Hard Hat Expo 2027 · Budget & deadline sheet
March 24–25, 2027 · New York State Fairgrounds, Expo Building, Syracuse, NY
March 24–25, 2027 · New York State Fairgrounds, Expo Building, Syracuse, NY
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 Lee Trade Shows
- Material handling / drayage, where the space rate does not include it
- Electrical service, internet and rigging at the New York State Fairgrounds, Expo Building
- Booth cleaning and any union labor the New York State Fairgrounds, Expo Building requires
Published rates:
- 10×10 wall booth, 2027: $960 for one, $930 each for two or more (rates from September 2, 2026)
- Floor and outside space, 2027: Floor $5.00 (400–899 sq ft), $4.60 (900–1,999), $4.25 (2,000+) per sq ft; outside $2.00 per sq ft
- Sponsorships, 2027: Outside banner $150, scoreboard $400, lunch $500, show bag $800, lanyard $1,000
- Booth build: 10×20 rental $7,500–$15,000; custom 20×20 $50,000–$120,000, Purple's 2026 planning range
Key dates
- Last day to cancel Hard Hat Expo 2027 space at the 50% fee: December 24, 2026
- Design sign-off with Purple: January 2027
- December 24, 2026: Last day to cancel at the 50% fee; after that, no refunds (90 days before the show).
- December 2026–January 2027: Design sign-off for backwall, counters and outdoor signs within the 8 ft rule.
- January 2027: Production and printing in our Fishkill, NY shop; send the insurance certificate naming Lee Newspapers, Inc.
- February 1, 2027: Booth balance due to Lee Newspapers; no exhibit sets up unless paid in full.
- Early March 2027: Decorator advance order and freight deadline, if the 2026 pattern holds (March 6 in 2026).
- March 24–25, 2027: Show days; move-out starts at the 3 p.m. close on Thursday.
Purple planning timeline; confirm official dates against your exhibitor kit.
Checklist
- Pick 10×10 wall booths, a floor display or an outside lot, and request the location early
- Send the insurance certificate naming Lee Newspapers, Inc. as additional insured
- Plan planks for every tracked machine from trailer to space
- Order electricity and bring your own lead cords
- Book a sponsorship or program ad if you want more than the floor
- Schedule your carrier to check in by 5 p.m. on March 25
Every last fee for Hard Hat Expo, listed upfront and in full on paper. Questions or a fixed proposal: (800) 994-8030 · info@purpleexhibits.com · purpleexhibits.com/shows/hard-hat-expo/