2027 Trade Show Freight Deadlines: CES, ISE, and ProMat

2027 Trade Show Freight Deadlines: CES, ISE, and ProMat

Three of the biggest trade shows of early 2027 are already locked on the calendar. The freight mistake that costs exhibitors the most is not a bad carrier rate, it is missing the move-in window because they booked too late.

This guide covers the confirmed show dates for CES 2027, ISE 2027, and ProMat 2027, and how far ahead you need to lock freight for each one.

The 2027 Show Calendar (Confirmed Dates)

| Show | Dates | Venue | City | |------|-------|-------|------| | CES 2027 | January 6–9, 2027 | Las Vegas Convention Center + Venetian Expo | Las Vegas, NV | | ISE 2027 | February 2–5, 2027 | Fira Barcelona Gran Via | Barcelona, Spain | | ProMat 2027 | April 19–21, 2027 | McCormick Place | Chicago, IL |

CES and ProMat are domestic U.S. shows. ISE is an international show, which means a different freight path entirely (export, customs, and overseas transit) rather than a domestic LTL or dedicated lane.

Why the Deadline Matters More Than the Date

Every trade show runs two separate freight timelines:

1. Advance warehouse window. The show's official contractor accepts shipments at an off-site warehouse days or weeks before move-in. You get a lower drayage rate and a wider arrival window.
2. Direct-to-show window. Your shipment arrives at the convention center only during move-in. Simpler on paper, but the dock queues are the tightest.

The advance warehouse window for a January show like CES typically closes before the holidays. If you are shipping to CES 2027, the freight decision should be made no later than early December 2026.

[查證] The exact advance warehouse open/close dates and move-in windows for each show are published by the show's official contractor (Freeman, GES, etc.) per edition. Check the current exhibitor service manual for the authoritative dates. This guide gives the confirmed show dates and planning lead time, not contractor-specific deadlines.

Freight Lead Time by Show

CES 2027 (Las Vegas, January 6–9). The busiest consumer tech show in the U.S., spread across multiple venues. Book freight by early December 2026. Ship to the advance warehouse if your booth is over 400 sq ft. LVCC freight volume is extreme during move-in, so direct-to-show is the riskier option.

ISE 2027 (Barcelona, February 2–5). International freight means weeks, not days. Ocean freight from the U.S. needs 4–6 weeks of transit plus customs clearance. Air freight is faster but far more expensive. Start planning in November 2026 at the latest.

ProMat 2027 (Chicago, April 19–21). McCormick Place runs a strict marshaling yard system. Your carrier needs a marshaling yard appointment, not just a dock appointment. Book freight by mid-March 2027 and confirm your carrier knows the McCormick Place procedures.

Three Rules That Apply to All Three Shows

1. The advance warehouse is usually the safer choice. Wider arrival window, lower drayage, less dock pressure.
2. The freight deadline is not the show date. It is the advance warehouse close date, which lands weeks before move-in.
3. International shows are a different category. ISE 2027 is not a domestic lane. It needs export documentation and customs clearance, which adds weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is CES 2027? CES 2027 runs January 6–9, 2027, at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, NV.

Is there a MODEX in 2027? No. MHI alternates MODEX (even years, Atlanta) and ProMat (odd years, Chicago). 2027 is ProMat 2027, April 19–21 at McCormick Place.

How far in advance should I book freight for a trade show? Book at least 4–6 weeks before move-in for domestic shows. For international shows like ISE, start 8+ weeks out to allow for export and customs.

About the Author

Calway Logistics manages trade show freight coast to coast for exhibitors at shows like CES, NAB, SEMA, and ProMat.