Turnkey Trade Show Booth Rentals for IFT First 2026 in Chicago

The cost of a trade show booth rental in Chicago varies on the basis of its size, location, design, and finish level. A 10×10 trade show booth design starts around $12350 and with the addition of extra features, the price can go up to $41600. Check out the configurator on our website to explore various designs and get an actual estimate for your setup.

Yes. We build exhibit rentals for food-focused events across the U.S., including SupplySide West and Sweets & Snacks Expo. If your calendar extends beyond IFT First, we can coordinate across multiple shows under a single project team.

Build interactive zones around what IFT attendees come to do: taste, evaluate, and ask technical questions. Live sampling counters, hands-on ingredient displays, and formulation walkthrough stations give attendees a reason to stop and stay. We design these elements to fit your footprint without disrupting aisle traffic or neighboring booths.

Position demo and presentation areas toward the center or rear of your booth, away from the aisle edge. Defined standing or seating zones contain your audience and keep neighboring exhibitors accessible. McCormick Place has specific aisle clearance requirements — we account for those in the initial design.

Yes. McCormick Place operates under union jurisdiction, which governs installation and dismantling labor. As your EAC (Exhibitor Appointed Contractor), Exponents coordinates directly with the relevant unions. Your project manager handles labor scheduling and show-site coordination — you don’t navigate that process yourself.

Plan to finalize your design at least 12-16 weeks before the show opens on July 12, 2026. That allows time for fabrication, a full pre-show trial build, and freight logistics to Chicago. Final graphic files are typically due 6 to 8 weeks before show open.

Yes. Semi-private meeting spaces can be built into footprints from 20×20 and up. We design them with branded walls and seating that separates conversations from general booth traffic — useful at IFT First, where buyer discussions often run longer than a quick introduction.

Yes. If your product requires refrigerated storage during the show, we can build in under-counter space sized for standard catering-grade refrigeration units. We coordinate power requirements during the design phase so your electrical order at McCormick Place covers the load. Let your project manager know early — refrigeration affects counter depth, flooring weight, and electrical planning.