
- RSNA 2026Nov 29 – Dec 3, 2026 · McCormick Place · 10×20 $46.7k – $86.6k
- AHR Expo 2027Jan 25–27, 2027 · McCormick Place · 10×20 $48k – $87.1k
- HIMSS 2027Apr 5–8, 2027 · McCormick Place · 10×20 $42.9k – $91k
- ProMat 2027Apr 19–21, 2027 · McCormick Place · 10×20 $42.9k – $91k
- National Restaurant Association Show 2027May 22–25, 2027 · McCormick Place · 10×20 $48.4k – $87.5k
- ASCO Annual Meeting 2027Jun 4–8, 2027 · McCormick Place · 10×20 $60.9k – $103k
More for Chicago exhibitors
Common questions
How much does a trade show booth cost in Chicago?
At Chicago's main convention centers, exhibiting with a 10×20 custom or hybrid booth typically costs $42.9k – $91k all-in, including the exhibit, drayage, labor, electrical, freight, floor space and travel. These are market estimates, not Purple Exhibits prices.
What is drayage in Chicago?
Published material handling rates at Chicago venues run $115–$250 per 100 lb, round trip. Each show's general contractor sets the exact rate in its exhibitor kit.
How many trade shows are in Chicago?
The calculator lists 49 upcoming shows at Chicago's main venues. Pick any of them in the calculator for an estimate.
Numbers updated from published exhibitor kits and price lists. Rates are set per show, so your exhibitor kit has the final prices.