The Anaheim Convention Center is the largest convention center on the West Coast and hosts NAMM, Natural Products Expo West, and MD&M West. First-time exhibitors get tripped up by the union rules, the off-site marshalling yards, and the rigging exclusives. We deliver and install AV here every season.
Key venues: Anaheim Convention Center.
Marquee shows: The NAMM Show, Natural Products Expo West, MD&M West.
California is not a right-to-work state. Decorators set exhibits, Teamsters move freight, and IBEW electricians handle all electrical work, including data and cable runs inside your booth.
Is our AV equipment union compliant at the Anaheim Convention Center?
Yes, as long as the right trade does the right work. Decorators set exhibits, Teamsters move freight, and IBEW electricians do all electrical work, including under-carpet cable and data lines in your booth. Setting a monitor on a stand and plugging it into a pre-installed outlet is normal exhibitor work. Running power or hanging lit elements is not.
What can our own staff set up themselves in Anaheim?
The usual rule at ACC shows is one full-time employee, one hour or less, no tools. Your staff can also work alongside union installers one-to-one. Some shows are tighter (CDA Presents caps it at 30 minutes and 10 feet), so the exhibitor kit for your show is the final word.
How much does drayage cost at the Anaheim Convention Center?
Drayage is billed per hundredweight (CWT) with per-shipment minimums by the show's official contractor. Freeman handles NAMM and GES handles Expo West. Current rates are only published in each show's exhibitor kit, and late or off-target shipments get surcharged, so lock in your advance warehouse dates early.
Who is allowed to hang a screen or lighting truss at the ACC?
It depends where you are in the building. Encore has exclusive rigging in the meeting rooms, ballrooms, arena, and the ACC North 200 level. In Halls A through D the show's appointed rigger does the hangs. Aerial truss needs engineer-stamped drawings, and exhibitor staff can only work from ladders up to about 12 feet.
Where does our freight actually check in?
Not at the convention center. Big Anaheim shows run an off-site marshalling yard that dispatches trucks to the docks in check-in order. NAMM has used Glover Stadium and South Claudia Way in different years. Personal vehicles unload from a separate lot. Build the yard stop into your delivery timing.
What fire marshal rules affect AV-heavy booths in Anaheim?
Anaheim Fire & Rescue requires engineer-stamped drawings for two-story or covered booths, a smoke detector for every 900 sq ft of covered structure, and flame-retardant certificates for fabrics. Display vehicles have to be under a quarter tank with the battery disconnected.
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