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Exhibitor Know Before You Go

 

We can’t wait for you to join us in Chicago for #AWP27!
Please review the important information provided below for your upcoming exhibit at the bookfair.

 

Exhibitor Move-In

Wednesday, March 17, 2027 • 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 18, 2027 • 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

 

Exhibitor Move-Out

Saturday, March 20, 2027 • 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

Upcoming Deadlines from the Exhibitor Checklist


Review tax information: January 31, 2027

Add a co-exhibitor (fee applies): February 24, 2027

Confirm bookfair ID sign: March 3, 2027

Assign exhibitor registrations: March 3, 2027

Schedule author signings (fee applies): March 3, 2027

 

Access During Bookfair Setup Hours – IMPORTANT UPDATE

 

You may remember that the two registrations included with your exhibit space were previously called bookfair setup access registrations (BSAs). Moving forward, these will be called exhibitor registrations. To access the bookfair during move-in and setup hours, you must have an exhibitor registration under your name. To check if you have an exhibitor registration, please visit Exhibitor Registrations & Waivers through your AWP account as a company administrator.

 

Your exhibit space will still include two exhibitor registrations, and to give exhibitors more flexibility, you may now purchase up to four additional exhibitor registrations if you need more people to assist with move-in or move-out. Previously, BSAs were limited to two per exhibit space. Exhibitor registrations provide exclusive access to the Exhibit Hall during move-in and move-out hours, so please be thoughtful about who you assign them to. There is one important change to the move-in process: Everyone entering the Exhibit Hall during move-in hours must have an exhibitor registration. In the past, individuals with other types of registrations could be escorted into the hall to assist with move-in, but moving forward, anyone who needs access to the Exhibit Hall during move-in must have the appropriate exhibitor registration.

 

This change is intended to make the process clearer and more flexible for exhibitors while also improving security in the Exhibit Hall during non-show hours. By ensuring that everyone accessing the hall during move-in and move-out has the appropriate registration, we can better monitor access and help protect exhibitors’ books, materials, and belongings.

 

In short: Everyone entering the hall during move-in hours must have an exhibitor registration. Two exhibitor registrations are included with your space, and you can purchase up to four additional exhibitor registrations if needed. If you have any questions on-site, please visit the Help Desk, located in the entrance of the Lakeside Center Exhibit Hall, level 3, near Registration.

 

General Services, Provided by Shepard

 

Shepard is our general services contractor again this year, and the Exhibitor Kit is available through Shepard’s ExhibitorPro! Shepard offer services such as shipping and delivery, exhibit space customization, printing, furniture rentals, and more! Explore ExhibitorPro to view their catalog of offerings. You may contact them directly at orders@shepardes.com or 404-720-8600. Emails from Shepard services will end in @shepardes.com and are legitimate emails associated with #AWP27.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions: Exhibitor Move-In & Move-Out

 

If I am hand-carrying a minimal number of items into the bookfair, where do I go?

After you have parked your vehicle in one of McCormick Place’s parking lots, or if you are hand-carrying from your nearby hotel, you may walk your items to the exhibit area. You may hand-carry your items or utilize a nonmotorized, nonhydraulic hand truck or dolly to transport your items from your vehicle to the exhibit area. There is no additional cost besides the daily parking fee to use this option.

 

What are my options for in-bound shipping?

FedEx at McCormick Place cannot accept inbound shipping. You may ship with Shepard utilizing their shipping labels, or ship to a local FedEx/UPS or to your lodging accommodations. Please note that receiving fees may apply. To confirm fees, contact your shipping provider directly regarding your shipment.

 

I plan to drive my materials and use the docks to unload to my exhibit space. What do I need to know?

McCormick Place encourages exhibitors to participate in the ASUV (automobile and small utility vehicle) Program using one of the options listed below. When participating in the ASUV Program, only specific types of vehicles can be used to transport exhibitor materials to the exhibitor area. Also, only specific types of transporting devices can be used to transport booth materials to your booth space on the show floor. These specific vehicle types and transporting devices are noted below.

 

Self-Loading/Unloading ASUV at Exhibition Hall Regulations

 

• Only a registered exhibitor is qualified to participate in the ASUV Program. An exhibitor list will be sent to the office 15 days before the show. Ensure that your exhibitor registrations have been assigned ahead of the deadline to avoid on-site delays. You will be asked to provide your exhibitor information at check-in.

 

• Check-in for exhibitors will take place at the Marshalling Yard Office (3050 South Moe Drive), where drivers will receive an ASUV Pass and will be directed to the designated ASUV dock in the correct exhibit booth building. You will not be allowed access to the dock without a Dock Pass.

 

• While parked in the dock, exhibitor staff must work as team of at least two people, and one person must remain with the vehicle at all times. Vehicles must be unloaded within a 20-minute period.

 

Types of vehicles approved for use in the ASUV Program:

 

Five behicles permitted to deliver and pick up trade show equipment at McCormick place: passenger automobile, SUV, minivan, pickup truck, and full-size van

 

 

What is the address for the ASUV exhibitor check-in?

The best address for the Marshalling Yard Office is 3050 South Moe Drive, Chicago, IL 60616.

 

Can I go directly to the dock area to move in to the exhibit hall?

No. All exhibitors must check in at Lot B/Marshalling before move-in.

 

Will I need to provide any identification to access the show floor?

Yes. All exhibitors are required to present an exhibitor registration and/or ID to gain floor access.

 

Who can I contact at Chicago Lakeside Center if I have questions about the ASUV Program?

Additional inquiries can be directed to the Standard Parking Lot B office, Daniel Boersma, via email at dboersma@mccormickplace.com or by phone at 312-808-3125.

 

What can I use to bring my materials into the bookfair during exhibitor move-in?

Items permitted in the bookfair: portable displays, boxes, 2-wheel hand carts, and 4-wheel hand cards. Pallet jacks are not permitted.

 

 

How is outbound shipping handled after the conclusion of the bookfair on Saturday?

You are welcome to utilize Shepard or the FedEx located within McCormick Place Lakeside Center.

 

Does McCormick Place Lakeside Center have a business center?

Yes! There are several FedEx offices on McCormick Place campus. The closest to AWP space is on level 2 of Lakeside Center (East Building). A FedEx office is located on level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse in the South Building, which you’ll pass through on your way to Lakeside Center. Satellite stores are also located on level 2 in the West Building and level 2 in Lakeside Center. Please note: They do not accept incoming shipments but can provide printing services and outbound shipping.

 

Hours

3/17 Wednesday 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (West Building, level 2)

3/18 Thursday 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (West Building, level 2)

3/19 Friday 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (West Building, level 2)

3/20 Saturday 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (East, Lakeside Center, level 2) (will assist exhibitors if still in line at close)

 

Can I begin move-out before 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 20?

We kindly ask that you do not begin moving items out of the exhibit hall until move-out begins at 5:00 p.m. You are welcome to begin consolidating within your space, but do not begin moving out before the designated time, for the safety of attendees and fellow exhibitors. With the Saturday-only registration, you have the opportunity to connect with new attendees on Saturday, and they are looking forward to meeting you in the bookfair!

 

Frequently Asked Questions: Exhibiting at the Bookfair

 

Will complimentary internet be available in the exhibit hall, and how do I connect to it?

Wi-Fi will be available in the exhibit hall provided by AWP. The password will be listed on the back of your registration badge.

 

Can I purchase a secure internet connection for my exhibit space?

Yes, McCormick Place has the option to purchase additional Wi-Fi options through their online store. For any questions, please contact Nicholas Alcalca at nalcala@mccormickplace.com. They do not have single-day rates, but they do offer full show packages.

 

Do I have to pay taxes on items I sell?

Yes, please review the Tax Information page for the latest information.

 

How can I make my exhibit space more accessible?

We thank exhibitors who are thinking about accessibility! Please be aware that any elements of your exhibit space that may include flashing or strobing lights are prohibited. Make sure all materials provided at your exhibit space be accessible at wheelchair height. We also recommend you check that the materials you plan to distribute are also provided in a plain-text (high-contrast, large-text, with no graphics) format.

 

How can I ensure that we are following rules and regulations?

Please review the Exhibitor Terms & Conditions and the Bookfair FAQ.

 

Customer Service Assistance

 

How can I contact Shepard?

You can reach Shepard customer service at orders@shepardes.com or 404-720-8600. They will also have a customer service representative available in the exhibit hall during exhibitor move-in, public bookfair hours, and exhibitor move-out.

 

Who do I contact if I want electric at my exhibit space?

Edlen is the electrical service provider for #AWP27. Visit https://ordering.edlen.com/ to place your order! To receive discounted rates, order by February 24, 2027. For any questions, please contact Yolanda Lentes at ylentes@edlen.com.

 

Who do I contact if I want dedicated Wi-Fi at my exhibit space?

Please contact Nicholas Alcalca at nalcala@mccormickplace.com or visit their online store.

 

Where do I go if I need help on-site at the conference?

If you have any questions on-site, please visit the Help Desk, located in the entrance of the McCormick Place Lakeside Center Exhibit Hall, near registration, on level 3.