Pre-Show
Hotel Reservations Cutoff Date is August 18. Make your reservations here.
We strongly encourage making restaurant reservations prior to leaving for FABTECH. Please use the link provided by Choose Chicago here.
Advance Warehouse Shipping Labels
2500 W 35th St
Chicago, IL 60632
Freeman will accept crated, boxed or skidded material beginning Wednesday, July 23, at the above address. Material arriving after Friday, August 15 will be received at the warehouse with an additional after deadline charge. Please note that the Freeman Warehouse does not accept uncrated freight (loose, pad-wrapped material and/or un-skidded machinery), COD shipments, hazardous materials, freight requiring refrigerated or frozen storage, a single piece of freight weighing more than 5,000 pounds or a single piece of freight beyond the dimensions of 108″ H x 93″ W. Warehouse materials are accepted at the warehouse Monday through Friday between the hours of 8AM – 3:30PM. Certified weight tickets must accompany all shipments. If required, provide your carrier with this phone number: (888) 508-5054.
McCormick Place
2301 S Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60616
Freeman will receive shipments at the exhibit facility beginning Thursday, August 28. Shipments arriving before this date may be refused by the facility. Any charges incurred for early freight accepted by the facility will be the responsibility of the exhibitor. Certified weight tickets must accompany all shipments. If required, provide your carrier with this phone number: (888) 508-5054.
Move-In
Exhibitors may unload materials from automobiles and small utility vehicles before and reload these materials into automobile and small utility vehicles after the event using exhibitor-owned, non-motorized, non-hydraulic hand trucks and dollies. The designated automobile and small utility vehicles area for exhibitors to self-unload and reload their automobile and small utility vehicles for FABTECH will be at Halls A, B & D.
This benefit is available during move-in as follows:
Saturday, September 6 8AM – 3PM
Sunday, September 7 8AM – 3PM
1. Show Management has established the following guidelines to ensure a smooth move-in and move-out: In order to advance to the unloading/reloading area, all vehicles must proceed to Moe Drive and await instructions at the first STOP sign from the Show Traffic Coordinator.
Click Here For Vehicle Traffic Routes & Map
2. Automobile and small utility vehicles are vehicles owned by exhibitors that are not commercially registered trucks, trailers, flatbeds, or multiple axle vehicles. Examples include pickup trucks, SUV’s, and minivans.
· One or more persons must remain with the vehicle at all times.
· Vehicles must be unloaded or reloaded within a fifteen minute period.
· Exhibitors and their employees are prohibited at any time from using scooters, forklifts, pallet jacks, condors, scissor lifts, motorized dollies, or similar motorized or hydraulic equipment on MPEA premises.
3. Exhibitor or exhibitor employees are defined as any person who has been employed by the exhibitor as a full-time employee for a minimum of 6 months before the show’s opening. Be prepared to provide proof of full-time employment status if requested.
4. For further information, please visit www.mccormickplace.com/exhibitors/asuv.php.
Wristbands will be available during move-in, please see the security post at the entrance of each hall to obtain. Starting Saturday, September 6, Exhibitors will be able to pick up their exhibitor badges for the show.
EXHIBITOR BADGES: Blue Bar at Bottom of Badge*
ATTENDEE BADGES: White Badge with Black Print
CONFERENCE BADGES: Red Bar at Bottom of Badge
MEDIA BADGES: Purple Bar at Bottom of Badge
*All exhibitors must have blue designation on their badge in order to gain access to the show floor two hours prior to opening on show days only.
Relax and check emails in this space. Private meeting space available on a first come, first served basis. The Exhibitor Lounge will be located in N427D.
Thursday, August 28 thru 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (TARGETED)
Saturday, August 30 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (TARGETED)
Sunday, August 31 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (NO TARGETS)
Monday, September 1* 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (NO TARGETS)
Tuesday, September 2 thru 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (TARGETED)
Friday, September 5
Saturday, September 6 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (NO TARGETS)
Sunday, September 7 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (NO TARGETS)
*BOOTH WORK ONLY – LABOR SERVICES WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE (LABOR DAY HOLIDAY).
EXHIBIT MOVE-IN MUST BE COMPLETE BY 4:30 p.m. Sunday, September 7, 2025.
All labor requested before 8AM and after 4:30PM will be charged at overtime rates. There is an overtime charge for any labor requested on Saturday. Direct shipments to the Exhibit Hall must arrive between 8AM and 2PM to be unloaded at straight time. Shipments arriving after 2PM and before 4:30PM cannot be guaranteed unloading at straight time. All shipments arriving after 4:30 PM will be unloaded at overtime rates. Weekends and holidays incur overtime rates.
There are three main parking lots on the McCormick Place campus. All are in close proximity and walking distance to our convention complex and are ADA accessible.
• Exhibitors in Hall A & B should designate Lot A as the primary parking location.
• Exhibitors in Hall D should designate Lot C as the primary parking location.
Parking Lot Addresses:
Lot A – 2301 South Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616
Lot B – 3050 South Moe Drive, Chicago, IL 60616
Lot C – Fort Dearborn Drive, Chicago, IL 60616
Parking Rates:
Lot A: The parking rate is a flat fee of $40 per day with in-and-out privileges.
Lot B: The parking rate is a flat fee of $27 per day with no in-and-out privileges.
Lot C: The parking rate is a flat fee of $40 per day with in-and-out privileges.
Hall A & B Exhibitors
S100A
Hall D Exhibitors
E255
Exhibitor Registration Hours
Saturday, September 6 9AM – 4PM
Sunday, September 7 9AM – 4PM
Monday, September 8 7AM – 5PM
Tuesday, September 9 7AM – 5PM
Wednesday, September 10 7AM – 5PM
Thursday, September 11 8AM – 2PM
Service desks are located here:
Hall A Exhibitors
Lead Retrieval - S100A Ballroom
Exhibitor Services – Under Food Pods in middle of Hall A
Hall B Exhibitors
Lead Retrieval & Exhibitor Services – North Hall Level 2 (By Connie’s Pizza)
Hall D Exhibitors
Lead Retrieval – E255 (down escalator at front of Hall D
Exhibitor Services – E252 (down escalator at front of Hall D)
First Aid provided by McCormick Place; first aid offices locations:
Lakeside Center – Level 1 nearby the Arie Crown Theater Dressing Room Entrance
South and North Buildings – Level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse nearby the FedEx Office.
Dial #6060 from in-house.
Any exhibitor who ordered advance labor must check in at the Freeman Service Desk. No labor will be sent to your booth until you notify Freeman that you are ready for it. If you did not place an order for advance labor, you can order your labor at the Freeman Service Desk.
All trucks and POVs must first proceed to the Marshaling Yard which is located at 3050 Moe Drive in Chicago. Please provide your carrier with this Map and the phone number (888) 508-5054 for any questions regarding the Marshaling Yard.
Exhibitors who need access to their booth after the regular set-up hours, will need to obtain permission from Show Management at the FABTECH Show & Sales Office located in N426. Any exhibitors who are currently working in their booth during regular hours may remain in the hall; however, once you leave after 4:30PM you will not be able to gain access again.
Show Days
South Building - on 2.5 Level, open 8:30AM – 5PM w/limited services available 24 hrs.
North Building - Level 2 across from the Connie’s Pizza, hours are 8:30AM – 3PM during show days
Lakeside Center - Level 2, near the Arie Crown Theater box office:
Monday, 9/8 8:30AM – 6:30PM
Tuesday, 9/9 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Wednesday, 9/10 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Thursday, 9/11 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Gate 4 - Located inside the main McCormick Place entrance off MLK Drive on Level 1 of the Grand Concourse.
E256 – Located on the 2nd Level of the Lakeside Center by Registration. This coat check will be remained open during the FABTECH Industry Night on Tuesday, September 9.
Concessions will be open during Move-In and Event days. Schedule to be announced by Thursday, August 28.
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Oktoberfest at the FABTECH Biergarten. Indulge in traditional German fare, including bratwurst, sausages, pretzels, and more. Quench your thirst with a wide selection of refreshing beers.
Live music, outdoor games, and a festive atmosphere create the perfect setting for networking with colleagues.
FABTECH Bistro is the ideal lunch option for attendees and exhibitors to eat and meet in a convenient location.
The FABTECH Bistro will be in two locations: S101-S102 Ballroom (in the West Transportation Lobby in the South Building) and the Hall D Lobby in the Lakeside Building.
Bistro hours are from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM during show days. Advance $39 all-inclusive pre-purchase price includes entrée, sides, desserts, and beverages. Pre-purchase your lunch tickets today. Very limited onsite walk-up tickets available. Please visit Exhibitor Registration to see the menu and make reservations.
Monday Sept. 8 9 AM — 5 PM
Tuesday Sept. 9 9 AM — 5 PM
Wednesday Sept. 10 9 AM — 5 PM
Thursday Sept. 11 9 AM — 3 PM
*No one under the age of 16 will be admitted onto the show floor under any circumstances.
Move-Out
Exhibitors may unload materials from automobiles and small utility vehicles before and reload these materials into automobile and small utility vehicles after the event using exhibitor-owned, non-motorized, non-hydraulic hand trucks and dollies. The designated automobile and small utility vehicles area for exhibitors to self-unload and reload their automobile and small utility vehicles for FABTECH will be at Halls A, B & D.
This benefit is available during move-out as follows:
Thursday, September 11 3PM – 9PM
1. Show Management has established the following guidelines to ensure a smooth move-in and move-out: In order to advance to the unloading/reloading area, all vehicles must proceed to Moe Drive and await instructions at the first STOP sign from the Show Traffic Coordinator.
Click Here For Vehicle Traffic Routes & Map
2. Automobile and small utility vehicles are vehicles owned by exhibitors that are not commercially registered trucks, trailers, flatbeds, or multiple axle vehicles. Examples include pickup trucks, SUV’s, and minivans.
· One or more persons must remain with the vehicle at all times.
· Vehicles must be unloaded or reloaded within a fifteen minute period.
· Exhibitors and their employees are prohibited at any time from using scooters, forklifts, pallet jacks, condors, scissor lifts, motorized dollies, or similar motorized or hydraulic equipment on MPEA premises.
3. Exhibitor or exhibitor employees are defined as any person who has been employed by the exhibitor as a full-time employee for a minimum of 6 months before the show’s opening. Be prepared to provide proof of full-time employment status if requested.
For further information, please visit www.mccormickplace.com/exhibitors/asuv.php.
Empty crates and cartons return will begin as soon as aisle carpet is removed from the floor after the close of show. The return process takes 6-8 hours. For some exhibitors, this could mean your items will not be back until 11PM. To hasten the process, DO NOT place anything in the aisles during this time – your cooperation and understanding is greatly appreciated.
PLEASE DO NOT TIP LABORERS! It will not speed up the return of your crates. If your dismantling plans require empty crates or cartons, please take this possible delay into consideration when ordering labor.
Again, if your dismantling plans require your boxes, crates or skids to pack up, please take this into consideration when ordering your labor. Machine skids and frames will be delivered to your booth by the rigging crew you have hired at the time you are ready for them. Please be sure to confirm all dismantle labor with Freeman.
Requests for rigger, carpenter and teamster, forklift and crane orders should be made by 11AM on Wednesday, September 10 at one of the Freeman Exhibitor Services Desks. Riggers should only be scheduled upon the break of the show, Thursday, September 11, if they can be utilized without the return of empty crates or skids.
If you have made arrangements in advance for priority move-out, or need special arrangements for move-out, please go to one of the Freeman Exhibitor Services Desks and ask for the freight supervisor.
It is recommended that you order dismantle crews for 8AM on Friday, September 12. Please understand the time allotted for the installation of FABTECH is approximately two weeks and the time allotted for dismantle is less than half of that; we appreciate your patience as we work to provide services to all exhibitors.
Thursday, September 11 4PM – 9PM (TARGETED)
Friday, September 12 8AM – 4:30PM (TARGETED) (overtime rates apply after 4:30PM)
Saturday, September 13 8AM – 4:30PM (TARGETED) (overtime rates)
Sunday, September 14 8AM – 4:30PM (TARGETED) (double time rates)
Reference your Target Plan for specific move in/move out dates and times. Exhibit dismantling and/or shipping done the night the exposition closes, or work done before 8AM and after 4:30PM, will be charged overtime rates. Saturday is an overtime charge.
All Halls must be cleared by 4:30 PM on Sunday, September 14. Carriers must check-in by 10AM on Sunday, September 14.
If your carrier fails to show on final move-out day, Freeman reserves the right to re-route freight onto another carrier.
Exhibit booth power will be discontinued at 4PM on Thursday, September 11. If power will be required beyond this time, arrangements must be made before 12PM on Wednesday, September 10 at one of the Freeman Exhibitor Services Desks.
These items may be carried or wheeled out with approved dollies by the exhibitor. Exhibitors will NOT be allowed to remove packages until the close of the show on Thursday, September 11.
All industrial liquids/oils must be disposed of at the end of the show. No industrial liquids/oils may remain in the hall after move-out has concluded. Any industrial liquids left behind by an exhibitor will be disposed of at the exhibitor’s expense. All exhibitors will be monitored and surveyed as to how they plan to dispose of their industrial liquids.
Lead retrieval units must be returned on Thursday, September 11 no later than 4PM to one of the following Registration areas:
Hall A Exhibitors – S100A Ballroom
Hall B Exhibitors – North Hall Level 2 (By Connie’s Pizza)
Hall D Exhibitors – E255 (down escalator at front of Hall D
Shipping labels and material handling agreements (MHA’s) are available at the Freeman Exhibitor Service Desk. MHA’s will not be distributed until all invoices are settled. Each exhibitor and/or their agent are responsible for arranging prompt pick-up and removal of outbound shipments.
MHA’s must be turned in to the Freeman Exhibitor Services Desk as soon as all materials are packed and ready for outbound shipments. Exhibitors may also check out remotely by Concierge Elite on Freeman Online.
Please consider shipping out exhibit properties when they have been dismantled and crated to provide greater easement of floor space for machinery load out.
DO NOT LEAVE MHA’S IN YOUR BOOTH OR ATTACHED TO YOUR CRATES
For any carriers that have not checked in by 10AM on Sunday, September 14, Freeman will reroute the shipment via the most convenient manner available.
Complete your outbound shipping information on Freeman Online in advance and we will have your paperwork ready at the close of show.
Tear down is a critical time for security. Use caution and protect your valuables. Do not leave anything unattended. Pay particular attention to tools, toolboxes, cameras, laptops, and small items. These items can be stored in the Security Office overnight.
If riggers were used to remove machinery from crates or skids, these items will not be returned until needed. Dismantle rigging crews working in your booth will retrieve your skid when you are ready to re-skid your equipment.