It was bound to happen. A few weeks ago, a picket line of striking construction workers greeted visitors to the last day of the International Manufacturing Technology Show at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
The event is seen by many as one of the first in a hopeful resurgence of exhibition events that could help bring back the billions of dollars Chicago has been losing to other cities for shows and events in recent years.
Dozens of striking carpenters picketed the show to complain against the new labor laws at McCormick Place, which were brought in this summer in an effort to boost the hemorrhaging exhibition sector by making it more attractive for exhibitors. [See 'New Chicago Labor Laws Good For Exhibitors']
In essence, the laws allow exhibitors to set up a lot of their own booths without having to use expensive, unionized labor. While popular with exhibitors, unsurprisingly the unions are a little put out.
This strike could be the first of many. But, it still doesn’t address the other problems Chicago has as a top exhibition location, and that’s the cost. Many feel Chicago is still far too expensive a city – from accommodation to parking.
So here’s your chance. Been to an event in Chicago? Paid for an event there? Is Chicago pricing itself out of the exhibition game?
