What type of rigging-regulation variables might I discover between venues and shows?

There are often radical differences in rigging capabilities and rules between venues in a single city, and sometimes various locations within the same building can have totally different challenges and limitations. So here's a brief rundown of some of the main variables that can affect a locale's rigging stipulations.

➤ Structural Conditions – Each venue has specific weight and height limitations for rigged elements based on the building's load-bearing capabilities.

➤ Geographical Variations – Various geographic regions come with their own additional guidelines that further restrict weight and height allowances due to location-related irregularities. If the locale is prone to earthquakes, high winds, or heavy snow, rigging may be more restrictive compared to locations void of these variables.

➤ Facility-Management Imposed Limitations – Some venues have stricter rigging guidelines to limit liability concerns or as a result of insurance regulations. That is, their rules may go above and beyond typical structural-engineering constraints and may be guided to some extent by management's level of risk tolerance.

➤ Show-Management Restrictions – Each show may have its own restrictions for myriad reasons. These can include everything from a limited move-in and move-out schedule and efforts to create an appealing exhibit hall to general-contractor demands and the show's insurance requirements.

➤ Location Within the Venue – Sometimes areas within the same building can have different rigging limits. For example, compared to the larger venue, one section or hall may have a completely different roof structure – or even a drop ceiling.

As you can see, variables abound. So when it comes to rigging, what's allowed at one site for one show may be verboten in another spot or at a different event. Therefore, it's imperative that you or your exhibit house carefully investigate all rigging conventions set forth by each venue and show to ensure that your exhibit plans will fly both literally and figuratively.