No filler. No pitch. These are the real questions exhibitors ask us every day, answered clearly and honestly.
Yes, for certain tasks at some venues. Not all shows require union labor. The rule depends on the venue and the type of work.
Las Vegas has a mix of union and non-union venues. The Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) and Caesars Forum require union labor for most installation and dismantle work. Mandalay Bay and Sands Expo have different rules depending on the specific show contract with the union.
Tasks that typically require union labor: Rigging and hanging overhead signs or trusses. Electrical work exceeding basic outlet plug-in. Any work that falls under specific union jurisdictions at union-contracted venues.
Tasks that are often non-union: Simple booth setup for inline booths at non-union venues. Carpet installation and basic panel assembly. Dismantle at non-union venues.
When you book Synergers, we tell you the union requirements for your specific show and venue before you commit. We handle both union and non-union staffing.
Union labor rates are higher than non-union rates in Las Vegas. That is a cost of doing business at union venues. We quote based on your venue and show, so the price reflects the actual requirement.
Yes, you can bring your own labor as an Exhibitor Appointed Contractor (EAC). Every major show allows it, but you need to follow the show's EAC registration process.
An EAC is any labor company you hire directly instead of using the show's official general contractor. Synergers operates as an EAC at shows across Las Vegas and Southern California.
The EAC process: 1) Submit an EAC form to show management. 2) Provide proof of insurance (COI) listing the show and venue as additionally insured. 3) Pay any EAC registration fee (typically $100-$500). 4) The EAC crew checks in at the show's service desk before move-in.
Shows where Synergers regularly operates as EAC: CES, NAB Show, ISC West, SEMA, JCK, MAGIC, GlobalShop, InfoComm.
Some shows make the EAC process intentionally slow. Submit your EAC paperwork at least 2-3 weeks before the show. If you miss the EAC deadline, you may be forced to use the GC's labor.
| Venue | Union Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas Convention Center | Union | All I&D, rigging, electrical requires union |
| Caesars Forum | Union | Similar to LVCC requirements |
| Mandalay Bay | Show-dependent | Some shows contract union, others do not |
| Sands Expo (Venetian) | Show-dependent | Depends on the show's labor agreement |
| MGM Grand | Non-union | No union requirement for most tasks |
| Paris Las Vegas | Non-union | No union requirement for most tasks |
Most trade show labor crews should be classified as W-2 employees, not 1099 independent contractors. The IRS looks at behavioral control, financial control, and the relationship between the worker and the company.
Behavioral control: Does the company control how the work is done? For trade show labor, this is almost always yes - a supervisor directs the crew. That points to W-2.
Financial control: Are workers paid by the hour with no independent business stake? That points to W-2.
Relationship: Is installing exhibits the core function of the business? That points to W-2.
Misclassifying workers as 1099 to avoid payroll taxes can lead to IRS penalties, back taxes, and fines. The Department of Labor has been actively auditing this in the event industry.
There is a gray area for very short-term, specialized workers hired for a single show with minimal supervision. In practice, most trade show labor falls under W-2. This is not legal advice - consult a labor attorney if unsure.
Nevada state law requires OSHA 30 certification for anyone supervising, installing, or dismantling a trade show booth. OSHA 10 is commonly the minimum requirement for general crew members.
Nevada passed a state law requiring OSHA 30 certification for all trade show installation and dismantle supervisors and workers at Nevada venues. This applies to LVCC, Mandalay Bay, Sands Expo, and every other venue in the state.
OSHA 30: Required for supervisors and any worker performing installation or dismantle in Nevada. A 30-hour course covering construction safety standards.
OSHA 10: Often the minimum requirement for general crew. A 10-hour course covering basic hazard recognition.
California has separate Cal/OSHA requirements for Southern California venues.
OSHA cards expire. The OSHA Outreach Training Program requires renewal every 5 years. A crew member with an expired card is considered uncertified. Check expiration dates before your show.
You need a valid Certificate of Insurance (COI) listing the show and venue as additionally insured. Minimum coverage is typically $1 million general liability per occurrence.
The COI must: Name the show organizer and venue as additionally insured. Show minimum $1 million general liability per occurrence. Be current for the dates of the show. Be signed by the insurance carrier or authorized agent.
Synergers maintains its own COI that covers all Las Vegas and Southern California shows. We can also work under your policy if your insurance requires it.
Some shows require $2 million or higher coverage, especially for large island booths or double-deck structures. Check the show manual for specific requirements.
Budget based on booth size, venue union status, crew hours, and overtime risk. Most 10x10 installations run $500-$1,500. A 20x20 island at a union venue runs $2,500-$5,000.
Non-union venue (e.g., MGM Grand, Paris):
| Booth Size | Install | Dismantle | I&D Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 inline | $300-$600 | $200-$400 | $500-$1,000 |
| 10x20 inline | $500-$1,000 | $300-$600 | $800-$1,600 |
| 20x20 island | $1,200-$2,000 | $600-$1,200 | $1,800-$3,200 |
| 20x30 island | $1,800-$3,000 | $900-$1,800 | $2,700-$4,800 |
Union venue (LVCC, Caesars Forum): Union rates add approximately 25-40% to the base labor cost.
Hidden costs to plan for: Overtime beyond standard 8-hour shift. EAC registration fees ($100-$500). Tool and equipment rentals on-site. Rush or weekend premiums.
These are estimates. Final cost depends on actual crew hours, show delays, and venue requirements. We communicate cost changes immediately if they come up.
| Show Type | Recommended Booking Window |
|---|---|
| Major Vegas shows (CES, SEMA, NAB, ISC West) | 4-6 weeks before move-in |
| Mid-size shows (InfoComm, GlobalShop, JCK) | 3-4 weeks before move-in |
| Small shows and corporate events | 2-3 weeks before move-in |
| Last-minute / rush | 1-7 days before (subject to crew availability) |
Early booking locks in your preferred crew size, shift times, and supervisor.
Synergers provides trade show installation and dismantle (I&D) labor services, exhibit setup and teardown, booth assembly, labor management, rigging, and on-site crew coordination across Las Vegas and Southern California.
Full services: Trade show installation and dismantle (I&D). Exhibit setup and breakdown. Booth assembly (10x10 to 50x50+). Rigging and hanging signs, trusses, and overhead structures. Electrical prep and coordination. Retail pop-up installations. Corporate event setup. Signage and display installation. Rush and same-day labor. Supervised crews with dedicated on-site supervisor.
We do not provide freight forwarding, drayage, or material handling. Those are separate services handled by the general contractor.
Las Vegas, Nevada and Southern California. Las Vegas is our home base. In SoCal, we cover Anaheim, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
Las Vegas venues: Las Vegas Convention Center, Mandalay Bay, Sands Expo (Venetian Expo), Caesars Forum, MGM Grand, Paris Las Vegas.
SoCal venues: Anaheim Convention Center, Los Angeles Convention Center, San Diego Convention Center, Long Beach Convention Center, Pasadena Convention Center, Ontario Convention Center.
We do not have a national network of crews. If your show is in Chicago, Orlando, or New York, we cannot directly staff it. We can refer you to trusted partners in those markets.
| Booth Size | Crew Size | Typical Install Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10x10 inline | 1-2 | 1-2 hours |
| 10x20 inline | 2-3 | 2-4 hours |
| 20x20 island | 3-5 | 4-6 hours |
| 20x30 island | 4-6 | 6-8 hours |
| 30x30 island | 5-8 | 8-10 hours |
| 40x50+ island | 10-20 | 2-3 days |
Custom or double-deck booths require more crew and longer install times. We review your floor plan before assigning crew.
Yes. Every Synergers job has a dedicated supervisor who manages the schedule from 48 hours before move-in through final teardown.
48-hour pre-show checklist: Crew confirmed. Floor plans reviewed. Show rules verified. Move-in times locked. Confirmation sent to client with crew count, arrival time, and supervisor contact.
Convention center loading docks run on their own schedule. A late-arriving truck or a backed-up dock can delay your crew's access. That is beyond our control, but we communicate delays immediately.
1. You submit your show details (venue, dates, booth size, floor plan). 2. We review the requirements and assign a supervisor. 3. 48 hours before move-in: the supervisor confirms crew, checks venue rules, sends you a schedule. 4. Show day: crew arrives on time, works to spec, supervisor stays on-site for the entire shift. 5. Post-show: dismantle and final walk-through with client sign-off.
Request a free labor estimate. We will tell you what your show actually needs. Most quotes returned within 24 hours.
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