Frequently Asked Questions

What is Global Experience Specialists' (GES) phone number?
Where do I mail my application and deposit or final payment to?
Can I use a credit card to pay for my booth space?
How many complimentary Show badges do I receive with my booth?
How much does it cost for additional badges?
Where is Exhibitor Registration located in McCormick Place?
What are the hours for Exhibitor Registration?
Pre-Show marketing: What resources are available to exhibitors?
What time can exhibitors get on the floor during Show days?
Are there any exceptions to the booth height regulation?
How do I order carpet, drayage, electricity and labor?
What if I am past the deadline to submit to my Exhibitor Appointed Contractor?
Do I need insurance?
Will Wi-Fi be available at the Show?
What is the balance due on my booth space?
How do I make hotel arrangements?
I exhibited in the 2011 Show, can I still rent an attendee list?
What are the dates and location of NRA Show 2012?


What is Global Experience Specialists' (GES) phone number?
The number to the National Servicenter is (800) 475-2098. You can also contact GES via e-mail at servicenter@ges.com or visit its Web site at www.ges.com/contact.

Where do I mail my application and deposit or final payment to?
For mailings through the United States Postal Service, please send to:
National Restaurant Association
Convention Department
24281 Network Place
Chicago, IL 60673-1242

If you are using a carrier, please send to:
JPMorgan
Attn: National Restaurant Association Lockbox 24281v 131 S. Dearborn
6th Floor
Chicago, IL 60603

Can I use a credit card to pay for my booth space?
Yes; we accept all major credit cards (American Express, Visa, Mastercard). There is an area on the 2012 application for you to fill out your credit card information.

How many complimentary Show badges do I receive with my booth?
Each exhibitor receives five (5) complimentary badges for the first 100 square feet of space purchased, and three (3) badges for each additional 100 square feet of space [e.g., up to 200 square feet equals eight (8) badges, up to 300 square feet equals (11) badges, etc.].

How much does it cost for additional badges?
September 1 - November 18, 2011 $30 per person
November 19, 2011 - March 30, 2012 $45 per person
Beginning March 31, 2012 $90 per person

Where is Exhibitor Registration located in McCormick Place?
  • North Building - Level 2 - Mezzanine Lobby
  • South Building - Level 1 - Room S103
What are the hours for Exhibitor Registration?
Thursday, May 3rd 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday, May 4th 8:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday, May 5th 8:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday, May 6th 8:00am - 4:00pm
Monday, May 7th 8:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday, May 8th 8:00am - 2:00pm

Pre-Show marketing: What resources are available to exhibitors?
The Exhibitor Marketing Guide will be posted in the Exhibitor Services section of the NRA Show website beginning in early February. You must log in to the Exhibitor Services section and then go to Marketing Tools.

The Guide is a planning tool used to prepare and announce an exhibitor's presence at NRA Show 2012. It provides valuable strategies and information about getting an exhibitor's products and services seen at the Show.

Exhibitors will be able to order NRA marketing materials (i.e., postcards, stickers) at no charge. Ordering information will be in the Guide.

What time can exhibitors get on the floor during Show days?
Exhibitors are allowed on the Show floor during the following times if wearing an exhibitor* badge:

Saturday, May 5th 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 6th 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday, May 7th 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 8th 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

*A person wearing an attendee badge is not allowed on the floor outside of official Show hours. Manufacturer's representatives who have obtained their own (attendee) badge will not be allowed on the floor early.

Are there any exceptions to the booth height regulation?
Unfortunately, there are no exceptions to any of the NRA Show Exhibit Design Regulations. This is to protect the integrity of the Show and create a fair environment for all exhibitors. These regulations are online in the Exhibitor Services section of the NRA Show website.

How do I order carpet, drayage, electricity, and labor?
The Exhibitor Services and Information Manual is online only in the Exhibitor Services section of the website. You must log in and then click in the Service Manual box to access. The Manual has all the ordering information you need to secure the products and services needed for your booth.

What if I am past the deadline to submit to my Exhibitor Appointed Contractor?
If you do not register to use an Exhibitor Appointed Contractor by the April 6, 2012 deadline, you will have to hire labor for installation and dismantling through the NRA Show's official service contractor, Global Experience Specialists (GES).

Do I need insurance?
Show Management provides perimeter security in the halls but does not maintain insurance to cover exhibitor property. Exhibitors are responsible for their own properties. It is expected they have, or will purchase, adequate insurance to protect against all perils.

It is highly recommended that an exhibitor obtain adequate insurance coverage, at their own expense, for property loss or damage and liability for personal injury.

Will Wi-Fi be available at the Show?
Yes, McCormick Place offers complimentary WiFi in the exhibit halls and public spaces.

What is the balance due on my booth space?
You may view your balance and any current information we have for your company by logging into your account in the Exhibitor Services section of the website.
You will need your company password found on your confirmation contract. (NOTE: The balance due reflects booth space only and will not include outstanding balances with any other contractors.)

How do I make hotel arrangements?
You can make reservations online in the Travel section of our website. NRA Show Official Housing offers a best rate guarantee over the official show dates. Early bird discounts are in effect until January 31, 2012.

I exhibited in the 2011 Show, can I still rent an attendee list?
Unfortunately, no. You must be a 2012 exhibitor to gain access to either the current or previous year's attendee list.

What are the dates and location of NRA Show 2012?
The 2012 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show will be held May 5-8 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.