In a perfect world, your exhibit company could do everything for you at a trade show. In the U.S., trade show regulations make that impossible. Union contracts and show rules dictate what exhibitors can and cannot do. Something as simple as plugging in a light, hanging a video screen, or vacuuming a carpet is regulated. Rules vary by city and venue, but if you break them (and most people do) the fines and extra bills from contractors can be overwhelming.

Show Services

Basic items like electricity, electrical labor, rigging, and cleaning must be ordered through the official show contractor. The only exception is vacuuming your own exhibit with your own vacuum cleaner. Even your EAC (Exhibitor Appointed Contractor) cannot perform this task.

The Pitfalls of Self-Catering

Catering is one of the most common requests—and one of the strictest areas of enforcement.

  • You may bring light items such as donuts or bottled water for staff.
  • You may order coffee service or a water cooler for a fee.
  • You may not serve lunch, alcohol, or use china service without contractor approval.

Violating food and beverage rules comes with financial and legal risks, from food safety liability to responsibility for serving alcohol to underage or intoxicated attendees.

Remember the Rules

Whether your show is in Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, Orlando, or Anaheim, U.S. venues enforce union and contractor agreements. Your exhibit house can guide you, but some services remain strictly outside their control.

Do’s and Don’ts Checklist for Trade Show Regulations

Do:

  • Do order electricity, rigging, and cleaning through the show contractor.
  • Do vacuum your own booth with your own equipment.
  • Do provide light snacks or drinks for staff in a private area.
  • Do consult your exhibit house to clarify local union rules.

Don’t:

  • Don’t let your team plug in lights, mount screens, or perform restricted tasks.
  • Don’t assume your EAC can bypass union rules.
  • Don’t serve alcohol, hot food, or catered meals without approval.
  • Don’t ignore paperwork—extra bills will follow.