MD&M South 2028 · Budget & deadline sheet
April 19–20, 2028 · Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC
April 19–20, 2028 · Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC
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 (Purple venue guide figure): About $115 per cwt, Purple's 2026 planning figure for this building
- Electrical (venue rate): 20-amp outlet: $147 advance, $205 floor rate, center's 2025–26 form
- Priority points: 1 point per $3,500 of booth and sponsorship spend, current Informa FAQ
Key dates
- Design sign-off with Purple: Early February 2028
- April 2027 to October 2027: Space payments under Informa's general guide: 30% about 12 to 9 months out, 60% 9 to 6 months out, the full balance six months before the show.
- Early February 2028: Design sign-off; sector labels, sample positions, machine utilities and crate heights fixed for Hall A.
- February to March 2028: Production in Fishkill, NY: frames, flooring, lit sample counters and graphics built and test-assembled.
- About 3 weeks before move-in: Crates ship to the advance warehouse; center electrical and plumbing ordered at least 14 days before the event.
- Days before April 19, 2028: Move-in through the marshalling yard and docks; our project manager and vetted local labor install and test every demo.
- April 19–20, 2028: Show days; after the floor closes on April 20 we dismantle, pack samples to your return list and ship the booth on.
Purple planning timeline; confirm official dates against your exhibitor kit.
Checklist
- Budget space payments on Informa's 30%, 60% and 100% rhythm from spring 2027
- Pick your top three locations on the 2028 Hall A floor plan
- Sort samples by the six MD&M South sectors and print a label for each
- Measure crated machine heights against Hall A's 16-foot truck door
- Order center electrical and compressed air at least 14 days before the event
- Send customers free expo passes through the Customer Invites Program
- Decide whether to enter the Sustainable Booth Contest before choosing flooring
- Book rooms through onPeak, MD&M South's official hotel provider
Every last fee listed upfront, in full, on paper. Questions or a fixed proposal: (800) 994-8030 · info@purpleexhibits.com · purpleexhibits.com/shows/mdm-south/