Jul 20, 2025

What You Need to Know About Trade Show Rules in Las Vegas


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.

Contact

Address:

4935 Steptoe Street #300

Las Vegas, NV 89122

Address:

4935 Steptoe Street #300

Las Vegas, NV 89122

Address:

4935 Steptoe Street #300

Las Vegas, NV 89122

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