The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) is seeking proposals for Digital Signage Network (DSN) services at McCormick Place in Chicago. The selected consultant will be responsible for the design, development, operation, maintenance, and sales of digital advertising on the DSN. This includes selling advertising exclusively to show clients and their exhibitors, and non-exclusively to local and national businesses. The consultant will also be responsible for content creation and streaming services. The contract term is five years from the revenue commencement date. Key dates include a mandatory pre-submission meeting and site visit on April 20, 2026, questions due by May 4, 2026, and proposals due by May 27, 2026.
The proposal due date is Wednesday, May 27, 2026, by 12:00 PM CST. The contract term is five years from the revenue commencement date.
The consultant shall pay commissions to the convention center owner on the consultant's gross advertising sales revenue on a monthly basis. Payments not received by the last day of the following month will incur a late penalty of 1. 5% per month. The consultant will also pay all operating and maintenance expenses from its share of operating revenues.
The authority intends to award an agreement to the most qualified proposer that, in the authority's sole opinion, will best be able to provide the services required. Evaluation criteria include experience and technical competence, qualifications and experience of key personnel, technical approach, minority and women business enterprise utilization plan, and fee proposal.
Proposers must provide detailed information on the qualifications of their staff and firm, including organizational charts, resumes, client references, and experience in the convention and trade show industry. They must also demonstrate their ability to design, implement, operate, and market a digital signage network.
Payments not received by the last day of the following month shall incur a late penalty of one and one-half percent (1. 5%) per whole or partial month of the outstanding balance or the maximum amount permitted by law.
A mandatory pre-submission meeting and site visit is scheduled for Monday, April 20th, 2026, from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM CST. A tour of the McCormick Place campus will occur immediately following the initial pre-submittal meeting.
All protests or challenges concerning the process, ambiguities or defects of the RFP must be submitted within seven (7) calendar days after publication of the RFP. All protests or challenges concerning the selection of the successful proposer must be asserted within seven (7) calendar days after the notification of award.
