Frequently Asked Questions

The event officially begins at 7PM on Friday, Sept 6 with the Reception party.

While you may check into the event beginning at 4pm on Friday, we ask that you be courteous to the exhibitors and allow them to check in and set up first. There will be plenty of time in the exhibit halls on Saturday and Sunday, besides, you won't be allowed in the exhibit hall during setup anyway. Take the time to have a nice dinner before the reception. :)

Many international travelers prefer to arrive a day early, and stay a day later to reduce some of the stress involved with travel and an event of this nature. Be sure to book your hotel stay with this in mind.

Exhibits are open to the public beginning on Saturday, Sept 7 from 10AM to 6PM and again on Sunday, Sept 8 from 10AM to 4PM.

You bet! This is not just a trade show, it's a synth meet too!  Pay the same table fee and bring any gear you want to display or even sell!

See also the Exhibitors FAQ.

We understand that not everyone travels alone, and that travel partners, while they might understand our hobby, aren't interested in spending all day staring at knobs, jacks and keys. At the same time you want to share the event with them during the performances and maybe even take in the Knobcon Banquet. This is not a problem, your guest may join you at the reception/performances for free and/or attend banquet only at regular price. 

How it works
Register yourself as normal including t-shirts/banquet etc.  When you check-in at the event, you may request a special one-night pass for your guest at no charge. If you'd like for your guest to accompany you to the banquet, you may purchase a banquet-only pass for them at that time as well. These passes will not allow them into the exhibit halls or workshop rooms.

Registering for Knobcon online is the fastest/easiest way to secure your admission to the event. Once the event begins, online registration remains open but is not required as you can also walk in and pay at the door.

Keeping our attendance fees reasonable is our first priority. Keeping our sanity is our second priority. Managing single day passes would just require too much staff, and would ultimately make the fees higher for everyone. We feel that the ticket price still represents a great value, even for a single day.

Setup for Exhibitors will be from 4-7 on Friday, Sept 6. If you are not an exhibitor, you will not be allowed in the exhibit halls but you are free to mingle in the lobby or hotel bar area.  Teardown of exhibits is Sunday, Sept 8 beginning at 4pm.

Yes, outside of published exhibit hours, the doors to the exhibit hall will be locked. This also means that the room will be inaccessible until exhibits open the following day, so plan accordingly.

Tables in the exhibit halls are 72"x30" and are covered with cloth. Each table will have 2 chairs and power as well.

You may not attach anything to the walls or ceiling of the event spaces. All signage must be free-standing, and not interfere with other exhibitors’ visibility or ability to use their space.  Popup banners are nice, but their use must not block the aisles - we recommend placing them on the display table.

If you have special needs, please contact us directly to make arrangements.

Exhibitors may choose their table locations during registration. If the initial floor plan sells out, any expanded space will be first come first served. Exhibitor setup is 4-7pm on Friday.

Special arrangements must be made for receiving any equipment, goods, displays or other materials, which will be sent, delivered or brought into the Hotel.

Any materials sent to the Hotel will be subject to the following incoming and outgoing charges:

All packages and shipments must have information on the package label located below.

PLEASE bring your tracking numbers with you to assist our staff in locating your boxes in our package room or to track any boxes that might not have arrived by exhibit set up time.

Incoming packages will not be accepted any earlier than 72 business hours/ (3) days prior to the start of your meeting.

Please number all boxes (Example: Box 1 of 2 and Box 2 of 2).

All outgoing packages must be packed and clearly labeled prior to shipping.

Any materials being sent to the Hotel must be marked as follows:

1. Hold for Arrival - Attn: Guest's Name, Knobcon, Sept 8-10
2. Complete return address
3. Hyatt Convention Services Manager: Melissa Bennet
4. Number of Boxes (Example: Box 1 of 2 and Box 2 of 2)
5. Address Package to Hotel as follows:

HYATT REGENCY SCHUAMBURG, CHICAGO
1800 East Golf Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173

Absolutely! Pay the exhibitor (table/booth) fee and sell new/old gear, parts, kits, neckties... just not outside food as it would violate our contract with the hotel. Rules... hrmph.

M. Cameron
2504 NE Madison AVE
Peoria, IL 61603