Cost-saving measures in Chicago

September 1, 2013

When putting on a show or exhibiting at McCormick Place and Navy Pier, the following cost-saving reforms were implemented on the show floor as of Nov. 1, 2011:

The Exhibitors’ Bill of Rights allows show managers and exhibitors to perform their own work in any size booth, using their own ladders or hand tools, cordless tools, power tools and other tools designated by the Authority;
Key expanded straight-time from Monday through Friday is restored and additional provisions roll back double-time pay for Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and President’s Day with a more flexible schedule on Saturdays;
Auto small utility vehicles, also known as “POV,” provision allows exhibitors to operate, load and unload their own personal vehicles at McCormick Place docks and designated loading areas; and
Crew size reductions will allow work at McCormick Place to be done by two-person crews rather than three-person crews.

Other reforms that remain intact at McCormick Place are:

Privatization of McCormick Place operations;
Expansion of the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place hotel;
Ability for show organizers to select electrical providers from an approved vendors list;
Lower food and beverage pricing and enhance menu options;
Reduced parking rate in Lot B; and
Free Wi-Fi Internet access.

Exhibitor Bill of Rights enacted
Effective Aug. 1, 2010, show managers and exhibitors enjoy the following rights and privileges, and contractors are required to acknowledge and abide by the policies.

In-Booth Work: The legislation contains an expansive definition of the type of work show managers and exhibitors can perform within their booths. The legislation also charges the Authority with the responsibility for ensuring that the exercise of these rights by show managers and exhibitors is consistent with training and safety requirements.

While the safety analysis is an ongoing process, the type of work that may be performed by show managers and exhibitors now includes:

The “booth of 300 square feet or less” limitation no longer applies. Show managers and exhibitors may perform work in a booth of any size; and
Show managers and exhibitors can perform work within their booths using their own ladders or hand tools, cordless tools, power tools and other tools designated by the Authority.

Show managers and exhibitors also can do the following work within their booths:

Setting-up and dismantling exhibits;
Assembling and disassembling materials, machinery or equipment;
Installing all signs, graphics, props, balloons, other decorative items, and Show Manager or Exhibitor drapery, including the skirting of Show Manager or Exhibitor tables;
Delivering, setting-up, plugging in, interconnecting and operating Show Manager or Exhibitor electrical equipment, computers, audio-visual devices and other equipment; and
Skidding, positioning and re-skidding all show manager or exhibitor material, machinery and equipment using non-motorized hand trucks and dollies.

The cost-saving measures are designed to make Chicago a more competitive environment to draw more tradeshows and participation in them.