Rigging Rules & Regulations
Rigging Defined
The term “rigging” as used in this document refers to the overhead suspension of objects from any portion of the physical building.
Contractor Guidelines
Contractors are expected to submit rigging plans to the Washington State Convention Center through the Event Manager for review and approval. Contractors shall notify the WSCC immediately if any rigging requests are made which do not comply with stated rules and regulations.
Contractors are expected to abide by all rules and regulations of the WSCC.
All rigging must be done with rated, stamped, and approved hardware only.
The WSCC will charge the rigging contractor for any costs associated with damage done to the building.
Exhibit Halls 4ABC
Catwalk
Hanging from catwalks must be a dead hang (vertical) only. Load limit from catwalks is 200 pounds (lbs.) per hanger. Minimum distance between hangers is 25 feet. A maximum of (3) hangers per 100 feet.
Beams
Hanging from purlines (spreaders between trusses) must be a dead hang only. Load limit from purlines is 200 lbs. per point. Minimum distance between points is 4 feet.
Hanging from bottom chord truss may bridle at no more than 45 degrees. Load limit from bottom chord truss is 1600 lbs. per point. Minimum distance between points is 4 feet.
When wrapping around beams a protective wrap must be used.
Airwall Tracks
Load limit from airwall tracks is 200 lbs. per point. Minimum distance between points is 4 feet. Rigging from airwall tracks shall be with approved hangers only.
NOT ALLOWED
- Rigging is not allowed from any fixtures other than catwalks, beams, and airwall tracks.
- Rigging is not allowed from the high steel.
- Rigging is not allowed from vertical cross members between top and bottom chord truss.
- Beam insulation may not be removed.
The Level 4 Exhibit Halls 4ABC require that all hang‑points have a 360 degree wrap of protection around the fireproofed structural trusses, and are clear of all sprinkler heads.
Exhibit Hall 4D (Pedestrian Bridge)
All Rigging must have a protective wrap of carpet around the structural tube to shield it from the rigging gear. Subcontractors will be charged a minimum of $100 for damage to the paint on the structural tubing. Damage to the structural tube by denting or scaring due to rigging will be charged to the subcontractor.
Structural Tubing
- 2,500 lbs. @ 30’ On Center (OC)
- 7,500 lbs. Maximum Weight per Truss Line
The Structural Tubes are the only elements on the Pedestrian Bridge that any significant rigging loads will be considered for. All other questions to rigging in this area must be submitted to the Event Manager at least a month prior to the event so the Event Manager and the Director of Operations can review and comment.
Also, do not assume that any sign can be put up on the Pedestrian Bridge. Treat them as rigging requirements and submit the request at least a month out in advance.
Exhibit Hall 4E and 4F
All rigging must have a protective wrap of carpet around the structural tube to shield it from the rigging gear. Subcontractors will be charged a minimum of $100 for damage to the paint on the structural steel.
Main Truss (Runs North and South)
- 2,500 lbs. @ 30’ On Center (OC)
- 20,000 lbs. Maximum Weight per Truss Line
- Rig from Bottom Chord of Truss ONLY
Bracing Between Truss (Runs East and West)
- 2,500 lbs. @ 30’ OC
- 20,000 lbs. Maximum Weight per Brace Line
- Rig from Bottom Chord of Brace ONLY
NOT ALLOWED
- NO High Steel Rigging
- NO Vertical Steel Rigging
- NO Diagonal Brace Rigging
- NO Hanging of a 2,500 lbs. Load on a truss and an adjacent brace. Loads must be a full section apart
- NO Rigging from North Catwalks
- NO Rigging from North Operable Wall Tracks
Ballrooms 6ABCE
Heavy Load Points
Hanging from heavy load points must be a dead hang (vertical) only. Load limit is 4000 pounds (lbs.) per point.
Airwall Tracks
Load limit from airwall tracks is 200 lbs. per point. Minimum distance between points is 4 feet. Rigging from airwall tracks shall be with approved hangers only.
Catwalk
Hanging from catwalks must be a dead hang only. Load limit from catwalks is 200 pounds (lbs.) per hanger. Minimum distance between hangers is 25 feet. Maximum of 3 hangers per 100 feet.
Soffets
Rigging from soffets shall be with approved hangers only. Load limit per soffet hanger is 40 lbs.
Other
No rigging is allowed from any fixtures other than heavy load points, airwall tracks, catwalks, and soffets.
Ceiling Loads
Please review your overhead equipment hanging needs, in advance, with your Event Manager.
Meetings Rooms and Hallways
There are no weight bearing pick-points in these areas.
Signage, Banners, & Decorations
Your event entrance location will be listed daily by the WSCC at the elevator and escalator landings.
Signs, banners and decorations may not be affixed to the facility or suspended from any surfaces in the WSCC without prior review and approval. All items should be free-standing and may not obstruct exit doors, exit lights, fire alarm pull boxes, fire hose cabinets, fire extinguishers or facility signage. Suspension points do not include light fixtures, sprinkler heads, conduit, HVAC ducts, etc.
No pins, tacks or adhesives of any sort are permitted on any wall or door. No signs or banners may be placed on the exterior of the facility.
It is imperative that your banners (size and placement) be approved in advance of your show. Banners may be hung over the Galleria escalators on Levels 2 and 3, provided they allow clearance above the escalator of 9 feet and are affixed to the base of the balcony handrail. They must be made of lightweight materials so as not to place undue weight or stress the handrails.
Commercial graphics may be hung in the facility for a fee of $500 per each graphic and shall be billed to the client in the event invoice. This fee applies to any graphics hung from or attached to any portion of the facility, including hanging over an exhibitor booth.
WSCC’s gobo lighting fixtures in the exhibit halls may be used for commercial graphics for a fee of $500 per fixture, plus the cost of cutting the gobo template (subject to the specific detail of the art submitted).
Clients with significant multiple commercial graphics may negotiate a “lump sum” fee in lieu of a per graphic fee. The lump sum fee is subject to the prior written approval of the General Manager or Assistant General Manager.
If your event has not hired a show contractor to provide the labor and expertise to handle your signage installation needs, please let us know how we might assist you. Our staff might be able to assist in hanging banners or signs. Check with your Event Manager for the suitable hanging device to bring; many times an "S" hook will work well for lightweight banners and signs.
Our Event Services staff can assist you with identifying directional signage locations that will best meet the needs of your guests arriving on foot, by car, taxi or perhaps a shuttle. We can help you determine the quantities of signage needed and/or the locations.
Show Banners may be placed on certain light poles outside and approaching the WSCC. These light poles are controlled by the city of Seattle. To obtain information on how to get your banners on these light poles contact:
John Zavis
Seattle Street Use & Permit Office
(206) 684-5267 (direct)
(206) 684-5283