McCormick Place Booth Rules, Height Limits & Union Labor

Exhibiting at McCormick Place in Chicago? Most shows use IAEE-style limits: about 8 ft (sometimes 8 ft 3 in) for inline booths, higher limits for perimeter and island spaces, and hanging signs usually only for peninsula or island booths. McCormick Place is also a union building, so I&D and freight rules matter as much as height.Exact numbers come from that show’s exhibitor kit. Confirm before you build or rent.Impact Displays provides portable, modular, rental, and custom exhibits for McCormick Place events, plus graphics and I&D coordination.Typical McCormick Place height limits by booth typeThese are common ranges at Chicago shows. They are not the official kit.

Booth type
Typical structure height
Hanging signs
Inline / linear (10×10, 10×20)
Often 8 ft–8 ft 3 in; front half often limited to about 4 ft near the aisle
Usually not permitted
Perimeter (backs to a hall wall)
Often 12–14 ft
Usually not permitted
Peninsula (aisles on 3 sides)
Often 16 ft for structure
Often permitted; commonly up to about 20 ft to the top of the sign
Island (20×20 and up)
Often 16 ft for structure
Often permitted; commonly up to about 20 ft

Sightline rule (inline): Displays over about 4 ft high are usually kept in the rear half of the booth so you do not block neighbors.Hanging signs: Typically island or peninsula only, 400 sq ft or larger. Some halls or expansions ban hanging signs in specific rooms — check the kit.Double-deck / covered booths: Need drawings and fire-marshal / facility approval. Do not assume a two-story rental is automatic.Union labor and what you can set yourselfMcCormick Place is a union facility. You have two paths: full-time exhibitor employees set the booth under the current work rules, or you hire union labor / an approved contractor.Typical pattern under current McCormick Place / MPEA-style rules:

  • Full-time exhibitor employees (often defined as employed 6+ months) may install and dismantle using hand tools and ladders
  • Exhibitors generally cannot use forklifts, pallet jacks, condors, scissor lifts, or other powered material-handling equipment
  • Teamsters typically handle freight in and out of the hall (drayage)
  • Display labor handles larger I&D when you are not self-setting
  • Rigging, electrical, and machinery spotting are contractor / union jobs

Practical split:

  • 10×10 pop-up or tension fabric: often exhibitor-set if your team qualifies
  • 10×20 modular with many cases: budget labor
  • 20×20 island, hanging sign, or double-deck: plan I&D, drayage, and drawings from day one

Freight and warehouseShow kits set advance-warehouse vs direct-to-dock dates. Chicago drayage and overtime can move the budget as much as the booth itself. Do not ship crates to the hall on a random day and expect a dock to take them.Which displays work well at McCormick Place10×10 inline: Portable pop-up or tension fabric. Keep height on the back wall. Easy self-setup if labor rules allow.10×20 inline: Modular or fabric backwall plus counters. Still no hanging sign in most kits.20×20 island: Custom or modular island, possible hanging sign, flooring, and meeting space. This is where booth flooring and professional I&D matter.Double-deck: Only with approved drawings. See double-deck rentals.FAQHow tall can a 10×10 be at McCormick Place?
Most inline booths are limited to about 8 ft–8 ft 3 in, with a lower limit in the front half. Confirm the kit.Can I hang a sign over an inline booth?
Usually no.Can my staff set the booth without union labor?
Often yes for simple portables if they are full-time employees and use only hand tools and ladders. Crates, lifts, and large custom sets usually need labor.Is McCormick stricter than Las Vegas?
Yes. Labor and freight are the main difference. Height rules are in the same family as other major U.S. halls.Are these the official rules?
No. They are typical show patterns to help you choose a display. Your exhibitor kit controls.Official sources to confirm

Plan your McCormick Place boothSend your show name, booth size, and whether you need self-setup or full I&D. We will match a portable, modular, rental, or custom exhibit to the kit.Contact Impact Displays · 1-877-217-2681