Sponsor Planning Guide

Thank you for joining us at the 2026 CLOC Global Institute in Chicago! We’re excited to partner with you and want to ensure your experience is smooth and successful from start to finish. 

To help with your planning, we’ve created the Sponsor Planning Guide — your all-in-one resource for both pre-event preparation and on-site support. You’ll also receive bi-weekly email updates as we move closer to the event, so you’ll always have the latest information at your fingertips. 

If you have any questions or need assistance at any point, our team is here for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at sponsorship@cloc.org — we’re happy to help. 

Chicago Details

McCormick Place

CGI 2026 will be held in the West Building, featuring a vibrant Exhibit Hall with space for collaboration and connections.

Address: 2301 S. Indiana Ave.
Chicago, IL 60616

Note: this address is for attendance only and should not be used for shipping.

Accommodations

To make your stay as convenient as possible, CLOC has secured three hotel blocks directly connected to McCormick Place, ensuring easy access to all conference activities: 

  • Hyatt Regency McCormick Place 
  • Marriott Marquis Chicago 
  • Hilton Garden Inn McCormick Place 

Please note that reservations at all properties will close on Wednesday, April 8—we encourage you to book early to secure your spot.

Sponsors in need of 10+ rooms can reach out to the hotels directly to book a subblock. 

Important Dates

February 4

Sponsorship planning details available, including standard booth packages + upgrade options

February 12

February CGI Sponsor eNews

February 23

Booth selection process begins

*Placement will take place in waves based on sponsorship investment level for CGI and booth type, Ilona Aigro will connect with you when your selection window opens

March 5

Exhibitor Service Kit access

March 12

March CGI Sponsor eNews

March 16

Early Bird registration ends

April 8

Deadline: Hotel block closes

April 9

April CGI Sponsor eNews

April 10

Deadline: Catering orders submitted to Oak View Group

April 13

Deadline: Booth graphics and/or branding add-ons (without a late fee)

Deadline: Discounted pricing for standard & custom Expo Group rentals

April 15

Attendee List distribution #1

Deadline: Sponsor registration passes

April 17

Advance Warehouse starts accepting deliveries

April 27

Final Deadline: Booth graphics and/or branding add-ons (late fee applies for submissions after April 13)

May 1

Deadline: Last day for Advance Warehouse deliveries (without a surcharge)

May 6

Attendee List distribution #2

May 7

Final Deadline: Warehouse deliveries (surcharge applies for shipments received after May 1)

Sponsor Know Before You Go

We’re excited to share that the Detailed Program for CGI 2026 will be available by the end of January. In the meantime, you can explore the Program Overview, which highlights this year’s themes and session formats to help you start planning your experience. 

Monday | May 11

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Exhibitor Move In

Sponsors must be setup and out of the hall by 3:00 PM for final floor prep before Opening Reception

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Opening Reception

Tuesday | May 12

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Exhibit Hall

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Dedicated hours

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Networking Lunch

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Exhibit Hall Happy Hour

Wednesday | May 13

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Exhibit Hall

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Networking Lunch

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Exhibit Hall Happy Hour

5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Exhibitor Move Out

Exhibit Hall is closed to attendees on Thursday, May 14

Marketing & Promotion

Let your customers, colleagues, and prospects know you’ll be heading to CGI 2026 using the Sponsor Marketing Toolkit.

Tag us with the event hashtag #CGI2026 to join the conversation.

Follow us on social media to be part of an online community all about making connections.

Suitcasing & Outboarding Policy

At CLOC, we’re proud to bring together the entire legal ecosystem through our events. Our priority is to ensure that every member of the CLOC community—attendees, sponsors, and partners alike—enjoys a positive and successful experience. 

To help maintain that standard, we’ve put policies in place to protect against practices such as suitcasing and outboarding. 

For sponsors planning social functions or special events during CGI hours, we kindly ask that you obtain written approval from CLOC in advance. Proposed functions should not overlap with official CLOC programming. That said, we do welcome small, private dinner gatherings of up to 15 guests during evening receptions. 

Sponsors are also encouraged to host after-hours events during the following times:

Sunday, May 10: No restrictions
Monday, May 11: Between 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; after 7:00 PM
Tuesday, May 12: After 6:00 PM
Wednesday, May 13: Between 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM; after 11:00 PM

We appreciate your partnership in creating a respectful and engaging environment for all participants. 

Registration

Registration is open! The primary sponsorship contact should have received an email from sponsorship@cloc.org with access to the Cvent Sponsor Portal.

To help you plan, here’s an overview of the available badge types.

Please note: These passes do not include add-on courses, educational workshops, or invite only events.

All Access Pass
  • Available in the portal as “Sponsor Pass” or “Additional Sponsor Pass”
  • Provides entry to all General Sessions, Breakout Sessions, Meals, the Exhibit Hall, Receptions, and CGI After Dark
  • Available in the portal as “Exhibit Hall Only Pass” 
  • Provides entry to the Exhibit Hall (including Exhibit Hall theaters/stages), and CGI After Dark
  • These passes can be easily upgraded to All Access during the online registration

These passes can only be used for current or prospective clients that hold a Legal Operations role within their organization. They can not be allocated to your organization’s booth staff or towards someone already registered.

  • Available in the portal as “Customer Invite Pass”
  • Functions as al All Access Pass, with entry to General Sessions, Breakouts, Meals, the Exhibit Hall, Receptions, and CGI After Dark
  • All invite passes must be used by April 15, 2026

Cvent Sponsor Portal Overview

Manage Sponsorship Registrations
  • Navigate to the Booth Staff icon, select Find Booth Staff, then use the Add Booth Staff drop-down to choose Register Booth Staff
  • Step-by-step written instructions are available here, and a helpful video tutorial is available here
  • Both All Access and Exhibit Passes can be assigned to any attendee whether internal or external to the sponsoring company
  • Customer Invite Passes can only be used for Legal Operations Professionals external to your organization and cannot be used towards someone already registered
  • Sponsors accepted through the Call for Proposals will receive  speaker registration instructions from Lauren Magee
  • Submit a 50-word company description for display in the event app
  • Upload your logo (300 x 300 pixels) for inclusion in the event app
  • Order Lead Capture license(s) and/or devices directly through the Cvent portal
  • Download and access your captured leads with ease

Wristband Access Guidelines

To ensure a smooth and secure experience in the Exhibit Hall, wristband access is limited to approved support staff.

Wristbands are not permitted for company staff working the booth during open Exhibit Hall hours.

Sponsor organizations can submit a request for wristband access for approval by CLOC.

We appreciate your partnership in keeping the Exhibit Hall safe and organized. Please send any questions to sponsorship@cloc.org.

Wristbands can be used for:

Exhibit Hall Move In/Setup and/or Move Out
Up to three (3) wristbands will be available to sponsors whose booth setup requires support staff beyond registered event attendees.

Access with these wristbands is available

  • Monday, May 11: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Wednesday, May 13: Beginning at 5:00 PM

Booth Activations during Exhibit Hall hours
Up to two (2) wristbands daily will be available to sponsors bringing in booth activations (e.g., caricature artists, magicians, mascots, etc.)

Booth Refresh & Replenishment
Wristband access will be available to support staff for daily booth refresh or restock prior to Exhibit Hall opening

  • Tuesday, May 12: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
  • Wednesday, May 13: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Exhibitor Service Kit Details

The Exhibitor Service Kit will be available in March 2026 and will provide details needed to plan your booth. 

Exhibit Hall Information

The Exhibit Hall will be in Hall F1 West on Level 3 of McCormick Place, making it easy to access during CGI 2026.

  • The full floorplan can be viewed here.
  • Booth location selections will begin in February. Placement will take place in waves based on sponsorship investment level for CGI and booth type, you will receive an email from Ilona Aigro when your selection window opens

The Advance Warehouse will begin accepting deliveries on April 17, 2026.

Last day for deliveries without a surcharge is May 1, 2026.

Final date for deliveries, including a surcharge for late delivery, is May 7, 2026.

Advance Warehouse Address:
Exhibitor Name/Booth Number
CLOC Global Institute
C/O The Expo Group & Tradeshow Transport
2300 South Throop St.
Chicago, IL 60608

Please note! Direct to show site shipping is prohibited for this event. All shipments must be sent to the advanced warehouse prior to the event. 

Exhibitor Move In and Booth setup is Monday, May 11 from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Sponsors must be setup and out of the hall by 3:00 PM for final floor prep before Opening Reception.
 
Exhibitor Move Out/Dismantle is directly following the Exhibit Hall Happy Hour on Wednesday, May 13 at 5:00 PM. Exhibitors are not permitted to break down prior to the scheduled dismantle time. Any violations of early tear down will be asked to stop immediately.
Audio Visual equipment is available for hire through CLOC’s selected provider. See Exhibitor Service Kit for order form(s).
 
More information coming soon.
CLOC will provide complimentary Wi-Fi for general use.
 
Sponsors needing dedicated and/or secure Wi-Fi or wired bandwidth can order through the Technology Staff at McCormick Place, at an additional cost.
Booth packages include either a 5-amp electrical drop (Kiosk or Signature) or a 10-amp electrical drop (Showcase). 
 
Additional electrical is available for hire through CLOC selected provider. See Exhibitor Service Kit for order form(s).
 
More information coming soon.
Oak View Group (OVG) is the exclusive Food & Beverage provider within McCormick Place. All food, beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and food dispensing equipment must be supplied by OVG. Small bowls of candy are permitted via outside vendor.
 
Please contact K’Jia Bozeman by April 10 for your catering needs. 

Sponsors are NOT permitted to bring their own commercial or professional photographers or videographers to this event. CLOC will hire an official event photographer and videographer to capture moments at CGI.

Sponsor are allowed non-commercial uses, such as photos or videos from phones.