Frequently Asked Questions

At Cobo Center, we believe that an informed exhibitor is a successful exhibitor. Below is a list of commonly asked questions and their answers. We are confident you will find Cobo to be the most user-friendly convention center in the nation.

How do I get to the Convention Center?

Cobo Center is located in downtown Detroit at the Corner of Washington Blvd. and East Jefferson. Please click here for map/directions.

How far is the airport from the center?

The Metro Airport is located approximately 22 miles from the Center. You may use a taxi cab or use the link below to make a reservation for Airport Shuttle pick up, service provided by our transportation partner, Trinity Transportation. We have arranged for a special rate of $30.00 one way trip. Please mention the name of your convention during the reservation process for the special rate.

Is there parking available at the Center?

Yes, there are 1700 parking spaces attached to Cobo Center: 1200 at the Roof Deck, and 500 in the Cobo Center Congress St. Garage. The Cobo Center Washington St. Parking Garage is currently closed for renovation. Hours of operation for Cobo Center parking garages may vary depending upon the event needs.

What hotels are close to Cobo Center?

Majority of rooms in downtown convention hotel block less than 5 years old – over 1,850 new, competitively priced rooms on line since 2007. A list of dowtown Detroit hotels is listed in the Discover Detroit hotel information page of this website.

Does the Convention Center have Wi -Fi?

Yes, Cobo Center has free, ultra high speed (802.11g 56M) Wi-Fi available throughout the Center for limited use. WiFi saturation is a problem for all big events and can make WiFi connectivity unreliable.  If portions of your event are relying upon Internet, we highly recommend you order a hard wire connection for uninterrupted connectivity. 

Do you rent Wheel Chairs?

Complimentary non-motorized wheel chairs are available for use on first come first serve basis. Please visit our Information desk located in the main concourse/lobby.

How do I arrange for Food Service at the Center?

All food and beverage services at Cobo Center are provided by our exclusive food service partner – CENTERPLATE. You may contact them at 313-567-3880.

How do I arrange for electrical services in my booth/ meeting rooms?

Electrical Services in booths in provided by our exclusive services partner, Motor City Electric. You may reach them at 313-877-9014. You may access the order form in your exhibitor kit provided by your Show Management. In meeting rooms you may plug into limited power available through the wall outlets at no additional cost. Additional power may be requested from our service partner, Motor City Electric.

How do I arrange for Vacuum Services in my booth?

Vacuum services are available through our exclusive service partner, ABM Janitorial Services . You may reach ABM at 313-259-6535. Order form may be available to you in the exhibitors kit provided by your Show Management. If you bring your own vacuum cleaner, you may vacuum your own booth.

Can I bring in my exhibit material myself without using union services?

Yes. You may transport your own materials from the front exhibit hall doors, or from the designated POV (privately owned vehicle) loading dock, using a two-wheel cart.

Where can I park my car to load/unload my exhibit materials?

You may park your car at the Cobo Roof deck or Cobo Center Congress Street Garage and bring your materials in using the front door of the exhibit halls. Parking is not available in front of the center for such activities.

Tell me about the trade unions that work at Cobo Center.

Cobo Center has a well-qualified, trained union staff available.
Teamsters/Iron Workers: Perform material handling of freight, rental furniture etc.
Electricians: handle electrical work which includes supplying power to the booth, making connections when hard wiring and/or harnesses are required and installing static lighting that is not built-in, integral part of the exhibit booth.
Stagehands shall do stage and lighting set up , but not limited to, press events, shows and theatrical style events. This shall include theatrical rigging, cued lighting, theatrical lighting, video lighting, projection, audio, electronic show equipment (i.e. audio, cameras, switches etc.) and props and scenery. 

What can I do in my booth without using union workers?

As an exhibitor you have a great latitude to perform your own work in a booth up to 400 square feet (except island booths) using a 3 step ladder and cordless hand tools. See the Event Planning Guide for more details.

Can I ship my booth and materials directly to the Convention Center?

Yes, you may ship directly to the convention center provided prior arrangements have been made with your Show Appointed Contractor. Please check the exhibitor manual provided to you by your show/event management for more details. When shipping your materials, the shipment must be scheduled to arrive during the dates specified in your exhibitor kit and address must include the name of the show, name of your company and the booth number.

Do you have a Business Center located in the Center?

Yes. Our business center is located in the main concourse/lobby near the front entrance to the center. These services can be ordered for events through your event manager. Some the services provided include: copy, fax, access to computer, small freight shipment, visitor information etc. Hours of operation may vary depending upon event needs.

Do you have policy on advertising within the building?

Event banners can be displayed on the outside of Cobo Center for a fee and with Center approval. Advertising is limited within the rented exhibit space or meeting rooms. For details on the rules concerning signs and banner placement consult the Cobo Center Event Planning Guide and your event manager.

Who provides security to my rented space?

In most of the meeting rooms the key system can be changed to a limited access keys at a per room nominal fee. In exhibit halls and concourse, if used for registration etc., please use the services of a private security firm. Please consult your Event Coordinator for a list of security providers.