Chicago's McCormick Place becomes more exhibitor-friendly expo
Officials of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) and the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (CCTB) passed a law meant to reform labor rules, establish exhibitor rights and realign McCormick Place operations with its major competitors in the convention and trade show industry.
Officials of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) and the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (CCTB) passed a law meant to reform labor rules, establish exhibitor rights and realign McCormick Place operations with its major competitors in the convention and trade show industry.
Meetings and conventions held at McCormick Place support 66,000 jobs and generate $251 million in tax revenue each year. Convention goers who come to Illinois spend close to $8 billion in the state. These big benefits were a focal point throughout the months of discussion that led to the new reforms.
The new law includes:
• New labor work rules that reduce crew sizes, require less overtime pay and eliminate hassles for customers;
• Expanding exhibitor rights, allowing customers to do their own work, regardless of booth size;
• Allowing shows to select outside electrical and foodservice contractors;
• Auditing contracts to ensure savings are passed on to customers; and more.
“We listened to our customers and pushed for reforms that address their concerns. This new law introduces sweeping reforms that will transform Chicago’s meetings and convention industry,” said David Causton, general manager, McCormick Place. “We now have very competitive market offerings that put our customers first across the board. It’s a new day in Chicago’s convention industry.”
Officials of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) and the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (CCTB) passed a law meant to reform labor rules, establish exhibitor rights and realign McCormick Place operations with its major competitors in the convention and trade show industry.
Meetings and conventions held at McCormick Place support 66,000 jobs and generate $251 million in tax revenue each year. Convention goers who come to Illinois spend close to $8 billion in the state. These big benefits were a focal point throughout the months of discussion that led to the new reforms.
The new law includes:
• New labor work rules that reduce crew sizes, require less overtime pay and eliminate hassles for customers;
• Expanding exhibitor rights, allowing customers to do their own work, regardless of booth size;
• Allowing shows to select outside electrical and foodservice contractors;
• Auditing contracts to ensure savings are passed on to customers; and more.
“We listened to our customers and pushed for reforms that address their concerns. This new law introduces sweeping reforms that will transform Chicago’s meetings and convention industry,” said David Causton, general manager, McCormick Place. “We now have very competitive market offerings that put our customers first across the board. It’s a new day in Chicago’s convention industry.”
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