Exhibitor Manual

Thursday, January 28: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday, January 29: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday, January 30: 8:00 am – 11:00 am

All exhibitors must be fully set up by 11:00 am on Saturday, January 30. No construction, deliveries, or moving of products are permitted during show hours.

All crates must be unpacked and removed from the floor by Friday, January 29 at 6:00 pm. All empty trunks and boxes must be tagged and ready for removal by Saturday, January 30 at 11:00 am.

Please note that display materials must adhere to Chicago Fire Department Rules and Regulations. If you require further information, please contact our Client Support/ Exhibitor Services Team at (312) 890-1192.

Exhibitors may hand-carry small items, but we ask that they refrain from using handcarts, flatbeds, or dollies. Our Material Handling Staff is on hand to facilitate such moves.

If you are unsure if your display requires labor, submit the Customization of Booth Request Form and our Exhibitor Services Team will gladly respond.

Dismantling:
Tuesday, February 2: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Wednesday, February 3: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

POV Load-Out:
Tuesday, February 2: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm (POVs only — begins upon completion of return of empties)

Carriers must be checked in by noon on Tuesday.

You may ship your materials from the show via any carrier. You are required only to contact your carrier, pack your materials, and file a Bill of Lading with the freight desk. Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. assumes no responsibility for shipments until they are collected from the exhibitor’s booth. A representative of the exhibitor should remain with their property until this has been done.

*Any freight not picked up by Friday, February 5th, may be rerouted at the exhibitors expense via the shows freight carrier – Airways Freight Systems.

Union labor is required for:
• Installation and dismantling of all flooring and systems furniture
• Any work using power tools (must be done by in-house Carpenters)
• All painting, wallpaper, decal adhesives, and vinyl (must be done by in-house Painters)
• Electrical installations including chandeliers, light fixtures, light boxes, and TVs (must be done by in-house Electricians)
• Moving items with handcarts, flatbeds, or dollies (Material Handling labor required)

You have the option of employing your own union labor to assist with the installation of your booth.  If you choose to use the services of an outside contractor, also referred to as an Exhibitor Appointed Contractor (EAC), we ask that you complete the form below.

EAC FORM

You may set up your own display if all of the following apply:
• One person can complete the task in under 30 minutes
• No tools are used
• The booth is 100 sq ft (10×10) or smaller

For hanging items on walls, you may use small nails, small screws, or 3M removable hooks. Note: walls are only 1 inch thick, so use only ½-inch screws or shorter. Power tools, battery-operated tools, step stools, and ladders are strictly prohibited.

Due to Chicago Fire Ordinances, packing materials may not remain on the show floor while the show is open. Obtain "EMPTY" labels from the Exhibitor Service Desk, mark your containers with your company name and booth number, and leave them in the aisle. THE MART staff will collect and return them at the end of the show. You will not have access to these containers during the show.

You may employ your own union labor through an Exhibitor Appointed Contractor (EAC). To do so, complete the EAC Form in advance.

EAC requirements:
• Must have a valid work order from you prior to move-in
• Must carry public liability and property damage insurance of at least $2,000,000, naming Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc., Merchandise Mart L.L.C., Vornado Realty Trust, Vornado Realty L.P., and GCJ Management, LLC as additional insured
• Must not solicit business on the show floor
• Must adhere to all show rules and labor regulations
• Must cooperate fully with MMPI on labor utilization

Each booth space includes:
• Hard white walls
• Gray carpet
• 120V / 150-watt duplex electrical outlet
• 4 LED spotlights
• 1' x 4' ceiling light fixture
• Booth identification sign (company name and booth number)
• One chair
• One wastebasket

To order additional equipment or services, visit the Exhibitor Ordering portal or contact the Exhibitor Service Desk at (312) 890-1192.