If you’re planning to exhibit at Automate 2026 — the largest automation, robotics, machine-vision & motion-control event in North America — there are a few critical things to know. The show returns to McCormick Place in Chicago, June 22-25, 2026 with over 1,000 exhibitors and tens of thousands of attendees expected, your booth is more than a display—it’s your brand’s platform. Automate Show . As a Chicago-based rental exhibit partner, The Trade Show Network is uniquely positioned to help you optimize your 10×20, 20×20 or larger space. Here’s how.
Why Automate 2026 Demands a High-Impact Exhibit
The show’s scale and focus mean that the competition is steep—visitors will pick and choose their stops. You need visuals and flow that draw them in.
The venue (McCormick Place) offers enormous halls (North & South) which means your booth must be proportionate and strategic in size and design. ExpoFP+1
The audience at Automate are decision-makers—engineers, operations leaders, integrators—so your booth isn’t just about aesthetics; it must communicate value quickly.
Choosing the Right Rental Exhibit Size: 10×20, 20×20, & Beyond
10×20: Ideal for emerging brands or cost-sensitive launches
Offers a sizable footprint while keeping your budget manageable.
With rental options you can get professional quality (branding, lighting, AV) without owning a large structure.
Particularly smart if you’re testing Automate for the first time and want to scale later.
20×20: The sweet spot for strong presence without going full-island
Gives you enough space for product zones, meeting area, storage and traffic flow.
For an automation show, you might display demo robots, machine-vision setups, interactive kiosks—these require space.
Renting means you get a turnkey setup, and The Trade Show Network handles shipping, install, breakdown.
Larger / custom footprints: For major brands or partner-ecosystem showcases
If you’re bringing large equipment, live demos, or wanting to host partner meetings, a larger rental footprint makes sense.
Renting modular systems becomes very cost-effective vs building from scratch for one show.
Why Rent with The Trade Show Network (In-Chicago Advantage)
Local presence: Based in Chicago, we know McCormick Place logistics, local labour, material sourcing and timelines better than remote vendors.
Turnkey rental capability: Choose from pre-designed modular systems (10×20, 20×20) we keep inventory of, or customize to your brand.
Cost & timeline efficiency: Rentals cut down on capital build costs, storage, shipping for next show. You can focus budget on messaging, demos, traffic-driving tactics.
Scalability: Start with a 10×20 rental this year at Automate 2026, then scale to 20×20 or larger in future shows, while retaining elements of your branding package.
End-to-end service: From booth design & renderings to install, on-site supervision, and storage for your rental elements post-show.
Planning Checklist for Your Rental Exhibit at Automate 2026
| Phase | Key Action | What The Trade Show Network Provides |
|---|---|---|
| 90-60 days out | Select booth size (10×20 vs 20×20 vs larger) & location on floor plan. Automate 2026 | Space-planning consultation, sample layouts. |
| 60-45 days out | Approve booth design (renderings), branding elements, lighting/AV. | Customization of rental modules, graphic design coordination. |
| 45-30 days out | Finalize logistical details: shipping, on-site labour, install schedule. | Local Chicago execution, coordination with McCormick Place labour and show services. |
| During show | Ensure booth team understands flow: demo zone, traffic entry, meeting space, lead capture. | Rental booth on-site support, furniture/flooring options, signage updates. |
| Post-show | Review results, de-install, return rental elements, store brand assets. | Rental teardown, storage coordination, optional redesign planning for next show. |
Messaging & Design Tips Specific to Automation Exhibits
Use open layouts so attendees can approach demos easily—don’t block machines behind walls.
Incorporate interactive experiences (e.g., live robot demo, machine-vision headset) to draw attention in a tech-heavy show.
Lighting and AV matter—bright, clean lighting + large format graphics showing your solution’s impact (uptime improvement, cost savings) are key.
Clear branding: At high-tech shows like Automate, the branding should reflect innovation—sleek finishes, minimal clutter, technology-forward feel.
Meeting space: Even in a 10×20 rental you’ll want some area for discussions. Rental modular systems with built-in meeting pods help.
Why Now is the Time to Book
Booth space at Automate 2026 is filling up quickly. With the event scheduled for June 22-25 at McCormick Place, Chicago, exhibitors are locking in floor locations, booth builds and rental exhibit partners now. Automate Show+1 - By partnering with The Trade Show Network today, you secure a tailored rental solution, get ahead of design deadlines, and focus your remaining budget on driving traffic and leads—not on building your booth from scratch.
Final Thoughts
Exhibiting at Automate 2026 is a major opportunity: your booth will stand alongside the leading automation and robotics companies in the world. But opportunity alone isn’t enough—you need presence, polish and performance. With The Trade Show Network’s rental exhibit solutions—especially 10×20 and 20×20 footprints—you can deliver high impact, control costs, leverage local Chicago expertise, and focus on what really matters: engaging attendees, capturing leads and accelerating business growth.
If you’re serious about being part of Automate 2026, let’s get started. Your rental booth is more than a show stand—it’s your launchpad.
