Comparing Labor Costs
Planners who move their meetings from city to city should compare labor rates in new destinations so they can estimate costs and manage exhibitor expectations. One tried-and-true resource is Tradeshow Week's annual survey of U.S. and Canadian labor rates.
After spiking as much as 5 percent to 10 percent in years past, the average cost of labor at convention centers has plateaued, according to the 2004 survey. “Most top-tier cities are comparable in price,” says Michael Hughes, associate publisher and director of research services for the Los Angeles-based publication. “It's the work rules that impact price, and they vary.”
When comparing costs, be sure to ask which unions perform what services, and when overtime charges apply.
| Average | High | Low | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | $66.29 | $115.55 (New York) | $47.67 (Columbus) |
| Decorator (general labor) | $64.83 | $105.00 (San Jose) | $49.00 (San Antonio) |
| Drayage (general labor) | $65.24 | $107.50 (New York) | $45.00 (Rosemont) |
| Forklift w/Operator (highest weight) | $155.26 | $325.25 (Seattle) | $85.00 (Honolulu) |
| Plumber | $65.18 | $111.50 (San Jose) | $35.00 (Cincinnati) |
| Source: Tradeshow Week 2004 Survey of U.S. and Canadian Labor Rates | |||
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