Hiring Union Labour vs Full-Service Exhibit Builders: Which Saves More?

• Nov 07,2025

You’ve got a trade show coming up. Your booth is booked, your design looks sharp — but now the real headache hits:
Who’s actually going to build it?

Do you hire union labour through the venue? Or bring in a full-service exhibit builder to handle everything?
Every exhibitor has asked the same question — and every answer comes with cost, control, and risk baked in.

The Hidden Cost Behind Union Rules

If your show’s in New York, Chicago, or Vegas, you already know: union labour isn’t optional.
Every crate moved, cable plugged in, and wall panel lifted has a price tag and a rulebook.

Unions protect fair pay and safety — no argument there.
But they also create a maze of regulations that catch newcomers off guard.
You can’t just show up and build your own 10 x 10 trade show display with a screwdriver anymore.
You’ll need authorized trade show labor, often hired by the hour and billed in half-day blocks.

That means you’re paying by the clock, not the outcome.
And if setup runs late — which it often does — the overtime rates bite hard.

Full-Service Builders: One Price, Less Pain

On the flip side, full-service exhibit builders price by the project.
They design, fabricate, ship, and install.
They bring their own union-approved crew where needed and handle paperwork with the venue.

So while their quote might look bigger upfront, it often covers what you’d otherwise pay separately:

• Design and renderings

• Freight coordination

• Labour supervision

• Install/dismantle

• Storage between shows

It’s “plug-and-play” for exhibitors who don’t want to juggle multiple contractors.
You show up when the lights come on and the carpet’s vacuumed.

Where the Real Savings Lie

Let’s strip out the noise.
Union labour gives you flexibility — if you already have your trade show booth design and logistics sorted.
Full-service builders give you time back — if your brand wants consistency and accountability.

The cost gap often narrows once you factor in mistakes, delays, and change orders.
For example, a 20 x 20 trade show booth that runs two days late can eat the “savings” you thought you made by hiring union workers directly.
Meanwhile, a builder that controls the process can prevent those overages entirely.

So the right question isn’t “who’s cheaper?”
It’s “where do I lose less margin — time, control, or cash?”

My Take

As someone who’s watched hundreds of exhibitors wrestle with this choice, I’d say:
If you’re local, experienced, and have a tight booth plan, consider hiring union labor directly.
If you’re scaling across multiple expos or sending your team abroad — invest in a full-service builder.

It’s not about being cheap. It’s about predictable.
And predictability, in trade shows, is the real currency.

Quick Summary

References

1. Freeman Company – Exhibitor Labour Guidelines 2025

2. Exhibitor Online – Cost Analysis: Union vs Independent Labour

3. International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) – Trade Show Operations Standards

4. Google Keyword Insights – Trade Show Booth Trends 2025