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The Javits Center team wants your experience at our facility to be as enjoyable and trouble-free as possible. That’s why it’s important for Event Managers to review and adhere to the policies described in our list of Building Rules. Operational Policies below delineate the scope of permitted work performed by Exhibitors, Event Managers, and Contractors. The rules and guidelines below were developed to ensure both the smooth operation of Javits Center events and the safety of all exhibitors and attendees. If you have questions, call 212-216-2090, Monday-Friday, 9 am - 5 pm EST.
The Javits Center provides skilled and courteous employees to perform most of the labor needed for events. With few exceptions (explained below), Event Managers, Contractors and Exhibitors must hire the Javits Center’s employees to perform the following work.
Please refer to our Operational Policies during your planning before coming to Exhibit at the Javits Center.
General Decorating Contractors are hired by your event manager. They are generally responsible for the physical planning of the event, the shipment and delivery of exhibition freight, the rental of furniture, carpets and other booth/exhibit equipment and the building and dismantling of most of the exhibits. General Decorating Contractors supply their own on site management and supervisors and hire freight moving and exhibit building labor from the Javits Center. In order to hire labor directly from the Center, General Decorating Contractors must open an account, which requires, among other things, the posting of a guarantee of payment bond or letters of credit and the fulfillment of certain insurance requirements.
Exhibit Appointed Contractors (EAC's) are hired by exhibitors to build and dismantle exhibits. EAC's supply their own on-site management and hire exhibit building labor employed by the Javits Center. In order to hire labor directly from the Center, EAC's must open an account, which requires, among other things, the posting of a guarantee of payment bond or letters of credit and the fulfillment of certain insurance requirements.
Javits' Freight Handlers are responsible for loading and unloading trucks and delivering exhibitor freight and machinery to and from exhibitors' booth; loading and unloading decorating contractors' equipment to and from a marshalling point on the exhibit show floor; and perform rigging work with forklifts. Freight Handlers are hired from the Center by general decorating contractors. Freight Handlers work under the direction and supervision of the general decorating contractor and their shifts are determined and organized by the contractor. Freight Handlers are represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 807.
Work Hours:
Freight Handlers are paid straight time for the first eight (8) hours worked and overtime for any hours worked beyond eight (8) on Mondays through Fridays. They are paid time and a half for all hours worked on Saturdays and Sundays. They are paid double time for all hours worked on holidays. Freight Handler’s have 11 holidays: New Year's Day, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Election Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and Christmas.
Freight Moving Exhibitors May Perform (Hand Carry Policy)
The Javits Center is the busiest convention center in the United States, and as a result, our operations can have a major impact on the surrounding community. As Manhattan’s West Side continues to evolve with new developments, clients of the Javits Center must make every effort to minimize our impact on neighboring streets during move-in and move-out periods. The hand carry policy, which is outlined below, is designed to maximize exhibitor move in and minimize traffic congestion.Exhibitors are reminded that the west side of 11th Avenue is officially designated a City bus lane, and vehicles illegally parked will be subject to a fine and/or vehicle towing by the New York City Police Department (NYPD). For move-in and/or move-out periods during large trade shows, the Javits Center will often request assistance from the NYPD to facilitate curbside standing of personal vehicles and small vans along the west side of 11th Avenue between West 34th Street and West 40th streets. However, this does not grant immunity from potential ticketing or vehicle towing to customers who ignore the regulations established by the Javits Center in conjunction with the NYPD and other regulatory agencies. In an effort to address these concerns and to streamline the hand carry process, effective immediately, the Javits Center’s Security and Safety Solutions Department will conduct all exterior security staffing, oversight and enforcement for hand carry operations.
The Javits Center Hand Carry Policy is as follows:
Approved During Hand Carry Operations:
Prohibited During Hand Carry Operations:
On the west side of 11th Avenue between 34th Street and 40th Street:
On the Inner Roadway along 11th Avenue:
On the Javits Center Loading Docks:
Enforcement for Hand Carry Operations:
Carpenters perform crating and recrating, and all work involved in the erection and dismantling of exhibits, displays, backgrounds and booths; all work requiring the use of bolts and screws or nail fasteners; tying, hanging or nailing, taping of flags, banners, signs, tile and rug-laying, skidding and reskidding and turntables; handling and delivery of furniture, carpeting, modular interlocking booth systems and other contractor owned and leased equipment; pad wrapping, protection work, ramp protection; and installing draperies, including but not limited to wall draperies, table skirting, booth equipment draperies, flag and bunting and party decorations. They also do certain other unskilled work. Carpenters are represented by the International Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, New York District Council. Carpenters are hired from the Center by general decorating contractors and exhibitor appointed contractors. Carpenters work under contractors' direction and supervision and their shifts are organized and determined by the contractor.
Work Hours:
Carpenters are paid straight time for the first eight (8) hours of their shift and are paid time and a half for hours worked beyond the eight, Monday through Friday. They are paid time and a half for hours worked on Saturday and on any Sunday that they work at least seven (7) hours. They are paid double time on holidays and on Sunday if they work less than seven (7) hours.
A shift differential of $.75 per hour applies for work between 4 pm and midnight. A shift differential of $1.00 per hours applies for work between midnight and 8 am. Exhibit Builders work a minimum of 4 hours. Holidays are: New Year's Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; President's Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Election Day (in a Presidential Election year); Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Building Work Exhibitors May Do Themselves
Exhibitors may erect and dismantle displays which do not exceed 250 square feet and can be erected and/or dismantled by employees of the exhibiting company, without tools and ladders. Exhibitors’ may unpack, pack and arrange their merchandise and products in their exhibit. Those performing the work above must be employees of the exhibiting company and must carry identification to verify that fact. When unsafe set-up or dismantle conditions exist, the Javits Center may elect to suspend the exceptions listed above and Javits exhibit building labor will complete the set up at the exhibitor’s expense. The Javits Center may issue more detailed rules on this from time to time.
Rigging is performed by Javits employees. The nature of the work involved will determine which employees perform rigging work.
Javits Center electricians install and remove all electrical wiring, load centers, disconnects and distribution panels. Electricians install and dismantle all lighting, all electric signs, all communication and video cable between or outside exhibits and under carpet and sound systems. Electricians also operate certain sound, light and video systems. Electricians are represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 3.
Work Hours:
The length and start times of electricians' standard shifts and the application of overtime rates on weekdays vary depending on whether it is a move-in, open or move-out day. Electricians are always paid time and a half for work on weekends and holidays. Electricians have 11 holidays — New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and the day after and Christmas.
Electric Work Exhibitors May Do Themselves
Javits' telephone electricians install, remove and repair all telephone lines. Telephone technicians are represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 3.
Work Hours:
Telephone electrician's normal work hours are 7:30 A.M. to 3 P.M. each day. Most of the telephone service rates include labor. Telephone labor is only applied for work as requested which is not part of the service order form and for repairs and relocation. In these instances, straight time rates are charged Monday to Friday, 7:30 A.M. to 3 P.M. (except holidays). At all other times, Monday through Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays), overtime rates are charged. Telephone electricians have 11 holidays; New Year's Day; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; President's Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day ; Election Day; Thanksgiving and the day after and Christmas.
Telephone Work Exhibitors May Do Themselves
Exhibitors may plug and unplug their phones, modems, faxes or credit card readers.
Javits' plumbers install and remove all compressed air lines, water and drain lines, sinks, hot water heaters, and overhead venting. Plumbers make all final connections to the compressed air, water and drainage systems. Plumbers also store, handle and connect bottled gas and fill and drain all water tanks over 20 gallons. Plumbers are represented by Plumbers Union Local 1.
Work Hours:
Normal work shift for plumbers is 7:30 A.M. to 3 P.M. Most of the plumbing service rates include labor. Plumbing labor is only applied for work as requested which is not on the plumbing service order form and for repairs and relocations. In these instances, straight time rates are charged Monday to Friday 7:30 A.M. to 3 P.M. (except holidays). At all other times (including hours after 3 P.M. to 7:30 A.M. Monday through Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays) overtime rates are charged. Plumber's have 10 holidays; New Year's Day; President's Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day: Election Day; Thanksgiving and the day after and Christmas.
Plumbing Work Exhibitors May Do Themselves
Javits' Cleaners vacuum, shampoo and sweep all carpeting, empty waste baskets and supply and handle containers for removing hazardous wastes. Cleaners are represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 237.
Work Hours:
Cleaners work at any time as determined by Javits management or, when porter service is ordered, at times requested by exhibitors.
Cleaning Work Exhibitors May Do Themselves
Exhibitor may clean and wipe down their products and display merchandise and parts of their exhibit not installed by other Javits labor.
Javits' set-up personnel move and arrange all house furniture for use in meeting rooms. Your event manager gets the first set-up per day at no charge. A charge is normally assessed for changeovers and additions. Set-up personnel are represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 237.
Work Hours:
Javits set-up personnel work at times determined by Javits management.
Contractors are permitted to use their own personnel as managers and supervisors of Javits Center Carpenters and Freight Handlers — provided that they have completed a questionnaire and have been approved by the Javits Center, that they are performing legitimate managerial tasks and are not performing work within the jurisdiction of the Javits Center Carpenters or Freight Handlers, and that they company maintains a reasonable ratio of managers and supervisors to labor. Approved managers and supervisors will be issued a Javits Center identification card. Managers and supervisors are required to wear these identification cards in a visible location at all times that they are at the Javits Center. Violation of any of these conditions may result in a revocation — not only of the manager/supervisor's authorization — but also of the company's authorization to conduct business at the Javits Center.
Important:
These rules are designed to protect the Center's important business interests. The Center reserves the right to eject anyone working in violation of these rules as well as the exhibitors, contractors and others for whom they are performing work.
Two driver check-in offices are located on 12th Avenue between West 35th and West 36th streets, and these offices are designed for event decorators, exhibitor-appointed contractors and others to check in freight during all events, improving the efficiency of the move-in process. Drivers will park their vehicles, bring all necessary documents to the new check-in areas and then return to their vehicles. Once they receive a call on their cell phone, drivers can proceed to the dock area. All drivers must have their CDL on their person in order to enter the property. If you have any questions regarding the aforementioned changes, please contact your Event Solutions representative.
Role of the General Contractor and Exhibitor Appointed Contractors
Supervision of Employees
General Contractors (GC) and Exhibitor Appointed Contractors (EAC) are responsible for adhering and supporting the Javits Center’s Safety Policies and Procedures to ensure the well-being of employees they employ. They supervise and may not direct them to perform work that would jeopardize the employee’s safety or the safety of those around them. If an employee fails to follow a safety directive issued by the GC, or EAC or disregards any safe operating procedures, the GC or EAC is responsible for taking the following action.Reporting Injuries and Other Occurrences
Upon knowledge of an injury or incident of any kind, including a near miss, the Command Center is to be notified immediately. The objective for immediate notification is to ensure an investigation be conducted as soon as possible prior to the condition of an area changing.GC and EAC Safety Coordinator(s)
Each contractor is to designate a safety coordinator and provide contact information to the Manager of Health & Safety Solutions. The Safety Coordinator must remain on site while work is being performed in the Center. Designated Coordinators are to provide instruction and guidance to the employees they supervise as established in the Centers safety policies and procedures and must also comply with the requirements in the use of Personal Protective Equipment. Training of the Centers policies and procedures for Coordinators will be conducted by the Manager of Health & Safety Solution upon request by the Contractor.Signage
Signage posted by the GC is to be in line with Javits Center’s Safety requirements as outlined within this document, in order to maintain consistency with employees. Other signage posted regarding safety requirements, is to be sent to the Manger of Health & Safety Solutions for approval prior to use.Equipment, Machinery, Tools & Materials
All equipment, machinery, tools or materials provided to the employees by the GC or EAC for use in display booth assembling or dismantling must conform to all applicable federal, state and local regulations. The Javits Center has the right to prohibit the use by employees of any equipment, machinery, tools, and carts or material that do not meet or compromise applicable regulatory requirements or the Center’s safety policies and procedures.Loading Dock
All trailers in bays as well as trucks on ramps are always to be chocked while un/loading is being conducted. Placement and removal of the chocks is to be conducted by the GC. Dock plates provided by the GC are to be inspected and free from damage. If a dock plate is found to be damaged the GC is responsible for tagging and removing the dock plate from the facility. All dock plates brought on site is meet or exceed the specifications required for the maximum weight handled.Step Ladders
The proper size ladder is to be provided where necessary. Those supervising employees are to ensure that climbing on unstable objects such as stacked crates, chairs, tables or the ribs of a booth structure is not permitted. When providing any ladder, as a minimum, the GC or EAC is to ensure the following:Scaffolding
Where scaffolding is needed for booth assembly/dismantle, the area in which the scaffolding is used must be large enough to ensure that outriggers are capable of being used as required in that space. Baker type scaffold is prohibited where working levels exceed 6 feet in height. Tubular scaffold is permitted where working level does not exceed 18 feet, and must have the working level fully planked, all guardrails in place, outriggers properly used, and all wheels locked while in use. The scaffolding is never to be moved or rolled while it is occupied by personnel.Personal Protective Equipment
The GC and EAC must provide and make readily accessible all types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and must contain the appropriate markings meeting the most recent ANSI/ISEA Standards. The following, PPE must be available at all times:Fall Prevention
The information noted here is to provide information to assist you in identifying a potential fall hazard. There may be other categories which require attention as well, which need to be reported to the Manager of Health & Safety as soon as they are identified, so that preventative measures can be quickly determined for your protection.Slip, Trip & Fall Prevention
To prevent slip, trips and falls, housekeeping and maintenance in work areas and pedestrian paths need to be routinely maintained. The following cause of such incidents in which additional attention is to be provided by the GC’s and EAC’s:Egress and Egress Access
No Freight Aisle – All aisles labeled as “No Freight” are to be maintained mainly by the General Contractor in a manner which does not block egress access. EAC’s are to ensure that their freight does not impede in these designated areas.Elevators and Escalators
Center Access
Center employees on official business cannot be denied access by event management or any of their sub-contractors to any areas within the facility.
Security
Trained service animals for persons with disabilities are permitted as described in the "Accessibility" information on the Center's website. No other animals are permitted in the Center except as part of an approved exhibit, activity or performance legitimately requiring the use of animals. Event manager's must obtain necessary permits and comply with all relevant laws (including, but not limited to, the NYS prohibition of animal fighting). If approved by the Center, animals must be on a leash, within a pen or under similar control at all times. The owner takes full responsibility of his/her animal.
All high risk activities not prohibited by other sections of these regulations require approval of Center management at least 30 days in advance. Show management is responsible for ascertaining that there are no exclusions or limitations in their insurance policy that apply. Such activities include but are not limited to motorized sporting events, acrobatic stunts, mechanical amusement devices and audience participation in athletic activities.
Motorized personal transporters, scooters and similar vehicles are not permitted in the Javits Center absent a compelling need, coupled with assurances of safe operation and adequate insurance coverage provided by Event Management, all of which must be approved by the Javits Center at least 30 days in advance. Motorized devices are permitted for use by people with mobility impairments as described in the "Accessibility" information on the Javits Center's website. The Javits Center offers personal mobility vehicles for rent during events, and individuals interested in renting such a vehicle can call 212.216.2196 or order one here.
Flammable or combustible mixtures, waste, liquids and other hazardous materials are not permitted without approval of Javits Center management. More information on Hazardous Materials is available in the "Fire Safety" section of these Rules. Firearms, weapons, and live ammunition may not be displayed or sold at Javits Center events.
Adhesive-backed decals and flooring are strictly prohibited and cannot be used for any purpose within the Center.
The use of any glitter is not permitted in the carpeted areas of the Center. Decorative use of glitter in other areas must be approved by Javits management. A cleaning fee may be assessed for any use of glitter.
Fountains, and other water containers used for decorative purpose, must be waterproofed and inspected by the Center's Building Operations Department.
More information on Decorations is available in the "Fire Safety" section of these Rules.
Painting any structural part of the Javits Center (walls, floor, ceilings, etc.) is prohibited. Altering any building component such as drilling holes in the floor, or installing anchor bolts in the walls is prohibited.
Show management must submit a plan with all potential banner locations for Center's Convention Services Division to approve 60 days prior to the show. Banners shall be limited to the inner-roadway concourse façade, northern and eastern exposures, and the Crystal Palace, northern and southern exposures. The banners must be made of a "loose-weave mesh" finish type material and shall not exceed .5 lb. per square foot. Any single banner shall be no larger than 1200 square feet (20 feet by 60 feet works well but other sizes-by ten-ft. measurements-can be accommodated) and must be supported every 5 feet on center. The Show Management's decorating company must submit to this office a sample fastener for approval. There must be a protective coating on the fasteners so as not to damage the finish of the curtain wall. The Center reserves the right to inspect and evaluate all banners and hanging methods, and to have additional advisers and consultants as they deem necessary at the sole cost of show management. To avoid interfering with an ongoing show, times and dates for installation and removal of exterior banners must be coordinated through the Center's Convention Services Division.
The Javits Center is committed to maintaining a safe environment and to promoting and enforcing responsible safety practices. The following Fire Safety Rules apply to Show Managers, Contractors and Exhibitors. Notices will be issued for violations and/or failing to take corrective measures. Show Managers are responsible for correcting violations. Failure to do so will result in remedial action by Javits (e.g. removal of non-compliant structures, posting of a Fire Watch) at show management's expense.
The Center operates and staffs on a 24-hour basis the Command Center that monitors fire safety and all other safety features of the Center. The Command Center responds to all emergencies, including fire emergencies. Dial 2222 from house phones (located in corridors throughout the Center) or (212) 216-2222 from any other phone. Give your name, type of emergency and exact location of the occurrence.
The following are strictly prohibited within Center:
Propane and propane operated equipment is prohibited in the facility except as follows: propane cylinders of 1 lb. or less (and no more than 20 lbs. aggregate) may be permitted if approved in advance by Center management.
All materials used in exhibit construction and decoration (including without limitation hard wall, canopies, drapes, foam core, tablecloths, burlap, scrim or similar materials) must be fire retardant, i.e. they must either have been flame-proofed by the manufacturer prior to purchase or be flame-proofed by a person certified by the New York City Fire Department following approved New York City Fire Code procedures and standards. Exhibitors and contractors must have available on site for inspection the appropriate paperwork to demonstrate that these requirements have been met, that either a tag affixed to the item demonstrating that the item has been flame-proofed by the manufacturer or a certificate (valid for one year) demonstrating post-purchase application of fire retardant. Spot checks of compliance with this requirement will be conducted periodically. In addition, field flame tests may be conducted. Appropriate action will be taken if such inspections and tests reveal incidents of non-compliance.
Fireworks, flash pots and other pyrotechnic devices/events are prohibited without advance written approval from Center management. Approval will be contingent, in part, on the Show Manager or Exhibitor obtaining appropriate government permits and insurance coverage.
The following may not be blocked or access impeded:
Forklifts and similar vehicles must be fueled outside the facility in designated areas. Fueling on Level 1 dock inner roadway is prohibited.
No banner, display or sign shall be erected in a manner that may block or interfere with the operation of any of the items listed above.
Materials may be stored in truck loading dock spaces with the following restrictions:
Materials may be stored in inactive exhibition halls with prior written approval of Javits management and with the following restrictions:
A hot work permit is required when hot work is performed for exhibit construction. The Center's Safety Manager can provide information on obtaining hot work permits.
Note: Additional restrictions may be imposed as necessitated by ongoing renovation work.
Center employees on official business cannot be denied access by event management or any of their sub-contractors to any areas within the facility.
The Center maintains twenty-four (24) hour security for the perimeter areas and internal patrols. The show manager is responsible for the complete security within the exhibit areas, meeting rooms, and other areas; including crowd control in public areas. Show management must assure that a security supervisor is on site at all times to receive information or complaints in reference to the conduct of contract security employees. We reserve the right to ask security personnel to leave if the situation warrants such action. Contracted security may not carry firearms or weapons of any kind without prior written permission from Javits management.
The Center does not accept advance shipment of freight or materials prior to the contracted move-in date. All shipments to be delivered to the Center after the official move-in date must be to the attention of the event general decorating contractor. All equipment brought into the Center must be delivered and removed through the loading dock areas. The Center will not accept shipment of freight and/or material to the show manager. An exception to this is equipment loaded through the Taxi Drop off access door for use on level 2. All equipment brought into the Center must be brought into the building via the access doors assigned to your event space. Under no circumstances will C.O.D deliveries be accepted by the Center
The Javits Center maintains a smoke-free campus. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on Javits Center property, including the inner roadway and Javits-owned sidewalks. .
Within New York City, public transportation is always a quick and affordable way to go- and the opening of the new 7 Subway line extension across the street makes the trip even more convenient.
Arriving from out of state? We have directions and helpful tips whether you are arriving by car, train, plane, or more.
429 11th Avenue
New York, NY 10001
(212) 216-2000
moreinfo@javitscenter.com