PACK EXPO East 2028 · Budget & deadline sheet
March 21–23, 2028 · Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA
March 21–23, 2028 · Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA
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:
- Booth space: $34.25 per sq ft standard rate, 2028 show; PMMI members get special rates
- Drayage: Included in the space rate when the truck checks in by 12:00 pm on its target date, 2028
- Space payments: 25% nonrefundable deposit, 50% by July 19, 2027, balance by October 18, 2027
- Booth staff badges: Free through March 3, 2028, then $15 each
Key dates
- Space contract and 25% deposit due for Priority Space Selection: February 1, 2027
- Design sign-off with Purple: Early January 2028
- By February 1, 2027: Space contract and 25% deposit reach PMMI for Priority Space Selection; join PMMI by the same date to select with members.
- Late February 2027: Priority Space Selection: PMMI calls your show contact at an assigned time; we test each footprint option against the 12-foot cap below 600 sq ft first.
- Early January 2028: Design sign-off with the machine envelope, plinths and lighting locked; 30 to 45 day production starts in Fishkill, NY.
- About 3 weeks before move-in: Booth and machines crated and loaded on one truck, timed to the assigned target move-in date and a check-in before 12:00 pm.
- March 21–23, 2028: Show days in Exhibit Halls A–C, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Thursday; our project manager stays on the floor.
- After the March 23, 2028 close: Dismantle with machines crated first, freight out through PACK EXPO Services and the booth to storage or your next show.
Purple planning timeline; confirm official dates against your exhibitor kit.
Checklist
- Apply when PMMI opens contracts on October 26, 2026, and send the 25% deposit by February 1, 2027
- Join PMMI by February 1, 2027 for member pricing and an earlier selection slot
- Pick a footprint knowing the height breaks at 600 and 1,500 sq ft
- Send Purple crate dimensions, weights, power and compressed-air loads for each machine
- Name the show contact who will take PMMI's call at your space selection time
- Register booth staff free by March 3, 2028; badges cost $15 after that
- Book Expovision hotels when reservations open in April 2027
- Keep anyone under 16 off the move-in list and anyone under 14 off show-day badges
Every last fee listed upfront, in full, on paper. Questions or a fixed proposal: (800) 994-8030 · info@purpleexhibits.com · purpleexhibits.com/shows/pack-expo-east/