Exhibitor FAQ's  

NADA Show 2027 will take place February 17-20, 2027 (Wednesday-Saturday) at the Orange County Convention Center, West Concourse, 9800 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819. 
 

• Education & Events: February 17-20
• Expo: February 18-20
   

All activities will take place in the West Concourse unless otherwise noted.
 

The booth space application process for NADA Show 2027 will open on May 18, 2026. A 50% deposit is required at the time the application is submitted. You may submit the deposit via credit card, ACH or by check. If paying by check or ACH, payment must be received within 10 days of application submission for your booth space application to be processed.
 

First round of booth assignments are processed based on the following criteria for applications and deposits received by June 1, 2026:

• Total priority points accumulated from past participation (this includes first-time companies with no priority points)
• Date of receipt of application & deposit
• Subject to availability

Second round of booth assignments are processed based on the following criteria for applications and deposits received after June 1, 2026:

• Date of receipt of application & deposit
• Subject to availability

Please note: Applications submitted and signed by any third-party entity on behalf of an exhibitor is not permitted.
 

Booth space cost is $42 per square foot. A 50% deposit of the total cost is due upon submission of your application/contract. The remaining balance due is payable on or before November 18, 2026. Applications received without the required deposit will not be processed, and may adversely affect your booth assignment. Full payment must accompany applications submitted after November 18, 2026.

Cost of space does not include the following: rigging or machinery moving, unpacking, erection or repacking of displays, utilities (i.e., electrical, water, gas, compressed air, telephone, booth decoration, furniture, carpet). Exhibitors may order these services from the official show contractor, Freeman, through the online Service Kit.

Exhibitors can share their booth space with a business partner or affiliate company by completing a co-exhibitor application.

Please review Section 8 of the Contract Terms & Conditions.

8. SUBLETTING - PRIOR APPROVAL REQUIRED FOR CO-EXHIBITORS

8.1 Exhibitor agrees that the space assigned to Exhibitor is intended for Exhibitor's sole use to exhibit only the goods or services described in Exhibitor's application. Exhibitor agrees that it will not share, assign, sublet, subdivide, apportion, or otherwise allow any persons, parties or entities other than Exhibitor to use in any manner the space assigned to Exhibitor, or any portion of that space, without submitting a written application to NADA. Such application shall identify by name any potential Co-Exhibitor, describe the relationship between the primary Exhibitor and Co-Exhibitors, and detail the Co-Exhibitor's products and services to be exhibited.

8.2 A Co-Exhibitor may exhibit on the Expo floor only after the exhibitor receives written approval from NADA for such activity. Approval by NADA of the Co-Exhibitor(s) application shall also entitle the Co-Exhibitor(s) to be listed on the website (including the eBooth upgrade enhancements), in the Show Directory, to accumulate seniority points, and to participate in the NADA sponsorship and advertising program.

8.3 The primary Exhibitor shall be responsible for all actions of the Co-Exhibitor, including the compliance by the Co-Exhibitor with these Contract Terms and Conditions and the Exhibit Rules and Regulations. Any determination by NADA that an Exhibitor or Co-Exhibitor violates this Section 8, will be final and binding, and may be treated by NADA as a default under Section 18 of the Contract. NADA reserves the right to request documentation from Exhibitors and Co-Exhibitor to confirm any business relationship.

Exhibitors can earn priority points based on the following:
 

Company Seniority:

• 1 point per year up to 60 points maximum

Booth Size:

• 5 points for every 100 sq ft up to 100 points maximum

Booth Spend:

• 10 points per $10,000 booth spend
• 10 points for a booth size upgrade from previous year

Sponsorships Connected to Convention Center:

• 10 points for up to $25K sponsorship
• 20 points for up to $50K sponsorship
• 40 points for up to $100K sponsorship
• 50 points for more than $100K sponsorship

Opening Night Reception Sponsorship:

• 20 points for up to $50K opening night reception sponsorship
• 40 points for up to $100K opening night reception sponsorship
• 50 points for more than $101K opening night reception sponsorship 

Note: Sponsorship cap is up to 60 points per year maximum

Miscellaneous:

• 15 points for hotel block
• 15 points for a Booth Enhancement upgrade - Premium, Luxury, or Elite

Exhibitor agrees to pay the following amounts as liquidated damages, and not as a penalty, in the event Exhibitor cancels or reduces its Contract in the time periods specified. Cancellation or space reduction on or before November 18, 2026 - 25% of the full exhibit rental price; cancellation or space reduction after November 18, 2026 - 100% of the full exhibit rental price. Any cancellation or space reduction notices by Exhibitor must be submitted to NADA in writing, and will be effective when received by NADA.

In the event that an Exhibitor's booth is assigned after the final payment date of November 18, 2026, and the Exhibitor desires to cancel or secure a smaller space, the Exhibitor may qualify for a partial refund by submitting a written notice of cancellation or space reduction with 10 business days from their booth assignment date.  Upon receipt of the written notice of cancellation or space reduction, the Exhibitor shall pay a cancellation fee equal to 25% of the total exhibit rental price.  If the contract is cancelled or space reduced by Exhibitor at any time after 10 business days following the booth assignment dates, the Exhibitor shall pay a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the total exhibit rental price and will not be entitled to a refund.

A booth cancellation after an order for an eBooth upgrade will cause automatic cancellation of any eBooth listing and any eBooth upgrades purchased.  Refunds will be made of eBooth fees paid minus a $100 cancellation fee.

Please note: Booth space cancellations will automatically result in cancellation of any hotel rooms, exhibitor badges, and function space.

There are two ways to purchase a show sponsorship:
 

1. Purchase a sponsorship during the application process.
2. Purchase a sponsorship after your booth is confirmed through the Exhibitor Dashboard.
    

A 50% deposit is due at the time a sponsorship is purchased and final payment is due on November 18, 2026.
 

In the event that a Sponsor/Advertiser's booth space is cancelled for any reason after an order for a Sponsorship/Advertisement has been placed, the Sponsorship/Advertisement will automatically be cancelled, and payment will be due upon cancellation. All sponsorship sales are final, non-refundable, and non-transferable. Cancellation notices by Sponsor/Advertiser must be submitted in writing and will become effective upon receipt by NADA.
 

In the event that a sponsorship is purchased during the application process and you cancel that application prior to assignment or do not get into the show, the sponsorship will automatically be canceled and your money will be refunded. Only confirmed exhibitors can sponsor at NADA Show 2027.

Exhibitor housing & registration will open to confirmed exhibitors on June 29th. Access to the housing & registration site will be through the Exhibitor Resource Center. Exhibitors receive four (4) complimentary exhibitor badges for every 100 sq ft of space, up to a maximum of 60 badges. Maritz is the official NADA Housing & Registration vendor.

Your Exhibitor Badge will not allow you entrance into the Education Sessions during the NADA Show. Exhibitors who wish to attend Education Sessions may register in the Exhibitor w/education category.

The fee per badge is:

Exhibitor registration will open on June 29 to all confirmed exhibitors.

Your Exhibitor badge will allow you access to the Lifestyle Center on Saturday, February 20 only. Your Exhibitor badge will also allow you access to the Thursday, Friday and Saturday Main Stage General Sessions.

You must have at least 400 sq ft of space in an island or peninsula configuration to have a hanging sign. Hanging signs are permitted to be hung at 25 feet, from the floor to the top of the sign . You must complete the Hanging Sign Request Form and submit that along with a layout and specs on the sign by January 6, 2027 for Show Management approval.  This form will be available in the Online Exhibitor Service Kit.

NADA requires a minimum of 200 sq. ft. of space for each vehicle displayed within a booth. Companies who want to display vehicles must submit a Display Vehicle Reporting Form to NADA Show Management by January 6, 2027. The Display Vehicle Reporting Form will be available in the online Service Kit. Vehicle move-in and move-out will be coordinated by the show’s official service contractor, FREEMAN.

All companies are required to submit a Floor Plan Reporting form and a rendering of your booth, regardless of booth size. The Booth Floor Plan Reporting Form is available in the online Service Kit. There is a separate form required for companies who have an Enclosed or Multiple Story booth design. The due date to submit your floor plan and Floor Plan Reporting Form is December 11, 2026.

NADA Show Management will review booth drawings/renderings for compliance with NADA's Exhibit Design Regulations.  We do not send written approvals.  If your booth may be in violation, we will contact you.

Work rules vary from one city to another.  In Orlando, exhibitors may:

Material Handling -
 

Exhibitors may hand-carry their own materials into the exhibit facility. The use or rental of dollies, flat trucks and other mechanical equipment, however, is not permitted. Freeman will control access to the loading docks in order to provide for a safe and orderly move-in/out. Only full time employees of the exhibiting company will be allowed to hand-carry items. Unloading or reloading at the dock of any and all contracted carriers will be handled by Freeman.
 

Booth Installation & Dismantle -
 

Currently there is an agreement with the Local IATSE Union to provide labor for display erection and dismantling. Full time employees of the exhibiting companies, however, may set their own exhibits without assistance from this local. Any labor services that may be required beyond what your regular full time employees can provide, may be rendered by the Union. Labor can be ordered in advance by ordering online or at show site, at the service desk.

Click here for more information on Orlando Labor & Services.

ALL outside contractors, such as I&D companies, design houses, production companies, technicians, models, entertainers, are considered exhibitor-appointed contractors (EAC). An exhibitor-appointed contractor is any company other than the designated official contractors named by NADA that provides a service, (i.e., display, installation/tear down, florists, photographers, audio visual, and/or their subcontractors), that needs access to your exhibit any time during the installation, show dates or dismantling of the 2027 NADA Expo. NADA Show Management will deny access to the floor to any company or person in this category not complying with the exhibitor-appointed contractor requirements. We will grant NO EXCEPTIONS on-site.

The Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Request Form is due to show management by January 6, 2027 and will be available in the online Service Kit.

The Exhibitor Service Kit has all the necessary forms for planning your exhibit.  The online exhibitor service kit will be available in mid-August. If you need assistance, you may contact us at 703.821.7141 or expo@nada.org.

Exhibitors may have alcoholic beverages in their booth. However, all alcohol orders must be made through the official Food & Beverage vendor, Sodexo Live!. Order forms and contact information are provided in the Exhibitor Service Kit.

The NADA Show Services Dept. can assist you in securing hotel space for a hospitality event during the NADA Show. For more information, please contact Dequila Pullen at pullend@nada.org

Hospitality space will be limited, and based on availability. Space will not be assigned for any event outside of the convention center during Expo hours or Education Sessions (Wednesday, Feb. 17, 10am-4:15pm; Thursday, Feb. 18, 9am-5pm; Friday, Feb. 19, 8:30am-5pm; Saturday, Feb. 20, 8:30am-12:30pm) or during the NADA Show Welcome Reception on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 7pm-11pm. Space reservations will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note the following, which is included as part of the Exhibit Rules & Regulations: 
 

12. OFFSITE BUSINESS ACTIVITY & HOTEL FUNCTION POLICY DURING SHOW HOURS
12.1 To support a successful and equitable experience for all exhibitors within the official exhibit hall during show hours, exhibitors are prohibited from conducting or facilitating any business activity outside of the official exhibit hall—including, but not limited to, product demonstrations, meetings, sales presentations, or hospitality functions—at hotel properties, private suites, or other offsite venue during official NADA Show hours (Thursday, Feb. 18, 10am-5pm; Friday, Feb. 19, 8:30am-5pm; Saturday, Feb. 20, 8:30am-12:30pm). This includes any attempt to draw Show attendees away from the convention center for business purposes during these hours.

12.2 While exhibiting companies may request hotel meeting rooms or hospitality/business suites, such use is only permitted outside of Show hours and must be scheduled through NADA’s official process. Unapproved use of these spaces during show hours constitutes a direct violation of NADA Show policies.

12.3 Exhibitors found to be in violation of this policy will face immediate and significant penalties to include: loss of all or part of accrued NADA priority points; loss of current or future booth selection privileges; cancellation of exhibit space without refund; suspension from future participation in the NADA Show.

12.4 NADA is committed to fostering a fair and successful environment for all participants—and we count on our exhibitors to help uphold that standard. If your team is considering any offsite meeting space during the show, we request that you reach out in advance so we can review and approve the request together. To maintain the integrity of the event, NADA reserves the right to take appropriate action against any exhibitor whose activities compromise the valve of the Expo program.
 

For information regarding the NADA Live Stage and press conferences at the NADA Show, please contact NADA's Public Affairs at publicaffairs@nada.org.

Exhibitors must notify NADA Show management in writing no later than 12Noon on Wednesday, February 17 if they cannot take possession of their booth by that time. If no prior notice is given, and the Exhibiting company does not take possession of the assigned space by 12Noon on February 17, NADA has the right to cancel Exhibitor’s contract whereby the booth space reverts back to NADA Show Management. See paragraph 7, Assignment/Relocation and Possession of Exhibit Space in the Contract Terms & Conditions.

Pre-show and post-show mailing lists will be made available to confirmed exhibitors only and will be accessible through the Exhibitor Console. Pre-show lists will be made available monthly beginning in December and only contain mailing addresses.  We are not authorized to release email addresses.
 

ALERT: Please use caution when dealing with solicitation from companies claiming to have NADA Show Attendee Lists
 

NADA Exhibitors are frequently targeted by companies unaffiliated with NADA, offering attendee lists from the "NADA Show 2027" and/or variations on the NADA name or logo.  Please be aware that these companies have nothing to do with NADA or the NADA Show.  The attendee mailing lists for the show are only available directly from NADA and all confirmed exhibitors have access to those lists. 

Yes. NADA reserves the right to photograph, video record, and/or or sound record presentations, attendees, and Exhibitor’s exhibit and activities during the Show for publicity and marketing purposes only. Any other professional photography, recording, or reproduction in any medium, including via the use of tripod-based equipment, of any of the programs presented at NADA Show without the prior written consent of NADA is strictly prohibited. Permission may be obtained by NADA from any persons whose likeness and/or name is used, recorded, or displayed. Exception: Non-flash photography and audio or video recording using hand-held equipment, for strictly personal, social, or noncommercial use, are permitted if not disruptive, as determined by NADA. 

Please click here for information regarding parking lots and rates.

Yes, children under 18 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times within the convention center and on convention center property. Registration for children is complimentary and must be done onsite. All children, except infants in backpacks or slings, must be registered and badged to be admitted to the expo hall.

Children under 18 are not permitted on the expo floor during move-in/out.