Boston, MA

Booth Labor, Freight, and Rigging

In Boston, Teamsters take the lead in handling freight, laying carpet, installing booths, and executing all decorator and rigging work. It’s important to note that Boston is one of the few cities in the United States with closed halls, meaning you’re required to use the labor supplied by the hall. The Hynes Convention Center is an exception, allowing the use of an Exhibitor Appointed Contractor (EAC) like Absolute I&D for installation and dismantle work.

While exhibitor services manuals may state that exhibitors can set up and take down their displays, use hand tools, carry items into the hall, and use wheeled carts or dollies, it’s worth mentioning that Teamsters may not fully align with this policy, and you might encounter restrictions.

Electrical

The BCEC follows a more flexible approach when it comes to electrical work. Electricians are responsible for handling electrical and plumbing work, while stagehands manage in-booth staging. Nearly all electrical tasks, excluding hardwiring, can be performed by electricians, the labor contractor, or the exhibitor. As long as electrical services are paid for, Exhibitor Appointed Contractors (EACs) can execute the work. The electrical “freedom policy” allows EACs to plug in up to eight times on one cord. Power sources may come from either the floor or the ceiling. Extension cords, required to be 14 gauge, can be flat or round and supplied by the exhibitor.

Hours

In Boston, the schedule is straightforward:

Straight Time: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, except holidays.

Lunch: 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm.

Breaks: 10:00 am to 10:15 am, and 2:30 pm to 2:45 pm.