McCormick Place is the largest convention center in North America and home to IMTS, RSNA, and PACK EXPO International. It is also the venue where union jurisdiction, drayage cost, and fire marshal rules matter most. Knowing what your own team is allowed to do here saves real money.
Key venues: McCormick Place, Navy Pier.
Marquee shows: IMTS, RSNA, PACK EXPO International.
The most union-dense venue in America. Carpenters, Decorators, Teamsters, Riggers, and IBEW Local 134 electricians each hold jurisdiction, but McCormick's Exhibitor Rights let your own staff do more than most people think.
How much does drayage cost at McCormick Place?
Drayage at McCormick Place is billed per hundredweight (CWT) by the show's official contractor, typically Freeman or GES, and it is among the most expensive in the country. There are minimums per shipment and premiums for loose or off-target freight. The current rate card lives in your show's exhibitor kit. Ship crated, consolidated, and inside the advance window to keep the bill down.
Is our AV equipment union compliant at McCormick Place?
Yes, when the jurisdictions are respected. Teamsters handle freight, riggers handle machinery, and all electrical work belongs to IBEW Local 134 through the show's electrical contractor. Setting a monitor on its stand and plugging into your pre-ordered outlet is exhibitor work. Running cable under carpet is not.
What are McCormick Place's Exhibitor Rights, and what do they let us do?
Reforms at McCormick Place expanded what exhibitors can do themselves. Your full-time employees can set up and tear down your booth using hand tools and battery-powered tools regardless of booth size, and you can unload a personally owned vehicle with your own two-wheeled hand truck. Forklifts, motorized equipment, and electrical distribution still require union labor.
Who has to hang our video wall or overhead signage?
Overhead hangs at McCormick Place are rigger and electrician work through official channels, with rigging plots and engineering submitted in advance. Truss-mounted LED and lit signage involves both trades. For many booths a ground-supported wall avoids the rigging line item entirely, and we design for that when it makes sense.
What fire marshal rules catch exhibitors at McCormick Place?
Chicago enforces its fire regulations strictly. Covered or multi-story booths need approval and often sprinkler coverage, aisles and fire lanes are enforced during move-in, and display vehicles run under fuel and battery restrictions. Anything with fabric needs flame-retardant certification on hand.
How early should we book for IMTS, RSNA, or PACK EXPO?
These are among the largest shows in the country, and the advance warehouse windows, electrical discounts, and rigging submissions all close weeks out. Eight to twelve weeks of lead time is comfortable. Less than four means paying premium rates on freight, power, and labor.
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