When doing trade shows in the United States, there are many different components to keep in mind. Planning an event is not an easy task, especially while working with outside contractors and various professionals. Working with union professionals should result in a meeting and an exhibition that works well for the end purpose of the planner. One thing that is important to note is that many of the workers and labor that exhibitions use may be connected to a union.
Let’s take a look at the most valuable things to know about working with unions in America.
What to know about unions
A labor union is a group that is dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of a specific group of workers. They normally help the people who make an event possible operate in safe working conditions, provide a retirement fund and negotiate fair pay. Many unions also offer training or apprenticeship programs to help their members attain the skills they need to succeed.
Each union is unique and has different requirements and responsibilities depending on the trade that they represent. In addition, the location of the event can also have an impact on the way a specific union works due to laws in the state.
Here are some examples of labor unions that you may encounter when planning an exhibition event:
What about the Right-to-Work States?
Here in the U.S., the right-to-work law is only active in a few different states. In these locations, workers are not required to be in a union to do a job. Nevertheless, in the vast majority of cities and venues, the unions are dominant enough to effectively coerce most companies into using their workers. This can be especially true at tradeshows where multiple unions are working side-by-side because unions will generally support and help each other when faced with non-union workers.
If a company or exhibitor chooses to use non-union labor, there are a number of ways the unions can make the tradeshow experience more expensive and/or stressful since they will usually have exclusive control over freight, electricity, and hanging of signs. Because of this, one way or the other, you can expect to end up being required to use union workers at almost every event or tradeshow throughout the U.S.
Here in the U.S., the right-to-work law is only active in a few different states. In these locations, workers are not required to be in a union to do a job. Nevertheless, in the vast majority of cities and venues, the unions are dominant enough to effectively coerce most companies into using their workers. This can be especially true at tradeshows where multiple unions are working side-by-side because unions will generally support and help each other when faced with non-union workers.
If a company or exhibitor chooses to use non-union labor, there are a number of ways the unions can make the tradeshow experience more expensive and/or stressful since they will usually have exclusive control over freight, electricity, and hanging of signs. Because of this, one way or the other, you can expect to end up being required to use union workers at almost every event or tradeshow throughout the U.S.
Why a partner can help
Hosting an exhibition event or arranging a tradeshow booth requires professionals to work together to find the best solutions. It can be difficult in some cases, especially if you are new to the industry or going to a new city you’ve worked in before. It’s all about connections and familiarity with local laws and regulations.
There is no doubt that working with union jurisdictions can be confusing, which is why it can be helpful to partner with someone who has the experience necessary. Here are some common challenges businesses face that can be solved with a professional partner.
Hosting an exhibition event or arranging a tradeshow booth requires professionals to work together to find the best solutions. It can be difficult in some cases, especially if you are new to the industry or going to a new city you’ve worked in before. It’s all about connections and familiarity with local laws and regulations.
There is no doubt that working with union jurisdictions can be confusing, which is why it can be helpful to partner with someone who has the experience necessary. Here are some common challenges businesses face that can be solved with a professional partner.
Scheduling
When working with several different unions at once, balancing all the requirements and scheduling can be taxing – especially since many services do not guarantee when they’ll be performed. When you hire a professional at JTB, you get access to people that have experience balancing all different types of union services. This can take the weight off your shoulders and free your team up to handle other issues and duties.
When working with several different unions at once, balancing all the requirements and scheduling can be taxing – especially since many services do not guarantee when they’ll be performed. When you hire a professional at JTB, you get access to people that have experience balancing all different types of union services. This can take the weight off your shoulders and free your team up to handle other issues and duties.
Minimize costs
When juggling the needs of several different union teams at a time, knowing each group’s requirements is easier said than done. A partner who is familiar with these sorts of responsibilities can simplify the process for your exhibition planners and save you money by avoiding having any particular union getting paid to sit around and wait for another union to finish its work.
When juggling the needs of several different union teams at a time, knowing each group’s requirements is easier said than done. A partner who is familiar with these sorts of responsibilities can simplify the process for your exhibition planners and save you money by avoiding having any particular union getting paid to sit around and wait for another union to finish its work.
Boost the end result
When your team is able to work together to hire highly skilled union laborers in an efficient manner, the end result can be amazing. This can be achieved by outsourcing some of the more difficult tasks to another team who is more experienced with these union requirements. The end result could be a well-produced booth that came at no extra cost.
When your team is able to work together to hire highly skilled union laborers in an efficient manner, the end result can be amazing. This can be achieved by outsourcing some of the more difficult tasks to another team who is more experienced with these union requirements. The end result could be a well-produced booth that came at no extra cost.
Major U.S. exhibition cities
JTB knows the best locations to host your next exhibition. The following list is a ranking of the best cities for planners and exhibitors based on how much work they can do on their own as well as the cost and quality of the work that must be done by unions:
JTB knows the best locations to host your next exhibition. The following list is a ranking of the best cities for planners and exhibitors based on how much work they can do on their own as well as the cost and quality of the work that must be done by unions:
To learn more about how to get started; reach out to JTB today.
