Exhibitors FAQ

Yes, completing and submitting an exhibitor registration form is required. Here’s why.

1. It confirms you know what you are agreeing to. When you reserve space for the 2024 Chicago Drum Show, we count on you to understand your commitments. Failure to sign or submit a registration form does not relieve you of the terms of the agreement.

2. It helps us organize stuff like how everybody wants to be listed in the show program and what “extras” you want for your space.

3. We need to be able to document to the State of Illinois who was there so they know we handled the sales tax documentation correctly.

There really is no deadline for reserving an exhibit space; we may even have space available for walk-in exhibitors at the show. All exhibitors reserving space by March 15, 2025 will be listed in the printed show program distributed at the show.

Booth size is 10 feet by 10 feet. If you need more room, simply add additional 10x10 booths to your cart during checkout (subject to availability).

You need to pay the balance due before you set up your booth. Prepayment is always preferred and there is an express check-in line for prepaid exhibitors. Payment must be received by Friday, May 9, 2025 to be processed for express check-in at the 2025 show. You can also pay when you check in at the show.

1. Booths, additional exhibitor passes, table, and drape rentals can all be prepaid through the Chicago Drum Show website using Visa, MC, Amex, or PayPal.

2. Direct payments may also be made using Zelle or Venmo, email us for details.

3. You can bring cash, check (Make checks payable to Chicago Drum Show, LLC),or money order if paying at the show, or mail your prepayment in advance to: 

Chicago Drum Show 
1577 S. Cora St 
Des Plaines, IL 60018

Yes. When paying online, your receipt will be sent to the email address you provide at checkout. When paying in-person you will be given a receipt at that time.

The basic booth price covers the 10x10 space and two exhibitor credentials. A small sign will identify your space. Credentials are issued when you check in. Booths that are not located along the side walls are furnished with a pipe and drape backdrop. The booth space includes access to electricity and there are electrical outlets within 25 feet of every booth. You will need to supply your own extension cords. There is no charge for exhibitor chairs; ask any Chicago Drum Show staffer to point out where you can pick up chairs.

One section of pipe and drape consists of two bases, two 8-foot upright aluminum pipes that attach to the bases, an aluminum crosspiece, and four panels of fabric; a lightweight “banjo” cloth. You can hang lightweight signage on the pipe and drape crosspiece, but is not to be considered a structural support for heavier booth materials.

You can supply your own sign supports to hang the banner or sign from, but the facility does not allow nails or tape to be used on the walls.

No. Tables are not included with the basic booth fee. Exhibitors are welcome to bring their own tables or they can be rented for $15.00 per table. Table drapes are also available for rent for $20.00 each. These will be distributed at exhibitor check-in. When the drape is returned at the end of the show, you will receive a $10.00 refund.

The rental tables are 8 feet long and 30 inches wide, about 30 inches high. You can extend the height of the table easily by using four pieces of PVC tubing, one on each leg. Heavy items should not be placed on height-extended tables.

The table drape is simply a piece of black Duvetyne (heavy utility fabric) large enough to cover the table top and extend over the edges about a foot all the way around.

Yes. Most shows do not allow this, but we are. We are willing to list both exhibitors sharing the space in the show program. One exhibitor will need to be the “lead” exhibitor and the lead exhibitor will assume responsibility for all booth charges, show compliance issues, and communications.

Yes, within reason. We reserve the right to deem your lighting unacceptable if it appears to pose a risk to attendees or staff or requires excessive current to operate, such as heavy stage lighting. Flashing and strobe lights will not be permitted to respect all attendees.

Exhibitor access to WiFi is provided by FutureLink IT 224-523- 8000. The charge is $10/day or $20/3-day weekend for each device. This is a discounted rate for the Chicago Drum Show, so be sure to mention your affiliation with the show.

The flooring is polished concrete. Exhibitors are welcome to bring carpet or other floor covering, but are cautioned to use appropriate materials to secure it such as gaffer’s tape. Do NOT use commercial carpet double-stick tape that leaves a residue on the floor! Do NOT use duct tape!

Exhibitor (and VIP) access begins at 12 Noon on Friday, and the hall closes at 5 P.M.. For Saturday and Sunday, Exhibitor and VIP visitors’ access starts at 8 A.M., the show opens to the public at 10 A.M.. Please note that exhibitors loading in during times that the show is open to the public (10 A.M. to 5 P.M. Saturday and Sunday) will need to access the hall through the front entrance. Side and back doors will be sealed and are for emergency use only.

There is no shipping of display materials directly to the Kane County Fairgrounds. Each exhibitor is responsible for arranging their own shipments to and from the show.

Yes. We all understand that percussion instruments sometimes must be played loudly in order to properly demonstrate them. Each exhibitor is expected to be a good neighbor and not ruin the show experience for attendees and other exhibitors by allowing jamming, practicing, showing off. Offenders will be warned. Repeat offenders will have their credentials cut in half. Exhibitors with cut credentials who persist in this inappropriate behavior will be asked to leave.

We feel it is fair for show attendees who pay full price admission to expect to see all of the exhibitors who have registered to participate in the show, even if they arrive late on Sunday. Side and rear doors of the halls will not be available for load-out until 5:00 P.M. Sunday. Any exhibitor who loads out prior to the close of the show on Sunday (5:00 P.M.) will have to do so through the front entrance. Any exhibitor who loads out early will give up their right of first refusal on the same space for 2026; the space will be considered abandoned.

If you sell items at the show, yes. It is very easy; simply use the tax form linked to the drum show site or ask any Chicago Drum Show staffer for a copy. (If you already have an Illinois tax license or do not plan to sell at the show, simply check the appropriate box on the registration form.)

Below are the hotels located closest to the Kane County Fairgrounds.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott (.9 Miles) - 2096 Bricher Rd, St. Charles, IL 60174 (630) 845-5500

Geneva Motel Inn (3.4 Miles) - 100 S Tyler Rd, St. Charles, IL 60174 (630) 513-6500

Best Western Inn of St. Charles (3.5 Miles) - 1635 E Main St, St. Charles, IL 60174 (630) 584-4550

Quality Inn & Suites (3.5 Mile) - 1600 E Main St, St. Charles, IL 60174 (630) 584-5300

Courtyard by Marriott (3.8 Miles) - 700 Courtyard Drive, St Charles, IL 60174 (630) 377-6370

Hampton Inn & Suites (4 Miles) - 2875 Foxfield Rd, St Charles, IL 60174 (630) 584-0222

Holiday Inn Express & Suites (4.8 Miles) - 155 38th Ave, St. Charles, IL 60174 (630) 587-6564

Hilton Garden Inn (5.4 Miles) - 4070 E Main St, St. Charles, IL 60174 (630) 584-0700