Planning a Convention in Chicago? Here’s the Furniture Rental Checklist

Chicago conventions attract thousands of attendees every year, and the right furniture rentals can make or break the attendee experience. From registration counters to LED bars, this checklist will help event planners and exhibitors create polished, branded, and comfortable convention spaces across McCormick Place, Navy Pier, and other top venues.

Why Chicago Is a Leading Convention Destination

Chicago is consistently ranked as one of the busiest convention cities in the U.S. Its central location means over 60% of the U.S. population can reach the city in under a two-hour flight. Venues like McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America, and Navy Pier, with its waterfront event halls, attract organizations from industries ranging from healthcare to technology. Hotels like the Hyatt Regency Chicago and the Hilton Chicago also provide expansive convention facilities, making the city a premier choice for both national and international gatherings.

With so many events competing for attention, the right event furniture rentals are critical for helping organizers create engaging, efficient, and branded experiences that stand out.

The Essential Furniture Rental Checklist for Chicago Conventions

1. Registration & Check-In Counters

First impressions set the tone. A branded registration counter or sleek check-in desk helps attendees feel welcome and organized. Counters with storage and signage options are particularly useful for large groups at McCormick Place or Navy Pier.

2. Seating Solutions

Every convention needs flexible seating. From banquet chairs for breakout sessions to lounge furniture for networking areas, comfortable seating encourages attendees to engage and stay longer. Popular choices include:

• Lounge Sofas & Chairs for VIP or sponsor areas
• Bar Stools for exhibitor booths or communal tables
• Conference Chairs for educational sessions

3. Communal & Bar Tables

Networking is the lifeblood of conventions. High boys, bar tables, and communal tables provide places for casual conversations, product demos, and sponsor-hosted lounges.

4. LED Furniture & Bars

Illuminated furniture adds both function and flair. LED bars, glowing cocktail tables, and illuminated cubes are eye-catching, brandable, and ideal for drawing traffic on crowded expo floors. Programmable lighting ensures that furniture matches corporate branding or event themes.

5. Scenic Elements & Stage Rentals

A convention isn’t complete without scenic backdrops, truss rentals, and stage designs. These pieces define event spaces, highlight keynote stages, and make exhibitor booths more memorable. Scenic walls can also carry sponsor logos, boosting ROI.

6. Charging Furniture

Attendees expect to stay connected. Charging tables, lounges, and branded power stations give guests convenience while keeping them engaged on the show floor. This feature is especially valuable for multi-day conventions where device fatigue is common.

7. Pedestals & Display Rentals

Whether highlighting a product launch, an award, or sponsor signage, pedestals are versatile event essentials. Branded pedestals are popular in trade show booths and at sponsor activations throughout convention centers.

Why Work with Modern Event Rental in Chicago

• In-House Fabrication: Unlike many rental companies, we design and fabricate much of our LED furniture, bars, pedestals, and scenic elements in-house—ensuring exclusive designs and unmatched quality.
• Local Expertise: With headquarters in Chicago, we know the ins and outs of delivering and setting up at McCormick Place, Navy Pier, and major hotels.
• Nationwide Reach: While Chicago is home, we provide delivery, installation, and strike nationwide, making us a trusted partner for multi-city programs.
• Custom Branding Options: From vinyl wraps to integrated LED branding, we help maximize sponsorship visibility and ROI.
• Full-Service Support: Our team doesn’t just drop off furniture—we handle logistics, setup, and strike, allowing planners to focus on programming and attendees.

FAQs About Chicago Convention Furniture Rentals

Q: Can rentals be delivered directly to McCormick Place and other Chicago venues?
A: Yes. Our team has extensive experience delivering to McCormick Place, Navy Pier, and hotel-based convention centers across Chicago.

Q: Do you offer after-hours delivery or strike?
A: Yes. We provide flexible scheduling, including after-hours, late-night, and weekend services for time-sensitive events (additional fees may apply).

Q: What types of events do you service in Chicago?
A: We provide rentals for conventions, trade shows, corporate meetings, experiential activations, and gala events.

Q: Can furniture rentals be branded for sponsors?
A: Absolutely. Many items—including bars, counters, and pedestals—can be wrapped with logos, graphics, or sponsor colors.

Q: Is setup and takedown included?
A: Yes. We offer full-service delivery, installation, and strike to ensure a stress-free experience for event planners.

Call to Action

📞 Call 800-275-6015 or 📧 rentals@moderneventrental.com to start planning your Chicago convention furniture rental checklist today. Modern Event Rental will ensure your event looks polished, professional, and unforgettable.