Trade Shows
Choosing a CES production partner: the brand-side checklist
CES is the most credentialing-heavy show on the North American calendar. Here's what separates a production partner from a print vendor.
CES exposes every weakness in a production chain. Union labor at LVCC, hard load-in windows, drayage costs that dwarf the print bill, and a press cycle that punishes booth misfires. Here's the brand-side checklist for choosing a real CES production partner.
LVCC credentialing is non-negotiable
Your partner needs current LVCC credentials, an EAC (Exhibitor Appointed Contractor) certificate of insurance naming Freeman and LVCC as additional insureds, and named union-trade relationships for rigging and electrical. Ask for current documents before contracting - not a promise to provide them.
Drayage math changes your spec
LVCC drayage runs $90–$140 per cwt. A heavy modular booth can cost more to move from the freight dock to your booth space than to ship from Vegas to your warehouse. A real partner specs lightweight SEG and tension-fabric components specifically to control drayage - it's a line item they should own.
On-site reprint capacity wins shows
Sponsor logos change at midnight. Backdrops get damaged by forklifts. Pantone gets called out by a brand lead Tuesday morning. Your production partner should have a Vegas facility with active capacity through the show, not a national vendor flying parts in from another market.
Post-show breakdown and storage
Ask: who breaks down the booth, who stores reusable hardware between shows, and what's the per-show refurb cost. A partner that builds for reuse cuts your next CES bill by 30–50%.
Choosing a CES production partner: the brand-side checklist FAQ
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