Trade Show Logistics & Booth Setup at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC)

Why Logistics Matter at the LVCC

The Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) hosts some of the most complex and high-traffic events in the world - including CES, SEMA, NAB Show, MAGIC, PACK EXPO, and dozens more. With halls spread across the West, Central, and South buildings - and ongoing expansion activity throughout the facility - exhibitors need to plan early, coordinate precisely, and partner with an experienced EAC to ensure a smooth exhibit experience.

With 15+ years of Las Vegas exhibit management experience, Summit Exhibit handles everything from design and pre-build to shipping, setup, and dismantle - supported by our ISO 14001-certified exhibit system for consistent and sustainable results show after show.

Step 1 - Understand LVCC Move-In Rules

Because Las Vegas hosts more large-scale events than any other city in the U.S., LVCC operations run on extremely strict move-in and freight schedules.

Here’s what every exhibitor should know:

• All freight must move through the general contractor (GES or Freeman)

• Direct-to-show-site shipments follow target move-in schedules - arriving early doesn’t

• guarantee access

• Marshaling yard check-in is mandatory for all trucks delivering freight

• LVCC docks and freight elevators book quickly, especially during CES and SEMA

Summit Exhibit coordinates all LVCC scheduling and communicates directly with the GC to ensure your freight, labor, and setup align with targeted move-in windows.

Step 2 - Ship to the Advance Warehouse (Recommended)

Just like Orlando, advance warehouse rates for Las Vegas shows are typically the same as direct-to-show-site rates - so Summit Exhibit always recommends using the advance warehouse.

Shipping to advance provides major advantages:

• 100% predictable delivery

• No waiting in marshaling yard lines

• No risk of delays due to overbooked docks

• Freight is already inside the building when install begins

• Extra buffer time for damage checks and repairs

Summit Exhibit handles:

• Crate prep

• Labeling

• Schedule alignment

• Communication with GES/Freeman

• Confirmation that freight is processed on time

This approach removes nearly all stress from show-week logistics.

Step 3 - Booth Setup & Labor Coordination at the LVCC

Las Vegas has some of the most defined work rules of any major venue:

Exhibitors may NOT use tools or build their booth.

• They can supervise, but all construction must be handled by authorized labor.

EAC Approval Required

• Exhibitors must submit EAC forms if they want Summit Exhibit to manage installation/dismantle.

• We handle the entire approval process for you.

Tools & Equipment

• Summit Exhibit provides all tools, ladders, hardware, and supervised install crews ensuring your booth is compliant and installed efficiently.

Las Vegas-Specific Factors

• Large shows mean skilled labor becomes scarce

• Overtime rules vary by show contractor

• Delays in one booth often delay neighboring booths (chain-reaction effect)

Summit Exhibit’ Vegas team manages all labor scheduling and ensures your install moves forward without bottlenecks.

Step 4 - Electrical & Rigging Coordination

LVCC has strict electrical and rigging rules:

Electrical

• Power is available from floor ports and ceiling drops, depending on booth location.

• Under-carpet and above-carpet cords MUST be installed by electricians.

• Exhibitors may plug into one 20-amp receptacle and hang up to (4) clip-on lights.

• All AV installs must be done by electricians, not by EACs.

Rigging

• All hanging signs must be installed by the general contractor’s certified riggers.

• EACs cannot assemble or lift hanging signage.

• Rigging delays are common when:

  • Sign drawings aren’t submitted early

  • Weight loads aren’t provided

  • Incorrect hardware is shipped by exhibitors

  • Rigger availability is limited during large shows

Summit handles all pre-show rigging submissions, sign engineering, and services ordering to keep your overhead elements approved and installed on schedule.

Step 5 - Avoid Common LVCC Pitfalls

After hundreds of successful installations, these are the pitfalls we see most often - and how we prevent them:

1. Late or missing freight

• Always ship advance to avoid marshaling yard delays.

2. Labor overruns during setup

• Summit creates a detailed pre-install plan to reduce overtime or unnecessary labor hours.

3. Electrical & AV approval delays

• We coordinate early with electricians to ensure layouts, loads, and diagrams are approved.

4. Rigging delays (the most common Las Vegas issue)

• Handled through pre-show submission, early sign prep, and engineering support.

5. Last-minute show forms

• Internet, electrical, hanging sign orders, and cleaning must be completed weeks before the show - we manage all deadlines

Step 6 - Summit Exhibit Makes LVCC Logistics Simple

When you partner with Summit Exhibit, you gain a Las Vegas team with deep local knowledge, strong relationships with show contractors, and proven on-the-floor experience at the LVCC, Mandalay Bay, and Venetian Expo.

We provide:

• Advance warehouse and shipping coordination

• Move-in timeline planning aligned with LVCC target schedules

• Electrical, rigging, and supervision management

• Full installation and dismantle by approved, experienced crews

• Pre-show booth prep using ISO 14001-certified exhibit systems

• On-site support throughout the event

• Equipment rentals (Genie lifts with certified operators), when permitted

• Seamless execution for booths of all sizes

From 10×20 modular booths to large-scale custom island exhibits, we ensure your Las Vegas installation is completed correctly, safely, and on schedule.