Exhibiting in Las Vegas: The Trade Show Rules You Need to Know

Las Vegas hosts more trade shows than any other city in the country, and the rules here trip up first-timers more than anywhere else. Between union labor jurisdictions, venue-specific requirements, fire marshal sign-off, and drayage, the city has its own way of doing things. We are based in Las Vegas and build here constantly, so here is the straight version of what you need to know before your show.

The one-line version: in Las Vegas, who is allowed to install your booth, and what you can do yourself, depends on the venue, the booth size, and the show's labor rules. Always read the exhibitor service manual for your specific show, and budget for union labor and drayage.

The big venues

• Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC): the largest, home to CES, and the one with the strictest, most formalized rules.
• Mandalay Bay Convention Center: major shows, attached to the resort.
• The Venetian Expo (formerly Sands Expo): large, central on the Strip.
• Caesars Forum: newer, flexible meeting and exhibit space.

Each has its own dock procedures, labor rules, and fire requirements. The show's official contractor (often Freeman or GES) administers most of it.

Union labor: who can touch your booth

This is the part that surprises people. In Las Vegas, installation and dismantle labor is typically union-controlled, which means for many booths you cannot just build it yourself. The common rule of thumb across U.S. shows is that an exhibitor may set up a smaller booth (often under a certain size, frequently around 10x10) within a limited time window, using your own staff, no power tools and no ladders. Anything larger, or anything requiring tools, rigging, or electrical, goes to union labor.

The thresholds and time limits vary by venue and by show, so confirm yours in the exhibitor service manual. If you are working with an experienced booth partner, this is the kind of thing they handle for you.

EAC: bringing your own installer

If you want a company other than the official show contractor to install your booth (an Exhibitor Appointed Contractor, or EAC), most shows require you to file an EAC notice and a certificate of insurance by a deadline, usually 30 days out. Miss the deadline and your installer may not be allowed on the floor. If you rent from a full-service partner, they typically file this for you.

Fire marshal and permits

Las Vegas enforces fire code on the show floor. Multi-story booths, enclosed rooms, hanging signs, and certain materials can require fire marshal review and, in some cases, a permit and stamped drawings. Fabrics often need flame-certification documentation. Build this into your timeline because approvals are not instant.

Drayage, again

Like every major show city, Las Vegas charges drayage (material handling) to move your freight from the dock to your space and back. It is billed by weight, by the show contractor, separate from your booth. Here is how to estimate it. (jetexhibits.com/field-notes/what-is-drayage)

How to not get caught out

1. Read the exhibitor service manual the day you get it. Every rule and deadline lives there.
2. Budget for union labor and drayage on top of your booth.
3. File your EAC and COI early if you are bringing your own installer.
4. Flag multi-story, hanging signs, or enclosed spaces early for fire review.
5. Work with a partner who knows the city. Local knowledge is the difference between a smooth move-in and a scramble.

We are headquartered in Las Vegas and handle the labor, EAC filings, drayage math, and venue rules for exhibitors at LVCC, Mandalay Bay, the Venetian, Caesars Forum, and shows nationwide. Tell us your show and we will tell you exactly what to expect. Request a quote. (jetexhibits.com/quote/request)

Quick answers

Can I set up my own booth in Las Vegas? Sometimes, for smaller booths within a time limit and without power tools, depending on the show. Larger or tool-requiring installs go to union labor. Check your exhibitor service manual.

What is an EAC? An Exhibitor Appointed Contractor: a non-official installer you bring in. Most shows require an EAC notice and insurance certificate filed by a deadline.

Which Las Vegas venue is biggest? The Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).