Union Labor at Trade Shows in Las Vegas and California

Las Vegas: right-to-work, with limits

Nevada is a right-to-work state, so exhibitors have more freedom than in California, but the venue and contractor rules still apply.

• LVCC (CES 2026): "Exhibitors are permitted to set up their own displays, provided full-time, permanent company employees are used." No dollies or hand trucks; hand-carrying is allowed.
• LVCC (NAB Show 2025): exhibitors may not use ladders, may not operate forklifts, pallet jacks or any motorized device, and may not install non-electrical hanging signs or truss.
• Mandalay Bay (HD Expo 2025): full-time employees may set up their own exhibits and may use power tools; ladders are not permitted; forklift work is Freeman's alone.
• Venetian Expo: the same self-setup rule applies (CES 2026), and Encore has exclusive control of rigging, truss, lighting and anything floor-supported over 16 ft.

Who does the union work: Teamsters Local 631 is the main install and dismantle labor source, though not exclusive; carpenters and decorators also work the floor; stagehands (IATSE) handle theatrical lighting, rigging and AV (EACA 2024).

Anaheim and Los Angeles

• Anaheim Convention Center (GES work rules, 2025): exhibitors may do a task themselves if "one person can accomplish the task in less than one-half (1/2) hour without the use of tools." Decorators Local 831 claims all set-up and dismantling of exhibits, signs and carpet; Teamsters handle material-handling equipment; electricians (IBEW) plug in anything over 120V. Hand-carry is allowed for what one person can carry in one trip.
• Los Angeles Convention Center: the same half-hour, no-tools rule appears in GES work rules; check your show's current manual.

The Exhibitor Appointed Contractors Association's 2024 guide gives "an hour or less without the use of tools" for Southern California, so the show's own manual is the one to follow.

San Diego and San Francisco

• San Diego Convention Center: the venue has an exclusive jurisdiction agreement with IATSE Local 122, IBEW Local 569, IUPAT Local 831 and Teamsters Local 542. Lifts operated by exhibitors are prohibited (EACA 2024). Check your manual for what you may do by hand.
• Moscone Center, San Francisco: Sign & Display Local 510 handles installation and dismantle of exhibit displays, Teamsters Local 2785 freight and forklifts, IATSE Local 16 rigging and AV, IBEW Local 6 electrical. Exhibitors may set up themselves only if the exhibit is "less than 10' in width, takes less than 30 minutes and doesn't require the use of hand tools" (EACA 2024).

Bringing your own installer (EAC)

An Exhibitor Appointed Contractor is an outside company you hire instead of the show's contractor. Shows require notice and insurance ahead of time: HD Expo 2025 wanted registration and a certificate of insurance about four weeks before the show, with $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate general liability, auto and workers' comp coverage, and charged a $300 fee per booth. RE+ 2026 required EAC designation about five weeks ahead.

What it means for your budget

Union labor is billed by the hour, usually with a one-hour minimum and a supervision fee, and overtime costs more. In California even a small booth often needs labor. With BoothJet the crew is booked and paid by us, at every venue, and it is in the price: a 10×10 is $3,999 to $8,999 all-in. Where the show's official contractor has to be paid, we order and pay it.

Questions

Related guides

• Booth Types and Height Rules: Inline, Corner, Peninsula, Island
• Hidden Trade Show Costs: What Exhibitors Pay Beyond the Booth
• Trade Show Move-In and Move-Out: Target Times and Forced Freight