The Short Answer: What Lighting Is Allowed at US Trade Shows?
At virtually all major US trade show venues, portable LED arm lights, clip-on display lights, and battery-powered booth lights are permitted without special permits. What typically requires approval or is restricted includes: overhead rigged lighting, open-flame fixtures, high-wattage halogen lights, and any electrical connection to venue power beyond standard outlets.
The rules vary by venue and by show. Always consult the official Exhibitor Services Manual for your specific event — but this guide gives you a reliable baseline for the most common US venues.
Why Venue Lighting Rules Matter
Violating venue lighting rules can result in your lighting being removed by show management before the event opens — leaving your booth dark and your investment wasted. Some venues also charge significant fees for unauthorized electrical connections. Understanding the rules in advance protects your budget and your booth.
McCormick Place (Chicago, IL)
McCormick Place is the largest convention center in North America and hosts major shows including PACK EXPO, the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), and the National Restaurant Association Show.
- Portable LED lights: Permitted. Battery-powered and USB-powered arm lights require no approval.
- Electrical connections: All connections to venue power must be made by MPEA (Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority) electricians. Exhibitors cannot plug directly into floor outlets without going through the official electrical order process.
- Overhead rigging: Requires advance approval and must be performed by venue-approved riggers. Significant additional cost.
- High-wattage fixtures: Fixtures over a certain wattage threshold (typically 500W per circuit) require dedicated electrical orders.
Practical tip: At McCormick Place, using battery-powered or rechargeable LED booth lights eliminates the need to order venue electricity entirely — saving $150–$400+ per show in electrical fees.
Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) — Las Vegas, NV
The LVCC hosts CES, SEMA, CONEXPO, and dozens of other major trade shows annually.
- Portable LED lights: Permitted. Battery and USB-powered lights are widely used and require no permits.
- Venue electrical: Managed by the show's official electrical contractor (varies by show). Exhibitors must order power through the official exhibitor kit.
- Overhead rigging: Requires advance approval, show management sign-off, and must be executed by licensed riggers. Lead time of several weeks is typical.
- Open flame: Prohibited in all exhibit areas.
Practical tip: CES in particular has strict rules about booth height and lighting that extends beyond your contracted space. Ensure your lighting is directed inward toward your own booth, not outward toward aisles or neighboring booths.
Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) — Orlando, FL
The OCCC hosts major events including HIMSS, IAAPA Expo, and the PGA Merchandise Show.
- Portable LED lights: Permitted without restriction for battery or USB-powered units.
- Venue electrical: Managed by OCCC's in-house electrical services. All hardwired connections require official electrical orders.
- Rigging: Must be pre-approved and executed by OCCC-approved contractors. Rigging points are limited and must be reserved in advance.
- LED strips and backlit panels: Generally permitted if self-contained and not connected to venue power without an electrical order.
Javits Center (New York, NY)
The Javits Center hosts New York Comic Con, the International Auto Show, and numerous B2B trade events.
- Portable LED lights: Permitted.
- Venue electrical: All electrical work must be performed by IBEW Local 3 electricians through the official order process. This is strictly enforced.
- Rigging: Requires advance approval and licensed riggers. The Javits Center has specific rigging points and load limits.
- Important note: The Javits Center is known for strict enforcement of union labor rules. Any electrical connection — including plugging a power strip into a floor outlet — may require an official electrical order.
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center (Dallas, TX)
Hosts major events including the Dallas Market Center shows and various industry expos.
- Portable LED lights: Permitted without restriction for self-powered units.
- Venue electrical: Managed through the show's official electrical contractor. Standard outlet orders are available at moderate cost.
- Rigging: Requires advance approval. Less restrictive than some larger venues but still requires coordination with show management.
General Rules That Apply at Most US Trade Show Venues
While every venue has its own specific rules, these principles apply broadly across major US convention centers:
- Battery and USB-powered LED lights: Almost universally permitted with no permits or fees required.
- Venue power connections: Always require an official electrical order through the show's designated contractor.
- Overhead rigging: Always requires advance approval, licensed riggers, and additional cost. Plan at least 4–6 weeks ahead.
- Open flame: Prohibited at all major US venues.
- Lighting directed at other booths: Prohibited. All lighting must be directed within your contracted booth space.
- Lighting height restrictions: In-line booths (not island booths) typically have an 8-foot height restriction. Lighting fixtures must stay within this limit.
How to Check the Rules for Your Specific Show
- Download the Exhibitor Services Manual (also called the Exhibitor Kit) from your show's official website.
- Look for sections labeled "Electrical," "Lighting," or "Display Rules and Regulations."
- Contact the show's Exhibitor Services team directly if the manual is unclear — they are required to answer these questions.
- If you plan to rig overhead lighting, contact the venue's rigging department at least 6 weeks before the show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are LED lights allowed at trade shows?
Yes. LED lights are allowed at all major US trade shows. Battery-powered and USB-rechargeable LED arm lights and clip-on display lights require no permits and no venue electrical orders at virtually every convention center in the United States.
Do I need a permit to use lighting at a trade show?
For portable, battery-powered LED lights, no permit is required. For any lighting that connects to venue electrical power, you must submit an official electrical order through the show's designated electrical contractor. For overhead rigged lighting, advance approval from show management and the venue is required.
Can I plug my booth lights into a venue outlet myself?
At most major US venues — particularly those with union labor agreements (McCormick Place, Javits Center) — plugging into a venue outlet without an official electrical order is not permitted and may result in fines or having your equipment disconnected. Battery-powered lights are the simplest way to avoid this issue entirely.
What lighting is not allowed at trade shows?
Open-flame lighting is prohibited at all major US trade shows. Lighting directed outside your contracted booth space (toward aisles or neighboring booths) is also prohibited. High-wattage fixtures that exceed venue electrical capacity without a dedicated circuit order are not permitted. Overhead rigged lighting without prior approval is prohibited.
Are battery-powered lights allowed at McCormick Place?
Yes. Battery-powered and USB-rechargeable LED lights are permitted at McCormick Place without any special permits or electrical orders. This is one of the most cost-effective ways to light your booth at McCormick Place, as it eliminates the need to order venue electricity through MPEA electricians.
What are the lighting rules at CES (Las Vegas Convention Center)?
At CES, portable LED lights are permitted. Any connection to venue power requires an official electrical order. Overhead rigging requires advance approval from show management. Lighting must be directed within your own booth space and cannot extend above your contracted booth height without approval. CES also enforces strict rules about booth structures that may affect how you mount lighting.
Can I use a backlit display at a trade show?
Yes, backlit fabric displays and LED lightbox panels are permitted at most US trade shows. If the display is self-contained with its own power supply (battery or included adapter), it typically requires only a standard electrical order if connecting to venue power. Always confirm with your specific show's exhibitor manual.
How much does venue lighting rental cost at trade shows?
Venue-rented lighting at major US trade shows typically costs $150–$600 per fixture for a single show, plus electrical connection fees of $100–$400 depending on the venue and power requirements. Purchasing your own portable LED booth lights for $150–$400 total is almost always more cost-effective if you exhibit more than once per year.
The Bottom Line
For most exhibitors at most US venues, the answer is simple: bring your own battery-powered or USB-rechargeable LED arm lights. They are permitted everywhere, require no permits, eliminate electrical fees, and can be reused across every show you attend.
If you need overhead rigging or hardwired lighting, plan at least 4–6 weeks ahead, budget for additional costs, and work directly with your show's exhibitor services team.
Looking for portable LED booth lights that work at any US trade show venue? Browse our full range of exhibit lighting — designed for exhibitors who need professional results without the venue complexity.