Planning to exhibit at NRA Show (National Restaurant Association Show) at McCormick Place in Chicago? This page is your NRA Show-specific budget planning tool — venue cost norms, show quirks, deadlines, and a calculator pre-loaded with NRA Show cost data. ~2,200 exhibitors and 58,000+ attendees make it one of the food & beverage industry's major moments.
NRA Show cost benchmarks (2026 estimates)
| Cost item | NRA Show typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Booth space rental | $35–$60 / sq ft | McCormick Place |
| Hotel (show week, per night) | $180–$420 | Chicago market |
| Drayage / material handling (per move) | $300–$550 | standard shipments |
| Typical 10×10 all-in budget | $15,000–$45,000 | space + build + travel + services |
| Show duration | 4 show days | annual |
NRA Show Booth Cost Calculator
NRA Show show details
Full name: National Restaurant Association Show
Venue: McCormick Place
Timing: May (annual)
Industry: Food & Beverage
Scale: ~2,200 exhibitors · 58,000+ attendees
NRA Show-specific budget pitfalls
- Food sampling requires health department permits and often on-site refrigeration — order utilities and clear permits weeks ahead
- Cooking demos need gas, water and drainage — these are special utility orders, not standard electrical drops
- Perishable shipments have tight receiving windows — coordinate with the decorator's refrigerated handling if offered
- Chicago hotel rates peak during show week — Rosemont properties are the value alternative
Deadlines that protect your budget
Sampling permit applications typically due 30+ days out; utility orders at advance rates close ~45 days before move-in. Missing advance deadlines means paying 20–50% more for the same services. The exhibitor checklist generator turns these into a dated task list.
FAQ
How much does a booth at NRA Show cost?
For NRA Show at McCormick Place, a typical 10×10 presence runs about $15,000–$45,000 all-in depending on build level and team size. Booth space itself runs $35–$60 per sq ft. Use the calculator on this page for a NRA Show-specific estimate.
When is NRA Show May?
NRA Show (National Restaurant Association Show) is held in May at McCormick Place. Dates shift year to year — always confirm on the official show site before booking.
What makes NRA Show budgeting different?
Food sampling requires health department permits and often on-site refrigeration — order utilities and clear permits weeks ahead
Related: All show guides · Chicago cost guide · Industry benchmarks · Hidden fees checklist · Drayage guide
Build your budget in 60 seconds
Free calculator with city-agnostic cost math, CSV export, and cost-per-lead insights.
Open the Booth Cost Calculator →