Exhibitor Manual

Friday, August 21: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday, August 22: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

All exhibitors must be fully set up by 6:00 pm on Saturday, August 22. No construction, arranging, deliveries, or moving of products are permitted during show hours.

Dismantling:
Tuesday, August 25: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Wednesday, August 26: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

POV Load-Out:
Tuesday, August 25: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm (POVs only — begins upon completion of return of empties)

Common Carrier Pick-Up:
Wednesday, August 26: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
All drivers must be checked in by 10:00 am.

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)

Labor can be requested through the Exhibitor Ordering portal. Questions? Call (312) 820-1192 or email tradeshowoperations@themart.com.

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.

Yes. 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.