Union Rules

Understanding the rules for labor at different convention centers across the U.S. can be quite a puzzle!

What’s okay at one place might not fly at another, and the rules for a show can switch up dramatically from one year to the next – even if the venue stays the same. And if you’re moving to a new state, you can bet the rules will change to some extent.

In states that follow right-to-work principles, exhibitors usually get more say in setting up and taking down their trade show displays. But even in these states, how they handle show labor can vary.

Sometimes, the rules depend on the venue, not just the city or state. In places with stricter rules, exhibitors might accidentally go over the line when setting up their exhibits. Most of the time, exhibitors don’t know exactly what’s allowed or not, and they’re just worried about getting everything ready on time.

For exhibitors, dealing with these rule changes and different places can make managing their exhibits a real challenge. But the main goal for everyone – exhibitors, show management, exhibitor-appointed contractor (EAC), and show contractor – is the same: making sure every exhibit is up and running on the trade show floor before the doors open. At AVR Expos, we get the ins and outs of these rules and are here to make your event a success without the headaches.