METALCON 2027 · Budget & deadline sheet
October 26–28, 2027 · Kentucky International Convention Center, Louisville, KY
October 26–28, 2027 · Kentucky International Convention Center, Louisville, KY
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
- Exhibit space (paid to PSMJ Resources)
- Material handling (drayage) at the Kentucky International Convention Center, where the space rate does not include it
- Electrical, internet and rigging orders for METALCON
- Booth cleaning, and union labor where the Kentucky International Convention Center requires it
Published rates:
- Booth space: $46.50 regular / $41.50 MCA member, 100–499 sq ft; $42.25 / $37.35 at 1,000+ sq ft (2027 rates)
- Corner fee: $300 per corner, 2027
- Drayage: About $130 per cwt, 200 lb minimum (Purple's KICC planning figure, 2026–2027)
Key dates
- Design sign-off with Purple: Mid-August 2027
- Now to early 2027: Reserve space through METALCON's 2027 booth-sales page; returning exhibitors use the emailed booking code, new exhibitors apply online.
- Early 2027: The 2027 Exhibitor Opportunity Guide is published; we plan sponsorships, the Top Product nomination and demo times with you.
- Mid-August 2027: Design sign-off, about 10 weeks before move-in: panel samples, machine footprints, power and graphics approved.
- Late August to late September 2027: Production in Fishkill, NY over 30 to 45 days, with panel walls and machine platforms built and test-fitted.
- Early October 2027: Crates and machinery ship to the advance warehouse; service orders and labor filed from the exhibitor kit.
- October 26–28, 2027: Show floor open; our project manager runs install before opening and dismantle after the 1 p.m. close on Thursday.
Purple planning timeline; confirm official dates against your exhibitor kit.
Checklist
- Reserve 2027 space on the booth-sales page with your booking code or a new application
- Check MCA membership before you sign for the member rate
- Decide whether a roll former, seamer or frame section runs in the booth
- Pick your Top Product Award nominee when 2027 entries open
- Book staff rooms through MCI only once the 2027 block opens
- Print counter specs in English and Spanish
- Leave no one under 18 on your badge list
- Plan staffing around the 9 a.m. keynotes and the Thursday 1 p.m. close
No fee left off: every METALCON cost is listed upfront, on paper. Questions or a fixed proposal: (800) 994-8030 · info@purpleexhibits.com · purpleexhibits.com/shows/metalcon/