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
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
Add new comment