Teamsters Local 25 Launches First Training Program for Boston’s Trade Show Industry
January 4, 2018
In an effort to draw more top-tier trade shows to Boston, Teamsters Local 25 has launched the city’s first trade show worker training program.
The goal of the program is to create more skilled workers while elevating Boston’s trade show business to match its bustling tourism industry, thus creating jobs and growing economic impact.
“Boston is a top destination for international tourists and working together, we can make it a top destination for the most coveted trade shows,” explained Sean M. O’Brien, president of Teamsters Local 25.
He continued, “Having an educated and well-trained workforce is critically important for Boston to attract the events that have the biggest economic impact. Making this training available will create more jobs, more visitor spending, and put more working men and women in a better position to support their families by working in this industry.”
By providing trade show workers with a chance to earn certifications and licensure in handling the various aspects of working in the trade show industry, the union hopes to cultivate a skilled workforce that will not only allow Boston to compete with first-tier trade show cities including Las Vegas, New York and Chicago, but also create more full-time employment opportunities, according to Teamsters Local 25 officials.
“This program is great for our members,” said Ed Welch, Teamsters Local 25 steward. “Giving these workers the chance to be fully trained and certified will open the door to many more job opportunities in this growing industry, and give them a much more reliable way to support their families.”
The initial four-hour training sessions took place Dec. 12 and 13 at the Boston Convention and Exposition Center, where instructors detailed the art of building and deconstructing trade shows quickly, efficiently and safely to 100 workers.
The program’s curriculum includes courses in customer service, decorating, systems, and I & D and freight foremanship, as well as first aid, CPR and OSHA 10, and Local 25 members are required to attend 16 hours of training over the first two years of the union’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, which went into effect in April 2017.
This new program is made possible by the union’s partnership with the convention and trade show employers working in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety and the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA), which supports the training program in the hope that it will attract more lucrative events and help maximize the return on investment for Massachusetts residents and businesses.
“Customer service excellence is at the heart of the MCCA’s mission and our success is directly tied to our constant focus on providing training throughout the organization,” said David Gibbons, MCCA executive director.
He continued, “We applaud and appreciate the commitment of Teamsters Local 25 on its new training initiative as we continue working together to drive economic activity and opportunity locally by bringing the world’s best events to Boston.”
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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