This is well known to professional convention planners and service companies such as GES and Freeman. It's not going to change any time soon. Each venue has its

This is well known to professional convention planners and service companies such as GES and Freeman. It's not going to change any time soon. Each venue has its own rules, depending upon the strength of the local unions. I've worked at trade shows around the country. In many cases, I've been able to assemble my own booth, plug in my own electricals once they've run the drops for us, etc. For infamous venues like Chicago and Las Vegas, you're going to pay for everything beyond sticking up some posters, including even plugging in a light. Conference organizers who book these venues are making a conscious choice that the inconvenience and cost to their exhibitors pays off in increased attendance.