
Jul 20, 2025
Circle Editor
Industry professionals
Exhibition industry professional dedicated to delivering the latest insights and curated recommendations to you.
Vegas shows have unique rules and union requirements. This post breaks down the essentials for exhibitors.
Key points:
Labor unions and what work is restricted
Electrical and AV regulations
Material handling (drayage)
Booth height and design restrictions
Why having a local partner like Circle Exhibit is crucial
Concent
If you’re exhibiting at a trade show in Las Vegas, you’ll quickly learn that it’s not just about showing up with a great booth—it’s also about following the rules. Every venue and show has guidelines that can impact how your booth is built, shipped, and even powered.
At Circle Exhibit, we navigate these rules every day so you don’t have to. Here’s a breakdown of the most important things to know before your next Vegas show.
1. Labor Rules & Union Requirements
Most major Las Vegas venues—like the LVCC, Mandalay Bay, and Venetian Expo—require union labor for certain tasks. This means there are limits on what your team can do on-site.
Typically, you can’t do the following on your own:
Install large structures or walls
Plug in or set up AV/electrical equipment
Operate heavy machinery or tools
What you can usually do:
Unpack small items you personally carry in
Place brochures, signage, or merchandise
Make minor booth adjustments with hand tools
Circle Exhibit handles all labor coordination—we know which union crews to hire and when to schedule them so your booth is compliant and ready on time.
2. Drayage (Material Handling)
Drayage refers to the fee charged by the show to move your materials from the loading dock to your booth. Even if you ship your items early, the drayage provider controls when and how your crates or pallets are delivered to the show floor.
Tips to reduce drayage fees:
Consolidate shipments
Use lightweight materials
Avoid small, multiple boxes
Since we’re based in Las Vegas, Circle Exhibit can deliver your booth directly, often cutting drayage costs dramatically.
3. Electrical and Rigging Approvals
If your booth has lighting, monitors, or anything that needs power, you must order electrical in advance—and only certified electricians can connect your equipment. The same applies to hanging signs or rigging from the ceiling.
We help you:
Submit electrical orders to the right contractor
Coordinate ceiling rigging or hanging signs
Make sure all AV and lighting components are approved
4. Booth Height, Layout & Fire Safety Rules
Each show has specific rules around:
Maximum booth height (especially for inline vs. island booths)
Distance from aisles
Use of enclosed spaces or meeting rooms
Open flame or cooking appliances
Circle Exhibit ensures your design is within the show’s specs—and we’ll submit the layout for pre-approval so there are no surprises.
5. Advanced Deadlines (Don’t Miss These!)
Vegas shows have a long list of deadlines:
Electrical orders
Hanging sign rigging
Lead retrieval setup
Internet access
Carpet and furniture rentals
Certificate of insurance
We track and manage every deadline for you, so you stay focused on your brand—not the paperwork.
Avoid Penalties, Delays, and Stress—Work With Local Pros
The rules aren’t just red tape—they can affect your setup time, budget, and booth functionality. By working with Circle Exhibit, you gain a partner who knows the Vegas trade show scene inside and out.
We handle:
Design compliance
Labor and union coordination
Shipping and drayage logistics
On-site troubleshooting
Last-minute changes and emergencies
Let’s Get Your Booth Approved, Built & Ready
You’ve invested time and money into exhibiting—don’t let small rule violations derail your show. With our Las Vegas-based team, you get peace of mind and expert execution.
👇👇👇 Contact Circle Exhibit to start planning your show the right way.
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