1.  Exhibit Schedule and Decorator

Decorating & drayage will be provided by Fern Expo & Event Services.  Exhibitor packets, which will include costs for additional services and instructions for exhibit shipping, will be provided by Fern Expo in early February, 2024.

Exhibit Set-up: Thursday, March 12, 2026 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Exhibit Hours: Thursday, March 12, 2026 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Exhibit Hall Opening Gala, with apps and bar)

Friday, March 13, 2026 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 14, 2026 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Exhibit Dismantle: Saturday, March 14, 2026 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m

2.  Booth Prices and Payment Policy

• The deadline to register as an exhibitor is December 15, 2025.

• Piped and draped booths are 8’ x 10’ and include a 6 ft. table and two chairs.

• The price is $900 for each booth.  

• Orders will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis by online order.  No phone orders will be accepted.  

• A minimum payment of 50% of the total amount due must be postmarked no later than two weeks following the receipt of the Exhibit Reservation Form to confirm the booth reservation. Check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are accepted.

• The final payment is due January 15, 2026.  

• Refunds will be given according to the approved Central States refund policy as posted on our website.

• The exhibit hall floor plan will be posted on this page of the website as soon as it is available.  Booth location selection will be based on the order in which reservations are received and paid in full. Priority will be given to our sponsors.  Booth location will be confirmed beginning in December, 2024.

3. Hotel Room Reservations

Hotel sleeping room reservations should be made directly with the hotel.  Hotel information will be available starting August 1.  Central States asks that each exhibitor stay at the conference hotel.  The hotel rates that Central States has negotiated include many benefits.  If Central States is unable to meet its room-block commitment because exhibitors are making reservations at other hotels, the hotel will charge Central States an attrition fee to make up the hotel’s lost revenue.   If this were to occur, Central States would be forced to increase the exhibitor fees and cut conference services.  Please let the reservation agent know that you are associated with Central States.

4.  Conference Registration

Conference registration is complimentary for two exhibitor representatives per booth, however each exhibitor representative must register by name for the conference.  The booth personnel registration form can be found on this page beginning September 1.  Be sure to enter the discount code provided when you submitted your exhibitor booth registration at checkout. Please adhere to the due date of February 15, 2026, to ensure a smooth registration process. Representatives in addition to the two per booth (or one per non-profit table) must each pay the regular conference registration in effect at the time of registration.  Use the link above to register both your complimentary and paid exhibitor representatives. Exhibitor badges will be issued only for registered exhibitor representatives.  

5.  Sponsorships

If you would like to sponsor an event during the conference please check out our sponsorship opportunities here.  Sponsors are acknowledged in a number of places throughout the conference and given priority in booth location selection.  All sponsors will also have their website linked on the Central States website.

6.  Exhibitor Sessions

The deadline for session proposals is June 30, 2025. Exhibitors can present a session only if they reserve a booth in the Exhibit Hall.

On-site Booth (per booth) $900

• Booth in the main exhibit area (includes one skirted 6' table and two chairs)

• Two complimentary conference registrations

• One session in conference program

• Static listing in the online conference program and on the Central States website

On-site Non-Profit Table $500 (For smaller, non-profit companies)

• One skirted 6' table and two chairs located in the rear of the exhibit hall

• One complimentary conference registration

• Static listing in the online conference program and on the Central States website

Conference registration is complimentary for two exhibitor representatives per booth (or one per non-profit table), however each exhibitor representative must register by name for the conference.  

Booth Personnel registration will be available beginning on September 1.  Be sure to enter the discount code provided in your registration confirmation email in the "discount code" field in the regsitration process. 

Please adhere to the due date of February 15, 2026, to ensure a smooth registration process. 

Representatives in addition to the two per booth (or one per non-profit table) must each pay the regular conference registration in effect at the time of registration.  Use the link above to register both your complimentary and paid exhibitor representatives.

Exhibitor badges will be issued only for registered exhibitor representatives.