Tips for working with Chicago trade show unions.

1. Chicago Trade Show Unions
Tips when working with
P.J. Naughton Internet Marketing Consultant

2. 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,

3. • 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

4. • 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

5. • 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

6. • 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

7. • 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

8. • 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

9. Chicago-land Convention Centers
Stephens
Convention CenterMcCormick Place Navy Pier
Schaumburg
Convention Center

10. cell: 847-532-0812
pj@fusiontechmarketing.com
P.J. Naughton
FusionTech Marketing Inc.