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merging from a period of uncertainty with regard to work laws and exhibi- tor relations, Chicago has turned

over a new leaf with a labor agreement that restores exhibitor rights at McCormick Place — reestablishing Chicago as the most customer-friendly convention and trade- show destination in the country. Under the new agreement, McCormick

Place exhibitors enjoy expanded freedoms when it comes to setting up and operating booths, transporting their own materials, and working with the straight-time hour rules for union workers, which now can be set for any eight-hour period between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. on weekdays.

Key Labor Reforms Here are key reforms under the new labor agreement:

Te Exhibitors’ Bill of Rights Show managers and exhibitors can perform their own work in any size booth, using their own ladders or hand tools, cordless tools, power, or other tools designated by the

A new labor agreement means new possibilities in ‘a great place to do business.’

MPEA (Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority).

Expanded Straight-Time Straight-time hours are expanded to Mon- day–Friday from 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Carpenters’ straight-time hours are from 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday and extend until 8:30 p.m. on break of show. On Saturdays, a more flexible schedule reduces double-time; provi- sions to roll back double-time pay apply to Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Presidents’ Day.

Personal Vehicles Exhibitors can operate, load, and unload their own vehicles at McCormick Place docks and designated loading areas.

Crew Size Reductions Work at McCormick Place is now conducted by two-person rather than three-person crews required prior to reforms.

“Everyone knows that there’s a cer- tain expense to doing trade shows,” said

McCormick Place at a Glance

MEETING FACILITIES • 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space

• 600,000 square feet of meeting space, with 170 meeting rooms

• Six ballrooms • 4,249-seat Arie Crown Teater

• 5,800 parking spaces • 800 guest rooms at the connected Hyatt Regency McCormick Place

OTHER AMENITIES • Pedestrian promenades and sky bridges connecting entire campus

• Te Grand Concourse, featuring retails shops, cafés, restaurants, and other amenities

• On-site FedEx Office business center

CHICAGO