Please visit the below website to stay up to date with the current COVID restrictions: 

https://www.mccormickplace.com/mpea-safety-plan-executive-summary/

On November 7, 2022, a link to the OnPeak reservation system will be posted in your exhibitor hub that will provide you with access to reserve your hotel rooms. 

The event will be a hybrid event - there will be an in-person component at the McCormick Place Convention Center, and there will be a virtual companion event for those that choose to attend virtually. Your online booth profile will act as your virtual booth presence with the purchase of your in-person booth. 

If you purchase a booth in the areas that have been designated as "premium booth locations," then each 100 sq. ft. in that area is subject to a premium fee of $150. 

Additionally, if you have an island booth, you will be charged $250 per corner, so $1,000 total for an island fee. 

Cancellations or Downsizing– Exhibitors must notify the AAO Meetings Department in writing if cancelling booth space and/or sponsorship OR downsizing their booth space. Refunds for cancelled space and/or sponsorship, OR downsized booth space will be given as follows:

1. If booth space or sponsorship is cancelled or booth space is reduced prior to December 31, 2022, the AAO will retain 25% of the total exhibition cost. (i.e. - $800 for a standard 10x10)
2. If booth space or sponsorship is cancelled or booth space is reduced between December 31, 2022, and January 23, 2023, the AAO will retain 50% of the total exhibition cost. (i.e. - $1,600 for a standard 10x10)
3. If booth space or sponsorship is cancelled or booth space is reduced after January 23, 2023, the AAO will retain or collect 100% of the total exhibition cost. No refund will be given.

All cancellations will be assessed a minimum processing fee of $150. Should the in-person meeting be cancelled, the AAO agrees to notify the contracted exhibitors as soon as possible and the refund will be processed accordingly. Please allow up to 30 days for your refund to process.

Exhibitors are responsible for cancelling any other reservation (e.g. – hotel or airline reservations) made in connection with the event.

The main entrances to the exhibit hall are located on either side of registration. Each entrance will be approximately 30' in width.  

Sponsorship – All exhibiting companies have priority in purchasing sponsor activations.  Initial priority is given to the previous year’s sponsors.  If the previous year’s sponsor does not re-purchase an activation, that activation is made available to all other exhibiting companies. 

Non-exhibiting companies may purchase any sponsor activation that is available on or after February 1, 2023.  Non-exhibiting sponsors will be assessed a one-time fee of $4,010 in addition to the cost of the sponsor activation(s) purchased.  This fee provides the sponsoring company with two non-member conference registrations.

Two staff badges per 100 sq. ft. come with the purchase of your booth. However, you can purchase additional badges if you would like for $100 each. 

You will have access to register your booth staff through a link in your exhibitor console on November 7, 2022. 

We will be having the Opening Party "Taste of Chicago" on Saturday, April 22nd inside the exhibit hall from 4:45 pm - 6:45 pm. The AAO will be providing food and drink for the event, however, exhibitors are encouraged to have cocktails at their booth should you choose to do so. We will put you in touch with the catering department at the convention center to discuss details with them. Also, food areas have been identified throughout  the floorplan and are indicated by stating "Food Court/Opening Party". 

The link to the exhibitor service kit will become available in the exhibitor console on or before February 3, 2023.