Rigging, Truss, and Lighting Guidelines
General Information
Labor requirements for truss, rigging, lighting, and electrical work may vary depending on the selected service provider, work location within the Anaheim Convention Center, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the scope of work being performed.
Exhibitors utilizing Freeman or Encore should coordinate directly with their selected provider regarding labor requirements, staffing ratios, permitted exhibitor labor participation, and work rules applicable to their installation.
Exhibitors who manufacture or distribute truss, lighting, or related equipment may be permitted to participate in portions of the installation within their booth space using full-time employees, subject to provider approval, applicable labor agreements, safety requirements, and review of the installation plans.
All lighting, cabling, electrical distribution, and suspended equipment installations must comply with applicable electrical codes, OSHA regulations, facility safety requirements, and provider work rules.
Chain hoist distribution, suspended load calculations, and overhead rigging systems must be reviewed and approved by the on-site ETCP-certified rigging supervisor designated by the exhibitor's selected rigging provider prior to installation.
All wiring, cabling, lighting, and suspended systems are subject to inspection by the applicable service provider and/or authority having jurisdiction prior to being energized, raised, or operated during the event.
Personnel working within designated overhead work areas may be required to wear a Type I hard hat meeting ANSI Z89 safety standards and any additional required personal protective equipment.
Rigging Services
The Anaheim Convention Center (ACC) maintains an exclusive agreement with Encore for rigging services in designated areas of the facility. These areas include:
• ACC Level 2 and Level 3 Meeting Rooms
• Ballrooms
• Arena Lobby
• ACC North 200 Level
For these exclusive areas, all rigging services must be coordinated through Encore.
In exhibit halls and other non-exclusive areas, exhibitors may utilize Freeman or Encore for rigging services, subject to NAMM Show rules, facility requirements, and applicable labor agreements.
Plan Review & Pre-Show Coordination
All suspended structures, hanging truss systems, chain hoists, lighting grids, and other overhead assemblies must be reviewed and approved by the exhibitor's selected rigging provider prior to installation.
Exhibitors are required to submit:
• Scaled rigging and lighting plans
• Structural load calculations
• Engineering documentation when required
• Ceiling point requests and chain hoist distribution plans for suspended structures
Plans should be submitted through the exhibitor's selected service provider (Freeman or Encore) no later than December 4, 2026.
Any revisions to approved rigging or overhead structure plans made on-site must be reviewed and approved by the on-site ETCP-certified rigging supervisor designated by the exhibitor's selected rigging provider prior to installation or suspension of the structure.
Encore (exclusive rigging provider in designated ACC areas)
Aaron Maher
aaron.maher@encoreglobal.com
Freeman (exhibit halls and non-exclusive areas)
Greg Marks, ETCP, Rigging Supervisor
Greg.Marks@freemanco.com
Exhibitors utilizing Freeman for pre-show electrical services may contact:
Jason Tunstall, Electrical Director
ElectricalOps-SoCal@freemanco.com
Ground Supported Truss
Truss that is supported by the Exhibit Facility floor is considered Ground Supported Truss. Seismic cables may be required for truss that is 16’ and over for earthquake purposes as determined by the ETCP Certified Supervisor.
Exhibitor’s fulltime employees may use their own ladders up to 10 ft in order to perform work safely at a maximum height of 12 ft.
An exhibitor may attach and operate chain hoists to ground supported truss within their booth if (1) they have documentation that the structure will safely support the weight of the hoists and (2) they are employees of the manufacturer or distributor of the hoist or truss.
An exhibitor may demonstrate this equipment during show days considering show rules.
Aerial Truss
Truss that is suspended from the ceiling of the Exhibit Facility is considered Aerial Truss.
All Aerial truss must have paperwork stamped from a Structural Engineer proving that it is designed to be rigged from the ceiling. All aerial truss and attachments are subject to inspection by the designated rigging provider and/or the on-site ETCP-certified rigging supervisor prior to being raised to their final show height.
The selected rigging provider may require a reflected ceiling plan (DWG file) and supporting load calculations for review and approval prior to installation.
Any additional attachments or changes to the truss from the approved pre-show plan must be approved again by the onsite Rigging Supervisor to ensure the ceiling is still within safe loading parameters.
All Exhibitor work on Aerial truss must be performed at the working height of 5’ or lower. Truss that is at the final height for the show must be worked on by the Rigging Crew in a boom lift or scissor lift.
Building-supported chain hoists may only be installed and operated by authorized personnel of the designated rigging provider.
All attachments to the facility structure must be installed by authorized personnel in accordance with facility requirements.
Lighting and Electrical Distribution on Truss, Ground and Aerial Supported
Freeman is the official electrical contractor for The NAMM Show. All electrical services must be ordered through Freeman. Connections to facility power, electrical distribution equipment, and electrical service installation must be performed by Freeman.
All lighting fixtures, cabling, electrical distribution equipment, and control systems must be installed in accordance with applicable electrical codes, OSHA regulations, facility requirements, and provider work rules.
All electrical distribution systems are subject to inspection prior to connection to power. Exhibitors may be permitted to focus lighting from approved lifts with authorized personnel, subject to provider policies, safety requirements, and execution of any required waivers.
Exhibitors may program and operate lighting systems following installation, provided all equipment is operated safely and in accordance with show regulations and applicable codes.
Work Exhibitors are not allowed to perform
Exhibitors may not:
• Attach items directly to the facility structure without approval
• Operate building-supported rigging equipment unless authorized
• Climb truss or suspended structures except as specifically approved by NAMM for authorized demonstrations
• Operate boom lifts or scissor lifts unless authorized and properly trained
• Perform work that violates OSHA regulations, facility policies, or applicable labor agreements