How 150 Laptops Were Delivered the Same-Day at McCormick Place for Auto Show
When “We Forgot the Laptops” Becomes a Crisis
Trade shows move fast. Mistakes happen. But when a major communications company realized they had ordered monitors and iPads—but forgot to order laptops—the situation became urgent.
The event was already underway at McCormick Place during the Chicago Auto Show, one of the largest exhibitions in North America.
They needed 150 fully configured laptops delivered the same day.
The Challenge
The client faced a critical gap in their event setup. Their booth relied on laptops for demonstrations, presentations, and internal operations. Without them, their entire activation was at risk.
Shipping from out of state was not an option due to time constraints. In-house AV services would have been costly and potentially unavailable on short notice.
They needed a fast, reliable, local solution.
The Solution: Local Speed + Technical Precision
Event Technology Rentals (ETR), headquartered in Chicago, stepped in immediately.
Because of our local presence, we were able to respond within hours—not days.
Our team quickly mobilized inventory, prepared 150 laptops, and configured each unit to meet the client’s requirements. This included system setup, testing, and ensuring compatibility with their event applications.
Once ready, the laptops were delivered directly to the client’s booth at McCormick Place—on the same day.
Execution Under Pressure
This was not just about delivery—it was about precision under tight timelines.
ETR coordinated logistics, ensured every Laptop was operational, and completed deployment without disrupting the client’s ongoing event activities.
The entire process—from request to delivery—was handled seamlessly, allowing the client to stay focused on their audience rather than technical setbacks.
The Result
The client’s booth remained fully operational, and attendees never experienced any disruption.
What started as a critical oversight turned into a successful recovery—thanks to fast execution and local expertise.
The event continued as planned, with all systems running smoothly.
Why This Worked
The key advantage was simple: location + readiness.
Being based in Chicago allowed ETR to eliminate shipping delays and respond immediately. Having inventory on hand and a trained technical team ensured rapid configuration and deployment.
This combination made it possible to deliver at a scale and speed that most providers simply cannot match.
The Takeaway for Exhibitors
Events don’t always go as planned. Equipment gets missed, timelines shift, and last-minute needs arise.
Working with a local technology partner can be the difference between a problem and a solution.
ETR specializes in handling urgent event technology requests, ensuring you always have the equipment you need—when and where you need it.
