The San Diego Convention Center hosts Comic-Con International and the Esri User Conference on a formal footing most venues don't have: a written exclusive-jurisdiction agreement with four unions covering move-in through move-out. Add exclusive electrical and strict hand-carry limits, and San Diego is a venue where you want the rules learned before you arrive.
Key venues: San Diego Convention Center.
Marquee shows: Comic-Con International, Esri User Conference.
The SDCC operates under an exclusive four-union jurisdiction agreement: IATSE 122, IBEW 569, Sign & Display 831, and Teamsters 542, with Edlen exclusive on electrical.
Is our AV equipment union compliant at the San Diego Convention Center?
Yes, under the SDCC's four-union agreement. IATSE Local 122 covers stage and production work, IBEW Local 569 covers electrical, Sign & Display Local 831 covers exhibit and sign installation, and Teamsters Local 542 covers freight. Any freight crossing the docks is union-handled regardless of booth size. Hand-carried items through the front doors are the exception.
What are the hand-carry rules in San Diego?
Stricter and more specific than most venues. Front doors only, from personal vehicles (no box trucks), loads under 200 lbs, and wheels no larger than 4 inches. Folding hand trucks and collapsible wagons pass. Flat carts and pallet jacks don't. Anything beyond that goes through the marshalling yard and union freight.
How much does drayage cost at the SDCC?
Per-CWT with minimums through the show's appointed contractor. Freeman and GES both serve this building. Two logistics quirks: all trucks check in at the marshalling yard in Chula Vista, about 10 miles south, with certified weight tickets, and Freeman's advance warehouse for San Diego shows is up in Anaheim.
Who provides booth electrical at the SDCC?
Edlen holds the exclusive for all temporary power distribution. The venue itself provides no event electrical. Advance rates require order and payment by the deadline, roughly two to three weeks before move-in. Late orders run 25 to 50% higher, and all equipment must be UL approved.
Can we plug into the house sound system?
No. The SDCC's house sound is exclusively operated by the in-house AV provider and outside equipment may not connect to it. Self-contained booth sound is unrestricted, which is how we design audio for San Diego: your own speakers, your own control.
What are the rigging rules for overhead AV?
Only the in-house preferred AV contractor and approved general contractors may rig, and every overhead install is supervised by ETCP-certified personnel. Nothing may be attached to ceilings, sprinklers, or air walls, and certain lobbies have fire-beam restrictions. Rigging plans go in early here.
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