Trade Show Logistics & Booth Setup at McCormick Place

Why Logistics Matter at McCormick Place

As the largest convention center in North America, McCormick Place hosts some of the country’s most complex and high-traffic events - including RSNA, PACK EXPO International, NeoCon, IMTS, and more. With multiple buildings (North, South, West, and Lakeside), strict labor jurisdictions, and heavy freight volume, exhibitors need to plan early and partner with an experienced team to ensure a smooth installation.

For over 15 years, Summit Exhibit has managed turnkey Chicago exhibit programs - from shipping and scheduling to installation and dismantle - supported by our ISO 14001-certified exhibit system for sustainable, consistent results.

Step 1 - Shipping & Target Move-In Dates

McCormick Place runs on strict move-in schedules coordinated through Freeman or GES. Target dates determine when freight must arrive, and arriving early does not guarantee earlier access.

Why Shipping to the Advance Warehouse Makes Sense

Just like Orlando and Vegas, advance warehouse rates are typically the same as direct-to-show-site - so Summit Exhibit strongly recommends shipping advance.

Shipping to the warehouse ensures:

• Predictable delivery

• No marshaling yard delays

• Freight already staged inside the building

• Extra buffer time for inspection or repairs

• A smoother start to installation

Summit Exhibit manages all scheduling, labeling, and carrier coordination so your freight moves in without issue.

Step 2 - Move-In Rules & Dock Management

Multiple halls mean multiple scheduling systems - and knowing the difference matters.

Key exhibitor considerations:

• Marshaling yard check-in is mandatory for direct-to-show-site freight.

• Docks can become congested during major shows like RSNA and PACK EXPO.

• Target move-in dates must be followed to avoid penalties or delays.

• Each building (North, South, West, Lakeside) may have different rules depending on the show.

Summit Exhibit coordinates with show management, the GC, and McCormick Place dock teams to ensure your booth materials arrive on time and in the right place.

Step 3 - Labor Rules & Setup Requirements

McCormick Place has some of the most defined jurisdictional rules of any major U.S. venue.

Here’s what exhibitors need to know:

Exhibitors CAN:

• Work inside their booth

• Set up and dismantle their own display

• Use their own tools and ladders

• Plug in their own lights and monitors

Exhibitors CANNOT:

• Have EACs or labor contractors perform electrical work

• Have EACs vacuum the booth

• Have EACs run cords under or above the carpet

• Have EACs assemble electrical components

EAC Approval Required

As your EAC, Summit Exhibit handles all paperwork and ensures proper approvals are in place before move-in.

Tools & Resources

Exhibitors must supply their own tools if self-installing - but Summit Exhibit provides all tools, ladders, and equipment when we handle installation.

Step 4 - Electrical, Rigging & Technical Coordination

Electrical and rigging at McCormick Place are tightly regulated:

Electrical

• Power is supplied from both floor ports and ceiling drops.

• Only electricians may install cords under or above carpet.

• Exhibitors may plug in their own equipment, but EACs cannot handle any electrical tasks.

Rigging

• Decorators assemble sign frames and attach graphics.

• If a sign contains lighting or electrical elements, electricians + decorators work together.

• Certified riggers perform all overhead lifting and movement of heavy machinery.

• All rigging plans, weights, and drawings must be approved before installation.

Summit Exhibit coordinates all electrical and rigging submissions early - eliminating the most common causes of delay.

Step 5 - Avoiding Common Pitfalls at McCormick Place

After years of managing Chicago installations, these are the issues that impact exhibitors most - and how Summit prevents them:

1. Late freight arrivals

Avoided by shipping to advance warehouse.

2. Labor delays due to unclear plans

We pre-plan all tool lists, booth drawings, and schedules before arriving on site.

3. Electrical misunderstandings

We confirm placement diagrams and service orders early to avoid rewiring delays.

4. Rigging complications

Rigging at McCormick requires accurate sign weights, drawings, and hardware.
Summit handles all approvals before move-in to avoid bottlenecks.

5. Incomplete or late show forms

Electrical, internet, hanging signs, and cleaning forms must be submitted by strict deadlines.
We manage this for you.

Step 6 – Partner with a Creative Exhibit Team

From strategy and design to setup and logistics, Summit Exhibit offers turnkey booth rental solutions that combine creative excellence with operational precision. Whether you’re debuting a new brand or scaling up your exhibit presence at McCormick Place, we’ll help you deliver an experience attendees won’t forget.