Dear Friends,

Chicago's McCormick Place and Navy Pier represent millions of square feet of meeting and exhibition space. This vast display footage is instrumental in making the Second City first in the mounting of trade shows. But, whether it's an intimate show for one of the smaller associations or a massive event like the Housewares Show, navigating these millions of square feet can be challenging, both for show managers and exhibitors, and for the men and women who install the booths and equipment that are the fabric of every show. Where do you go when you arrive? Whom do you contact? What if there's a problem? As always, having the right information is key.

The Chicago and Northeast Illinois District Council of Carpenters believes that outstanding meetings and trade shows are the result of teamwork, of a true partnership between the MPEA,* our union workers, and the show managers and exhibitors who employ our skills. To uphold our part of this alliance, we give our carpenters extensive training in exhibit and display work, schooling unequaled anywhere else in the nation. We also provide trade show and meeting information such as this website. We hope you'll find it helpful.

You may wish to visit the section of our website directed toward our members. As an extension of their training, it is filled with guidelines and information that will help them do the best possible job for you.

Earl Oliver, President/Executive Secretary Treasurer
Chicago and Northeast Illinois
District Council of Carpenters

*Metropolitan Pier and Exhibition Authority, managers of McCormick Place and Navy Pier