The ARA Show 2027 · Budget & deadline sheet
February 14–16, 2027 · Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
February 14–16, 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 American Rental Association
- Material handling at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, when the space rate does not include it
- Electrical service, internet and rigging at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
- Booth cleaning and any union labor the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center requires
Published rates:
- Booth space: $30.50 per sq ft for associate members from July 1, 2026; $61.00 non-members
- Corner charge: $200 per corner for members, $400 for non-members, inline booths only, 2027
- Drayage: About $155 per cwt, 200 lb minimum, 2026–27 planning figure
Key dates
- Last day to cancel ARA Show booth space with any refund: November 2, 2026
- Design sign-off with Purple: Early December 2026
- Early December 2026: Design sign-off, machine list and hanging sign drawing approved.
- December 2026 to mid-January 2027: Production in our shop over 30 to 45 days; plinths, service-point graphics and the Sunday bar counter built and tested.
- Mid-January 2027: Crates ship to the Freeman advance warehouse, which takes freight up to 30 days before the show; Freeman orders placed.
- February 11–14, 2027: Move-in, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and until 1 p.m. Sunday, when every booth must be complete.
- February 14–16, 2027: Tailgate Party Sunday evening, trade show Monday and Tuesday; our project manager is on call.
- February 16–18, 2027: Move-out from 5 p.m. Tuesday through 1 p.m. Thursday; machines loaded to your return plan, booth to storage.
Purple planning timeline; confirm official dates against your exhibitor kit.
Checklist
- Confirm your booth number and footprint from ARA's assignment email
- List each machine with weight, dimensions, fuel type and whether it is remanufactured
- Decide which lifts will stand raised and to what height
- Plan Sunday's Tailgate Party hospitality and order bar service from the convention center caterer
- Book staff rooms through onPeak before the exclusive rates start expiring January 25, 2027
- Sign off the design by early December 2026
- Send logos, rate sheets and machine photography to Purple
All fees listed upfront, in full, on paper, before The ARA Show. Questions or a fixed proposal: (800) 994-8030 · info@purpleexhibits.com · purpleexhibits.com/shows/ara-show/