As North America’s premier convention facility, McCormick Place Convention Center is an ideal location for a wide variety of events. With four buildings all connected under one roof our space is designed to be flexible whether you are planning a convention, tradeshow, corporate meeting, consumer show or most any type of special function.
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Important Tips to Save You Money with The Technology Services Department at McCormick Place.
Following are some of the most important tips that will help contribute to a successful event and save you money.
• Save time by ordering your services via our Online Ordering System. Visit us www.mccormickplace.com/exhibitors/on-line-ordering.php.
• Provide floor plans with all service orders.
• If you are ordering Internet services, please call Technology Services at 312-791-6113 to ensure the services you are ordering are correct for your needs.
• Please pay attention to the DEADLINE DATE. Having your order, floor plans and full payment submitted by your DEADLINE DATE will save you approximately 33% on your order.
• Be sure to check in at our Service Desk upon your arrival to notify our staff when you are ready for your services.
• McCormick Place requires an approved credit card to be on file for all orders, regardless of the method of payment you select. Please be sure to submit this information when placing your order to prevent any processing delays.
There are 2 options available to you. First, contact the show organizer to find out who has been selected as the Official Service Contractor. This contractor is a primary source for information about planning for an exhibit in the United States. In addition to managing the logistics of the show and supervising many of the labor groups working on the event, the Official Service Contractor can also provide rental booths that can be customized to your needs.
Another option is to hire an Exhibitor Appointed Contractor (EAC). EACs offer the opportunity of managing your show experience at your direction. EACs not only can provide the labor to install and dismantle your booth and managing communication with the service suppliers to the show, some organizations can also design a booth to meet your particular needs.
Whenever you have a question, we are only a call or a click away!
McCormick Place Technology Services Department
Phone: 312-791-6113
Email: Technology@mccormickplace.comOnline Ordering: technology@mccormickplace.com
Invoice Inquiries
Phone: 312-791-6113
Email: technology@mccormickplace.comAT&T (for outside vendors)
Phone: 877-377-4153
Email: chicago.goved.dsgclt@rdsmail.ims.att.com
Service Management Team
Jennifer Eason
312-791-7123
jeason@mccormickplace.comPedro Larios
312-791-7159
plarios@mccormickplace.comGloria D. Jackson
312-791-7156
gjackson@mccormickplace.comJoey Lynn Pinaglia
312-791-6246
jpinaglia@mccormickplace.comGiuliano Rizzi
312-791-6211
grizzi@mccormickplace.comBrittney Zerfass
312-791-7194
bzerfass@mccormickplace.com
We provide cable access, however it is only available in the South and West Buildings. Please contact us for further information if necessary.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is no longer available on the exhibit floor or in space used for exhibits during show days, except in permanent Food Pod Areas in Halls A and F, and in 1 Hotspot area per exhibit hall (A-F), the location will be determined on site by the Show Manager. Complimentary Wi-Fi will continue to be offered in public/function space and meeting rooms. This service is for checking emails or basic websites with minimal graphic content.
Access to the Wi-Fi network may be sporadic and cannot be guaranteed as access is based on the volume of users.
Exhibitors do have the option of purchasing our VIP Wireless Service to gain access to Wi-Fi on the exhibit floor. Please see services grid on Page 4 for more details.
Per our Terms and Conditions listed at www.mccormickplace.com/wifi.html, misuse of any wireless service may result in service interruption to yourself or other exhibitors and can lead to disconnection of your equipment. No refunds will be given.
McCormick Place Technology Services Department provides dedicated Internet access at a variety of speeds (refer to the Internet and Telecommunications Ordering Guide).
• Once connected, you have 24 hour access for the entire length of the show.
• All prices for internet services include the first connection to one point in your booth. Additional wiring to fan the main drops within your booth will be charged on a time and material basis.
• Services are digital and delivered by Ethernet based connectivity using Category 5 wiring with RJ45 terminated ends.
• Exhibitors must supply a computer with an Ethernet NIC (network interface card), have TCP/IP installed and an internet browser.
• There are no firewalls or filtering on our connection to the Internet.
• Make sure you have up-to-date anti-virus software installed on your computer and consider the use of a firewall.
• All internet prices are flat rate; no per minute usage of connection charges are applied.
• Do remember to order appropriate electrical service.
• The State of Illinois and City of Chicago require a telecommunications tax on all internet service.
A general description of telephone services available include:
• Analog single line: Includes the installation of a touch-tone line and rental of a single line telephone instrument.
• Digital multi-line: Includes the installation of a touch-tone line and one multi-line telephone with a maximum capacity of up to 10 appearances of the telephone line, allowing you to receive multiple incoming calls as well as make outgoing calls. Voicemail is included along with features such as hold, conference and transfer.
• AUDIX (Audio Information Exchange): Simply voicemail service. Once activated, our voicemail is operational 24 hours a day for the duration of the show. Telephone instruments include a “message waiting” lamp.
• Extension – single line or multi-line: An extension of either the main single line or multi-line service. This is ordered when you need 1 telephone number shared by 2 telephone instruments.
• Other carrier services: Any service delivered by an outside vendor such as POTs, T1s or ISDN.
• Telephone service is active 24 hours a day for the entire length of the event.
• Prices include the use of our telephone instruments. There is no discounted price if you bring your own telephone. A $150 fee will be charged for any single line phone that is not returned; a $500 fee will be charged for any multi-line phone that is not returned; and a $1,500 fee will be charged for any polycom telephone not returned.
We also offer a line of specialty telephone instruments. These consist of; Single Line Speakerphones, Multi-Line Speakerphones, hearing impaired Single Line phones as well as Polycom Speakerphones with or without microphone extensions. Please call us at 312-791-6113 to rent one for your event.
Audix® Voicemail is available for no additional charge on all of our Multi-Line phones if you specifically request this service at the time you order Multi-Line service. Single Line voicemail is available for an additional charge.
• Tips regarding telephone usage:
Telephone Services include the following:
- Unlimited Free Toll-free calls
- Unlimited Local (Chicago Metro Area) Calls
- Up to 100 minutes of Domestic Long Distance calls at no charge
- We charge usage for all international calls
• In the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago, a Telecommunications Tax is required. These taxes are based upon current communication tax rates.
• For internationally billed companies, a usage deposit of $300 per line is required. Including the deposit at the time of your initial order will ensure that you will be able to call out as soon as you plug your telephone into the line. If your total usage is less than then the deposit, the balance will be applied towards any outstanding charge.
• A detail listing of calls made can be requested by contacting the McCormick Place Technology Services Department Call Center at 312-791-6113.
An advance order applies to the rate that you have been charged; it does NOT mean that services are installed prior to your arrival.
Upon checking in at the McCormick Place Technology Services Department Service Desk, technicians will be dispatched to install the utility services that you have ordered.
We urge you to submit a floor plan for placement of your communication services ordered. When possible, this will enable us to install your service prior to your arrival.
Please contact the Service Manager to inform us that you want to cancel your order.
• Communication services ordered:
Full Cancellation, if installed and used, full cost will be charged.
Full Cancellation, if installed, but not yet used, a fee in the amount of 10% of the value of the utility service order plus the installation labor cost will be charged.
Partial cancellation of communication services ordered: If not installed, no cancellation fees will be charged.
Partial cancellation of communication services ordered: If installed, but not yet used, a fee of 10% plus the installation labor costs will be charged.
• Internet services ordered:
If installed, but not yet used, a 10% cancellation fee will be charged.
If installed and used: Full cost will be charged.
• Conventional orders:
During the show, you will receive an on-site invoice for your utility services including installation and dismantle labor (if applicable). Before leaving the show, you are required to remit payment at the McCormick Place Technology Services Department Service Desk.
• Telephone usage: (If applicable), a billing statement will be available on site. However, it will not include telephone usage. A final invoice will be sent out within 2 weeks of the close of the event.
• Internationally billed companies, a usage deposit of $300 per line is required. Including the deposit at the time of your initial order will ensure that you will be able to call out as soon as you plug your telephone into the line. If your total usage is less than then the deposit, the balance will be applied towards any outstanding charge.
Payment may be made by credit card, company check, travelers check or cash ONLY. Regardless of the method of payment, an approved credit card must be on file.
If an agent (i.e., Exhibitor Appointed Contractor or EAC) is hired to handle display and/or billing for services, the exhibitor and this agent must complete a third party authorization. Upon confirmation of a satisfactory credit rating of the agent, third party billing arrangements will be made.
All payments must be in U.S. funds drawn on a U. S. bank. Make checks payable to “McCormick Place / SMG.”
Federal Tax Identification # 366009091
Illinois Tax Identification # E9988509303
There are several options available to you for placing utility orders:
• Order forms and floor plan templates will be found in the McCormick Place Utility Ordering Guide that will be included in the Exhibitor Kit given to you by the show organizer. You can send completed forms and payment to us in one of several ways:
- US mail/First Class Mail/Couriers or Overnight Express (remember to allow ten days):
Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority • McCormick Place/SMG
301 E. Cermak Road • Chicago, IL 60616- Fax To: (312) 791-6159
You may fax your complete order information. The McCormick Place Technology Services Department will return a confirmation notice of receipt of your faxed order confirmation.- Email to technology@mccormickplace.com (Please put Event Name and Dates in the subject line)
- McCormick Place is also pleased to offer the option of placing and paying for your order via our on-line ordering website.
- Wire Transfer:
JPMorgan Chase • Chicago, IL 60603 • ABA #021-000-021 • Account #937524601
Attn: SMG McCormick Place Depository
All wire transfers should include the following information:
• Your company name • The event/show name • Your booth/space number
Federal Tax ID Number: 366009091
Illinois Tax ID Number: E9988509303
A conventional order is an order in which you pay for the costs of your utility services when ordered and are billed on event site for the costs of labor, equipment and materials required for installation and removal of your booth utilities.
A complete order contains all the following elements:
• Completed Utility Service Order Form
• Completed Floor Plan Template
• Full and proper payment
Depending on when you place your order, there are 2 rate options:
• Advance Rates apply when your complete order and payment are received by us on or before the McCormick Place Exhibitor and Technical Services Department Utility deadline date, typically 14 days prior to the first move-in day. This can save you up to 50% on your charges!
• Standard Rates apply to:
• Late Orders – received after the deadline date.
• Partial Orders – received without full payment or floor plans.
• On-Site Orders – received once you have arrived at McCormick Place OR
you find that you need to change a previous order.
The McCormick Place Technology Services Department is more than the labor team that helps you during move-in:
• Service Managers are your first point of contact. They are here to help you place your utility order, answer questions about utility services and be your liaison to in-house tradesmen on planning services for specific needs. They are your “go to” contact located at the Service Desk, as well as on the show floor, when you arrive on-site to make sure your ordered services are installed promptly.
• Communication Service Technicians are responsible for the installation, repair and dismantle of all voice and data services, including fiber optics and internet installations. They also perform all in-booth voice and data wiring for customer-owned telecommunications equipment.
• Infrastructure Technicians are responsible for the configuration, administration and support of all wired and wireless services. They also perform in-booth customer service including customer device configuration, confirmation and verification of installed services.
McCormick Place offers the following:
• Communication: Both single and multi-line service. Outside vendor service (POTS, ISON, and TI) is through SBC.
• Cable TV: Provided by Comcast.
• Internet Service: A full line of internet connectivity solutions that provide continuous, dedicated access to the internet at a variety of speeds.
McCormick Place Technology Services Department, Your Utilities Resource, is responsible for the delivery of utility services – telecommunications and internet. From the time you place your order, through your move out, the McCormick Place Technology Services Department is here to serve you in a professional, efficient and user-friendly manner.
The first thing to do is to find your booth space – most every show is arranged in an aisle format. When you received your space confirmation from the organizer, a space identification number was given to you.
Once you locate your booth area, double check to see that it is the correct size that your company contracted for.
Next, proceed to the Exhibitor Service Center area. Here you will find representatives from all official service contractors and McCormick Place Technology Services Department.
Check in with all contractor representatives that you have placed orders with.
Please contact your show organizer to discuss your needs. Many organizers have specific guidelines for space use outside of the exhibit hall. If appropriate, you will then be referred to a McCormick Place representative.
The show organizer will send you an Exhibitor Manual prior to the show. In it you will find information and ordering forms for suppliers who have been selected by the show organizer to service exhibitors. Taking the time to work with these official service contractors along with the McCormick Place team of skilled workers will keep you on the path of easy move-in and move-out, leaving you the time to focus on showing your product.
If you find that you have a need that is not found in the Exhibitor Manual, it is suggested that you contact the show organizer.
Contacting the organization that is planning your show is the best way to find out information regarding move-in, show operation and move-out as well as other activities that will occur during the event.
McCormick Place Technology Services Department Tradesmen
The communication service technicians can work around the clock to install or dismantle a show. Labor rates depend on when they perform the work:
| MONDAY-FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY/HOLIDAY | |
| 12:00am-5:59am | DT | 12:00am-4:30pm OT for 1st Eight Consecutive Hours & DT Only After Eight Hours | DT |
| 6:00am-10:00pm | ST for 1st Eight Consecutive Hours & OT Only After Eight Hours | ||
| 10:01pm-11:59pm | OT | 4:31pm-11:59pm DT |
ST- Straight Time / OT- Overtime / DT- Double Time
If you need to work past 4:30 pm during setup, you must notify the McCormick Place Technology Services Department Service Desk no later than 1:30 pm that same day. If you need to schedule labor prior to 8 am for the following day, you must notify the McCormick Place Technology Department Service Desk no later than 1:30 pm the day before.
Official Service Contractor Tradesmen
Contact your Service Contractor to obtain information on straight time/overtime/double time work periods for the union services they will be providing.
McCormick Place employs an in-house division called McCormick Place Technology Services Department to meet the internet and telecommunications needs of the event planners and their exhibitors. If you have any questions about jurisdictions, please contact your Event Manager.
• Communication Service Technicians: Responsible for the installation, repair and dismantle of all voice and data service including fiber optics and Internet installations, as well as performing all in-booth voice and data wiring of exhibitor- owned telecommunications equipment.
Your event service contractor team hires the following unions. If you have any questions about jurisdictions, please contact your Account Representative.
• Carpenters: Responsible for un-crating of exhibits and display materials; installing and dismantling exhibits including cabinets, fixtures, shelving units, furniture; laying of floor tile and carpets; hanging structural signs; re-crating of exhibits and machinery; installing and dismantling scaffolding, bleachers and ganging of chairs; and the installation of signs.
• Cleaning: The show’s official service contractor is responsible for and provides overall cleaning in the exhibit hall and occasionally event registration and services area depending on location. It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to hire porter service through the general service contractor to provide carpet and booth cleaning or to pick up excess debris during show hours. However, if an exhibitor leaves excessive debris behind at the end of the show, McCormick Place will dispose of it and bill the exhibitor for the service accordingly. Excess debris includes literature, lumber, skids and pallets, carpet, products or waste from a product or demonstration.
• Decorators: Responsible for hanging all signs and installing all drape, cloth and/or tacked fabric panels. Decorators are also responsible for velcro signs used in a booth that require tools or more than one person for installation. Exhibitors may hang their own signs using any other type of fastener as long as no tools or ladders are required and the total time to hang the sign does not exceed ½ hour. Exhibitors may also skirt tables provided they do it with their own custom-fit skirts without the use of staples, snaps or velcro.
• Electricians: Responsible for assembly, installation and dismantle of any equipment that uses electricity as a sources of power and draws power from the building electrical system. In addition, they are responsible for electrical wiring, hookups and interconnections, electrical signs, video and audio taping and cable television hookups.
• Plumbers: Responsible for all plumbing, including the installation and tear out of tanks, compressed air, water, drain, natural gas, bottled pressurized gases, water filling and draining of tanks, installation and removal of all venting to the atmosphere, anchoring and welding.
• Projectionists: Responsible for load-in, set-up, and staging of any and all equipment (including, but not limited to, motion picture, video, holography, laser, slide and film) used for the projection of an image on a screen or surface.
• Riggers: Responsible for un-crating, un-skidding, positioning and re-skidding all machinery. Exhibitors may carry in computers and appliances provided the movement may be reasonably done by hand. Exhibitors may remove small computers and appliances from crates or boxes provided work is done without a forklift or any power equipment. Exhibitors removing large items, which require the use of tools to release/remove restraining straps, would require rigging labor.
• Stagehands: Responsible for public performances of theatrical events that require temporary installation of lighting and audio equipment, including the installation, operation and removal of such equipment.
• Teamsters: Responsible for the handling of all material (except machinery) in and out of the exhibit hall. Exhibitors may carry in small packages, including pop-up booths, provided they can be hand-carried. Four wheel dollies are not permitted. If you have any additional questions regarding the movement of freight, contact your show’s official service contractor.
