A Tribune editorial (May 3) on our recent Trade Show and Convention Plan quoted hourly labor rates that were reproduced from the 1995 Trade Show Week Labor Survey. The editorial may have given the impression that take-home pay exceeds $50 per hour with more than $100 per hour overtime. It did not state, as we do in the report, that these rates include substantial markups made by exhibition management firms.
In addition, readers might have inferred that workers on the floor sometimes request side payments or tips for work. The report does not imply this, nor do we believe it. We think that our unionized workforce is a major asset. Non-union cities routinely experience a variety of problems including longer setup times. However, the threat of competitor cities is real. Every aspect of Chicago’s event industry, including labor, needs to assess how to meet this challenge.
The report applauded efforts by the city and state to expand and upgrade the McCormick Place and Navy Pier facilities. We agree with the Tribune that Chicago now must focus on improving the service infrastructure of this dynamic industry. Key agencies such as the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority have taken aggressive action to solidify Chicago’s position. Building on these improvements, our plan contains recommendations to ensure that Chicago stays on top.
