IMTS 2026 Booth Setup Guide | AppleDisplays
IMTS 2026 Booth Setup Guide
IMTS runs September 14-19, 2026 at the McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. With approximately 89,000 attendees and 2,000+ exhibitors, it's the largest industrial trade show in the western hemisphere. This guide covers what you'll spend on a booth, what kits work for the show floor, and the full week-by-week prep timeline.
Quick Facts: IMTS 2026
| Dates | September 14-19, 2026 |
| Venue | McCormick Place |
| Location | Chicago, IL |
| Expected attendance | ~89,000 |
| Exhibitor count | ~2,000 |
| Move-in dates | September 08-13, 2026 |
| Drayage (advance warehouse) | $165/cwt (200 lb min) |
| Drayage (showsite) | $235/cwt |
| Standard booth electrical (5 amp) | $245 |
| Internet (basic wired) | $1,900 |
| Industry | Manufacturing / Machine Tools |
| Official site | https://www.imts.com/ |
How Much Does a IMTS 2026 Booth Cost?
Real exhibitor cost (booth setup only, not including show fees, drayage, or labor). Custom builds quoted by traditional vendors compared to tool-free portable kits from AppleDisplays:
| Booth Size | Custom build (incumbent vendors) | Tool-free kit (AppleDisplays) | Setup time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 inline | $11,785 - $26,517 | $1,500 - $3,500 | 10 minutes |
| 10x20 inline | $22,098 - $51,562 | $3,500 - $7,500 | 15 minutes |
| 20x20 island | $66,294 - $176,785 | $19,000 - $42,000 | 30 minutes |
Drayage math for IMTS: A typical 10x10 setup ships ~150 lbs. At Chicago's advance rate of $165/cwt with a 200 lb minimum, you're looking at $330 minimum drayage just to get your booth from the dock to your space. Showsite drayage at $235/cwt adds another ~50%. Tool-free kits ship via FedEx Ground direct to advance warehouse — you pay shipping, not drayage, on most major US convention centers.
Recommended IMTS Booth Setups
Browse setups that fit IMTS attendees and venue constraints. Each links into the Booth Builder with your show pre-selected:
Week-by-Week IMTS 2026 Prep Timeline
- 12 weeks out (June 22, 2026): Lock booth size, sign show contract, kick off design + display order. Get your quote in 5 minutes if you haven't.
- 10 weeks out (July 6, 2026): Finalize graphics design and approve printer proofs. Order any custom signage.
- 8 weeks out (July 20, 2026): Confirm electrical, internet, and any AV rentals. Order any flooring or rigging.
- 6 weeks out (August 3, 2026): Ship to advance warehouse to lock the lower drayage rate (saves ~30% on most shows).
- 4 weeks out (August 17, 2026): Confirm hotel + flights for booth team. Brief staff on lead capture process.
- 2 weeks out (August 31, 2026): Print collateral, swag, and lead capture cards. Confirm freight delivery confirmation.
- 1 week out (September 7, 2026): Final staff briefing. Test your CRM lead capture integration.
- Show week (September 08-19, 2026): Move-in Sep 8-Sep 13, show September 14-19, 2026. With a tool-free kit, expect ~10 minutes total setup time.
What Most Exhibitors Get Wrong at IMTS
- McCormick Place has the most expensive labor rates in the US — tool-free saves big.
- Heavy equipment exhibitors need rigging; tool-free portion is signage/display only.
- Six-day show — staff in shifts to avoid burnout.
Build Your IMTS 2026 Booth
Got a budget and a deadline? Use the Booth Builder. Tells you what fits IMTS, ships in 5 days, and arrives at the Chicago advance warehouse before the deadline.
Start Building →
