Who they are
Every large US show names an official general service contractor (GSC) in its exhibitor manual. The big three are Freeman, GES and Shepard. The organizer hires them; exhibitors order from them through the show's online ordering site (Freeman Online, GES Expresso and similar). Electrical and internet often come from separate official providers, such as Edlen, CTS, Cox or Encore, depending on the venue.
Services only they may do
Exclusive services vary by show and venue. Examples from 2025–2026 rules:
- Material handling (drayage): all freight through the docks is handled by the contractor and billed by weight. See drayage explained.
- Forklifts and motorized equipment: at the LVCC (NAB Show 2025) exhibitors and their contractors may not operate forklifts or pallet jacks; at Mandalay Bay (HD Expo 2025) forklift work is Freeman's alone.
- Hanging signs and truss: exhibitors may not install them (NAB Show 2025); at Mandalay Bay the venue is the exclusive rigger for items of 200 lb or more, and at the Venetian Expo, Encore.
- Cleaning: at NAB Show 2025, "Freeman is the exclusive provider of cleaning services."
What they rent you
Through the ordering site the contractor also rents carpet and padding, furniture, pipe-and-drape changes, graphics, booth cleaning, and install and dismantle labor by the hour. Every order has an advance price and a higher standard or show-site price after the deadline. Labor carries minimums (Freeman: one hour per person, then half hours) and supervision fees (30% on Freeman's forms).
The bills to expect
If you bring your own booth, expect separate invoices from the contractor for material handling, labor, rentals and cleaning, plus from the electrical and internet providers. Some arrive after the show, once weights and hours are final.
A BoothJet rental replaces those orders: we order what the booth needs from the official contractors, pay their bills and include them in one price. You still deal with the organizer for your space, badges and lead retrieval.
Questions
Do I have to use Freeman or GES?
For exclusive services such as drayage, forklifts and rigging, yes. For booth setup you can often use your own staff or an Exhibitor Appointed Contractor, within the show's rules.
Why is my Freeman bill so high?
Usually weight-based drayage with late or uncrated surcharges, labor billed with minimums and supervision fees, and orders placed after the advance deadline.
Ready-made booths from $3,999: union labor, drayage, delivery, graphics and power included. See yours in 3D before you book.