chicago trade show unions
TRANSCRIPT
Chicago Trade Show UnionsTips when working with
P.J. Naughton Internet Marketing Consultant
you are required to use local union labor or your own company personnel to set up your exhibit. Here are some unions you may need to use and a description of the services they provide.
When exhibiting at a Chicago-land trade show,
• Electricians will install and dismantle anything electrical. • Be sure to provide an electrical layout plan when submitting your electrical request. This will speed up the electrical set up process and save you money.
• If exhibiting machinery for shows like IMTS, Graph Expo or Pack Expo it’s a good idea to leave the machine locks in your booth (oppose to storage) so you can lock up your equipment immediately after the show ends.
• Pre-wiring your equipment and providing quick disconnects can also save on your electrical cost.
• Electrical outlets can be ordered to your booth and as an exhibitor you are now allowed to plug in standard equipment and lighting.
• Machinery with larger power requirements must be left to the show electricians to install.
Electricians
• Plumbers will provide the installation and dismantling of water, air, gas lines to your equipment.
• If your exhibit requires plumbing, be sure to provide a location layout, and valve fitting sizes when submitting your plan.
• If you bring in your own fluids (such as oils or cutting solvents), its a good idea to keep a pump /containers nearby or use the show’s easy access storage. This way solvents/dielectric fluids can get pumped out as soon as the show ends.
• Many shows provide gasses, eliminating the need for you to purchase them ahead of time.
Plumbers
• Riggers will uncrate/unskid, crate/skid and position your machinery.
• You can save on rigging cost by uncrating your equipment before the show.
• If exhibiting machinery, it’s a good idea to mark the location of your equipment on the visqueen carpet covering before the move in. This will help the riggers spot your equipment.
• Having a company representative in your booth (with your truck driver’s cell number) during will help streamline the move in process and avoid re-spotting fees.
Riggers
• Material Handlers will bring the trade show exhibit materials (except machinery) in/out of the convention center.
• The charge is normally based on $/100 lb. carton weight. This amount will vary depending on the show.
• Exhibitors can bring in computers small crates or boxes as long as it can be carried in without a forklift. This is referred to as “material handling”.
• Make an effort to bring in most if not all of your exhibited material during your targeted move-in date, otherwise additional charges will occur for bringing materials before or after this date.
Material Handlers
• Carpenters will install and dismantle anything related to your exhibit excluding items related to electrical and plumbing.
• Make sure your exhibit is properly crated in order to prevent shipping damage.
• You can use your own exhibit company to provide the I/D of your exhibit. In order to do this you will need to fill out an EAC form provided by the show management.
• With the new labor rules, as an exhibitor, you can set-up your own exhibit with your company employees.
Carpenters
• Decorators will assemble and install (non-electrical, non-structural) overhead signs.
• Be sure to bring in some Velcro when packing for a show if you plan on doing it yourself.
Decorators
Chicago-land Convention Centers
Stephens Convention Center
McCormick Place Navy Pier Schaumburg
Convention Center
