Brands lease permanent showrooms on many floors year-round. Trade shows put temporary booths on the 7th Floor Exhibit Hall, and some also use the 4th floor.
Exhibitor guide · River North, Chicago, IL · Updated Nov 2026
THE MART Chicago Exhibitor Guide
Also known as the Merchandise Mart, theMART and the Merch Mart; its shows are produced by Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI)
A 1930 Art Deco block on the Chicago River where design brands keep permanent showrooms on many floors, and trade shows build temporary booths on the 7th floor, and for some shows the 4th. The building's own team produces NeoCon, the Chicago Collective and the National Bridal Market, and its in-house union crews do the skilled work: plan for their rules before you design.
- 3,000+ exhibitors served
- 10,000+ booths built
- 2 days to a design brief
Photo: The Merchandise Mart above the Wells Street Bridge. “Wells Street Bridge and Merchandise Mart” by Joe Passe, CC BY-SA 2.0. Source
- 25stories over two city blocks on the Chicago River
- ~1Msq ft of NeoCon exhibits across showrooms and the 7th floor
- 7thfloor Exhibit Hall for temporary booths; the 4th floor for some shows
- 7,500 lbdrayage allowance per booth at the 2027 Chicago Collective
- 5freight elevators of 8,000–10,000 lb capacity
- ≈ 15 mistraight-line to O'Hare (ORD); Midway is about 9.3 mi
Quick answers
What exhibitors ask about THE MART
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI), part of owner Vornado, produces NeoCon, the Chicago Collective and the National Bridal Market, and its staff handle freight and labor.
At the 2027 Chicago Collective, you may self-install only if one person can do it in under 30 minutes, with no tools, in a booth of 100 sq ft or less. Power tools, ladders and electrical work go to MMPI's union crews.
Freight larger than that is turned on its side for a fee or unpacked at the dock with an hourly surcharge, so size crates to the freight elevators.
The building
THE MART floor plan: showroom floors and the 7th Floor Exhibit Hall
THE MART is an 18-story warehouse block with a 25-story tower on its south side, and each upper floor covers about 5 acres. The diagram stacks the floors whose show use is published: the floors NeoCon 2026 used for showrooms, the 7th-floor hall where temporary booths go, and the 4th floor that the bridal and menswear shows have added.
Temporary booths at THE MART go in the 7th Floor Exhibit Hall, plus the 4th floor for the Chicago Collective Men's and the National Bridal Market. NeoCon 2026 also used showrooms on floors 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 11 and 14.
- Temporary booth floors (7th, and 4th for some shows)
- Floors not shown: uses not published
Schematic, not to scale: floors are drawn as bands in order, and only floors with a published show use are shown. Floor uses from the NeoCon 2026 floor plans and the 2027 show sites of the Chicago Collective, National Bridal Market and One of a Kind; building shape from Wikipedia. Official drawings: the NeoCon floor plans, floor by floor, and THE MART's building map download.
Recent and upcoming show floor plans
Official floor plans from THE MART's own shows. Each show sets its own layout and booth numbers on the 7th and 4th floors, so use these to see how the building fills, then work from your own show's plan.
- Recent · June 2026NeoCon floor plansFloors 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11 and 14Commercial interiors; floor-by-floor plans
- Recent · June 2026NeoCon on THE MART mapShowroom floors and the 7th Floor Exhibit HallBuilding map download used by NeoCon
Links go to the organizers' files and open outside this site. Checked November 8, 2026. The Chicago Collective and National Bridal Market post their floor plans to contracted exhibitors only.
| Floor | Show use | Shows | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lobby, registration, showrooms | All shows; NeoCon showrooms | Badge pickup and contractor badges for the Chicago Collective |
| 2 | Transit, meetings, showrooms | NeoCon showrooms | CTA 'L' stop; WorkLife Meetings conference center |
| 3 and 6 | Permanent showrooms | NeoCon | Brands' own showrooms open for the show |
| 4 | Temporary booths | Chicago Collective Men's, National Bridal Market | Used together with the 7th floor by these shows |
| 7 | 7th Floor Exhibit Hall | NeoCon, Chicago Collective, National Bridal Market, One of a Kind | Temporary booths; NeoCon's Illuminate lighting zone and talks stage |
| 10, 11, 14 | Permanent showrooms | NeoCon | 11th floor: NeoCon's Podcast Lounge and DesignScene |
From the NeoCon 2026 floor plans and the 2027 sites of the Chicago Collective, National Bridal Market and One of a Kind. The 7th-floor hall's size, ceiling height and floor load are not published: ask THE MART's trade show operations team. Building size varies by source: THE MART says 3.7 million sq ft; its office leasing site says 4.2 million gross and 3.6 million rentable.
~200,000rentable sq ft on an average floor below the tower
5freight elevators rated 8,000–10,000 lb, plus 3 retail freight cars
13,000sq ft River Park outdoor event space on the river side
2ndfloor CTA stop: crews can arrive by 'L'
Only at THE MART
THE MART 7th floor or a showroom: how NeoCon and the Mart shows work
Take a 7th-floor booth for one show: a hard-wall booth that MMPI builds and services. Lease a showroom if you want permanent space you fit out yourself, which becomes your stand during NeoCon.
THE MART is both landlord and show producer. Most NeoCon brands show in their own permanent showrooms on floors across the building; the 7th Floor Exhibit Hall is where temporary exhibitors build. Which one you are decides who builds, what you can ship and when you can work.
- ShowroomA leased space you fit out and keep all year. During NeoCon it is your stand; construction and renovation go through THE MART's Construction Services, and freight through the Merchandise Mart loading dock.
- 7th floorTemporary booths for NeoCon, the Chicago Collective, the National Bridal Market and One of a Kind. NeoCon offers three ways to exhibit there, including the Illuminate lighting zone.
- Hard-wall boothsMart shows sell built booths, not bare space: the Chicago Collective booth comes with hard white walls, gray carpet, an outlet, four LED spotlights, a ceiling light and an ID sign; bridal booths have 8 ft hard walls.
- Thin wallsBooth walls are 1 inch thick. Hang graphics with small nails, half-inch screws or removable hooks, and plan freestanding structure for anything heavy.
- One producerMMPI sets the move-in hours, dock schedule, union labor and drayage for all its shows, so rules carry over from one Mart show to the next.
Showing at a Chicago convention center instead? See our McCormick Place guide, about 2.7 miles south in a straight line, or the Chicago venue guide. The Hyatt Regency Chicago and Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk are about two-thirds of a mile east and further, along the river.
Insider tips
THE MART exhibitor tips: what experienced teams do
Design crates for 5 × 10 × 5′8″
MMPI caps freight at 5 ft wide, 10 ft long and 5 ft 8 in high per piece. Anything bigger is turned on its side for a fee or unpacked at the dock, so split large components.
Pre-order the trades
Power tools, vinyl, light boxes and TVs are all MMPI union work. Order carpenters, painters and electricians before the discount deadline, or bring a union EAC with a work order.
Respect the 1-inch walls
Booth walls are only an inch thick, so screws must be half an inch or shorter. Hang light graphics on the wall and stand heavy displays on their own.
Count your 7,500 lb
Chicago Collective booths include 7,500 lb of drayage. Weigh your shipment; staying under the allowance means no drayage bill, and every 100 lb over costs $74.80.
Don't trust express to the booth
FedEx and UPS deliveries to THE MART are inconsistent in show week, even priority ones. Ship parcels inside the receiving window, or to your hotel.
Send the crew by 'L'
The Brown and Purple lines stop on THE MART's 2nd floor. Crews who arrive by train skip the garages and walk straight into the building.
Freight & move-in
THE MART loading dock and freight
Freight goes to the dock off Kinzie Street, c/o Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc., only on the show's receiving days from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, with no piece over 5 × 10 × 5 ft 8 in or 2,000 lb.
- Dock off Kinzie StreetTrucks reach the dock from Kinzie Street: the Chicago Collective's 2027 operations portal routes large trucks from the Ohio Street exit via Orleans, Hubbard and Kingsbury to Kinzie and into the dock at the stop sign; cars and small trucks come down Franklin.
- Ship to the dockAddress freight to the show, your company and booth number on the 7th or 4th floor, c/o Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc., 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654. Freight is received only on set days before the show, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
- Crate limitsNo piece over 5 ft wide, 10 ft long and 5 ft 8 in high, or 2,000 lb. Bigger items are turned on their side at $74.80 per item per trip, or unpacked at the dock for an hourly surcharge.
- Drayage allowanceEach Chicago Collective booth includes up to 7,500 lb of drayage; above that, $74.80 per 100 lb. Parcels that arrive before the receiving week pay storage at the same rate.
- No carts, no floor pickupsYou may hand-carry small items but not use handcarts, flatbeds or dollies; MMPI's material handlers move freight. Carriers cannot collect from the floor: outbound goes through the show's freight desk on the 7th floor.
- Day −130NeoCon exhibitor registration opens February 1 for the June show. Lock the floor and booth or showroom.
- Day −30Hit the show's discounted ordering deadline (January 3 for the late-January 2027 Chicago Collective).
- Day −21Purple ships to Chicago through our carrier network, crates sized to MMPI's 5 × 10 × 5′8″ limit.
- Day −5Receiving week: parcels and freight to the dock on the show's set days, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
- Day −2Setup days. MMPI carpenters, electricians and painters do any tool, power or finish work.
- Day 0Booth complete by the show's deadline, crates off the floor, empties tagged for storage.
Labor & rules
Who sets up my booth at THE MART?
Illinois is not a right-to-work state, and a 2022 amendment to the state constitution bars right-to-work laws. At THE MART the skilled work is done by MMPI's in-house union trades: carpenters for any power-tool work, painters for paint, wallpaper and vinyl, electricians for fixtures, light boxes and TVs, and material handlers for anything on a cart. You may bring your own union labor through an exhibitor-appointed contractor (EAC). These rules come from the 2027 Chicago Collective portal; NeoCon publishes its own to exhibitors, so check your show's manual.
MMPI's in-house union trades do anything that needs tools, power, paint or carts. Your own staff may only do tool-free work one person can finish in under 30 minutes, in a booth of 100 sq ft or less.
✓Your own staff
- Self-install if one person can do it in under 30 minutes
- Only with no tools, in a booth of 100 sq ft or less
- Hand-carry small items, without carts or dollies
●MMPI union trades
- Flooring and systems furniture install and dismantle
- Any power or battery tool work: in-house carpenters
- Paint, wallpaper, decals, vinyl; fixtures, light boxes, TVs
!Watch for
- No ladders or step stools for exhibitors
- EACs need a work order and $2 million insurance
- Chicago Fire Department rules for display materials
- No tipping: MMPI asks exhibitors not to tip staff
Common exhibitor mistakes at THE MART
- Packing a drill or a ladder: power tools, battery tools, step stools and ladders are prohibited for exhibitors, so tool work goes to MMPI's carpenters.
- Planning a self-build: staff may self-install only if one person can do it in under 30 minutes, with no tools, in a booth of 100 sq ft or less.
- Bringing a dolly or handcart: you may hand-carry small items, but anything on a cart is MMPI material-handling work.
- Shipping crates over 5 ft wide, 10 ft long or 5 ft 8 in high: they are turned on their side at $74.80 per item per trip, or unpacked at the dock for an hourly surcharge.
- Sending parcels too early: UPS and FedEx packages that arrive before move-in week pay storage at $74.80 per 100 lb.
- Booking a carrier pickup from the floor: carriers may not collect from the show floor, so outbound goes through the show's freight desk.
Free tool · plan your Chicago budget
THE MART drayage estimator and show budget
Pick a booth size and type to get planning numbers for 2026 and 2027: shipping weight, drayage at about $75 per hundredweight, and installation and dismantling (I&D) labor. Every number is a Purple planning estimate, not a quote. The drayage rate is MMPI's published $74.80 overage rate for the 2027 Chicago Collective, where each booth includes 7,500 lb, so many small booths pay no drayage at all; NeoCon publishes its tariff to exhibitors. MMPI publishes no hourly labor rate. See all venues on the drayage rates page.
Plan about $75 per hundredweight above your show's allowance, rounded from MMPI's $74.80 Chicago Collective rate; a booth there under 7,500 lb pays no drayage. Labor uses a Purple planning range of $138–$207 an hour.
The fields below fill in from size and type. Change any of them.
Purple planning estimate · not a quote
Drayage + I&D labor, THE MART
$3,560 – $7,150- Shipping weight planning estimate
- 1,800 lbs
- Drayage planning estimate
- $1,350
- I&D labor hours planning estimate
- 16 – 28 hrs
- I&D labor planning estimate
- $2,210 – $5,800
18 cwt at $75 per 100 lbs. Labor at $138–$207 per hour, straight time.
Get a real Chicago quoteHow these planning numbers work
- Shipping weight: about 6 lbs per sq ft for a rental booth, 9 for custom or hybrid, 12 for fully custom, crated, with graphics and furniture.
- Drayage: $75 per 100 lbs (cwt), rounded from MMPI's $74.80 overage rate for the 2027 Chicago Collective. That show includes 7,500 lb per booth, so subtract your allowance; NeoCon's rate is in its exhibitor kit.
- I&D labor hours: install plus dismantle, 0.06–0.10 person-hours per sq ft for rental, 0.08–0.14 for custom or hybrid, 0.12–0.20 for fully custom.
- Labor rate: $138–$207 per person-hour, straight time, a planning range from published 2026 show labor rates elsewhere. MMPI publishes no hourly rate; Chicago union rates often run higher, and overtime costs more.
- Own staff: only tool-free tasks one person can finish in under 30 minutes, in a booth of 100 sq ft or less. Any bigger build needs MMPI trades or a union EAC.
- Not included: booth package or showroom rent, the exhibit itself, freight to Chicago, electrical beyond the included outlet, extra lighting, AV, furniture rental, travel and tax.
At THE MART: oversized pieces cost $74.80 per item per trip to turn, and outbound parcels go through the show's freight desk at $15 per item at the Chicago Collective. Your show's manual sets the real figures.
The calendar
THE MART events 2026–2027: trade and consumer shows
MMPI runs a steady cycle of design, fashion and bridal markets, plus the public One of a Kind art and maker shows. All of these are on THE MART's own floors; confirm move-in times and your floor with the show office.
Nine shows are confirmed from December 2026 to August 2027, led by NeoCon on June 13–16, 2027, with two editions each of the Chicago Collective Men's and Women's, the National Bridal Market and One of a Kind.
One of a Kind Holiday Show
Artists, designers and makers, open to the public · organized by THE MART (MMPI) · 7th floor · 2026
Chicago Collective Men's Edition
Menswear trade show, 750+ brands · organized by Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. · 4th and 7th floors · 2027
Chicago Collective Women's Edition
Women's apparel and accessories, 400+ brands · organized by Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. · 7th floor · 2027
National Bridal Market Chicago
Bridal and special occasion, 400+ designers · organized by Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. · 4th and 7th floors · 2027
One of a Kind Spring Show
Art and handmade goods, open to the public · organized by THE MART (MMPI) · 7th floor · 2027
NeoCon
Commercial interiors, 400+ exhibitors · organized by Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. · showrooms and the 7th Floor Exhibit Hall · 2027
Chicago Collective Men's Edition (summer)
Menswear trade show · organized by Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. · 2027
National Bridal Market Chicago (August)
Bridal and special occasion · organized by Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. · 2027
Chicago Collective Women's Edition (August)
Women's apparel and accessories · organized by Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. · 2027
Dates and venue from the organizers' sites, checked November 8, 2026: One of a Kind, Chicago Collective Men's, Chicago Collective Women's, National Bridal Market and NeoCon, which also lists June 11–14, 2028. THE MART's events page lists the same dates.
Hotels, transit, crew logistics
Hotels near THE MART
THE MART has no hotel of its own. The Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza is just west across Orleans Street, River North and Loop hotels are within a few blocks, and the big riverfront hotels are about two-thirds of a mile east. NeoCon and the Chicago Collective book discounted hotel blocks through onPeak.
THE MART has no hotel of its own. The Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza is about 0.1 mile west across Orleans Street, and the CTA Brown and Purple lines stop on the building's 2nd floor.
| Map number | Hotel | Rooms | Link to THE MART | Straight-line | Walk (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza River North350 W Mart Center Dr | — | Not stated | 0.13 mi690 ft | ≈ 3 min |
| 2 | The Westin Chicago River North320 N Dearborn St | — | Not stated | 0.27 mi1,450 ft | ≈ 7 min |
| 3 | Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel1 W Upper Wacker Dr | — | Not stated | 0.39 mi2,060 ft | ≈ 10 min |
| 4 | Hyatt Regency Chicago151 E Upper Wacker Dr | 2,032 | Not stated | 0.65 mi3,430 ft | ≈ 17 min |
| 5 | Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk301 E North Water St | 1,218 | Not stated | 0.82 mi4,320 ft | ≈ 21 min |
Distance: straight line from THE MART building point. Walk: an estimate, straight-line, at 20 minutes a mile plus 30% for streets; not a measured route. Link: "Not stated" means we found no source for a covered link. Rooms: our Hyatt Regency Chicago and Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk guides; "—" where we found no source.
≈ 0.1 mi · across Orleans St
Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza
The closest hotel to THE MART's west side, at Wolf Point where the river branches meet.
Transit
Merchandise Mart 'L' stop
The CTA Brown and Purple lines stop inside the building on the 2nd floor, and several bus routes run within four blocks.
≈ 15 mi
O'Hare International (ORD)
About 15 miles northwest in a straight line; Midway (MDW) is about 9.3 miles southwest.
Parking
MartParc garages
Registered Chicago Collective buyers pay $15 a day at the MartParc Kinzie/Wells garage with validation; the Orleans garage is no longer validated.
Crew logistics
Purple in Chicago
Purple ships to THE MART and coordinates crews and freight for River North installs; we ship and install from New York.
History
From the world's largest building to THE MART
Marshall Field & Co. opened the Merchandise Mart in 1930 to put Chicago's wholesale trade under one roof, and for a time it was the largest building in the world. The Kennedy family owned it for half a century; Vornado bought it in 1998 and renamed it THE MART.
What changed at THE MART in 2025–2026
- NeoCon announced Illuminate, a new lighting show-within-a-show of more than 50 brands, and a category-based redesign of the 7th Floor Exhibit Hall (Architectural SSL).
- Formica Group, Nevers Industries, Slalom and Workrite Ergonomics were announced as new permanent showrooms, and Keilhauer and Calyx by Claridge as tripling their space (Architectural SSL).
- NeoCon's 57th edition, June 8–10, put the new lighting showcase on the 7th floor and installations and showrooms on the 1st floor (Floor Covering News).
- 1930The Merchandise Mart opens on May 5, an Art Deco building by Graham, Anderson, Probst and White with 4 million sq ft of floor space.
- 1945–46Joseph P. Kennedy buys the building through Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.; the family keeps it for half a century.
- 1969NeoCon launches; today it calls itself North America's most important annual event for commercial interior design.
- 1991A 10-year modernization ends; the old river-level loading dock gives way to the lower deck of North Bank Drive.
- 1998Vornado Realty Trust buys the Mart and MMPI as part of a $625 million deal.
- 2007It becomes the largest building to earn LEED certification for existing buildings.
- 2018Art on theMART starts projecting digital art onto the 2.5-acre river facade.
Real costs
What it costs to exhibit at THE MART
MMPI publishes only a few rates: at the 2027 Chicago Collective, each booth includes up to 7,500 lb of drayage, overage is $74.80 per 100 lb and outbound parcels cost $15 an item. Labor rates are not public.
| Item | Published rate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Drayage included per booth | Up to 7,500 lb | Chicago Collective Men's operations portal (MMPI) (Chicago Collective Men's, Jan 2027) |
| Drayage above the allowance, per 100 lb | $74.80 | Chicago Collective Men's operations portal (MMPI) (Chicago Collective Men's, Jan 2027) |
| Oversized piece turned on its side, per item per trip | $74.80 | Chicago Collective Men's operations portal (MMPI) (Chicago Collective Men's, Jan 2027) |
| Storage for parcels that arrive before move-in week, per 100 lb | $74.80 | Chicago Collective Men's operations portal (MMPI) (Chicago Collective Men's, Jan 2027) |
| Outbound parcel through the Airways Freight desk, per item | $15 | Chicago Collective Men's operations portal (MMPI) (Chicago Collective Men's, Jan 2027) |
| Electrical in the booth package: one 120V/150W outlet, four LED spotlights, a 1 × 4 ft ceiling light | Included | Chicago Collective Men's operations portal (MMPI) (Chicago Collective Men's, Jan 2027) |
| Buyer parking, MartParc Kinzie/Wells garage, per day with validation | $15 | Chicago Collective plan-your-trip page (Chicago Collective, 2027) |
Not published: hourly rates for MMPI's union carpenters, electricians, painters and material handlers, extra electrical, internet, rigging, and NeoCon's freight tariff, which sits behind its exhibitor portal. Exhibitor-appointed contractors need a work order and $2,000,000 of insurance naming MMPI and the building's owners.
Rates change from show to show and year to year: check your show's exhibitor kit or operations portal before you order. The rates above are for the Chicago Collective; NeoCon and the National Bridal Market may differ.
Checklist
THE MART exhibitor checklist
Size crates to MMPI's 5 × 10 × 5 ft 8 in limit, weigh freight against your drayage allowance, order the union trades before the discount deadline, and ship only inside the receiving window.
- 18 weeks out For NeoCon, register when exhibitor registration opens on February 1, and decide between a 7th-floor booth and a showroom.
- 12 weeks out Get your show's operations portal or manual and note what the hard-wall booth includes: white walls, gray carpet, one outlet, four LED spotlights.
- 10 weeks out Design graphics for 1-inch walls: small nails, screws half an inch or shorter, or removable hooks; heavy displays stand on their own.
- 8 weeks out Size every crate to 5 ft wide, 10 ft long and 5 ft 8 in high, under 2,000 lb.
- 6 weeks out Weigh the shipment against the 7,500 lb Chicago Collective allowance; every 100 lb over costs $74.80.
- 5 weeks out Using your own union labor? File the EAC work order and a $2,000,000 insurance certificate naming MMPI and the building's owners.
- 4 weeks out Order MMPI carpenters, electricians, painters and flooring install before the discount deadline (January 3 for the January 2027 Chicago Collective).
- 3 weeks out Book hotels through onPeak and tell the crew about the 2nd-floor CTA stop and the MartParc Kinzie/Wells garage.
- Receiving week Ship to the dock c/o Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. on the set days, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm; nothing is brought up on Saturday.
- Receiving week Send UPS and FedEx parcels Monday to Friday of move-in week only; earlier ones pay storage.
- Move-in Hand-carry small items only: no carts, dollies, ladders or power tools; get the crates off the floor with empty-container labels before the show.
- Move-out Book outbound parcels at the 7th-floor Airways Freight desk, $15 per item at the Chicago Collective; carriers cannot collect from the floor.
Questions
THE MART FAQ for exhibitors
What is the difference between a permanent showroom and a temporary booth at THE MART?
A permanent showroom is space a brand leases and fits out on one of THE MART's floors and keeps all year; during NeoCon it is that brand's stand. A temporary booth is a hard-wall booth on the 7th Floor Exhibit Hall, or the 4th floor for some shows, rented for one show.
What is THE MART's address, and how far are the airports?
222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654, on the north bank of the Chicago River between Wells and Orleans Streets. O'Hare is about 15 miles and Midway about 9.3 miles away in a straight line.
Where is THE MART loading dock?
Off Kinzie Street on the north side of the building. The Chicago Collective's directions bring large trucks from the Ohio Street exit via Orleans, Hubbard and Kingsbury to Kinzie, then right into the dock at the stop sign.
Is labor union at THE MART?
Yes. Illinois is not a right-to-work state, and MMPI's in-house union carpenters, painters, electricians and material handlers do power-tool work, finishes, electrical and cart moves. Exhibitors may self-install only tool-free work one person can finish in under 30 minutes, in a booth of 100 sq ft or less.
How much is drayage at THE MART?
Up to 7,500 lb is included per booth at the 2027 Chicago Collective, and overage costs $74.80 per 100 lb. Purple plans about $75 per hundredweight above any allowance; NeoCon publishes its own rate to exhibitors.
What are THE MART freight size limits?
Each piece must be no larger than 5 ft wide, 10 ft long and 5 ft 8 in high, and under 2,000 lb. Larger pieces are turned on their side for $74.80 per item per trip or unpacked at the dock with an hourly surcharge.
Where do exhibitors park at THE MART, and what does it cost?
In the MartParc garages next to the building. Registered Chicago Collective buyers pay $15 a day at the Kinzie/Wells garage with validation; other rates vary by garage and show. The CTA Brown and Purple lines stop on the 2nd floor.
What shows are at THE MART in 2026 and 2027?
One of a Kind Holiday (Dec 3–6, 2026), then in 2027 the Chicago Collective Men's (Jan 30–Feb 2 and Jul 31–Aug 3), Chicago Collective Women's (Feb 28–Mar 2 and Aug 29–31), National Bridal Market (Mar 14–16 and Aug 15–17), One of a Kind Spring (Apr 30–May 2) and NeoCon (Jun 13–16).
Who organizes NeoCon?
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc., THE MART's show company, which owns the NeoCon trademark. NeoCon launched in 1969; the 2027 show is June 13–16 at THE MART and 2028 is June 11–14.
Can I hang graphics or use tools in my booth?
You can hang light graphics, but you cannot use tools. On the booth walls you may use small nails, screws of half an inch or shorter, or removable hooks; the walls are 1 inch thick. Power tools, battery tools, step stools and ladders are prohibited for exhibitors, so tool work goes to MMPI's carpenters.
THE MART or McCormick Place: what is the difference?
McCormick Place, about 2.7 miles south, is a public convention center with huge open halls for big trade shows. THE MART is a private design and showroom building whose own company produces design, fashion and bridal shows on its 7th and 4th floors and in permanent showrooms.
Which hotels are near THE MART?
The Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza is just across Orleans Street, the Westin Chicago River North and the Renaissance Chicago Downtown are a few blocks east, and the Hyatt Regency Chicago and Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk are about two-thirds of a mile and more east.
How do I ship parcels out of THE MART after the show?
Through the show's freight desk: carriers may not pick up from the show floor. At the Chicago Collective you complete a shipping form and bill of lading at the Airways Freight desk on the 7th floor, which takes parcels to your carrier for $15 per item.
Showing at THE MART?
A 7th-floor booth or a showroom for NeoCon?
Send us the show, floor and booth or showroom number. Within two business days you get a design that hangs safely on 1-inch walls and ships in crates sized to MMPI's limits, a labor plan for the in-house trades, a budget and a build timeline.
Background photo: "The Merchandise Mart, Chicago" by mattk1979, CC BY-SA 2.0 Source
Compare venues
THE MART vs other major U.S. convention centers
How the THE MART stacks up against other big-city halls we have guides for. Drayage figures are Purple planning rates, not published tariffs.
| Venue | Type | Largest space | Ceiling | Labor | Drayage (plan) | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE MARTThis guide | Design center | ~1M sq ft NeoCon (showrooms + 7th floor) | — | Union · in-house crews | ≈ $75/cwt | ORD · ~15 mi |
| Albany Capital CenterAlbany | Convention center | 22,500 sq ft Multipurpose Room | 25–26 ft | Own staff OK · IATSE rigging | ≈ $85/cwt | ALB · ~20 min |
| America's Center Convention ComplexSt. Louis | Convention center | 574,000 sq ft contiguous, with Dome floor | 40 ft | Union · 300 sq ft rule | ≈ $150/cwt | STL · 14 mi |
| AmericasMart AtlantaAtlanta | Wholesale market | About 7M sq ft in 3 buildings · First Finds booths | 8 ft booth walls in most temp areas | Right-to-work · check manual | ≈ $140/cwt | ATL · 8.6 mi |
| Anaheim Convention CenterAnaheim | Convention center | 221,284 sq ft Hall D | 25 ft Hall D · 13 ft 8 in Hall E | Union · check kit | ≈ $172/cwt | SNA · 13 mi |
| Atlanta Marriott MarquisAtlanta | Hotel ballrooms | 28,281 sq ft International Hall · 162,526 sq ft in all | 30 ft Atrium Ballroom · 18 ft Marquis | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $155/cwt | ATL · MARTA Red/Gold |
| Atlantic City Convention CenterAtlantic City | Convention center | 199,500 sq ft Hall D (500,000 total) | 30 ft clear | Union · own staff to 400 sq ft (check kit) | ≈ $120/cwt | ACY · nearest; PHL bigger |
| Austin Convention CenterAustin | Convention center (closed, rebuilding) | Closed · 620,000 sq ft rentable from 2029 | — | Right-to-work · venue closed | ≈ $100/cwt | AUS · ~5 mi |
| Baltimore Convention CenterBaltimore | Convention center | 300,000 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–G | up to 30 ft · varies by hall | Union · carpenters' rules | ≈ $140/cwt | BWI · light rail |
| Beaver Run ResortBreckenridge | Resort ballrooms | 7,200 sq ft Colorado Ballroom · 100 tabletops | 15 ft ballroom · 8–16 ft rooms | Not right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $175/cwt | DEN · ~2 hrs |
| Blue Chip Casino, Hotel and SpaMichigan City | Casino resort ballrooms | 11,000 sq ft Fremont Ballroom · ~45,000 sq ft in all | 13–22 ft (Cvent) | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $125/cwt | SBN · ~45 min |
| Borgata Hotel Casino & SpaAtlantic City | Resort ballrooms | About 30,000 sq ft Event Center, Salons A–D | 30 ft listed | Union · check kit | ≈ $150/cwt | ACY · ~12 mi |
| Boston Convention & Exhibition CenterBoston | Convention center | 516,000 sq ft contiguous (Halls A–C) | 35 ft low · up to 100 ft | Union · staff setup OK | ≈ $324/cwt | BOS · 3 mi |
| Broward County Convention CenterFort Lauderdale | Convention center | 348,040 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–C | — | Right-to-work · IATSE 500 AV/rigging | ≈ $165/cwt | FLL · 2 mi |
| Buffalo Convention CenterBuffalo | Convention center | 64,410 sq ft exhibit hall | 35 ft | Union facility · check kit | ≈ $90/cwt | BUF · ~20 min |
| Cajundome Convention CenterLafayette | Convention center | 37,303 sq ft Halls A + B · 40,000 sq ft arena floor | — | Right-to-work | ≈ $130/cwt | LFT · ~3 mi |
| Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention CenterSalt Lake City | Convention center | 515,000 sq ft contiguous, 10 halls | 30 ft | Right-to-work | ≈ $120/cwt | SLC · ~6 mi |
| Central Bank CenterLexington | Convention center + arena | 100,000 sq ft exhibit hall | 30 ft hall · 24.7 ft ballroom | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $125/cwt | LEX · ~5 mi |
| Century CenterSouth Bend | Convention center | 25,000 sq ft Convention Hall · 100,000+ sq ft in all | 38 ft Great Hall · hall not published | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $120/cwt | SBN · 3.8 mi |
| Charlotte Convention CenterCharlotte | Convention center | 280,000 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–C | 30 ft listed max | Right-to-work | ≈ $115/cwt | CLT · 7 mi |
| CHI Health Center OmahaOmaha | Convention center | 194,300 sq ft, Halls A–C on one level | 30 ft halls · 35 ft ballroom | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $105/cwt | OMA · 3.5 mi |
| Cobb Convention Center AtlantaAtlanta | Convention center | 144,000 sq ft, four 36,000 sq ft halls | Not published | Right-to-work · non-union building | ≈ $145/cwt | ATL · ~20 min |
| Colorado Convention CenterDenver | Convention center | 584,000 sq ft on one level, Halls A–F | 30 ft to low steel | IATSE 7 · 60-min rule | ≈ $160/cwt | DEN · 30–40 min |
| Dallas Market CenterDallas | Wholesale market | 5M+ sq ft · Temps floors in a 15-floor WTC | 8 ft GEM walls in Temps booths | Right-to-work · self-setup OK | ≈ $100/cwt | DAL · 3.4 mi |
| DC ArmoryWashington | Arena / expo hall | 70,000 sq ft column-free floor | — (listings: ~88 ft) | Union · check kit | ≈ $150/cwt | DCA · ~15–20 min |
| DCU CenterWorcester | Convention center + arena | 48,640 sq ft Exhibition Hall · 26,200 sq ft arena floor | 30 ft hall · 36 ft Showcase Corner | IATSE Local 96 · check kit | ≈ $110/cwt | ORH · <5 mi |
| Donald E. Stephens Convention CenterRosemont | Convention center | 250,000 sq ft Hall A · 840,000 total | 16–26 ft | Union state · check kit | ≈ $140/cwt | ORD · 2.4 mi |
| Ernest N. Morial Convention CenterNew Orleans | Convention center | 127,364 sq ft Hall E · 1.1M sq ft in all | — | Right-to-work | ≈ $155/cwt | MSY · 25–30 min |
| Fairmont Scottsdale PrincessScottsdale | Resort ballrooms | 22,500 sq ft Princess Ballroom + 22,394 sq ft Palomino | 18–18.6 ft ballrooms | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $150/cwt | PHX · ~20 mi |
| First Financial CenterCincinnati | Convention center | 192,356 sq ft Halls A–C, contiguous | 35 ft · 18 ft low zones | Open shop · check kit | ≈ $140/cwt | CVG · ~15–20 min |
| Fontainebleau Las VegasLas Vegas | Resort ballrooms | 105,264 sq ft Royal Ballroom | 28 ft 10 in | Union · check kit | ≈ $185/cwt | LAS · 4.3 mi |
| Fort Worth Convention CenterFort Worth | Convention center | 182,613 sq ft Halls A–F + 45,000 sq ft annex | 25 ft | Right-to-work | ≈ $90/cwt | DFW · 25–30 min |
| French Lick ResortFrench Lick | Resort ballrooms | 31,624 sq ft Exhibition Hall | 22 ft Hoosier · 18 ft Windsor | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $125/cwt | SDF · ~90 min |
| Galt House HotelLouisville | Hotel ballrooms | 23,331 sq ft Grand Ballroom | 22 ft ballroom · 11 ft exhibit hall | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $125/cwt | SDF · ~8 mi |
| Gas South Convention CenterDuluth | Convention center | 89,470 sq ft, Exhibit Halls A–D | ~30 ft (Cvent listing) | Right-to-work · non-union | ≈ $140/cwt | ATL · ~45 min |
| Gaylord National Resort & Convention CenterNational Harbor | Resort ballrooms | 178,787 sq ft Prince George's Exhibition Hall | 24 ft hall · 28.5 ft ballrooms | Union · check kit | ≈ $170/cwt | DCA · ~15 min |
| Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention CenterChula Vista | Resort ballrooms | 140,049 sq ft California Exhibit Hall | 34 ft hall · 27–28 ft ballrooms | Check show kit | ≈ $176/cwt | SAN · ~10–12 mi |
| Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention CenterKissimmee | Resort ballrooms | 178,500 sq ft Florida Exhibition Hall | 24 ft hall and ballrooms | Right-to-work | ≈ $160/cwt | MCO · ~20 min |
| Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention CenterAurora | Resort ballrooms | 114,648 sq ft Aurora Exhibit Hall (≈175,000 with the Aurora Ballroom) | 30 ft hall · 36 ft Aurora Ballroom | Union · check kit | ≈ $155/cwt | DEN · ~10 min |
| Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention CenterGrapevine | Resort ballrooms | 179,520 sq ft Longhorn Exhibition Hall | 24 ft hall · 24 ft ballrooms | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $100/cwt | DFW · ~6 min |
| George R. Brown Convention CenterHouston | Convention center | 547,730 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–E | 35 ft (Level 1) · 30 ft (Level 3) | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $95/cwt | HOU · ~9 mi |
| Georgia International Convention CenterCollege Park | Convention center | 151,200 sq ft, four 37,800 sq ft halls | 32 ft halls and ballroom | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $145/cwt | ATL · 1/4 mi, SkyTrain |
| Georgia World Congress CenterAtlanta | Convention center | 1M+ sq ft contiguous (Halls B, BC, C) | 30 ft to grid | Right-to-work | ≈ $150/cwt | ATL · 15–20 min |
| Golden Nugget Lake CharlesLake Charles | Casino resort ballroom | 18,000 sq ft Grand Event Center | 28 ft | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $145/cwt | LCH · ~20 min |
| Grand Wayne Convention CenterFort Wayne | Convention center | 50,000 sq ft Convention Hall · 225,000 sq ft in all | Not published | Right-to-work · non-union crews | ≈ $125/cwt | FWA · ~7 mi |
| Greater Columbus Convention CenterColumbus | Convention center | 373,000 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–D | 30 ft halls · 33 ft Battelle Grand | Union state · check kit | ≈ $130/cwt | CMH · ~10 min |
| Harrah's Waterfront Conference CenterAtlantic City | Resort ballrooms | 49,447 sq ft Wildwood Ballroom (two stacked ~50,000) | 27.5 ft Wildwood (Cvent) | Union · check kit | ≈ $145/cwt | ACY · ~14 mi |
| Henry B. González Convention CenterSan Antonio | Convention center | about 514,000 sq ft contiguous, Halls 1–4 + Bridge Hall | 35 ft halls · 24 ft Bridge Hall | Right-to-work | ≈ $95/cwt | SAT · ~8 mi |
| High Point MarketHigh Point | Wholesale market | 11.5M+ sq ft at 160+ showroom addresses | — | Right-to-work · check venue | ≈ $95/cwt | GSO · 11 mi |
| Hilton AnatoleDallas | Hotel ballrooms | 73,000–75,900 sq ft Trinity Exhibit Hall | 18 ft hall · 28–29 ft ballrooms | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $100/cwt | DAL · ~4 mi |
| Hilton Baltimore Inner HarborBaltimore | Hotel ballrooms | 26,712 sq ft Key Ballroom (42,102 sq ft exhibit space) | 21 ft Key · 26 ft Holiday | No right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $135/cwt | BWI · ~9 mi |
| Hilton ChicagoChicago | Hotel ballrooms | 40,140 sq ft Stevens Salon A · 234,000 total | 10–11 ft Stevens · 23–34 ft ballrooms | Union · pop-ups ≤ 10×10 | ≈ $175/cwt | MDW · 12 mi |
| Hilton New Orleans RiversideNew Orleans | Hotel ballrooms | 26,894 sq ft Grand Ballroom | 18 ft Grand Ballroom · 12 ft Grand Salon | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $155/cwt | MSY · ~25 min |
| Hilton OrlandoOrlando | Hotel ballrooms | 48,167 sq ft Orlando Ballroom | 26 ft Orlando · 24 ft Orange · 18 ft Florida | Right-to-work | ≈ $155/cwt | MCO · 11 mi |
| Hilton San Francisco Union SquareSan Francisco | Hotel ballrooms | 29,637 sq ft Grand Ballroom | 23 ft 2 in Grand (fact sheet: 20 ft) · 20 ft Continental | Union · check kit | ≈ $180/cwt | SFO · 13 mi |
| Huntington Convention Center of ClevelandCleveland | Convention center | 225,000 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–C | 25–40 ft | Union · own staff may build | ≈ $145/cwt | CLE · ~20–25 min |
| Huntington PlaceDetroit | Convention center | 623,000 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–D | 30 ft (A–D) · 18 ft 8 in (E) | Union · 400 sq ft rule | ≈ $155/cwt | DTW · 20 mi |
| Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner HarborBaltimore | Hotel ballrooms | 14,161 sq ft Constellation Ballroom (35,000+ sq ft event space) | 15 ft Constellation | No right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $135/cwt | BWI · ~20–25 min |
| Hyatt Regency ChicagoChicago | Hotel ballrooms | 70,000 sq ft Riverside Exhibit Hall | 12 ft hall · 17–19 ft ballrooms | Union · check kit | ≈ $225/cwt | MDW · 12 mi |
| Hyatt Regency ColumbusColumbus | Convention hotel | 15,800 sq ft Regency Ballroom · 70,000 total | 24 ft ballroom · 8–13.5 ft rooms | Union state · check kit | ≈ $135/cwt | CMH · 7 mi |
| Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention CenterDenver | Convention hotel | 30,000 sq ft Centennial Ballroom · 60,600 total | 30 ft Centennial · 22 ft Capitol | Not right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $165/cwt | DEN · 25 mi |
| Hyatt Regency New OrleansNew Orleans | Hotel ballrooms | 48,100 sq ft Elite Hall + 25,379 sq ft Storyville Hall | about 9–24 ft Elite Hall · 20.5 ft ballrooms | Right-to-work · union in kits | ≈ $160/cwt | MSY · ~14 mi |
| Hyatt Regency OrlandoOrlando | Hotel ballrooms | 54,638 sq ft Regency Ballroom | 31 ft Regency (listed) · 21 ft Plaza | Right-to-work | ≈ $155/cwt | MCO · 12 mi |
| Hynes Convention CenterBoston | Convention center | 176,480 sq ft (Halls A–D + auditorium) | 14–18 ft plaza · 20–43 ft level 2 | Union · staff setup OK | ≈ $190/cwt | BOS · 4.6 mi |
| Indiana Convention CenterIndianapolis | Convention center | 566,600 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–K | 35 ft | Union · own staff OK | ≈ $135/cwt | IND · ~15 min |
| Iowa Events CenterDes Moines | Convention center | 150,000 sq ft contiguous, EMC Expo Center Halls A–C | 35 ft (Halls B–C) | Right-to-work | ≈ $100/cwt | DSM · ~10 min |
| Irving Convention Center at Las ColinasIrving | Convention center | 48,576 sq ft column-free exhibit hall | 35 ft hall · 24 ft ballroom | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $100/cwt | DFW · ~6 mi |
| Javits CenterNew York | Convention center | ~500,000 sq ft contiguous (Level 3) | Varies by hall · check plan | Union · 250 sq ft rule | ≈ $195/cwt | EWR / LGA / JFK · 45–70 min |
| John S. Knight CenterAkron | Convention center | 28,640 sq ft exhibit halls, 123,000 sq ft building | 35 ft halls · 20 ft ballrooms | No right-to-work · own staff OK | ≈ $130/cwt | CAK · ~20 min |
| Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention CenterRochester | Convention center | 49,275 sq ft Empire Hall | 45 ft (hall halves) | Not right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $85/cwt | ROC · ~15 min |
| JW Marriott IndianapolisIndianapolis | Hotel ballrooms | 40,500 sq ft JW Grand Ballroom | 19–21 ft ballroom · 12 ft Griffin Hall | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $130/cwt | IND · ~15–20 min |
| JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & SpaPhoenix | Resort ballrooms | 33,218 sq ft Grand Canyon Ballroom · ~84,000 in 3 ballrooms | 21–24.6 ft ballrooms | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $145/cwt | PHX · 22 mi |
| Kalahari Resorts & Conventions SanduskySandusky | Resort ballrooms | 38,232 sq ft Kilimanjaro Ballroom | ≈ 28 ft Kilimanjaro (listing) | No right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $135/cwt | CLE · ≈42 mi |
| Kansas City Convention CenterKansas City | Convention center | 388,800 sq ft column-free, Bartle Hall A–E | 33 ft A–C · 42 ft D–E | IATSE 31 · check kit | ≈ $145/cwt | MCI · ~19 mi |
| Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center DallasDallas | Convention center | 304,250 sq ft open in Halls A–C (2026) | 35 ft (A, B) · 31–37 ft (C) | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $100/cwt | DAL · ~6 mi |
| Kentucky Exposition CenterLouisville | Expo center | 218,286 sq ft North Wing (421,200 sq ft South Wing A–C) | 27 ft South Wing · 15–28 ft North Wing | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $125/cwt | SDF · adjacent |
| Kentucky International Convention CenterLouisville | Convention center | 204,169 sq ft, Exhibit Halls A–E | 32 ft halls · 30 ft ballroom | Right-to-work · self-setup | ≈ $130/cwt | SDF · 7.6 mi |
| Long Beach Convention CenterLong Beach | Convention center | 224,000 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–C | 25 ft halls · 30–75 ft Arena | Union · 30-min no-tools rule | ≈ $170/cwt | LGB · ~10–15 min |
| Los Angeles Convention CenterLos Angeles | Convention center | 346,890 sq ft South Hall G–K | 40 ft South · 36 ft West | Union · check kit | ≈ $175/cwt | LAX · ~20 mi |
| Manchester Grand Hyatt San DiegoSan Diego | Hotel ballrooms | 34,000 sq ft Grand Hall | ~14 ft Grand Hall · 18–21 ft ballrooms | Union dock · check kit | ≈ $176/cwt | SAN · 3 mi |
| Marriott Marquis San Diego MarinaSan Diego | Hotel ballrooms | 35,631 sq ft Marriott Grand and Pacific ballrooms | 26 ft Grand · 16 ft Pacific | Union · check kit | ≈ $176/cwt | SAN · 3 mi |
| Marriott Marquis Washington, DCWashington | Hotel ballrooms | 30,600 sq ft Marquis Ballroom | 22 ft Marquis Ballroom | Union · check kit | ≈ $170/cwt | DCA · ~3.7 mi |
| MassMutual CenterSpringfield | Civic center + arena | 40,650 sq ft Exhibition Halls A + B | 27 ft halls · 24 ft ballroom | Union market · check kit | ≈ $160/cwt | BDL · ~12 mi |
| McCormick PlaceChicago | Convention center | 840,000 sq ft Hall A (South) · 1.2M+ on one level | Varies by hall · check plan | Union · staff setup any size | ≈ $210/cwt | MDW · ~20 min |
| Meadowlands Exposition CenterSecaucus | Expo center | 61,000 sq ft contiguous main hall | 20 ft | Not right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $110/cwt | EWR · ~12 mi |
| Mesa Convention CenterMesa | City convention campus | 19,000 sq ft main exhibit hall | 22 ft hall | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $130/cwt | PHX · ~11 mi |
| Metropolitan PavilionNew York | Loft event venue | 25,000 sq ft Full Pavilion | 12–16 ft | Check fair kit | ≈ $150/cwt | LGA · ~35 min |
| Miami Beach Convention CenterMiami Beach | Convention center | 491,654 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–D | — | Union · IATSE/IBEW · check kit | ≈ $170/cwt | MIA · ~12 mi |
| Minneapolis Convention CenterMinneapolis | Convention center | 376,200 sq ft contiguous, Halls B–E | 30 ft 6 in to truss · 85 ft domes | Union · open dock | ≈ $150/cwt | MSP · ~20 min |
| Moscone CenterSan Francisco | Convention center | 502,440 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–F | 37 ft Halls A–C · 28 ft Hall F | Union · check kit | ≈ $180/cwt | SFO · 25–40 min |
| Nassau Veterans Memorial ColiseumUniondale | Arena + expo hall | 60,000 sq ft Exhibition Hall | 20 ft | Not right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $95/cwt | JFK · ~11 mi |
| National Western ComplexDenver | Fairgrounds | 153,089 sq ft Expo Hall, Livestock Center | 25 ft · 20 ft low point | Not right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $150/cwt | DEN · ~17 mi |
| Navy Pier Festival HallChicago | Exhibition hall on a pier | 170,100 sq ft, Halls A + B | 60 ft centre · 28–30 ft sides | Union state · check kit | ≈ $150/cwt | MDW · ~25–35 min |
| New Jersey Convention and Exposition CenterEdison | Expo center | ~135,000 sq ft single-level hall | 24 ft beams · 19 ft ducts | Non-union building · check kit | ≈ $105/cwt | EWR · ~15 min |
| New York Hilton MidtownNew York | Hotel ballrooms | 16,450 sq ft Americas Hall I (plus Hall II) | 15 ft halls · 24 ft Grand Ballroom | Union · check kit | ≈ $185/cwt | LGA · ~35 min |
| New York Marriott MarquisNew York | Hotel ballrooms | 28,258 sq ft Broadway Ballroom | 23 ft Broadway · 12 ft Westside | Union · check kit | ≈ $185/cwt | LGA · ~40 min by car |
| Northern Kentucky Convention CenterCovington | Convention center | 46,200 sq ft Event Center (Halls I + II) | 29 ft hang points · 25 ft ballroom | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $130/cwt | CVG · ~9 mi |
| Ocean CenterDaytona Beach | Convention center | 93,028 sq ft exhibit hall | 32 ft hall · 45 ft arena | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $150/cwt | DAB · ~10 min |
| Oklahoma City Convention CenterOklahoma City | Convention center | 200,730 sq ft continuous, up to 4 halls | 30 ft | Right-to-work | ≈ $105/cwt | OKC · ~9–10 mi |
| Orange County Convention CenterOrlando | Convention center | 1,103,538 sq ft West Building | 30–40 ft | Right-to-work | ≈ $155/cwt | MCO · 12 mi |
| Oregon Convention CenterPortland | Convention center | 255,000 sq ft Halls A–E | 30 ft | Union · check kit | ≈ $150/cwt | PDX · MAX ~30 min |
| Orlando World Center MarriottOrlando | Resort ballrooms | 105,000 sq ft Cypress Ballroom | 31 ft Cypress · 22 ft ballrooms | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $160/cwt | MCO · ~17 mi |
| Owensboro Convention CenterOwensboro | Convention center | 44,096 sq ft, Exhibit Halls 1–3 | 30 ft halls · 18 ft ballrooms | Right-to-work · non-union building | ≈ $120/cwt | OWB (limited) · SDF/BNA ~2 hr |
| Palm Beach County Convention CenterWest Palm Beach | Convention center | 100,000 sq ft exhibit hall (Halls A–B) | ≈ 29 ft hall | Right-to-work · own tools OK | ≈ $165/cwt | PBI · ~10 min |
| Phoenix Convention CenterPhoenix | Convention center | 312,500 sq ft contiguous, lower Halls 1–6 | 32 ft lower · 35 ft upper | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $140/cwt | PHX · ~3 mi |
| Prime F. Osborn III Convention CenterJacksonville | Convention center | 78,540 sq ft, Exhibit Halls A + B | 32.5 ft halls · 75 ft Grand Lobby | Right-to-work · IATSE 115 · check kit | ≈ $150/cwt | JAX · via I-95 |
| Raising Cane's River CenterBaton Rouge | Convention center | ≈ 70,000 sq ft Exhibition Hall · 100,000+ with arena | — hall · 27 ft ballroom | Right-to-work | ≈ $140/cwt | BTR · ~7 mi |
| Reliant CenterHouston | Convention center | 706,000+ sq ft on one level, Halls A–E | 25–60 ft · avg 30 ft | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $116/cwt | HOU · ~8 mi |
| Reno-Sparks Convention CenterReno | Convention center | 382,303 sq ft on one level, Halls 1–5 | 34 ft | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $115/cwt | RNO · 2.1 mi |
| Rocky Gap Casino ResortFlintstone | Resort event center | 5,000 sq ft Allegheny Event Center | up to 21 ft | Not right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $120/cwt | BWI / PIT · ~2–2.5 hr |
| Roland E. Powell Convention CenterOcean City | Convention center | 75,400 sq ft Exhibit Halls A–C | 30 ft halls · 35 ft ballroom | Not right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $130/cwt | SBY · ~30 min |
| Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade CenterWashington | Conference center | 9,185 sq ft Atrium Hall (65,000 sq ft in all) | 26 ft Atrium Hall · 80–125 ft Atrium | Union · check kit | ≈ $165/cwt | DCA · ~8 min |
| Rosen Centre HotelOrlando | Hotel ballrooms | 35,000 sq ft Grand Ballroom | 25 ft Grand · 22 ft Executive, Junior | Right-to-work | ≈ $155/cwt | MCO · 12 min |
| Rosen Shingle CreekOrlando | Resort ballrooms | 95,000 sq ft Gatlin Ballroom | 31 ft ballrooms | Right-to-work | ≈ $160/cwt | MCO · ~10 min |
| SAFE Credit Union Convention CenterSacramento | Convention center | 159,509 sq ft, Halls A–D | 30 ft halls · 25 ft ballrooms | Union · 30-minute rule | ≈ $160/cwt | SMF · ~15 min |
| San Diego Convention CenterSan Diego | Convention center | 525,701 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–H | 27 ft 4 in A–E · up to 64 ft F–H | Union · check kit | ≈ $176/cwt | SAN · 3 mi |
| San Francisco Marriott MarquisSan Francisco | Hotel ballrooms | 39,621 sq ft Yerba Buena Ballroom | 24.5 ft Yerba Buena 7–9 · 14 ft Golden Gate | Union · check kit | ≈ $180/cwt | SFO · ~13 mi |
| San Jose McEnery Convention CenterSan Jose | Convention center | 143,000 sq ft Halls 1–3 | 32 ft | Union · 30 min / 10 ft rule | ≈ $160/cwt | SJC · 4 mi |
| Santa Clara Convention CenterSanta Clara | Convention center | 90,014 sq ft Halls A–D | 28 ft 6 in | Union · check kit | ≈ $160/cwt | SJC · 5–6 mi |
| Savannah Convention CenterSavannah | Convention center | 200,000 sq ft, Exhibit Halls A–D | 30 ft C–D · up to 52 ft A–B | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $150/cwt | SAV · under 15 mi |
| Schaumburg Convention CenterSchaumburg | Convention center | 97,200 sq ft column-free hall | 30 ft hall · 22 ft ballroom | Non-union venue · check kit | ≈ $120/cwt | ORD · ~13 mi |
| Seattle Convention CenterSeattle | Convention center | 205,700 sq ft Arch Halls 4A–4F | 25 ft Arch · 30 ft Summit | Union · check kit | ≈ $165/cwt | SEA · Link ~40 min |
| Sheraton Boston HotelBoston | Hotel ballrooms | 19,938 sq ft Grand Ballroom Complex | 23 ft Grand · 11 ft Back Bay | Union · own staff per kit | ≈ $185/cwt | BOS · 4.7 mi |
| Sheraton Grand Chicago RiverwalkChicago | Hotel ballrooms | 40,003 sq ft ballroom · 35,000 sq ft Riverwalk hall | 22 ft ballroom · 10 ft 6 in hall | Union · pop-ups ≤ 10×10 | ≈ $225/cwt | MDW · 13 mi |
| Sheraton New York Times Square HotelNew York | Hotel ballrooms | 14,896–16,576 sq ft Metropolitan Ballroom | 21.9 ft Metropolitan · 11 ft others | Union · check kit | ≈ $185/cwt | LGA · ~35 min |
| Shreveport Convention CenterShreveport | Convention center | 95,000 sq ft exhibit hall, divisible by 3 | 30 ft hall · 25–26 ft ballroom | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $135/cwt | SHV · ~6 mi |
| Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet CreekOrlando | Resort ballrooms | 35,925 sq ft Bonnet Creek Ballroom | 20 ft Bonnet Creek · 18 ft Waterside, Floridian | Right-to-work | ≈ $155/cwt | MCO · 19 mi |
| Talking Stick ResortScottsdale | Resort ballrooms | 24,556–25,000 sq ft Salt River Grand Ballroom | Listed as 24 · confirm | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $140/cwt | PHX · ~14 mi |
| Tampa Convention CenterTampa | Convention center | 200,000 sq ft, West/Central/East Halls | 30 ft halls | Right-to-work | ≈ $155/cwt | TPA · ~8 mi |
| The BroadmoorColorado Springs | Resort ballrooms | 93,500 sq ft Bartolin Hall exhibit floor | 25 ft halls · 35 ft International Center | Union · check kit | ≈ $160/cwt | COS · ~11.5 mi |
| The OncenterSyracuse | Convention center | 99,000–100,000 sq ft Pirro Convention Center | — | Not right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $85/cwt | SYR · ~5 mi |
| Tucson Convention CenterTucson | Convention center | 89,760 sq ft Exhibit Halls A–C | 26 ft low steel · 35 ft high | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $135/cwt | TUS · ~10–15 min |
| Turning Stone Resort CasinoVerona | Resort ballrooms | ≈ 30,000 sq ft Event Center · 30,000 sq ft Grand Ballroom | 12–55 ft Event Center | Resort rules · check kit | ≈ $95/cwt | SYR · ~35 mi |
| Walt Disney World Swan and DolphinLake Buena Vista | Resort ballrooms | 110,500 sq ft Atlantic + Pacific halls | 30 ft Atlantic · 25′8″ Pacific | Right-to-work | ≈ $155/cwt | MCO · ~20 min |
| Walter E. Washington Convention CenterWashington | Convention center | 473,000 sq ft contiguous, Halls A–C | 30 ft (A–C) · up to 52 ft (D–E) | Union · check kit | ≈ $175/cwt | DCA · ~4 mi |
| Washington HiltonWashington | Hotel ballrooms | 29,631 sq ft International Ballroom · ~30,000 sq ft Columbia Hall | 30 ft ballroom · ~11 ft Columbia Hall | Union city · check kit | ≈ $165/cwt | DCA · ~6–7 mi |
| Westin Boston Seaport DistrictBoston | Hotel ballrooms | 19,160 sq ft Galleria Exhibit Hall | 14.5 ft Galleria · 24 ft Grand | Union market · check kit | ≈ $185/cwt | BOS · <3 mi |
| Wildwoods Convention CenterWildwood | Convention center + arena | 73,000–75,000 sq ft exhibit hall (East + West) | 30 ft (Cvent) | Self-setup allowed · CBAs | ≈ $115/cwt | ACY · ~35 mi |
| World Market Center Las VegasLas Vegas | Wholesale market | 193,858 sq ft The Expo + 3 showroom towers | — | Right-to-work · check kit | ≈ $120/cwt | LAS · ~6.3 mi |
Nearby guides
Other Chicago venues
Hyatt Regency ChicagoAbout 0.65 mi east
Sheraton Grand Chicago RiverwalkEast along the river
McCormick PlaceAbout 2.7 mi south
Hilton ChicagoSouth Loop
Navy Pier Festival HallStreeterville
All venue guides → · Chicago venue guide · Booths for Chicago shows
Other wholesale markets: World Market Center Las Vegas · AmericasMart Atlanta · Dallas Market Center · High Point Market
Written by the Purple Exhibits team. Purple ships to THE MART and coordinates crews and freight for River North installs; we ship and install from New York. Reviewed for the 2026–2027 season. Sources: THE MART's home, events and event-space pages, theMART office leasing site, NeoCon's exhibit, exhibitor resources, floor plan and travel pages, the 2027 Chicago Collective operations portal and show sites, the National Bridal Market and One of a Kind sites, Benesch on the Illinois Workers' Rights Amendment, Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap.