PACK EXPO 2026 Booth Setup Guide | AppleDisplays
PACK EXPO 2026 Booth Setup Guide
PACK EXPO runs November 08-11, 2026 at the McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. With approximately 40,000 attendees and 2,300+ exhibitors, it's the world's largest packaging and processing event. 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: PACK EXPO 2026
| Dates | November 08-11, 2026 |
| Venue | McCormick Place |
| Location | Chicago, IL |
| Expected attendance | ~40,000 |
| Exhibitor count | ~2,300 |
| Move-in dates | November 04-07, 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 | Packaging / Processing |
| Official site | https://www.packexpointernational.com/ |
How Much Does a PACK EXPO 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 PACK EXPO: 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 PACK EXPO Booth Setups
Browse setups that fit PACK EXPO attendees and venue constraints. Each links into the Booth Builder with your show pre-selected:
Week-by-Week PACK EXPO 2026 Prep Timeline
- 12 weeks out (August 16, 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 (August 30, 2026): Finalize graphics design and approve printer proofs. Order any custom signage.
- 8 weeks out (September 13, 2026): Confirm electrical, internet, and any AV rentals. Order any flooring or rigging.
- 6 weeks out (September 27, 2026): Ship to advance warehouse to lock the lower drayage rate (saves ~30% on most shows).
- 4 weeks out (October 11, 2026): Confirm hotel + flights for booth team. Brief staff on lead capture process.
- 2 weeks out (October 25, 2026): Print collateral, swag, and lead capture cards. Confirm freight delivery confirmation.
- 1 week out (November 1, 2026): Final staff briefing. Test your CRM lead capture integration.
- Show week (November 04-11, 2026): Move-in Nov 4-Nov 7, show November 08-11, 2026. With a tool-free kit, expect ~10 minutes total setup time.
What Most Exhibitors Get Wrong at PACK EXPO
- Processing/packaging line demos draw crowds — plan visibility for active machines.
- End-of-line vs upstream-of-line booths have different traffic profiles.
- Many CPG buyers come with technical engineers — booth literature should be detailed.
Build Your PACK EXPO 2026 Booth
Got a budget and a deadline? Use the Booth Builder. Tells you what fits PACK EXPO, ships in 5 days, and arrives at the Chicago advance warehouse before the deadline.
Start Building →
