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SAN DIEGO, CAMODERATE UNION
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San Diego Convention Center (Halls A–H & Sails Pavilion)

Waterfront Southern California hub for BIO International, TwitchCon, Comic-Con, Esri UC, and medical society annual meetings.

Avg. Drayage: ~$178 / CWT (100 lbs) • 500W Power: ~$225 • Space: 615,000 sq. ft.GROUNDED TELEMETRY
UNION & BUILDING TELEMETRYModerate Union
LABOR JURISDICTIONSouthwest Carpenters Local 619 & IATSE Local 122
CEILING CLEARANCEHalls A–H: 30 ft clear height
DRAYAGE ESTIMATE~$178 per 100 lbs (CWT)
VENUE ADDRESS111 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
EXHIBITOR DIY SETUP & MARSHALING RULES

Union Jurisdiction & Dock Rules at San Diego Convention Center

  • DIY Exhibitor Setup Rule: Tool-free 10x10 and 10x20 SEG lightboxes, tension fabric walls, and retractable stands may be assembled by full-time exhibitor staff.
  • Marshaling Yard & Dock Protocol: Ground-level Harbor Drive rear bay doors allow fast Southern California direct truck turnaround.
  • Ceiling Height & Hanging Sign Limits: Halls A–H: 30 ft clear height
SLASH DRAYAGE WITH TOOL-FREE DISPLAYS

Lightweight Purchased Displays & Turnkey Rentals

Avoid $1,500+ union drayage bills at San Diego Convention Center with tool-free purchased displays (yours to keep) or turnkey rental booths:

Upcoming 2026–2027 Trade Shows in San Diego, CA

Frequently Asked Questions — San Diego Convention CenterShow 3 FAQs ▾
Can I set up my own 10x10 or 10x20 trade show booth at San Diego Convention Center?

Tool-free 10x10 and 10x20 SEG lightboxes, tension fabric walls, and retractable stands may be assembled by full-time exhibitor staff. Primary labor jurisdiction at San Diego Convention Center is Southwest Carpenters Local 619 & IATSE Local 122 (Moderate Union). For larger 20x20 island builds or hands-free installation, NXT Stage provides full union-compliant turnkey Installation & Dismantle (I&D) crews.

How much does drayage (material handling) cost at San Diego Convention Center?

Average material handling (drayage) at San Diego Convention Center is ~$178 per CWT (100 lbs), and a standard 500W electrical drop averages ~$225. Switching from heavy legacy wood crates (1,200+ lbs) to NXT Stage lightweight SIP/aluminum rental booths (100–280 lbs) or purchased SEG lightboxes (14–56 lbs) typically saves $900–$2,100 in venue drayage fees.

Where is the marshaling yard and what are the ceiling height limits at San Diego Convention Center?

Ground-level Harbor Drive rear bay doors allow fast Southern California direct truck turnaround. Ceiling height clearances: Halls A–H: 30 ft clear height. Official venue address: 111 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101.