IMTS 2026 Exhibitor Guide: Booth Builders, Rules, Costs & Exhibitor List
International Manufacturing Technology Show. Everything exhibitors need to plan a booth at IMTS 2026 in Chicago, IL — dates, venue, exhibitor list & floor plan, booth builders and EAC labor, show rules, material handling, union labor, electrical costs and key deadlines.
IMTS 2026 overview
| Show | IMTS |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing & Logistics |
| Venue | McCormick Place |
| City | Chicago, IL |
| Next dates | Sep 14, 2026 – Sep 19, 2026 |
| Attendees | 85,000+ |
| Exhibitors | 2,500+ |
| Official decorator | Freeman |
| Official website | www.imts.com |
IMTS 2026 dates and location
IMTS 2026 is scheduled for Sep 14, 2026 – Sep 19, 2026 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. Confirm the official dates and hall assignments on the IMTS website before booking travel or freight.
IMTS 2026 exhibitor list
The official IMTS exhibitor directory and company listings are published by the show organizer. View it here: IMTS exhibitor directory ↗. Already on the list? BoothFlip helps you find a booth builder, designer or EAC to bring your stand to life.
IMTS 2026 floor plan and booth planning
Pick your booth size and hall using the official IMTS interactive floor plan, then plan the build with BoothFlip. Whether you need a 10×10 inline, a 20×20 island or a large custom stand at McCormick Place, our tools estimate weight, material handling and labor so you can budget accurately.
IMTS booth builder & exhibit design help
Need a custom booth, a rental exhibit, or a fresh design for IMTS? BoothFlip matches you with vetted booth builders and exhibit designers who compete for your project — for new custom builds, modular rentals and renovations.
IMTS EAC contractors & I&D labor in Chicago
For install & dismantle (I&D) labor, supervision and on-site services, connect with exhibitor-appointed contractors (EACs) in Chicago. Find Chicago EAC contractors → or browse the full BoothFlip EAC network → for other cities.
IMTS show rules & exhibitor manual
Booth-height limits, hanging-sign rules and line-of-sight requirements are set in the official IMTS exhibitor manual / display rules. Open the official IMTS exhibitor manual / service kit ↗. Always verify the latest rules with show management before finalizing your design.
IMTS material handling, drayage & electrical costs
Services are ordered through Freeman. Typical exhibitor-paid costs:
| Material handling (drayage) | ~$195/cwt advance rate (floor/overtime rates run higher) |
|---|---|
| Electrical | from $205 (advance order) |
| Install/dismantle labor | ~$165/hr (ST; OT/DT higher on weekends/holidays) |
These are planning estimates — confirm current rates and forms in the official IMTS service kit.
IMTS union labor rules in Chicago
Chicago is a strong union market: electrical, freight and most booth install/dismantle labor generally go through union crews (e.g. IBEW electrical, Teamsters freight), and exhibitor self-build is usually limited. Electrical, freight, rigging, forklift, material handling and venue jurisdictions at McCormick Place must be verified in the official IMTS exhibitor manual / service kit.
IMTS exhibitor deadlines & move-in schedule
Exact IMTS order deadlines and move-in / move-out times are published only in the official IMTS exhibitor manual / service kit. As a general planning guide, most U.S. shows follow this pattern:
- Discount / advance-order deadline: typically about 4–6 weeks before opening — ordering early usually saves ~25–40%.
- Advance warehouse / freight deadline: usually about 2–4 weeks before opening.
- Exhibitor move-in / setup: commonly begins 1–3 days before the show opens (large islands and hanging-sign booths earlier).
- Show dates: Sep 14, 2026 – Sep 19, 2026.
- Move-out / dismantle: starts right after the show closes.
These are general estimates, not official IMTS dates. Verify every deadline and move-in/move-out time against the official IMTS exhibitor manual / service kit.
IMTS booth rental, custom booths & used booths
For IMTS you can commission a new custom booth, rent a modular exhibit, or buy a used / pre-owned trade show booth and have it refurbished and rebranded — often at a fraction of a new custom build. Browse used trade show booths →. Have a booth to sell after the show? List it on BoothFlip →.
Frequently asked questions
When is IMTS 2026?
IMTS 2026 runs Sep 14, 2026 – Sep 19, 2026 at McCormick Place. Always confirm the exact dates on the official IMTS website.
Where is IMTS 2026 held?
IMTS 2026 takes place at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.
How do I find the IMTS 2026 exhibitor list?
The official IMTS exhibitor directory / floor plan is published by the show. BoothFlip links to it and can help you find a booth builder or EAC to exhibit.
Where can I find the IMTS 2026 floor plan?
The interactive floor plan is on the official IMTS exhibitor site. Use it to pick your booth size and hall; BoothFlip helps you plan and build the booth itself.
Do I need a booth builder for IMTS?
Most custom exhibitors hire a booth builder or EAC. BoothFlip matches you with vetted builders and designers who compete for your IMTS project.
Can exhibitors set up their own booth at IMTS?
Chicago is a strong union market: electrical, freight and most booth install/dismantle labor generally go through union crews (e.g. IBEW electrical, Teamsters freight), and exhibitor self-build is usually limited. Electrical, freight, rigging, forklift, material handling and venue jurisdictions at McCormick Place must be verified in the official IMTS exhibitor manual / service kit. Also confirm any small-booth exceptions with show management.
What are the IMTS booth height rules?
Standard U.S. display rules usually cap linear/inline booths around 8–12 ft and islands higher, but limits vary by show. Verify booth-height and hanging-sign rules in the official IMTS exhibitor manual.
Does IMTS require union labor?
Chicago is a strong union market: electrical, freight and most booth install/dismantle labor generally go through union crews (e.g. IBEW electrical, Teamsters freight), and exhibitor self-build is usually limited. Electrical, freight, rigging, forklift, material handling and venue jurisdictions at McCormick Place must be verified in the official IMTS exhibitor manual / service kit. Plan to budget union install/dismantle labor.
Who is the official contractor for IMTS?
The official general services contractor is Freeman. Order services through their exhibitor service kit.
How much does it cost to exhibit at IMTS?
Beyond booth space, budget for booth build/rental, material handling (~$195/cwt advance), electrical (from $205), install/dismantle labor (~$165/hr) and freight. Get a tailored quote through BoothFlip.
How do I order electrical for a IMTS booth?
Electrical is ordered through the official service kit; advance orders (from $205) are cheaper than floor rates. Confirm the current form and deadline in the IMTS exhibitor manual.
Can I use a used trade show booth at IMTS?
Yes — a pre-owned booth can be refurbished and rebranded for IMTS. Browse used booths on BoothFlip's marketplace.
How do I find an EAC contractor for IMTS?
Use BoothFlip's EAC network for Chicago to get matched with vetted exhibitor-appointed contractors for install & dismantle (I&D) and setup.
What are IMTS material handling or drayage costs?
Advance material handling runs about $195/cwt (per cwt/100 lbs or per lb); floor/overtime rates are higher. Confirm current drayage rates in the Freeman service kit.
What are the IMTS 2026 exhibitor deadlines?
As a planning guide, the discount / advance-order deadline is usually ~4–6 weeks before opening, the advance-warehouse freight deadline ~2–4 weeks before, and move-in typically starts 1–3 days before the show opens. Verify every IMTS deadline and the move-in / move-out schedule in the official exhibitor manual / service kit.
Can I rent a booth for IMTS instead of buying?
Yes — modular rental exhibits and refurbished used booths are both cost-effective options for IMTS. BoothFlip's builders offer custom builds, rentals and used-booth refurbishment; request a quote to compare.