A Complete Guide for Exhibitors and International Builders

Participating in trade shows across the United States often introduces exhibitors to a unique challenge: Union Labor.
In many major U.S. cities, booth construction, installation, rigging, electrical work, and even material handling must be performed by certified union workers.
This directly affects your planning, cost structure, and timeline.

This guide will help you understand:

• Which U.S. cities require union labor
• The types of unions involved
• What exhibitors can and cannot do
• How to avoid unexpected fees
• Tips to reduce labor cost

🏙️ Major U.S. Cities That Require Union Labor

Here are the primary U.S. exhibition destinations with strict union regulations:

✔ Chicago — One of the strictest

Venue: McCormick Place

• Most booth construction and installation must be done by union labor
• Separate unions handle electrical work, rigging, material handling, carpets, etc.
• Exhibitors have extremely limited ability to perform work independently

✔ Las Vegas — Moderately strict but well-structured

Venues: LVCC, Sands Expo, Mandalay Bay

• Many tasks still require union workers
• Exhibitors may move small items themselves (typically under 50 lbs)
• More flexibility compared to Chicago

✔ New York City

Venue: Javits Center

• Rigging, AV, and utilities are union-controlled
• Exhibitors can perform limited light-duty tasks (rules must be checked in advance)

✔ Philadelphia

Venue: Pennsylvania Convention Center

• Historically strict; requirements have eased in recent years
• Core structural work still requires union involvement

✔ Boston

Venues: BCEC, Hynes

• Rigging, AV, and electrical work must be done by union technicians
• Exhibitor self-install is partially allowed depending on the structure

🟡 Cities With Flexible Union Requirements

• Orlando — Orange County Convention Center
• Atlanta
• San Diego
• Dallas
• Los Angeles

These cities typically allow exhibitors more freedom to assemble lightweight booths or portable displays.

🟢 Cities That Are Mostly Non-Union

• Hotel ballrooms nationwide
• Many small-to-mid-size convention centers
• Vegas hotel exhibition halls

These venues usually allow exhibitors to handle the majority of the installation themselves.

🧰 Common Union Roles in U.S. Exhibitions

1. Teamsters (Material Handlers)

Responsible for:

• Unloading trucks
• Moving freight to your booth
• Returning empty crates

Exhibitors may not move heavy items themselves in union-controlled venues.

2. Carpenters (Booth Builders)

Handle:

• Walls, platforms, structures
• Modular booth installation
• Custom fabrication

3. Electricians

Responsible for:

• Power distribution
• Wiring and outlets
• Some types of lighting

Even plugging in a power strip may require an electrician in some cities.

4. AV Technicians

Handle:

• TVs and LED screen installation
• Audio and video systems
• Technical configuration

5. Riggers

Responsible for:

• Overhead hanging points
• Truss systems
• High-risk equipment installation

⚠️ Common Mistakes Exhibitors Make

❌ Assuming they can unload or carry materials

Many venues prohibit exhibitors from lifting more than 50 lbs.

❌ Making last-minute design changes

This causes overtime labor costs — which can be extremely expensive in the U.S.

❌ Installing screens or lighting themselves

Often not allowed in union-regulated halls.

❌ Ignoring break schedules and shift rules

Union workers follow strict shifts, meal breaks, and overtime policies.

💡 Tips to Reduce Labor Costs

✔ Check union rules for the venue before finalizing your booth design

Each venue is different.

✔ Use modular, lightweight, self-installable booth systems

Where allowed, this greatly cuts labor costs.

✔ Avoid weekend or late-evening installation

Union overtime rates can double or triple labor expenses.

✔ Pre-fabricate everything off-site

Reduce on-site work as much as possible.

✔ Order services early and avoid on-site changes

On-site changes are the #1 cause of inflated labor bills.