Marathon Pundit: Trade show industry to Chicago: Change--or we leave

Thursday, April 01, 2010

Trade show industry to Chicago: Change--or we leave

Arcane union work rules and cronyism are a toxic mix that is destroying Chicago's convention industry. As I've written before, trade show organizers and exhibitors are tired of having their pockets picked, and they're saying "enough."

From Crain's Chicago Business:

Representatives from five trade shows, including the National Restaurant Assn., the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and the American College of Surgeons, weighed in on key issues — such as strict work rules, exclusive service contracts and streamlining McCormick's (Chicago's largest exhibit hall) operating budget — that are driving costs higher for industry associations and exhibitors.

"I feel the pressure more than you can imagine in terms of what our exhibitors are experiencing, and they come back and express to me the frustration," said Mary Pat Heftman, an executive vice-president at the Washington, D.C.-based restaurant association.

Chris Price, a vice-president at the Reston, Va.-based Graphics Arts Show Co., told the panel his group's board of directors is keeping a close watch on any changes that come out of the spring session of the Illinois General Assembly to determine its next move.

"We need to be here," because Chicago is heavy with companies in the printing industry, "but we don't have to be here," Mr. Price said.