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Chicago Trade Show Booth Builder

We design, build, and deliver trade show exhibits for McCormick Place—planned around union labor workflows, dock scheduling.Specialized in custom trade show booth design and installation at McCormick Place, including union labor coordination, drayage planning, and large island booth builds.

We design, build, and deliver trade show exhibits for McCormick Place—planned around union labor workflows, dock scheduling.Specialized in custom trade show booth design and installation at McCormick Place, including union labor coordination, drayage planning, and large island booth builds.

Get a Rental Proposal

  • Chicago 20x20 retail trade show booth installation at McCormick Place featuring open layout, product display shelving, and illuminated brand panels
  • Chicago custom exhibit build at McCormick Place with bold architectural structure, integrated LED lighting, and branded display counters
  • Chicago trade show exhibit installation at McCormick Place with suspended hanging signage, product demo stations, and structured architectural build
  • Chicago mid-size trade show booth installation at McCormick Place with circular hanging signage and integrated product display walls
  • Chicago custom trade show exhibit installation at McCormick Place featuring curved architectural panels, LED accent lighting, and enclosed meeting area

Built for McCormick Place Execution

Unlock key benefits that boost your team’s productivity and performance.

Unlock key benefits that boost your team’s productivity and performance.

Unlock key benefits that boost your team’s productivity and performance.

Person trying to make payment with contact less methods

Built for McCormick Place Realities

Chicago execution is shaped by freight staging, dock scheduling, and labor call windows. A booth plan should start with how crates, pallets, and demo equipment move through the venue—not just how the booth looks.

Person trying to make payment with contact less methods

Built for McCormick Place Realities

Chicago execution is shaped by freight staging, dock scheduling, and labor call windows. A booth plan should start with how crates, pallets, and demo equipment move through the venue—not just how the booth looks.

Person trying to make payment with contact less methods

Built for McCormick Place Realities

Chicago execution is shaped by freight staging, dock scheduling, and labor call windows. A booth plan should start with how crates, pallets, and demo equipment move through the venue—not just how the booth looks.

Man working on a computer and smiling

Union Labor Coordination

We align engineering drawings, installation sequencing, and crew timing with venue workflows to reduce delays—especially for hanging elements, heavy structures, and demo-ready builds.

Man working on a computer and smiling

Union Labor Coordination

We align engineering drawings, installation sequencing, and crew timing with venue workflows to reduce delays—especially for hanging elements, heavy structures, and demo-ready builds.

Man working on a computer and smiling

Union Labor Coordination

We align engineering drawings, installation sequencing, and crew timing with venue workflows to reduce delays—especially for hanging elements, heavy structures, and demo-ready builds.

Person using a card at a POS system

Drayage & Material Handling Readiness

Proper labeling, documentation, and release timing keep equipment, AV racks, counters, and structural components moving through material handling without stalling installation.

Person using a card at a POS system

Drayage & Material Handling Readiness

Proper labeling, documentation, and release timing keep equipment, AV racks, counters, and structural components moving through material handling without stalling installation.

Person using a card at a POS system

Drayage & Material Handling Readiness

Proper labeling, documentation, and release timing keep equipment, AV racks, counters, and structural components moving through material handling without stalling installation.

10000+

Booths Delivered Nationwide

10000+

Booths Delivered Nationwide

10000+

Booths Delivered Nationwide

40x40

Large-Scale Island Builds

40x40

Large-Scale Island Builds

40x40

Large-Scale Island Builds

98+

On-Time Install Rate

98+

On-Time Install Rate

98+

On-Time Install Rate

10+

U.S. Show Floor Experience

10+

U.S. Show Floor Experience

10+

U.S. Show Floor Experience

Executing Booth Builds at McCormick Place

McCormick Place is the core venue for Chicago trade shows. Execution requirements vary by building and hall layout, so we plan around where your booth sits and how freight and crews reach it.

1

North & South Buildings (Large-scale move-in planning)

• Dock access and timed move-in sequencing • Forklift paths and crate staging strategy • Floor load planning for machinery, robots, vehicles, or test rigs

1

North & South Buildings (Large-scale move-in planning)

• Dock access and timed move-in sequencing • Forklift paths and crate staging strategy • Floor load planning for machinery, robots, vehicles, or test rigs

1

North & South Buildings (Large-scale move-in planning)

• Dock access and timed move-in sequencing • Forklift paths and crate staging strategy • Floor load planning for machinery, robots, vehicles, or test rigs

2

West Building (Automation + demo systems)

2

West Building (Automation + demo systems)

2

West Building (Automation + demo systems)

3

Lakeside Center (Rigging + AV-heavy builds)

3

Lakeside Center (Rigging + AV-heavy builds)

3

Lakeside Center (Rigging + AV-heavy builds)

Retail-style housewares trade show booth at The Inspired Home Show Chicago featuring clean product displays and structured shelving
Retail-style housewares trade show booth at The Inspired Home Show Chicago featuring clean product displays and structured shelving
Retail-style housewares trade show booth at The Inspired Home Show Chicago featuring clean product displays and structured shelving

Common Exhibitor Challenges in Chicago

Installation realities at McCormick Place require precise coordination across labor, logistics, and scheduling.

Get a Rental Proposal

Dock Scheduling & Marshalling Flow

Freight arrival windows are controlled and staged before dock access is granted. Small timing mistakes can cascade into installation delays.

Dock Scheduling & Marshalling Flow

Freight arrival windows are controlled and staged before dock access is granted. Small timing mistakes can cascade into installation delays.

Dock Scheduling & Marshalling Flow

Freight arrival windows are controlled and staged before dock access is granted. Small timing mistakes can cascade into installation delays.

Union Jurisdiction & Crew Calls

Different task responsibilities and crew timing affect structure assembly, hanging elements, and on-floor execution pace.

Union Jurisdiction & Crew Calls

Different task responsibilities and crew timing affect structure assembly, hanging elements, and on-floor execution pace.

Union Jurisdiction & Crew Calls

Different task responsibilities and crew timing affect structure assembly, hanging elements, and on-floor execution pace.

Material Handling & Drayage Release Timing

Crates and pallets must clear handling steps before booth assembly begins—release timing is as important as shipping time.

Material Handling & Drayage Release Timing

Crates and pallets must clear handling steps before booth assembly begins—release timing is as important as shipping time.

Material Handling & Drayage Release Timing

Crates and pallets must clear handling steps before booth assembly begins—release timing is as important as shipping time.

Rigging & Hanging Sign Approvals

Overhead elements require engineering documentation, review, and schedule alignment—plan early to avoid conflicts.

Rigging & Hanging Sign Approvals

Overhead elements require engineering documentation, review, and schedule alignment—plan early to avoid conflicts.

Rigging & Hanging Sign Approvals

Overhead elements require engineering documentation, review, and schedule alignment—plan early to avoid conflicts.

Power & Internet for Demo Systems

Machinery, automation lines, AV walls, and interactive demos depend on accurate power drops, routing, and contingency planning.

Power & Internet for Demo Systems

Machinery, automation lines, AV walls, and interactive demos depend on accurate power drops, routing, and contingency planning.

Power & Internet for Demo Systems

Machinery, automation lines, AV walls, and interactive demos depend on accurate power drops, routing, and contingency planning.

Winter Freight Buffering

Chicago weather can affect trucking schedules, labor availability, and move-in pacing—buffer planning protects your timeline.

Winter Freight Buffering

Chicago weather can affect trucking schedules, labor availability, and move-in pacing—buffer planning protects your timeline.

Winter Freight Buffering

Chicago weather can affect trucking schedules, labor availability, and move-in pacing—buffer planning protects your timeline.

Our Chicago Workflow

Our platform is designed to meet the highest industry standards, ensuring your transactions, customer data, and financial operations remain secure and fully compliant with global regulations.
See our Chicago-related builds and national case studies for large island booths and complex installations.
Design & Engineering Alignment
We align structure, load, and install sequence early—especially for hanging signs, heavy equipment, or multi-zone demo booths.
Anchor
Fabrication & Pre-Build Checks
Pre-assembly and inspection reduce surprises on-site—critical for custom structures, integrated lighting, and demo-ready counters.
Logistics & Drayage Preparation
We stage, label, and document crates for smooth handling and timed releases—especially when shipping equipment, crates, and AV hardware.
On-Site Installation & Dismantle
We coordinate assembly sequencing, labor windows, and floor manager communication to keep move-in and move-out predictable.
Design & Engineering Alignment
We align structure, load, and install sequence early—especially for hanging signs, heavy equipment, or multi-zone demo booths.
Anchor
Fabrication & Pre-Build Checks
Pre-assembly and inspection reduce surprises on-site—critical for custom structures, integrated lighting, and demo-ready counters.
Logistics & Drayage Preparation
We stage, label, and document crates for smooth handling and timed releases—especially when shipping equipment, crates, and AV hardware.
On-Site Installation & Dismantle
We coordinate assembly sequencing, labor windows, and floor manager communication to keep move-in and move-out predictable.
Design & Engineering Alignment
We align structure, load, and install sequence early—especially for hanging signs, heavy equipment, or multi-zone demo booths.
Anchor
Fabrication & Pre-Build Checks
Pre-assembly and inspection reduce surprises on-site—critical for custom structures, integrated lighting, and demo-ready counters.
Logistics & Drayage Preparation
We stage, label, and document crates for smooth handling and timed releases—especially when shipping equipment, crates, and AV hardware.
On-Site Installation & Dismantle
We coordinate assembly sequencing, labor windows, and floor manager communication to keep move-in and move-out predictable.
Chicago trade show exhibit installation at McCormick Place with suspended hanging signage, product demo stations, and structured architectural build
Custom 20x30 smart home trade show booth at IHS Chicago, built at McCormick Place with hanging sign and integrated demo systems
Custom 20x30 smart home trade show booth at IHS Chicago, built at McCormick Place with hanging sign and integrated demo systems
Custom 20x30 smart home trade show booth at IHS Chicago, built at McCormick Place with hanging sign and integrated demo systems
30x30 heavy equipment trade show booth in Chicago with interactive simulator stations and structural branding canopy
Large custom trade show booth in Chicago with high-impact wall graphics and LED display for product launch

Chicago Booth Size Planning

Chicago shows often involve industrial equipment, automation demos, or multi-zone storytelling. The best booth size supports your demo footprint, storage, traffic control, and install complexity—not just brand visuals.

Chicago Booth Size Planning

Chicago shows often involve industrial equipment, automation demos, or multi-zone storytelling. The best booth size supports your demo footprint, storage, traffic control, and install complexity—not just brand visuals.

Chicago Booth Size Planning

Chicago shows often involve industrial equipment, automation demos, or multi-zone storytelling. The best booth size supports your demo footprint, storage, traffic control, and install complexity—not just brand visuals.

20x20 — Demo-ready with controlled flow

A common minimum effective size for one demo zone plus meetings. It also supports storage for tools, spare parts, and AV equipment so crates don’t crowd the floor.

20x20 demo booth planning →

20x20 — Demo-ready with controlled flow

A common minimum effective size for one demo zone plus meetings. It also supports storage for tools, spare parts, and AV equipment so crates don’t crowd the floor.

20x20 demo booth planning →

20x20 — Demo-ready with controlled flow

A common minimum effective size for one demo zone plus meetings. It also supports storage for tools, spare parts, and AV equipment so crates don’t crowd the floor.

20x20 demo booth planning →

20x30 — Multi-zone product narrative

Better for two to three zones (demo, meetings, product wall). It improves queue control for live demos and provides more back-of-house storage.

20x30 multi-zone booth layout →

20x30 — Multi-zone product narrative

Better for two to three zones (demo, meetings, product wall). It improves queue control for live demos and provides more back-of-house storage.

20x30 multi-zone booth layout →

20x30 — Multi-zone product narrative

Better for two to three zones (demo, meetings, product wall). It improves queue control for live demos and provides more back-of-house storage.

20x30 multi-zone booth layout →

30x30+ — Equipment footprint + brand environment

For heavy machinery or complex activations, larger sizes allow safety buffers, clearer assembly sequencing, and cleaner logistics for higher freight volumes.

30x30 equipment footprint strategy →

30x30+ — Equipment footprint + brand environment

For heavy machinery or complex activations, larger sizes allow safety buffers, clearer assembly sequencing, and cleaner logistics for higher freight volumes.

30x30 equipment footprint strategy →

30x30+ — Equipment footprint + brand environment

For heavy machinery or complex activations, larger sizes allow safety buffers, clearer assembly sequencing, and cleaner logistics for higher freight volumes.

30x30 equipment footprint strategy →

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Services Supporting Chicago Exhibits

Chicago projects often require coordinated execution across engineering, fabrication, graphics, logistics, and on-site labor timing. Below is how each service supports McCormick Place workflows.

Exhibit Design & Engineering

For Marketplaces

For Marketplaces

Locks structural drawings, load considerations, and install logic for hanging signs, truss systems, demo counters, and equipment platforms.

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Detail →

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Booth Fabrication & Pre-Build Checks

For Marketplaces

For Marketplaces

Pre-assembly verifies fit, wiring, and build sequence before shipping—reducing rework during McCormick Place move-in.

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Detail →

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Graphics & Brand Presentation

For Marketplaces

For Marketplaces

In large halls, readability and placement matter—graphics must perform at distance and under hall lighting.

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Detail →

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Logistics & Pre-Show Coordination

For Marketplaces

For Marketplaces

Drayage-ready packaging, crate labels, freight timing, and coordination around marshalling/dock flow for equipment and AV hardware.

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Detail →

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

On-Site Installation & Dismantle

For Marketplaces

For Marketplaces

Coordinates sequencing, labor timing windows, and floor communication to keep install and teardown predictable.

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Detail →

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Storage, Maintenance & Reuse

For Marketplaces

For Marketplaces

Supports multi-show planning with component maintenance and refresh cycles—reducing rebuild risk and downtime.

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Detail →

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

Seamless money movement between buyers and sellers

CHICAGO

CHICAGO

CHICAGO

Chicago trade show booth 20x40 custom exhibit build at McCormick Place with branded structure and LED integration
Chicago trade show booth 20x40 custom exhibit build at McCormick Place with branded structure and LED integration
Chicago trade show booth 20x40 custom exhibit build at McCormick Place with branded structure and LED integration
Chicago trade show booth 10x20 layout with product demo counters and branded graphics
Chicago trade show booth 10x20 layout with product demo counters and branded graphics
Chicago trade show booth 10x20 layout with product demo counters and branded graphics
Chicago 10x20 trade show booth installation designed for industrial product display and demonstration systems
Chicago 10x20 trade show booth installation designed for industrial product display and demonstration systems
Chicago 10x20 trade show booth installation designed for industrial product display and demonstration systems
Chicago 30x40 trade show booth build with overhead structure and equipment display area
Chicago 30x40 trade show booth build with overhead structure and equipment display area
Chicago 30x40 trade show booth build with overhead structure and equipment display area
Chicago 20x40 custom exhibit booth designed for retail brand activation and visitor flow control
Chicago 20x40 custom exhibit booth designed for retail brand activation and visitor flow control
Chicago 20x40 custom exhibit booth designed for retail brand activation and visitor flow control
Chicago 10x10 compact trade show booth with branded backdrop and product display counters
Chicago 10x10 compact trade show booth with branded backdrop and product display counters
Chicago 10x10 compact trade show booth with branded backdrop and product display counters

See execution-focused examples across fabrication, logistics, and on-site outcomes.

trade show booth case studies

Major Trade Shows in Chicago We Support

Chicago’s show calendar spans manufacturing, packaging, housewares, and healthcare. Most large-scale events run through McCormick Place, where dock scheduling, drayage handling, union jurisdictions, and rigging approvals can shape your build timeline.

Large industrial trade show booth at IMTS Chicago inside McCormick Place with heavy machinery display and overhead rigging structure
Large industrial trade show booth at IMTS Chicago inside McCormick Place with heavy machinery display and overhead rigging structure

IMTS

(International Manufacturing Technology Show)

Heavy equipment demos and machine footprints often require early freight planning, reinforced flooring considerations, and clear move-in sequencing at McCormick Place.

Automation and packaging line exhibit booth at PACK EXPO Chicago with reinforced flooring and power distribution setup
Automation and packaging line exhibit booth at PACK EXPO Chicago with reinforced flooring and power distribution setup

PACK EXPO International

Packaging lines and automation displays depend on reliable power drops, material handling timing, and efficient crate release coordination for on-floor assembly.

Retail-style housewares trade show booth at The Inspired Home Show Chicago featuring clean product displays and structured shelving
Retail-style housewares trade show booth at The Inspired Home Show Chicago featuring clean product displays and structured shelving

International Home+Housewares Show

IHS

(The Inspired Home Show)

High SKU presentation and product storytelling benefit from clean brand graphics, streamlined logistics, and tight install windows during peak exhibitor move-in.

Medical imaging exhibit booth at RSNA Chicago with AV demo screens and private consultation meeting area
Medical imaging exhibit booth at RSNA Chicago with AV demo screens and private consultation meeting area

RSNA

(Radiological Society of North America)

Healthcare/medical imaging exhibits commonly involve AV-heavy setups, secure product handling, and strict schedule control for installation and dismantle crews.

Commercial kitchen equipment trade show booth at NRA Show Chicago with overhead branding structure and equipment display zones
Commercial kitchen equipment trade show booth at NRA Show Chicago with overhead branding structure and equipment display zones

NRF Retail’s Big Show

(Chicago editions, when applicable)

Retail-tech demos require stable internet/AV routing, clean cable management, and polished presentation zones for live walkthroughs and product trials.

Industrial equipment trade show booth at FABTECH Chicago with reinforced platform and large-scale machinery display
Industrial equipment trade show booth at FABTECH Chicago with reinforced platform and large-scale machinery display

FABTECH

(Chicago editions, when applicable)

Large machinery, welded structures, and industrial displays often need rigging coordination and a practical plan for inbound freight staging.

Chicago events vary by organizer and hall requirements. If you tell us your show name, booth size, and target move-in window, we can map a build plan aligned with McCormick Place execution, including drayage timing, dock scheduling, and union crew calls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick clarity on build readiness, timelines, and pre-build checkpoints.
Quick clarity on build readiness, timelines, and pre-build checkpoints.
How should we plan for union labor at McCormick Place?
Finalize engineering drawings and installation sequencing early—especially for hanging signs, truss structures, and equipment platforms—so crew call windows can be used efficiently without rework.
How does drayage work for Chicago trade shows?
Freight is staged and processed through material handling before delivery to your booth. Accurate labeling for crates, pallets, and equipment plus correct release timing prevents installation from stalling.
What booth size works best for equipment demonstrations in Chicago?
20x20 is often a workable minimum for a single demo zone plus meetings, while 20x30 supports better queue control and storage. Heavy machinery or multi-zone demos typically need 30x30+ for safety buffers and assembly sequencing.
Can we use hanging signs or overhead elements at McCormick Place?
Often yes, but overhead branding requires engineering documentation and scheduling. For truss, lighting grids, and hanging signs, approvals and install sequencing should be planned in advance.
What should we prepare for power and internet in demo-heavy booths?
Demos using control panels, AV walls, robotics, or interactive systems need accurate power drops, cable routing, and contingency planning. Electrical planning should be integrated into engineering early.
Do we need local on-site coordination during installation?
Yes. Coordinating with floor managers, rigging teams, and electrical crews ensures equipment placement, AV setup, and structural assembly happen within approved windows.
How should we plan for union labor at McCormick Place?

Finalize engineering drawings and installation sequencing early—especially for hanging signs, truss structures, and equipment platforms—so crew call windows can be used efficiently without rework.

How does drayage work for Chicago trade shows?

Freight is staged and processed through material handling before delivery to your booth. Accurate labeling for crates, pallets, and equipment plus correct release timing prevents installation from stalling.

What booth size works best for equipment demonstrations in Chicago?

20x20 is often a workable minimum for a single demo zone plus meetings, while 20x30 supports better queue control and storage. Heavy machinery or multi-zone demos typically need 30x30+ for safety buffers and assembly sequencing.

Can we use hanging signs or overhead elements at McCormick Place?

Often yes, but overhead branding requires engineering documentation and scheduling. For truss, lighting grids, and hanging signs, approvals and install sequencing should be planned in advance.

What should we prepare for power and internet in demo-heavy booths?

Demos using control panels, AV walls, robotics, or interactive systems need accurate power drops, cable routing, and contingency planning. Electrical planning should be integrated into engineering early.

Do we need local on-site coordination during installation?

Yes. Coordinating with floor managers, rigging teams, and electrical crews ensures equipment placement, AV setup, and structural assembly happen within approved windows.

How should we plan for union labor at McCormick Place?
Finalize engineering drawings and installation sequencing early—especially for hanging signs, truss structures, and equipment platforms—so crew call windows can be used efficiently without rework.
How does drayage work for Chicago trade shows?
Freight is staged and processed through material handling before delivery to your booth. Accurate labeling for crates, pallets, and equipment plus correct release timing prevents installation from stalling.
What booth size works best for equipment demonstrations in Chicago?
20x20 is often a workable minimum for a single demo zone plus meetings, while 20x30 supports better queue control and storage. Heavy machinery or multi-zone demos typically need 30x30+ for safety buffers and assembly sequencing.
Can we use hanging signs or overhead elements at McCormick Place?
Often yes, but overhead branding requires engineering documentation and scheduling. For truss, lighting grids, and hanging signs, approvals and install sequencing should be planned in advance.
What should we prepare for power and internet in demo-heavy booths?
Demos using control panels, AV walls, robotics, or interactive systems need accurate power drops, cable routing, and contingency planning. Electrical planning should be integrated into engineering early.
Do we need local on-site coordination during installation?
Yes. Coordinating with floor managers, rigging teams, and electrical crews ensures equipment placement, AV setup, and structural assembly happen within approved windows.

Contact

Ready to plan a Chicago booth build aligned with McCormick Place logistics?

Let’s align design, fabrication, freight, and installation into one execution plan—built for union labor timing, drayage release windows, and demo-ready delivery.


Office

4915 Steptoe St #300, Las Vegas, NV 89122

Email

info@circleexhibit.com

Telephone

702-234-0989