The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center hosts Impressions Expo, the Long Beach Expo, and Comic Con on the Southern California union pattern: decorators set exhibits, Teamsters run freight, electricians own power. It is a manageable building. The traps are show-specific exclusives and freight routing that actually runs through Anaheim.
Key venues: Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center.
Marquee shows: Impressions Expo, Long Beach Expo, Long Beach Comic Con.
A union-supporting venue on the SoCal pattern. Decorators, Teamsters, and electricians hold jurisdiction, with self-setup typically limited to one employee, one hour, no tools.
Is our AV equipment union compliant at the Long Beach Convention Center?
Yes, on the Southern California pattern. Decorator crews handle exhibit installation and signs, Teamsters handle freight beyond hand-carry, and electricians handle all power work including under-carpet runs. Exhibitor cords must be 14-gauge grounded three-wire, flat if under carpet, and power strips need circuit protection.
What can our own staff do themselves in Long Beach?
The SoCal rule of thumb applies: one full-time employee, one hour or less, no tools. Shows here often run looser, and unpacking and placing your own products is always allowed. Hand-carry means one person, one trip, no dollies. The paid cart service covers the rest.
How much does drayage cost in Long Beach?
Per-CWT with minimums through the show's contractor. Freeman serves most major shows here. One quirk worth knowing: Freeman's advance warehouse for Long Beach shows is in Anaheim, about 20 miles away. Factor that into shipping timelines and pickup logistics.
Who provides electrical, the venue or the show?
It changes show to show. The venue lists Edlen as preferred, but some shows appoint Freeman Electrical as exclusive. Check your exhibitor manual before ordering. And note the venue supplies no extension cords, so bring compliant cable or rent it.
Can we bring our own AV, or is there an in-house exclusive?
Outside AV is allowed for your booth. The in-house provider holds exclusivity only on the house sound system (any feed into the installed PA), and the venue's internet and telecom are exclusive too. Booth displays, video walls, and sound systems can all be rentals you bring in.
What are the rules for hanging signs and screens?
Typical shows here allow hanging signs only over island or peninsula booths of 400 sq ft or more, capped around 25 feet, with engineering drawings required. Theatrical rigging in the ballrooms, theater, and arena runs through the venue's exclusive stagehand crews. Ground-supported is simpler for most booths.
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