USA – The Chicago-based International Carwash Association will not go ahead with its decision to move its Car Care World Expo to Chicago's McCormick Place after a judge ruled against legislation designed to save exhibitors costs at the venue.
The show is the first exhibition to withdraw from the venue after the reform plan was knocked back by a federal court. The new laws would allow exhibitors to hire their own workers, electricians and caterers.
Several shows last year either withdrew or considered withdrawing from McCormick Place, citing prohibitive costs imposed by labour unions.
The show brings 6,000 visitors and exhibitors, who spend an estimated US$8.5m locally. The event has run in Las Vegas for the past five years and will do so again in 2012.
International Carwash Association chief executive Eric Wulf told the Chicago Tribune that “until the work rules are on par with Las Vegas, it’s a no-go for us.”
He added that exhibitors prefer to use their own staff due to the specialised nature of their equipment. Under the old rules in Chicago they will have to use the venues preferred suppliers or contractors.
After the reform plan became law, several exhibitions said they would move or recommit to the Chicago venue. These included the International Manufacturing Technology Show, the Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, International Wine, Spirits and Beer Event, and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society show.
Earlier this year, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority approved the selection of private venue management firm SMG to run McCormick Place.
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