Moscone Center Booth Rules, Height Limits & Union Labor

Exhibiting at Moscone Center in San Francisco? Height rules look like other major U.S. halls. Labor does not. Moscone is a union facility with tight self-setup limits. Confirm that show’s kit plus Moscone fire rules before you build or rent.Impact Displays provides portable, modular, custom, and rental exhibits for Moscone North, South, and West.Typical Moscone height limits by booth typeThese are common show ranges, not the official kit.

Booth type
Typical structure height
Hanging signs
Inline / linear (10×10, 10×20)
Often 8 ft; front half often limited to about 4 ft
Usually not permitted
Perimeter
Often 12 ft
Usually not permitted
Peninsula / island
Often 16 ft
Often permitted for 400 sq ft+

Moscone fire rules: booths over 16 ft, canopies, covered booths, and two-story exhibits need prior approval. Two-story is not allowed in every hall (low-ceiling areas exist, especially in parts of Hall C and some West levels).North/South halls sit below lobby level. West has columns on some floors. Check which building you are in.Union labor at MosconeThis is the part that surprises first-time SF exhibitors.Typical Local 510 / Teamster pattern in show kits:

  • If setup needs hand tools, takes more than 30 minutes, or the exhibit is more than 10 ft in any direction, union display labor is usually required
  • Exhibitor staff may unpack and place products they manufacture
  • Backwalls, flooring, stands, and graphics are typically union I&D
  • Teamsters control dock freight; hand-carry is usually one trip, no wheels
  • IBEW handles booth electrical; IATSE handles much of the theatrical / AV / house rigging

A 10×10 pop-up might self-set if it is truly tool-free and under 30 minutes. A 10×20 modular almost never does.Which displays work well at Moscone10×10: Simplest pop-up if you want to stay inside the self-setup window.
10×20 and islands: Budget Local 510 I&D.
Tall or two-story: Confirm hall ceiling and fire-marshal approval first.FAQCan I set my own 10×20 at Moscone? Usually no if it needs tools or takes over 30 minutes.
How tall can I go? Many shows cap structures around 16 ft; over that needs approval.
Is Moscone stricter than Las Vegas? Yes, on labor.
Are these official rules? No. Your kit and Moscone jurisdictions control.Official sources

Contact Impact Displays · 1-877-217-2681