Venues · Rigging and LED
Baltimore Convention Center: rigging, labor and AV logistics
Baltimore Convention Center (BCC) publishes a 2026 operations guide and a rigging guide linked from its planning documents. Its rules distinguish general AV, rigging, house audio and utilities. The room and contract determine what applies to an event.
1. Room and contract
Choose the hall, ballroom or meeting room and match the current plan to the contract. The 2026 manual gives different heights and access by area. A published dimension or directory listing does not establish availability.
2. Rigging and points
Projection provides exclusive rigging services and motors attached to the structure. The rigging guide calls for a scaled CAD/VWX plan with weights, points and trim heights. Prepare a quote plan 45 or more days before the event and a final plan 21 days before load-in. Published ratings distinguish tracks, pigeon holes and other points; do not transfer a room rating to another room. Obtain current point drawings and design approval.
3. Labor and AV scope
The manual assigns IATSE Local 19 rigging, theatrical lighting, structural and LED-wall work, and specified loading tasks. Labor requests are due 30 days before work starts. Projection is preferred for general AV, not exclusive to all AV equipment. Define each party’s supply and who operates built-in audio.
4. Services and providers
Edlen exclusively provides electrical, plumbing and compressed-air services; Hospitality Network exclusively provides telecommunications and connectivity. Projection is exclusive for rigging and built-in audio. Order power, location, connectors, network, rigging and audio for this event’s design; a general venue offering does not guarantee a hookup.
| Service | Published provider | Event decision |
|---|---|---|
| Power, water and air | Edlen, exclusive | Order location and capacity. |
| Network and telecom | Hospitality Network, exclusive | Specify show connectivity. |
| Rigging and built-in audio | Projection, exclusive | Approve points and integration. |
| General AV | Projection, preferred | Define provider and scope. |
5. Floors and routes
The manual lists 350 lb/ft² for exhibit hall floors and 100 lb/ft² for lobbies and the specified upper levels. These are general distributed-load limits, not clearance for point, wheel or video-wall support loads. Calculate weight, route and protection and submit them before load-in.
6. Docks and freight
BCC does not receive or store show freight without a CharmCity PASS arrangement. For direct delivery to a general service contractor, that contractor must receive it at the dock during contracted dates and hours; drivers follow the marshaling arrangement. Set consignee, route, window and unloading before shipping.
7. Safety and changes
Rigging plans and suspended materials need review; keep exits, signs, sprinklers and emergency equipment clear. Venue, contractor, organizer and authority approvals have distinct roles. Resubmit changes in weights, positions or structure before installation.
| Deliverable | Published timing | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Labor request | 30 days before work | Coordinate IATSE Local 19. |
| Quote plan | 45 or more days before event | Submit weights and schedule. |
| Final rigging plan | 21 days before load-in | Obtain written review. |
8. Event package
Collect contract and room, floor plan, CAD/VWX with point loads, schedule, IATSE labor request, Edlen and Hospitality Network orders, Projection scope, floor calculation and freight plan. Retain event-specific decisions and authorizations.
Frequently asked questions
Is Projection exclusive for all audiovisual work?
No. BCC lists Projection as preferred for general AV and exclusive for rigging services and the built-in audio system. Confirm house-system connections and which work requires IATSE Local 19 with the venue.
When are labor requests and rigging plans due?
The operations guide asks for labor requests 30 days before work starts. The rigging guide requests quote plans 45 or more days before the event and final plans 21 days before load-in. These are separate deliverables; confirm contract dates.
Official documentation
Reviewed October 18, 2026. 34-page 2026 Event Operations and Planning Guide: services (PDF pp. 4–7), freight (p. 15), dimensions and floors (pp. 28–30); BCC-linked Rigging Event Rates & Regulations Guide, September 2026 file, PDF pp. 1–4; official Planning Documents and Utilities pages. Rigging chart distinguishes point types and rooms; it is not reproduced as a blanket permission. The rigging file includes expired rates and an inconsistent union heading; neither is used.