FABTECH 2027 · Budget & deadline sheet
September 13–16, 2027 · McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
September 13–16, 2027 · McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
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
- Your FABTECH booth space, paid to the organizer
- Material handling (drayage) at McCormick Place, where the space rate does not include it
- Electrical service, internet and rigging at McCormick Place
- Booth cleaning and whatever union labor the FABTECH venue requires
Published rates:
- Drayage (Purple venue guide): About $210 per cwt, 200 lb minimum, Purple's 2026–27 McCormick Place planning figure
Key dates
- Design sign-off with Purple: Early July 2027
- October 21–23, 2026: FABTECH 2026 runs in Las Vegas; a good week to walk the floor and talk with FABTECH sales about Chicago space.
- Early July 2027: Design sign-off with machine list, weights, power, air and exhaust needs fixed.
- July to mid-August 2027: Production in our Fishkill, NY shop over 30 to 45 days; flash screens and robot barriers built into the structure.
- Mid-August 2027: Crates to the advance warehouse in Chicago, addressed by building, hall and booth number.
- Days before September 13, 2027: Move-in and machine rigging, with our project manager running the booth build around the machines.
- September 13–16, 2027: Show days, then dismantle, machines crated to your return plan and the booth to storage.
Purple planning timeline; confirm official dates against your exhibitor kit.
Checklist
- Ask FABTECH sales for 2027 Chicago space and note your pavilion
- List every machine with weight, footprint, power, compressed air and exhaust needs
- Mark which demos weld, cut or spray and need flash screens or venting
- Measure each robot's full work envelope for the 24-inch barrier line
- Choose the parts you will cut, bend or weld live and the samples to display
- Decide on a hanging sign and the 20-foot structure limit
- Book crew rooms near McCormick Place once FABTECH housing opens
- Approve the design by early July 2027
Every FABTECH fee listed upfront, in full, on paper. Questions or a fixed proposal: (800) 994-8030 · info@purpleexhibits.com · purpleexhibits.com/shows/fabtech/