Event Details

• Conference Dates: Thursday, March 26 - Sunday, March 29, 2026
• Exhibit Hall Dates: Friday, March 27 - Sunday, March 29, 2026
• Exhibit Set Up: Thursday, March 26 & Friday, March 27, 2026
• Exhibit Strike: Sunday, March 29, 2026
• Exhibit Location: Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park, Chicago, IL
• Tabletop Show: All materials must be displayed and sold directly from your tabletop.

Why Exhibit at SCMS 2026?

SCMS 2026 is the largest annual gathering of media and cinema scholars, drawing an estimated 2,000+ attendees from over 40 countries. The conference is an ideal platform for showcasing your latest publications, projects, and resources to academics, researchers, and professionals who are deeply invested in cinema and media studies.

In addition to showcasing your publications and materials, SCMS 2026 provides excellent networking opportunities. Engage with scholars to build relationships and explore potential collaborations.

Additional Details

Information regarding shipping, drayage, setup, exhibit and teardown hours, and other services will be shared soon.

We look forward to seeing you at SCMS 2026!

We Are Offering 4 Different Exhibition Options

1. Full Tables $650 USD—all your own, staffed by your own representatives, for the duration of the conference. SCMS provides linens, chairs and a wastebasket for all exhibits.
2. Unmanned Exhibit Tables $650 USD—this option is ideal for publishers/exhibitors who cannot send a representative to the conference but still wish to showcase their titles and materials. For $650 USD, SCMS will display your materials at a full tabletop exhibit for the duration of the conference. Complete the online exhibit contract and select the unmanned exhibit option. Send an email to exhibits@scmsconference.com, including a description of the materials to be exhibited. All materials must be sent directly to the exhibitor services company chosen by SCMS. SCMS is not liable for any materials sent for display and will not return materials to the exhibitor after the conference.
3. Joint Exhibit Tables $350 USD—this option is designed for publishers/exhibitors who cannot send a representative to the conference but would like to showcase a limited selection of titles. For $350 USD, SCMS will display up to three titles from a single publisher/exhibitor on tables shared with other joint exhibitors. Complete the online exhibit contract and select the joint exhibit option. Send an email to exhibits@scmsconference.com, including a description of the materials to be exhibited. All materials must be sent directly to the exhibitor services company chosen by SCMS. SCMS is not liable for any materials sent for display and will not return materials to the exhibitor after the conference.

Deadline

• Contract and Payment Deadline - Friday, January 16, 2026.
• Partial (80%) payment will be refunded if the contract is canceled before Friday, January 16, 2026.
• No refunds will be issued after Friday, January 16, 2026. Thank you.

Deadline Extended: Thursday, February 5, 2026.

Payment Information

• All payments are due prior to the conference and must be paid by the deadline of Friday, January 16, 2026 Thursday, February 5, 2026 secure your exhibit table(s) at the conference.
• Credit card payments are the preferred method of payment.

Exhibitor Registration Policy

SCMS grants two (2) complimentary registrations per press/institution/company.

Exception: If you would like to bring more than two (2) representatives and have purchased MORE than one exhibition table, you will be allowed one additional complimentary conference registration per table (for example, if you purchase 3 tables, you will be allowed 4 complimentary registrations). If you have purchased only one (1) exhibition table and wish to bring more than two (2) representatives, you are asked to pay the conference registration fee that applies.

Placement

Space will be assigned in the order in which exhibit contracts are received online. Please understand that acceptance of this contract by SCMS does not guarantee specific placement within the exhibition. Conference sponsors receive preferential placement.

Hotel Reservations

For details on how to place your hotel reservations, please visit the Hotel Information page on the SCMS website. We strongly encourage exhibitors to book early, as we expect the hotels to sell out quickly.

Exhibitors may reserve accommodations through the SCMS hotel block. Rooms are currently available at the Swissôtel Chicago, which is directly connected to the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park via the Pedway and continues to offer the SCMS group rate. Full hotel details and booking links are available on the SCMS website. For assistance, please contact hotel@scmsconference.com for assistance.

Exhibitor Receptions (for 2026 Exhibitors Only)

If you plan/wish to have a reception/event at this year's conference, we ask that you fill out the following form by Wednesday, January 21, 2026 5:00 PM CST.

This information will allow us to assign space and help publicize your event, which will be included in the conference program. If your reception is scheduled to occur during exhibit area show hours (in the hall), please indicate this in the comments section. For receptions held outside of the exhibit area, space will be assigned on Saturday evening after official sessions have concluded. SCMS staff will email your room assignment and time once the program is finalized in mid-February 2026.

SCMS Exhibition Agreement: Exhibitor applies to rent a tabletop exhibit(s) at the Society for Cinema & Media Studies Exhibition. Upon receipt of payment and confirmation of this agreement by SCMS, SCMS agrees to provide such table space as is available to the Exhibitor. SCMS retains the right to determine the placement of Exhibitors within the Exhibition, and to establish rules regarding hours of operation and the operation of the Exhibition. Exhibitor agrees that it will not sublet or assign its space at the Exhibition without prior consent from SCMS. SCMS and its agents and employees shall not be responsible for any injury or loss to the Exhibitor or its employees during or because of the Exhibition, including personal injury or damage to property. Exhibitor assumes responsibility and agrees to indemnify SCMS, the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park, and their respective employees and agents against any claims and expenses arising out of the use of the exhibition premises. Exhibitor understands that neither SCMS nor the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park, maintains insurance covering the Exhibitor's property, and it is the sole responsibility of Exhibitor to obtain such insurance. No agreements, oral or written, which conflict with SCMS's policies set forth therein, will be binding on SCMS. All information concerning the SCMS conference & conference program is the sole property of SCMS and any unauthorized use or reproduction of said information is prohibited. Your press/company/representative's signature on this contract assumes you understand and agree to abide by SCMS' Exhibit Guidelines. Participation in SCMS 2026 requires compliance with the rules of other organizations as well as those of SCMS-these organizations include, but are not limited to, the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park, and the Chicago Fire Marshall.

The Society for Cinema & Media Studies (SCMS) complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws, orders, and regulations. SCMS is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity organization and affirms its commitment to nondiscrimination in all programs and activities. Please let us know how we can accommodate any special needs you have.