One of the most frequent questions asked by firms contemplating their first McCormick Place booth is, “What’s the price?” Rental of the floor space is where you begin, but it’s just one element of your total booth costs, which may include drayage, power, furnishings, carpeting, labor, and services. At a facility like McCormick Place, you could end up paying dearly for extras.
Here we’ve outlined every cost factor involved in a McCormick Place Exhibition Hall Booth Rental, why they increase or decrease, and how to construct a practical budget for a Chicago trade show.
About McCormick Place Exhibition Hall Booth Rental
A McCormick Place exhibition hall booth rental covers the exhibit display, structure, graphics, furniture, and accessories that a company installs in its contracted floor space at McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America. The display rental is a separate transaction from the floor space itself, which is purchased directly from the show organizer. Understanding both costs and the additional layer of Chicago trade show budget items unique to McCormick Place (drayage, union labor, electrical, rigging) is what separates exhibitors who arrive on budget from those who get a surprise invoice three weeks after the show.
A useful rule of thumb for any McCormick Place booth cost estimate: take the published booth space rate and multiply it by 3 to 4× for a realistic all-in budget. That multiplier is higher at McCormick Place than at most U.S. venues because of the venue’s union labor structure and drayage rates, which are consistently among the highest in the country.
Pure Exhibits helps exhibitors build accurate McCormick Place booth budgets before committing. Get your quote.
The Four Buildings: What Exhibitors Need to Know About Each Hall
Each of the four McCormick buildings holds separate shows and has separate configurations, loading docks, and logistics. Getting to know your hall assignment as soon as possible and getting to know the implications is one of the most practical tips for new McCormick exhibitors.
North Building
This building houses the biggest show venues at McCormick Place. This is the venue where IMTS (International Manufacturing Technology Show) and PACK EXPO International take place. The hall is known for complicated electrical requirements, heavy machinery, and multi-day move-ins, sometimes starting a week before the show.
South Building
This building holds mid-sized trade shows in sectors such as healthcare, foodservice, and professional associations. It is home to one of the biggest trade shows held at McCormick Place, the National Restaurant Association Show (NRA Show), which gathers more than 50,000 foodservice professionals in Chicago each year in May. There is direct connectivity from the South Building to Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, making this building appropriate for trade shows that have many attendees requiring hotels.
West Building
This building is the most recent addition to McCormick Place and is characterized by an open-column exhibit hall that allows easy movement of large exhibits and equipment and complex rigging. It is used for the FABTECH trade show, one of the largest metal forming and fabricating trade shows.
Lakeside Center (East Building)
The Lakeside Center is the oldest of the four buildings and houses mid-size shows across healthcare, consumer goods, and professional categories. It offers direct pedestrian connection to the Hyatt Regency and Marriott Marquis hotels and has several ballroom spaces in addition to the main exhibit halls. RSNA (Radiological Society of North America) uses Lakeside Center for its clinical education and some exhibit components, with technical exhibits spreading across additional halls.
The Starting Point: Floor Space Rental Costs
The cost of floor space in McCormick Place changes from one exhibition to another. The exhibitors themselves are free to set their own price per square foot, which could be anywhere from $20 to $50+. The cost of renting a 10×10 space for $35 per sq ft is $3,500. Meanwhile, 20×20 island space at the same price is $14,000 without services.
Booth placement can add to your total cost. Corner and island booths cost an additional 10 to 20% above the standard price of inline booths.
McCormick Place Floor Space Cost Estimates by Booth Size
| Booth Size | Sq Ft | Low Estimate ($25/sq ft) | High Estimate ($45/sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10×10 inline | 100 | $2,500 | $4,500 |
| 10×20 inline | 200 | $5,000 | $9,000 |
| 20×20 island | 400 | $10,000 | $18,000 |
| 30×30 island | 900 | $22,500 | $40,500 |
Drayage: The Cost Most Exhibitors Underestimate
Drayage, which is the fee incurred when you move your freight from the loading dock to your booth allocation point, is among the most important yet often overlooked costs of renting a booth at McCormick Place. Drayage charges are based on hundredweight (CWT). At McCormick Place, drayage can cost anywhere between $100 and $200 or more per CWT. The full freight and logistics context is in the Pure Exhibits trade show logistics guide.
Drayage Cost Estimates at McCormick Place
| Freight Weight | Estimated Drayage ($150/CWT) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 500 lbs (5 CWT) | ~$750 | Small inline booth with minimal freight |
| 1,500 lbs (15 CWT) | ~$2,250 | Medium booth with standard components |
| 3,000 lbs (30 CWT) | ~$4,500 | Large island with a full custom build |
| 5,000 lbs (50 CWT) | ~$7,500 | Very large custom exhibit |
Pure Exhibits helps clients estimate McCormick Place drayage costs before the show, not after. Get a quote.
Electrical Costs at McCormick Place
Electricity orders are made through the general services contractor and will need to be handled by licensed electricians for all connections. Costs are based on amperage and service type. Standard orders for 20-amp outlets are priced between $150 and $250. Other costs for more demanding requirements, such as lighting, screen, and demonstration devices, could get pricey fast; for instance, 200-amp service may cost around $1,000-$2,500 or more.
Timing your order is essential. Orders for electricity at early-bird prices are generally 20-30% less costly compared to regular prices and 40-50% less expensive compared to floor orders. Late early-bird orders are the most common and easily avoided mistakes for McCormick Place exhibitors.
Electrical Cost Estimates at McCormick Place
| Service | Early-Bird Estimate | Floor-Order Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 20-amp outlet (120V) | $150–$200 | $250–$350 |
| 30-amp service (208V) | $300–$500 | $500–$800 |
| 100-amp service | $600–$900 | $1,000–$1,500 |
| 200-amp service | $1,000–$1,500 | $2,000–$2,500+ |
Furniture and Carpet Costs
Furniture and carpet are ordered separately from floor space and can add $500–$3,000+ to your booth cost depending on configuration. Many exhibitors bring their own custom flooring and furniture to reduce GSC rental costs, a consideration in the Pure Exhibits trade show booth design guide, where design decisions directly affect logistics costs.
Furniture and Carpet Cost Estimates
| Item | Estimated Cost (GSC Rental) |
|---|---|
| Standard carpet (per sq ft) | $3–$6/sq ft |
| Counter/pedestal (each) | $250–$500 |
| Table and chairs (set) | $150–$400 |
| Custom flooring (supply your own) | Freight/drayage cost only |
Pure Exhibits supplies furniture and flooring as part of our booth packages; no GSC rental required. Request a quote.
Labor Costs at McCormick Place
For Union labor work at McCormick Place, it applies to electric, rigging, and drayage services. Depending on the time of the day, the labor costs will differ according to different unions, and the overtime/weekend labor may be costlier than regular labor. A good starting point is that you budget for 4-8 hours of electrician work costing between $ 80 and $ 150 per hour. The compliance framework is detailed in the Pure Exhibits trade show compliance guide.
Labor Cost Factors at McCormick Place
| Labor Type | Typical Rate Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician (straight time) | $80–$130/hr | Standard weekday daytime hours |
| Electrician (overtime) | $120–$200/hr | Evenings, weekends, holidays |
| Rigger (hanging sign) | $150–$250/hr | Plus rigging hardware and approval fees |
| General installation (non-union) | Varies | Only for tasks outside union jurisdiction |
Staffing, Travel, and Hotel
Hotel rates near McCormick Place during major shows surge dramatically. The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and Marriott Marquis are walkable from the exhibit halls and are typically the first to sell out. During IMTS and RSNA, rates at these properties can reach $350–$600+ per night. For a team of four at a 3-day show, staffing and travel often represent the largest single budget line in the entire Chicago trade show budget.
Total Cost Estimates and How to Reduce Them
Putting it all together: a 10×10 inline booth at McCormick Place with standard services might total $5,000–$9,000 all-in. A 20×20 island with moderate custom build, hanging sign, and full services could run $25,000–$60,000. A large 30×30+ custom island with heavy drayage and significant electrical can reach $80,000–$150,000+. These ranges are wide because every show and every booth configuration is different, which is why building a line-by-line budget before committing is essential, as outlined in the Pure Exhibits trade show budget guide.
The most effective cost reduction strategy is using a rental exhibit managed by a partner who can pre-stage the booth and deliver directly to the move-in window, reducing both custom freight and drayage costs. Pure Exhibits supports exhibits at McCormick Place and nationwide. See the Pure Exhibits Las Vegas page and the Pure Exhibits homepage for details.
Total Cost Estimate by Booth Size
| Booth Type | Space Rental | Services Estimate | Total Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10×10 inline | $2,500–$4,500 | $2,500–$5,000 | $5,000–$9,500 |
| 10×20 inline | $5,000–$9,000 | $5,000–$10,000 | $10,000–$19,000 |
| 20×20 island | $10,000–$18,000 | $15,000–$40,000 | $25,000–$58,000 |
| 30×30+ island | $22,500–$40,500 | $30,000–$80,000+ | $52,500–$120,000+ |
MPEA Booth Rental Price: What Your Exhibit Display Actually Costs
MPEA booth rental price, more precisely, the cost of renting a booth display from an exhibit company for a McCormick Place show, varies based on booth size, configuration complexity, graphic scope, and whether the provider includes full-service I&D at the Chicago venue.
Here is what realistic MPEA booth rental price ranges look like for each common booth size:
10×10 Inline Rental (McCormick Place)
A full set of services for a 10×10 rental: the backwall structure, customized graphics, counter, and basic lighting provided by a full-service exhibit company.
- Cost for the rental display: $2,500-$5,500
- The scope of work for full service: Design and graphics production, delivery to the advance warehouse, installation by crew authorized for work at McCormick Place, and dismantling after the show closes.
- Verification to make: That the installation and dismantling crew of the provider has experience working at McCormick Place; a crew not familiar with the drayage intake process, labor dispatch schedule, and particular building move-in flow adds time and costs during move-in.
10×20 Inline Rental (McCormick Place)
- Cost for the rental display: $5,500-$13,000
- Common add-ons: Monitor mount and screen, second counter, backlit display upgrade.
20×20 Island Rental (McCormick Place)
- Cost for the rental display: $15,000-$40,000
- McCormick-specific notes: Island exhibits at McCormick Place typically require a floor plan submitted to show management in advance. Exhibits 600 sq ft and larger require a structural engineering review. Overhead hanging signs require a rigging order submitted separately to the GSC. These requirements add lead time and must be factored into the project schedule when engaging your rental provider.
20×30, 30×30, and Larger
- Rental display cost: $35,000–$100,000+
- Critical planning note: At this scale, union labor coordination for a McCormick Place install is a material part of the project. The labor estimate, number of crew, hours, and overtime risk based on move-in window timing should be produced alongside the exhibit design, not as an afterthought.
How Pure Exhibits Supports McCormick Place Exhibition Hall Booth Rental
Pure Exhibits provides full-service McCormick Place exhibition hall booth rental support, exhibit design, custom graphics, logistics coordination, and I&D for exhibitors across all four McCormick halls.
We design for McCormick’s specific constraints. Our exhibit designs account for the weight implications of your freight from day one, because every pound we reduce is drayage savings at a venue where drayage is among the most expensive in the country. We design for the correct heights by configuration, for the floor plan submission requirements at 600+ sq ft, and for the rigging application process for any overhead elements.
We coordinate show services on your behalf. We review your show’s Exhibitor Service Kit, identify advance order deadlines for electrical, rigging, and internet, and coordinate ordering so you pay advance rates, not floor rates, across every service line.
We manage the full logistics chain. From advanced warehouse shipping to dock check-in at the McCormick marshaling yard, crate weight documentation for drayage billing, and outbound freight coordination after show close. We own the logistics from our facility to your booth space and back.
Let’s Build Something Extraordinary
Share your event details and we’ll craft a custom booth solution designed to captivate your audience and maximize your ROI.
15 Questions About McCormick Place Booth Rental Costs: Answered
How much does it cost to rent a booth at McCormick Place?
Total cost varies widely by booth size and services. A 10×10 inline might run $5,000–$9,500 all-in; a 20×20 island typically ranges from $25,000–$58,000 including space rental, drayage, electrical, and furniture.
What is included in McCormick Place floor space rental?
Only the floor space itself. Carpet, electrical, furniture, drayage, internet, and labor are all billed separately through the general services contractor.
What is drayage and how much does it cost at McCormick Place?
Drayage is the fee for moving freight from the loading dock to your booth. At McCormick Place, rates typically run $100–$200+ per hundredweight (per 100 lbs of freight).
How can I reduce my McCormick Place booth rental cost?
Order services during the early-bird window (typically 4–6 weeks before the show) to save 20–40% on electrical and furniture. Using a rental exhibit from a partner reduces custom freight and drayage costs significantly.
What are the early-bird ordering deadlines at McCormick Place?
Early-bird deadlines typically fall 4–6 weeks before the show. The exact date is specified in the exhibitor manual. Missing this window triggers standard pricing and later floor pricing.
How much does electricity cost at McCormick Place?
A standard 20-amp outlet runs $150–$350 depending on whether you order at early-bird or floor rates. Larger power requirements, for lighting grids or demo equipment, can cost $1,000–$2,500+.
What does carpet cost at McCormick Place?
GSC-rented carpet typically runs $3–$6 per square foot. A 10×10 space with rented carpet adds $300–$600; a 20×20 adds $1,200–$2,400. Bringing your own flooring eliminates this cost but adds freight weight.
Is union labor expensive at McCormick Place?
Union labor rates at McCormick Place are in line with other major union venues; electricians typically run $80–$130/hr at straight time. Overtime rates (evenings and weekends) can be 1.5–2x the base rate.
What is the most underestimated cost at McCormick Place?
Drayage is consistently the biggest budget surprise for first-time McCormick Place exhibitors. Get a weight estimate for your total freight and request a drayage quote from the GSC before the show.
Does booth placement affect cost at McCormick Place?
Yes, corner, island, and high-traffic aisle locations often carry a premium of 10–20% over standard inline rates. These placements also typically deliver better traffic, making the premium often worth it.
Is a rental exhibit more cost-effective than a custom booth at McCormick Place?
For exhibitors who don’t regularly exhibit in Chicago, yes, a rental exhibit eliminates custom booth freight costs and often reduces drayage weight, resulting in meaningful savings at a venue where freight and drayage are expensive.
What does internet access cost at McCormick Place?
Internet pricing varies by show and connection type. Basic wired internet typically runs $300–$800 for the show; wireless and higher-speed connections cost more. Order through the venue’s technology services provider.
How much does a hanging sign cost at McCormick Place?
Hanging sign costs include the sign itself, rigging labor (typically $150–$250/hr), and any structural approval fees. Expect $1,500–$5,000+ for a standard hanging sign, depending on size and complexity.
Does Pure Exhibits help exhibitors build McCormick Place booth budgets?
Yes, Pure Exhibits helps clients build accurate, line-by-line McCormick Place booth budgets before they commit to the show, so there are no budget surprises on move-in day.
What is the biggest way to save money on a McCormick Place exhibit?
Combining a rental exhibit with early-bird service ordering is typically the most effective cost-reduction strategy, eliminating long-haul freight, reducing drayage weight, and locking in the lowest pricing on services.
