Things have changed a bit in Las Vegas over the last few years, especially when it comes to unions and their rules. It used to be pretty chill, but now there’s a bit more to consider, especially in the world of electrical services. Just a heads up, being in Nevada, a right-to-work state, doesn’t mean you have free rein within the convention centers. There are still some important guidelines to follow.
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty.
Booth Labor, Freight, and Rigging
The Teamsters Union (Local #631) is the go-to crew for setting up, taking down, and fixing up exhibits, unless your own company folks are on the job. If your team is doing the setup, make sure they have some ID on hand. Teamster labor can be hired through the general contractor or your own contractor, like Absolute I&D.
Teamsters are also in charge of handling freight, which means loading and unloading trucks and dealing with all the machinery stuff.
By the way, if you’re “hand-carrying” things, just know that it might limit your access to loading dock areas.
Stagehands
These are the folks who handle all the cool stuff like theatrical lighting, productions, rigging, and audiovisual stuff. Anything hanging or suspended is their turf.
Hanging Signs
If your sign isn’t electrical, the general contractor takes care of it during the show. But here’s a tip: after the show, they might leave your sign hanging. So, it’s smart to have your own supervisor to make sure it gets packed up properly.
Electrical
The electrical unions are the go-to for anything involving electricity, from booth elements to signs. You can plug in your gear and use a few clip-on lights, but if you need more juice, you’ll need an electrician. Certain halogen lamps are a no-go at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Hours
Working Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Overtime: Some contractors might offer a single overtime rate.
