Shepard Event Services
Turnkey & Custom Exhibits in Chicago
We know the venues, the logistics, and how to get things done in Chicago and across the Midwest. Whether you need a turnkey rental, a fully custom build, or something in between, the Shepard exhibits team has a solution for you.
- 120+ years in business
- Chicago/Indianapolis branch since 2016
- Employee stock ownership company







- One thing
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Tell us about your exhibit.
Benefits
Every detail handled for you.
We manage the full exhibit experience,. from first concept through final dismantle, so you can stay focused on what matters most: your customers.
With 120 years of experience, Shepard’s exhibit experts are masters at transforming ideas into impactful spaces. From turnkey solutions to fully custom builds—or a blend of both—we design exhibits that command attention while keeping your goals, brand, and budget front and center.
Serving as an extension of your team, we take the time to understand your business and audience to craft experiences that maximize presence and drive engagement. Our full-service approach ensures a seamless, stress-free process from start to finish—including design, layout optimization, shipping logistics, and on-site setup—so you can stay focused on what matters most: connecting with your audience.
At Shepard, we go beyond the booth build—we’re your strategic partner in planning every aspect of your exhibit experience. With one dedicated point of contact, you gain a streamlined path to success, eliminating the hassle of managing multiple vendors.
From timeline coordination and pre-show planning to on-site execution and post-show support, our team works behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly and stays aligned with your goals. The result: a cohesive, stress-free experience that allows you to focus on driving results—not logistics.
We understand the importance of maximizing your budget while still delivering an exceptional exhibit experience. That’s why we offer a range of options to fit any budget, including no shipping or material handling fees on all Shepard booth rentals, built-in discounts, and custom solutions tailored to your financial goals.
Our team works closely with you to optimize every aspect of your exhibit, ensuring you get the most value for your investment. Whether you're managing a large-scale project or working within a tight budget, we focus on delivering high-quality, impactful exhibits that align with your goals and make the most of your resources.
Turnkey & Custom Exhibits
Whatever your booth needs, we have a solution.
Designed for versatility, our exhibit solutions adapt to your needs—whether you're a first-time exhibitor or an industry leader, we make the process simple and stress-free.

Custom Designs
Built Around Your Brand
Our exhibits team designs and builds custom booths around your goals, identity, and the impression you want to make.

Turnkey Rentals
Save Time & Money
Our high-quality rental inventory lets you show up strong without the custom price tag.
Case Studies
Exhibitors trust Shepard to deliver in Chicago.
Custom Exhibit for Kappa
United Soccer Coaches
Custom Exhibit for Suzuki
CES International
Modular Exhibit for KLDiscovery
LegalWeek
Plan your event at McCormick Place with Shepard.
Our clients rely on our expert knowledge of McCormick Place to remove obstacles and unlock opportunities at the country's largest events campus. Our local team can help you understand the labor requirements, logistics, sponsorship opportunities, and sustainability programs that go into planning a successful event experience.

McCormick Place West
The West Building features 460k sq ft of exhibit space, 250k sq ft of meeting space, and the 100k sq ft Skyline Ballroom. The LEED Gold certified building connects via sky bridge to the South Building and Wintrust Arena.

McCormick Place Lakeside
Lakeside Center offers 580k sq ft of flexible exhibit space with views of Lake Michigan, along with the 4,188-seat Arie Crown Theater. Its outdoor landscaped terrace and lakefront setting make it a distinct option for mid-sized shows and exhibitions.

McCormick Place North
The North Building offers approximately 600k sq ft of exhibit space across two halls. Connected to Lakeside Center via an enclosed pedestrian bridge, it can be used in conjunction with the South Building to create 1.2 million sq ft of exhibit space.

McCormick Place South
The South Building is the largest of McCormick Place's four halls, with 840k sq ft of exhibit space across two divisible halls. It connects via sky bridge to both the West Building and Lakeside Center, and includes the Grand and Vista ballrooms.

Sheraton Grand Chicago
Located in downtown Chicago's River North district, the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk offers 1,218 guest rooms and suites alongside 125,000 sq ft of flexible event space across 43 meeting rooms.
Latest Resources
Tips & thought leadership from our exhibits experts
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31 Aug 2026 Strategy & CreativeUnderstanding your General Service Contractor (GSC): who does what and why it matters -
23 Jul 2026 Strategy & CreativeStop selling sponsorships. Start building growth engines. -
17 Jun 2026 Strategy & CreativeWhat’s driving event strategy now: notes from four industry events -
13 May 2026 ExhibitsThe Shepard guide to beMatrix and modular exhibit design
Hear what our customers are saying.

NBMBAA
The nice thing about Shepard is they're willing to invest in us. To say, okay let's look at how we bring technology in and improve what you’re doing, and that all makes a real difference.

AAHOACon
I’ve been doing trade shows for 20 plus years and Shepard this year was my first actual partnership. It didn’t feel like they were there to just provide tables and chairs. They were just as much invested in the success of AAHOA Con as I was.

NRECA
Shepard helps bring the team together. They see things, understand things, and help us work seamlessly at putting our project together.

Clarion Events
They were so incredible throughout the entire process, engaged with our team, really seeking to learn about us and what's important to us. We are really excited about the partnership that we are building with Shepard.

NürnbergMesse North America
What makes Shepard special is the people. We don’t just work together — we show up for each other. That sense of family and teamwork is what keeps everything moving forward, no matter the challenge.

IPC
Thank you Shepard for being our longtime partner! Your team's experience and commitment ensure a seamless experience for our exhibitors, and we truly appreciate everything you do to help make this event a success!
START PLANNING NOW
Plan with experts, exhibit with confidence.
The best exhibits take time to get right. Starting now means more design options, a smoother process, and no last-minute pressure before your event.


