What are EAC forms?

Exhibitor Appointed Contractor (EAC) – any company other than the designated official contractor hired by an exhibitor to perform trade show services such as display installation and dismantle (I&D), rental plants, photography, audio visual rental, etc.

The EAC form requires the exhibitor to list the name of the independent company you will be using for installation  and dismantlement services.  That company must then provide  certificate of liability insurance to the designated official contractor. This form always comes with an early deadline, typically earlier than ‘early bird’ discounts for exhibitors.

In addition, EACs must be licensed to work in the assigned convention center OR  must register through the Worker Identification System to obtain this license.

EACs are required to follow strict guidelines regarding union jurisdictions. They may hire their own union personnel to build the booth, however, all exclusive services must be completed by designated official contractor personnel.

Why hire an EAC?

It simply makes sense to choose contractors who are expertly trained and familiar with your booth’s manufacturer or designed set-up. This can ensure the booth goes up smoothly and efficiently. A familiar contractor may also have the capabilities to problem solve, fix broken parts or have quicker access to acquiring replacement parts from the manufacturer of your booth.

EAC typically charge the same labor rates posted in the show manual,  and most often do not require minimum fees. An EAC does not have to comply with time window associated with those posted rates. For example if, straight time (ST) M-F 8:00AM – 5:00PM, and overtime (OT) M-F 5:01PM – 8:00PM are the posted time windows in the show manual, an EAC could extend the (ST) window to 8:00AM – 6:00PM and not have to charge the OT rate for the extra hour.  This translates into measurable savings for your trade show budget!

Melissa Bibb Harris
Exhibits Manager, PhotoWorksGroup