Chicago Tribune: A third major trade show may bail on Chicago

'Cause that union man's got such a hold over me
He's the man who decides if I live or I die, if I starve, or I eat
The Kinks, "Get Back in Line," 1970.

First Chicago loses the Olympics, then its trade shows. As for the latter, union price gouging at exhibit halls has been going on for decades, but the trickle of shows abandoning Chicago for more friendly labor climes is becoming a flood.

Just this week the International Plastics Showcase, which has been exhibiting in Chicago since the 1970s, and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society waved good bye to the city and its exhibit hall, McCormick Place.

Now the National Restaurant Show, a Chicago convention fixture for more than 50 years, is considering bailing.

It's moneymaker for the city. When I worked in the hotel business, we knew we would do well when the Restaurant Show came to town each May. The buyers and sellers would eat a lot, spend a lot--and tip a lot.

From the Chicago Tribune:

Derrek Hull, a spokesman for the restaurant show, said, "I'm not aware of any discussion about moving the show as of right now."

"However, what I can tell you," said Hull, "is that we've been through this before ... and the association and all our exhibitors continue to be very vocal. They continue to be concerned about the costs of doing business in Chicago and at McCormick Place."

The association seriously contemplated a move in 2006, but chose to stay after the city wrested labor work-rule changes from unions that work at McCormick Place.

Those were baby steps. Meanwhile, a task force designed to turn things around for struggling Chicago's convention industry met today. The group is made of staff from several politicians, trade show leaders, hospitality executives, and unions.

Here's a tip from me:

To keep trade shows in Chicago, the unions need to concede. A lot. It's time to end the tyranny of the few.

Or get used to empty taxpayer owned exhibit halls.

Related posts:

Union "tyranny of the few" drives Plastics Show from Chicago

Marathon Pundit on CBS 2 Chicago

Agency that runs Chicago's convention centers "in deep financial hole"

Union extortionists may drive another trade show from Chicago

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