Move-in and move-out: the rules that cost money
Many surprise charges happen in the days before and after the show, not on the floor. These rules come from 2026 and 2027 show manuals and contractor pages, each named in the rule. Your own show's schedule and target plan have the final word.
Last checked Nov 6, 2026
What to know
- Your move-in time is assigned
Big shows use targeted move-in: every booth gets a date and time for its freight to arrive and to leave, shown on target floor plans. At CES 2027, missing your slot delays your freight and can add charges, so book trucks and crews around it.
ConfirmedCES 2027 LVCC exhibitor manual: general show information (Freeman)Checked Nov 6, 2026
- Trucks after 2 PM may wait a day
GES only guarantees same-day unloading at its advance warehouse for carriers checked in by 2 PM; loading docks get congested later in the afternoon. Tell your carrier the cutoff.
ConfirmedGES ordering site quick facts: ISSA North America 2026Checked Nov 6, 2026
- Weekend move-in costs overtime
GES straight time is Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. When move-in falls on a weekend, as it does for ISSA North America 2026 on November 14 and 15, labor carries overtime surcharges.
ConfirmedGES ordering site quick facts: ISSA North America 2026Checked Nov 6, 2026
- Unlabeled crates disappear
Before opening, crates must be labeled for empty storage. At the February 2027 MAGIC shows, unlabeled crates are removed from the building, and getting them back is billed on a time and material basis.
ConfirmedGES ordering site quick facts: MAGIC, PROJECT, SOURCING and OFFPRICE, February 2027Checked Nov 6, 2026
- Working late needs a permit
At CES 2027, setup hours are 7:30 AM to 6 PM. Working later needs a late work permit from your floor manager by 2:30 PM that day, every day you need one, and extra security may be billed to you.
ConfirmedCES 2027 LVCC exhibitor manual: rules and regulations (Freeman)Checked Nov 6, 2026
- Packing up early costs you
Shows punish early teardown. At TPE 2027, booths must stay set, staffed and open until the 3 PM close on the last day; a first early breakdown costs a warning and 5 priority points, and a second costs future participation.
ConfirmedTPE 2027: exhibitor rules and display guidelinesChecked Nov 6, 2026
- Some shows ban you for a year
At WVC Vegas 2027, exhibitors who dismantle or move out before 2 PM on the last day aren't offered space at the following year's conference.
ConfirmedWVC Vegas 2027 exhibitor rules and regulationsChecked Nov 6, 2026
- A $1,000 fine at the Irrigation Show
At the Irrigation Show 2026 in the LVCC, no part of an exhibit may be dismantled or removed before 4 PM on Thursday, December 10, even though the schedule lists move-out from 3 PM, and early teardown can bring a $1,000 fine.
ConfirmedIrrigation Show 2026: exhibitor schedule (Irrigation Association)Checked Nov 6, 2026
- Manifest 2027: break down early, lose priority
At Manifest 2027, breakdown can't start before the Expo Hall closes at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, February 10, and sponsors who break down early lose their priority selection status for 2028.
ConfirmedManifest sponsor support: exhibitor move-in and move-outChecked Nov 6, 2026
- PPAI Expo 2027: staffed for every hour
At PPAI Expo 2027, booths must be staffed and open for all official hours, or you risk losing space priority at future expos. No trunks, cases or packing materials can come in or out during exhibit hours.
ConfirmedPPAI Expo 2027: schedule and attendee FAQChecked Nov 6, 2026
- Shoptalk 2027: bring your own safety gear
At Shoptalk Spring 2027 in Mandalay Bay, everyone on an exhibitor's team must wear closed-toe shoes and a high-visibility vest or sash during move-in and move-out, or be turned away. The show doesn't provide them, and anyone whose feet are 6 feet or more above the floor needs a hard hat with a chin strap.
ConfirmedShoptalk Spring 2027: move in and move outChecked Nov 6, 2026
- WPMAEXPO 2027: $500 to leave early
WPMAEXPO 2027 is a three-day show, and an exhibitor who dismantles before the trade show closes may be fined $500 and loses priority points. Booths not set up by noon on the first show day count as no-shows and can be reassigned.
ConfirmedWPMAEXPO 2027 exhibitor prospectus (Western Petroleum Marketers Association)Checked Nov 6, 2026
- Teardown waits for the hall to clear
Don't book crews for the minute the show closes. CES 2027 closes at 4 PM on January 9 but keeps all workers, including your outside contractors, off the LVCC floor until 5 PM so attendees can leave.
ConfirmedCES 2027 LVCC exhibitor manual: rules and regulations (Freeman)Checked Nov 6, 2026
- Miss your move-out slot and labor is forced
Move-out has deadlines too. At ISSA North America 2026, anything still on the floor after your target date and time is removed with forced labor, and carriers must check in by set times each day.
ConfirmedGES ordering site quick facts: ISSA North America 2026Checked Nov 6, 2026
- Aisle carpet slows the exit
When a show carpets its aisles, the carpet has to come up before crates come back. For WasteExpo 2027, GES warns this can delay move-out and crate return by up to an hour.
ConfirmedGES ordering site quick facts: WasteExpo 2027Checked Nov 6, 2026
- You can't just leave your booth
Planning to throw the booth away at the end? At CES 2027 you must order Freeman labor to dismantle it and pay a dumpster fee, and crates, carpet or materials left on the floor stay your responsibility.
ConfirmedCES 2027 LVCC exhibitor manual: rules and regulations (Freeman)Checked Nov 6, 2026