Planner & Exhibitor Shipping & Parking

Empty parking lot next to a white and red building with an overpass, under a partly cloudy sky.

Loading Docks

The Greater Richmond Convention Center (GRCC) has two designated loading dock locations to accommodate event logistics:

Exhibit Hall Loading Dock

Location: Corner of 3rd and Leigh Streets
GPS Address: 303 E. Leigh St., Richmond, VA 23219

  • Features 16 loading bays for easy access to the Exhibit Hall.

Ballroom Loading Dock

Location: Next to the GRCC Parking Deck on 3rd Street, down the alleyway.
GPS Address: 351 N. Third St., Richmond, VA 23219

  • Features 4 dedicated loading bays with direct access to the Ballroom.

Loading Dock Guidelines:

  • Dock space is assigned based on event needs, overall activities, and facility deliveries. Your Event Manager will determine final dock allocations.

  • Vehicles may not park in the loading dock area or truck route without prior approval.

  • Freight may not be stored in the loading dock area without prior approval.

  • Contact your Event Manager for specific dock access and scheduling information.

Freight, Shipping & Deliveries

  • GRCC does not accept event-related freight on behalf of exhibitors or event organizers.

  • All shipments must be arranged through the event’s general service contractor or drayage company.

  • Any freight arriving before the contracted move-in date will not be accepted unless pre-approved in writing by your Event Manager.

  • Show management materials, such as registration kits, furniture, and promotional materials, should be directed to the Licensee’s on-site Show Manager or service contractor.

Shipping Address Format:
All materials sent to the GRCC during move-in must be clearly labeled with:

  • Recipient’s Name

  • Event Name

  • Event Location (e.g., Exhibit Hall A, Ballroom, Meeting Room #)

  • Booth Number (if applicable)

Post-Event Shipping Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the Licensee, show decorator, or exhibitor to fully manage any outgoing shipments after the event, including:

  • Repacking items securely

  • Taping, wrapping, and securing all boxes or pallets

  • Providing shipping labels and bills of lading for all shipments

  • Placing items in the designated outgoing shipping area

  • Scheduling pickup with the drayage handler

Any items left unclaimed after the licensed event period must be coordinated with the Event Manager.

Storage & Safety Regulations

  • Limited crate storage is available and must be arranged with the Event Manager in advance.

  • Empty boxes, cartons, and packing materials may not be stored inside the facility (exhibit halls, meeting rooms, ballrooms, pre-function areas, or concourses). Approved outdoor storage areas may be available.

  • Combustible materials (such as extra marketing materials) must be limited to a one-day supply within booths or registration areas.

For more details on shipping, storage, and loading dock procedures, please contact your Event Manager.

Shipping & Parking FAQ’s

  • The Greater Richmond Convention Center does not operate a shipping and receiving department. We will accept limited deliveries on a case-by-case basis. These shipments must be coordinated with your Event Manager. Additional fees may apply for receiving shipments. All convention, trade show, and consumer show shipping must be coordinated through the show’s decorator.

  • The GRCC has two gated loading docks: one in the Exhibit Hall Pavilion and one in the Ballroom Pavilion. The Exhibit Hall Loading Dock has 16 loading bays with lights and two ramps. The Ballroom Loading Dock has four covered loading bays. For freight restrictions, scheduling, and move in/move out procedures, please contact the show manager.

    See Directions and Parking for directions to the Exhibit Hall & Ballroom Loading Docks.

    See Floor Plans for more details.

  • Loading can be done from either the Exhibit Hall or Ballroom Loading Docks, depending on the location of your event. In order to accommodate all vendors, loading and unloading of personal vehicles is limited to 15 minutes and other regulations as instituted by show management. For certain shows, an alternate loading zone may be utilized. Please contact your show manager for more details.

    Once your vehicle has been unloaded, you should park it in an area lot or deck. See Directions and Parking for more details.

    In some instances, parking in the Exhibit Hall Loading Dock is permitted for a fee. Please contact your Event Manager for more information.

  • The GRCC has a limited number of small flatbed carts available on a first-come, first-served basis. Carts may be checked out from the main security base with a valid drivers’ license to be held while the cart is in use. Availability is not guaranteed. We encourage you to bring your own cart or check with your show decorator regarding these services.

  • The GRCC operates a 410-space parking deck connected directly to the facility at the corner of 3rd Street and Marshall Street.

    For more information, please visit the Directions and Parking page for more details.