Exhibitor FAQ
Friday May 15th is exhibitor set up day and VIP entrance from 12pm to 6pm.
Saturday May 16th and Sunday May 17th are general admittance days from 10am to 5pm, with exhibitor entrance at 8am on Saturday and 9am on Sunday.
Kane County Fairgrounds - Prairie Events Center
525 S Randall Rd, St Charles, IL 60174
Yes, completing and submitting an exhibitor agreement form is required after registration. Here’s why...
1. It confirms you know what you are agreeing to as a Chicago Drum Show exhibitor. When you reserve space for the 2026 Chicago Drum Show, we count on you to understand your commitments. Failure to sign or submit an agreement form does not relieve you of the terms of the agreement.
2. It helps us organize how you want to be listed in the exhibitor directory and what “extras” you need for your space.
Take advantage of the Early Bird Special pricing, which reflects 2020-2025 booth pricing ($350 per 10’x10’ booth), from now through Sunday, November 16th.
Exhibitors who had booths at the 2025 show will have until Sunday, November 2nd to reserve their same booth location. Any booths that have not been reserved by November 2nd will become available on a first come first served basis starting November 3rd.
While it is both recommended and appreciated that you register and pay for your booth as soon as possible, if your payment is made by Sunday, April 19th, your booth name will be included on the exhibitor map and directory in the show program. All payments must be made no later than Wednesday, May 13th.
All exhibitors interested in taking advantage of the Early Bird Special pricing must do so by Sunday, November 16th.
All reserved booths for returning 2025 exhibitors will need to be paid for no later than Sunday, February 15th. Any reserved booth for returning 2025 exhibitors that has not been paid for by February 15th will become available on a first come first served basis on Monday, February 16th.
The cost of all booths, including reserved booths for returning 2025 exhibitors, will be $400 starting on Monday, November 17th.
New and returning exhibitors that did not exhibit at the 2025 show must pay at time of registration which is how you reserve your booth space.
Exhibitors that complete payment by Sunday, April 19th will have their booth name included on the exhibitor map and directory in the show program.
All payments must be made no later than Wednesday, May 13th.
We accept Zelle, all major credit cards, checks, and money orders as payment.
a.) Direct payments may be made using Zelle. This is the preferred payment method and a great way to show your support for the Chicago Drum Show as there are no processing fees. Please email us for details.
b.) We can process your order over the phone for credit card payments by calling 847-344-0520 or 847-636-4490.
c.) Booths, additional exhibitor passes, tables, chairs, and table drape rentals can all be paid via credit card through the Chicago Drum Show website. *Any returning 2025 Exhibitors choosing this option, please let us know by email and we will send you a customized invoice that you can pay securely through our site.
d). Payments may be made by check or money order. Make checks payable to Chicago Drum Show, LLC.
Mail to:
Chicago Drum Show
1577 S. Cora St
Des Plaines, IL 60018
Yes, your receipt will be sent to the email address provided during online checkout or payment processing.
No, since all exhibitors are required to pre-pay for their booth, your name and credentials will be at the entrance. Simply show your ID and your credentials will be provided.
Exhibitor booths are non-refundable. All sales are final. Please make sure you review your order carefully prior to making your payment.
Booth size is 10 feet by 10 feet. If you need more room, simply add additional 10’x10’ booths to your cart during checkout (subject to availability).
The basic booth price covers the 10’x10’ space and two exhibitor passes. If purchasing more than one booth, you will receive two more exhibitor passes for each additional booth.
If you require additional exhibitor passes beyond the allotted two that come with each booth, they are available for an additional $30 each. A small sign with your provided booth name 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
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 (banners only).
You can supply your own sign supports to hang the banner or sign from, but the facility does not allow nails, tape, or any kind of adhesive to be used on the walls.
Tables and chairs are not included with the basic booth fee. Exhibitors can rent tables for $20 each and chairs for $5 each. Table drapes are also available to rent for $20 each.
A 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. These will be distributed at exhibitor check-in. When the table drape is returned to Exhibitor Services at the end of the show, you will receive a $10 refund.
Rental tables are 8 feet long and 30 inches wide, and 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.
Yes. Most shows do not allow this, but we do. We are willing to list both exhibitors sharing the space in the exhibitor directory. 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.
Each booth space has access to electricity with outlets within 25 feet of every booth. You will need to supply your own extension cords. Please notify us if you will be utilizing the electricity when you sign-up or during check-in so staff can ensure the power is turned on near your location.
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 available and provided by FutureLink IT. Their charge is $10 per day or $20 for the 3-day weekend per each device. This is a discounted rate for the Chicago Drum Show, so be sure to mention your affiliation with the show when contacting them. FutureLink can be reached at 224-523-8000. Many exhibitors opt to use a personal hotspot through their own mobile phone service.
The flooring is polished concrete. Exhibitors are welcome to bring rugs, carpet, or other floor covering. Gaffer’s tape is the ONLY acceptable form of securing flooring as it does not leave a sticky residue on the floor. DO NOT use commercial carpet double-stick tape which leaves a residue on the floor! DO NOT use duct tape! We have had to scrub tape adhesive from the floors on our hands and knees for hours after the show has ended due to people not following this rule.
Friday: Exhibitor (and VIP) access begins at 12pm, and the hall closes at 6pm. Historically the hall closed at 5pm, but due to popular request we are extending it to 6pm.
Saturday: Exhibitor and VIP attendee access starts at 8am, and the show opens to the public at 10am.
Sunday: Exhibitor and VIP attendee access starts at 9am, and the show opens to the public at 10am.
*Please note that exhibitors loading in during times that the show is open to the public (10am. to 5pm Saturday and Sunday) will need to access the hall through the front entrance only. Side and back doors will be sealed and are for emergency use only.
Attendees expect to see all of the exhibitors who have registered to participate in the show, even if they arrive later on Sunday. Side and rear doors of the halls will not be available for load-out until 5pm Sunday. Any exhibitor who loads out prior to the close of the show on Sunday (5pm) 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 2027; the space will be considered abandoned.
There is no shipping of product or 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 diminish the show experience for attendees and other exhibitors by allowing jamming, practicing, and showing off. Offenders will be warned. Exhibitors with who persist after being warned will be asked to leave.
If you sell items at the show, yes. It is very easy; simply use the Illinois Special Event tax form linked on the drum show site. All necessary information is provided on the form.
Our show program is a unique opportunity to connect your business with the Chicago Drum Show community. This high-quality, collectible print material is a great way to promote your brand and products, as well as a meaningful way to show your support for the show. We will need to receive graphics by Sunday April 12th so there's plenty of time to finalize the layout before we go to print. Current pricing is available below. If you are interested in running an ad, please email us or reach out through the contact page for further details.
Full Page Ad - $400
1/2 Page Horizontal Ad - $250
1/4 Page Vertical Ad - $175
Raffle donations are greatly appreciated and are a fantastic way for us to promote your company while showing your support for the show. Please send us an email at chicagodrumshow@gmail.com to let us know what you will be donating. Once we get a photo and description of your donation we will begin promoting it along your company and website on our social media platforms and our raffle page. All contributions verified by Sunday, April 19th will also be featured in the show program. You may ship your raffle donations to us ahead of time, or you can drop them off at the raffle booth located in the lobby on load-in day.
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
Days Inn by Wyndham - formerly Best Western (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
Yes, overnight RV parking is available with optional electrical and water hook-ups provided by the Kane County Fairgrounds. Their charge for overnight RV parking is $20 per night and their electrical and water hookups will be an additional $40 per night ($60 total). If you will be needing these services, you must notify drum show staff during exhibitor check-in of what services you will be utilizing and for how many nights. All fees must be paid upfront in cash only during exhibitor check-in as 100% of charges go directly to the Kane Country Fairgrounds.