ALA Annual 2027 · Budget & deadline sheet
June 24–28, 2027 · Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
June 24–28, 2027 · Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
Booth price tiers (all-in, 2026 ranges)
| Footprint | Rental with your graphics | Custom build |
|---|---|---|
| 10×20 inline | $7,500 – $15,000 | $15,000 – $45,000 |
| 10×30 inline | $12,000 – $22,000 | $25,000 – $65,000 |
| 20×20 island | $16,000 – $40,000 | $50,000 – $120,000 |
| 20×30+ island | $25,000 – $55,000 | $75,000 – $175,000 |
Includes design, structure, graphics, installation and dismantle. A custom-built booth runs roughly $100 to $250 per square foot depending on finish level. A rental of the same footprint usually lands at 35 to 50 percent of the purchase price for one show.
Billed by the show
- Booth space (paid to the organizer)
- Material handling / drayage, where the space rate does not include it
- Electrical service, internet and rigging
- Booth cleaning and any union labor the venue requires
Published rates:
- Drayage: About $155 per cwt, 200 lb minimum, 2026–2027 New Orleans planning rate
Key dates
- Hanging sign approval request (island and cross-aisle booths): May 4, 2027
- Design sign-off with Purple: Mid-April 2027
- Mid-April 2027: Design sign-off, shelving loads and signing layout approved.
- April–May 2027: Production in Fishkill, NY; graphics proofed against your cover art.
- May 4 and May 14, 2027: Hanging sign approval form, then structural drawings, filed with ALA show management.
- Early June 2027: Booth, galleys and catalogs ship to the GES advance warehouse.
- June 23–25, 2027: Move-in; our project manager and vetted local labor install, loads shelving and sets up the signing area before the Opening Reception.
- June 25–29, 2027: Exhibit days through 12:30 p.m. on June 28, then dismantle until noon on June 29.
Purple planning timeline; confirm official dates against your exhibitor kit.
Checklist
- Note booth number, size and configuration from your ALA 2027 contract
- List the titles and products for the shelves, with trim sizes and quantities
- Schedule author signings, Meet the Authors sessions and Book Buzz proposals
- Decide on a hanging sign before the May 4 approval form
- Count galleys, catalogs and giveaways for freight and storage
- Send logo, cover art and brand guidelines to Purple
- Approve the concept rendering and the signing-line layout
- Book hotels in the Warehouse District or CBD
Every last fee listed upfront, in full, on paper. Questions or a fixed proposal: (800) 994-8030 · info@purpleexhibits.com · purpleexhibits.com/shows/ala-annual/