I had this info passed to me and thought it is a great piece of info, especially for all of you that are headed to Chicago in the future and plan on battling the union for the right to handle your own assets. Thanks to Judy for passing the info along! I love our customers :)

On May 27, 2010, the Illinois General Assembly enacted historic legislation in response to your demands for a sweeping transformation in the way business is conducted on the premises

owned and operated by the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority. As a result of this legislation, the Authority, show management, contractors, exhibitors and event attendees will realize immediate and long-term benefits. The future of Chicago’s convention industry truly is becoming brighter by the day. To build on this momentum, the IAFC is proud to announce that FRI is part of the initial implementation phase of these legislative changes. The purpose of this notice is to advise exhibitors of the new rules, regulations and business practices that will become effective as a part of FRI 2010. Will POVs (privately owned vehicles) be allowed on the show floor to deliver booth materials, goods, or floor coverings? An exhibitor and exhibitor employees now have the right to unload materials from personally owned vehicles (“POVs”) prior to a show and then load materials into POVs after a show using non-motorized hand trucks and dollies. Show Management will publish detailed guidelines regarding this policy in the near future. Will exhibitors be allowed to perform their own installation and dismantle (I&D)? Exhibitors may work within their booths:

• Setting-up and dismantling exhibits of ANY size;
• Assembling and disassembling materials, machinery or equipment;
• Installing all signs, graphics, props, balloons, other decorative items, and Exhibitor drapery, including the skirting of tables;
• Delivering, setting-up, plugging in, interconnecting Exhibitor electrical equipment, computers, audio-visual devices and other equipment; and
• Skidding, positioning and re-skidding all Exhibitor material, machinery and equipment using non-motorized hand trucks and dollies.

Are there restrictions on the use of ladders for booth construction? No, Exhibitors can use ladders for install and dismantle. Are there restrictions on the use of power tools for booth construction? No, Exhibitors are allowed to use power tools. Will exhibitors be allowed to place their own floor coverings (this includes padding, carpet, vinyl, hardwood, interlocking tile, etc.)? Yes, Exhibitors can lay their own carpet. Electrical Costs? Effective August 1, 2010, all MPEA-provisioned in-booth electrical labor will be provided at cost without any mark-up, and other cost-reduction measures in relation to electrical services will be implemented as well. Food and Beverage Services? Effective August 1, 2010, Exhibitors will also realize significant savings on food and beverage costs. Exhibitors may now bring food and beverages onto MPEA premisesfor personal consumption.

Stay tuned as we get further news on these changes!