Planning guide
Chicago Exhibitor Timeline
Use a practical planning timeline for booth design, graphics, freight, labor, show services, installation, and post-show closeout.
Explore Chicago Exhibitor TimelineExpert planning library
Chicago Exhibitor Planning Resources
These resources help exhibitors prepare stronger briefs and avoid common production risks. They are educational and do not replace the current exhibitor manual, organizer instructions, venue requirements, or professional advice for a specific project.
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Choose the resources path that fits your program.
Each page is built around a distinct service, footprint, market, or planning need—not a generic location swap.
Venue operations guide
McCormick Place Guide
Understand the roles of the event organizer, general service contractor, venue providers, labor, freight, utilities, and deadline planning.
Explore McCormick Place GuideBudget planning guide
Booth Budget Guide
Build a realistic exhibit budget that separates the rental structure from graphics, freight, labor, material handling, utilities, AV, furniture, and travel.
Explore Booth Budget GuideArtwork production guide
Graphics File Guide
Prepare large-format trade show artwork with correct dimensions, bleed, resolution, fonts, color, image links, and safe areas.
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Design Brief Template
Use a structured design brief to align exhibit goals, audience, footprint, products, demonstrations, meetings, storage, media, brand assets, timeline, and budget.
Explore Design Brief TemplateStart the conversation
Bring us your show, footprint, and deadline.
We’ll help turn the brief into a rental exhibit plan your team can actually execute.