Exhibitor Manual
August 16 - 18, 2026 Exhibitor Manual
Welcome to National Bridal Market Chicago!
This manual will guide you through the process of exhibiting at National Bridal Market Chicago. It outlines helpful hints about the show and associated special events as well as useful information about THE MART. Reference this page for promotional information and ways to maximize your exposure at the Show, operational recommendations for smooth move in, run of show and move out details, and frequently asked questions.
We look forward to your arrival and working with you to ensure another great show!
General Information
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Sunday, August 16: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Monday, August 17: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday, August 18: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm -
Yes. The CTA Brown Line has a stop called "Merchandise Mart" that drops visitors directly on the 2nd floor of the building. Multiple CTA bus routes are also accessible within 4 blocks. Visit transitchicago.com for more information.
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No. Photographing, videotaping, filming, or sound recording is prohibited without prior written consent from Show Management.
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All exhibiting companies are required to carry their own show insurance covering shipping, labor, loss, and damage to goods or property. You do not need to send insurance paperwork to Show Management.
Insurance Certificate Holder:
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 470
Chicago, IL 60654
Shipping & Freight
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National Bridal Market Chicago
[Your Company Name]
[Your Booth Number – 7th Floor]
c/o Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza
Chicago, IL 60654 -
Packages are accepted Wednesday, August 12 through Saturday, August 15, 2026. We strongly recommend delivering on Wednesday, August 12 or Thursday, August 13 to ensure your packages arrive in your booth by Friday morning.
Packages delivered before August 12 will incur a storage fee of $74.80 per 100 lbs. -
Wednesday, August 12: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm (UPS and FedEx only)
Thursday, August 13: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Friday, August 14: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday, August 15: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm (Personally Owned Vehicles only) -
No. FedEx and UPS deliveries to THE MART tend to be inconsistent during high-volume shipping periods. Even priority shipments may be significantly delayed. Deliveries received after Thursday, August 14 will be delivered to your booth as they are received and signed for.
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For common carriers and large trucks: From I-90/94, exit at Ohio Street. Turn right onto Orleans, then right onto Hubbard, left onto Kingsbury, left onto Kinzie, then right into the dock at the stop sign.
For cars and small trucks: From I-90/94, exit at Ohio Street. Turn right onto Franklin, continue four blocks south to Kinzie, turn right, then left into the dock at the first stop sign.
Setup, Labor & Move-Out
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Friday, August 14: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday, August 15: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm -
Dismantling:
Tuesday, August 18: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Wednesday, August 19: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Freight and POV Load-Out:
Tuesday, August 18: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (POVs only)
Wednesday, August 19: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
All drivers must be checked in by 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 19. -
Union labor is required for:
• Installation and dismantling of all flooring and systems furniture
• Any work using power tools (must be done by in-house Carpenters)
• All painting, wallpaper, decal adhesives, and vinyl (must be done by in-house Painters)
• Electrical installations including chandeliers, light fixtures, light boxes, and TVs (must be done by in-house Electricians)
• Moving items with handcarts, flatbeds, or dollies (Material Handling labor required)
Labor can be requested through the Exhibitor Ordering portal. Questions? Call (312) 820-1192 or email tradeshowoperations@themart.com. -
You may set up your own display if all of the following apply:
• One person can complete the task in under 30 minutes
• No tools are used
• The booth is 100 sq ft (10×10) or smaller
For hanging items on walls, you may use small nails, small screws, or 3M removable hooks. Note: walls are only 1 inch thick, so use only ½-inch screws or shorter. Power tools, battery-operated tools, step stools, and ladders are strictly prohibited. -
Due to Chicago Fire Ordinances, packing materials may not remain on the show floor while the show is open. Obtain "EMPTY" labels from the Exhibitor Service Desk, mark your containers with your company name and booth number, and leave them in the aisle. THE MART staff will collect and return them at the end of the show. You will not have access to these containers during the show.
Models
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• Models must be registered at the Model Registration desk in the 1st Floor Lobby and will need a model badge to enter the show floor.
• Models must remain in the booth at all times — walking the aisles is not permitted.
• Models may not change in restrooms or the Mother's Room. They must change into street clothes or robes before leaving the booth for any reason.
• Models may not wear gowns to the restroom.
• Complimentary lunch at the café is for retailers only — please provide food for your models in the booth.
• Models are not permitted to attend special or sponsored events intended as buyer amenities. -
• Select Model Management: Kennedy Dehoop | kennedy@selectmodel.com | 312-943-3226
• Alicja Models & Events Inc.: 773-616-3107 | models@alicjaevents.com
• 10 MGMT: David Sanchez | 312-618-7474 | david@10mgmt.com
• The Rock Agency: Nancy | 773-805-0139 | nancy@therockagency.com
• ONE Management: Daniel | 630-631-8815 | danielt@onemanagement.com
Vendors & Services
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Order directly from SmartSource for all AV and IT equipment needs.
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GCJ Hospitality
Contact: Jennifer Hunter
Phone: 312-952-1000
Please refer to the GCJ Order Form for booking. -
• Marshall's Landing (Full Service): 312-610-8050
• Foodstuffs (Full Service): Brendan Adamovic | 847-328-8504 -
• Jollybrowne: Trideep | 800-308-3120
• Distinctive Displays: Ralph | 718-272-7273
• Alex Displays: Steve | 312-829-2948 -
• Jollybrowne: Trideep | 800-308-3120
• Dress Rite: Randy | dressriteforms.com/collections/rentals -
• Alex Displays: 312-829-2948
• Bowery & Bash: Jade Eggert | 312-882-1891 | jade@boweryandbash.com
• Jollybrowne: Trideep | 800-308-3120
• Marquee Event Rentals: Maddie Rand | mrand@marqueerents.com
• American Furniture Rental: Vanezza Fons | 773-350-3503 | vfons@rentfurniture.com -
• Taylor & Co: Derrick Taylor | 312-771-8198 | derrick@taylorandcoevents.com
• Something Borrowed Blooms: 844-879-6222
• Floral Exhibits: 773-277-1888
• Northern Greenhouses (Plants): 312-666-9177 or 800-638-6625 -
Hinckley Springs: 773-586-8600
Please mention The National Bridal Market™ when placing your order. -
Windy City Linen
Contact: Debra | 224-279-1500 -
WW Displays, Inc.
Contact: Andrea | 847-566-6979