In an effort to effectively ensure safety and maintain the aesthetic and structural integrity of the facility, the following policies regarding rigging apply. The policies, rules, and regulations set forth in this document may not be all-inclusive and may be subject to change at the sole discretion of AV Concepts and the Phoenix Convention Center.
Phoenix Convention Center Rigging Policy
AV Concepts Inc. is the exclusive rigging contractor for the Phoenix Convention Center (“motors up” facility).
All rigging labor, chain hoists, and rigging hardware (motor up) will be provided by AV Concepts and quoted at prevailing rates.
All rigging diagrams must be approved by AV Concepts no later than 3 business days prior to load-in. Acceptable file formats: DWG or VWX. PDFs may be included for reference but are not a valid format for submission approval. If drafting services are required to produce a DWG or VWX file, this will be billed at a Project Manager (PM) hourly rate and made available for the Licensee to submit.
- All rigging drawings must include, but not limited to including:
- Drawn in current (DWG/VWX) building/space shell as available on the Phoenix Convention Center website
- All load factors
- Equipment details (this can be supplied as a callout in the drawing or in a separate spreadsheet):
- Manufacturer, Model, Weight and the Total Quantity
- Equipment counts and positions on rigging plot (Truss line)
- Callouts of cable picks or drops
- Location of pick-up points
- All diagrams must include the load imposed on each point and the total load of each individual structure to be hung (point load calculations) in order to be considered for approval
- A written request and drawing for rigging shall be submitted via our web portal no less than three (3) months prior to the lease period. Final Drawing meeting all requirements for heavy or theatrical rigging submitted less than twenty-one (21) days before move-in may incur additional charges.
- Requests and approvals for rigging services received within 3 business days of load-in will incur additional fees or may be denied. (Fees will be 20% of the total rigging invoice)
- If after review of the proposed rigging requires the services of a registered engineer, such expense shall be the sole responsibility of the Licensee.
- An estimate for rigging cannot be completed until a current rigging drawing has been submitted and approved.
- The first rigging submission submitted more than 22 days out from load-in will be free of charge. Each resubmission after that or submission 21 days or less from load-in will be charged at a minimum of 2 hours of a Rigging Supervisors time.
- The number of rigging crew members required on a call will be determined by AV Concepts based on the motor count, scope, and a Licensee provided production schedule for the event.
- Minimum Rigging call for heavy production and theatrical rigging will consist of 1x High Rigger, 2x Lower Rigger, 1x appropriate Lift on a 5-hour call.
- Requests to fly “non-standard” items due to physical characteristics, weight, rigging apparatus or lack thereof, etc. must receive written permission/approval from AV Concepts and the Phoenix Convention Center.
- Exceedingly large rigs that support abnormal loads, or non-uniform distribution of weight or hardware, may require (at the Licensee expense) plans that have been approved and stamped by a licensed engineer selected by the Phoenix Convention Center. Approved plans must be on file no later than three business days in advance of load-in.
- Once approved, any diagram that is altered must be re-submitted for approval and stamped accordingly.
- All rigging and/or hanging requests must be submitted in writing to AV Concepts 3 business days prior to event load-in.
- During the period of occupancy, the Licensee of the facility is ultimately responsible for any damage, injury, etc., that occurs due to the hanging or attachment of items to the facility itself or to facility-owned equipment by any exhibitor, contractor, subcontractor, representative, agent, etc.
- When the South Ballroom Stage and Fly system is requested, a “South Ballroom Supervisor” will need to be present and in service during the entirety of the time the space is occupied
AV Concepts On-Site Practice
- Rigging from any lighting fixtures, plumbing or sprinkler fixtures, electrical conduit, air ducts or any support mechanism is strictly prohibited.
- “Dead Hangs” must fall within prescribed weight and dimension limits. Items at or above 100lbs and/or over 10’ in length/diameter must be approved prior to any direct attachment to the building. This rigging must be undertaken by AV Concepts.
- Cable runs that consist of three or more socapex runs and are ten feet or more extending away from the rig must use a cable bridge and/or motors.
- It is strictly prohibited to add additional weight to flown equipment after AV Concepts’ riggers leave the call.
- Written permission from the Phoenix Convention Center must be obtained before any person may be suspended walk/climb upon any point or supporting structure attached to the building via rigging points. All such activities must be in accordance with OSHA regulations.
- Any heavy production and theatrical rigging (Exclude rigging on the installed Fly system in South Ballroom) will require AV Concepts to supply a minimum of 1x Lift of appropriate size for the exclusive use of rigging by AV Concepts for the complete duration that any rigging is attached to the structure and/or build.
- Motor controllers may only be operated by an AV Concepts supplied rigger (riggers shall remain on the call until all flown equipment is finalized at trim height and made safe).
- Any weight (equipment/object load) exceeding the pre-approved limits is subject to removal at the Licensee expense.
- Air wall hangers must be provided by the Phoenix Convention Center or AV Concepts (see below for guidelines and restrictions) and can only be rigged by AV Concepts.
- Floor supported structures over 20’ high must be tethered and meet all safety guidelines as outlined by the facility.
Rigging Equipment Guidelines
- AV Concepts chain motors maintain a certificate of unit test based on the manufacturer’s guidelines and ASME’s standard for overhead hoist, ASME B30.16d-1997.
- If Truss is not supplied by AV Concepts, it is subject to inspection and approved by AV Concepts rigging crew before use. Failure of inspection is at the sole expense of the Licensee.
- All equipment and materials flown must pass ANSI guidelines and be approved.
- All lifts must be in good working order and adhere to facility/industry guidelines for indoor use. Certified operators are required where applicable.
- All lifts used on carpeted surfaces require the use of 6-mil Visqueen. No wrapping tires or “diapers” for the body of the lift will be allowed.
- A steel “safety” is required on each individual item suspended with a nylon sling. GACflex slings are exempt.
- All nuts and bolts used overhead must be rated and all overhead hardware (eyebolt, etc.) must be forged unless approved by AV Concepts.
Banner & Signage
- All signs, banners, and decorations flown in ballrooms, exhibition halls, lobbies, atriums or on external building structures must be inspected by an AV Concepts rigging team member. Inspection fees will apply.
- Banner placement inside or outside of ballrooms and or meeting rooms must be approved in advance through the Phoenix Convention Center.
- Signs may not obstruct sprinkler heads and must have a clearance of no less than 18 inches.
- All signs must meet Fire Marshal guidelines.
- Signs that may injure, mar or deface any permanent building structures may not be attached by any means including nails, hooks, adhesive fasteners, staples, tacks, or screws.
- Signs may be posted on billboards, easels or other means of display.
- The hanging of pictures, banners or any other items on walls, mirrors, railings or draperies, requires the approval of the Phoenix Convention Center.
- At no time, will any item be attached to the ceiling grid, ceiling tile or to a false ceiling of the Phoenix Convention Center facility except by equipment specifically designed for this particular application and only with the prior approval.
- To assure no damage occurs to painted surfaces, all beam structures or other painted structures are to be covered with a protective material before wire, cable, etc., may be attached or placed around or over them.
- Whatever is used to hang signage must be removed with the sign. No wires, ropes, etc., shall be left behind. All items must be completely removed before the end of the lease period. Removal of any items left will be billed back at current market rates to the Licensee.
West Ballroom
Beams
- Load limits are: 5,000lbs, 2,000lbs and 300lbs per point. See CAD drawing for specifics.
- When wrapping beams a protective wrap must be used to protect the beams painted surface along with providing protection for wire rope.
- Rigging from air wall tacks shall be with approved air wall hangers only. Load tested and certified hangers manufactured specifically for the Phoenix Convention Center must be used.
- The load limit from air wall tracks is 200lbs per point. The minimum distance between points is 4 feet. Vertical “dead hangs” only, SIDE LOADS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Airwall track hangers may not be used to support people or live loads such as motors, pulleys, traveler tracks, etc.
North Ballroom
Beams
- Load limit 2,500 lbs/point (vertical load only, no bridling allowed).
- Rigging shall only be attached to rigging points. Fire insulation is not to be removed.
Air wall tracks
- Rigging from air wall tacks shall be with approved hangers only. Load tested and certified hangers manufactured specifically for air wall tracks at the Phoenix Convention Center
- The load limit from air wall tracks is 200lbs per point. The minimum distance between points is 4 feet. Vertical “dead hangs” only, NO SIDE LOAD ALLOWED. Airwall track hangers cannot be used to support people or live loads such as motors, pulleys, traveler tracks, etc.
South Ballroom
Beams
- Please contact AV Concepts for all rigging in the South Ballroom
Ballroom Manual Rigging System
- There is no fly gallery
- Using the house fly-system requires the use of an AV Concepts provided flyman and weight loader.
- The maximum weight to be installed in an arbor is 2,000lbs. Use of “trailers”, sandbags and substitution of steel weights for other material is not permitted.
- The maximum load per cable is 750lbs.
- Point loads on battens (such as trusses) are to be attached only at lift line attachment points and the load at any one point is not to exceed 750lbs.
- Nothing is to be hung from the leg or side curtain tracks. All items hung on these line sets are to be attached only to the batten and only in a manner so as not to bend or damage the tracks.
- An AV Concepts provided flyman is to load, unload, or work only one line set at a time.
- Spreader plates are to be installed every 12 weights. All unused spreader plates are to be placed under the hold-down plate at the top of the counterweight stack.
- All line sets are to be secured during loading and unloading.
- Unbalanced loads are not permitted except during loading or unloading.
- Stored weights are not to be stacked more than 6 inches high and under no circumstances to be stacked higher than the kickboard.
- All rigging loads and connections shall be subject to the approval of AV Concepts.
- Any changes to the rigging system or loose equipment shall be restored at the end of the event following load-out. Any remaining tape, tie line, trim marks, or spike marks on the stage deck, battens, or control lines shall be removed during restore.
Exhibit Halls A-E
Beams
- The load limit is 2,500lbs per point.
- When wrapping beams a protective wrap must be used to protect the beams painted surface along with providing protection for wire rope.
Air wall tracks
- Rigging from air wall tacks shall be with approved air wall hangers only. Load tested and certified hangers manufactured specifically for the Phoenix Convention Center must be used.
- The load limit from air wall tracks is 200lbs per point. The minimum distance between points is 4 feet. Vertical “dead hangs” only, SIDE LOADS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Airwall track hangers cannot be used to support people or live loads such as motors, pulleys, traveler tracks, etc.
Exhibit Halls 1-6
Beams
- The load limit is 2,500lbs per point.
- When wrapping beams a protective wrap must be used to protect the beams painted surface along with providing protection for wire rope.
Air wall tracks
- Rigging from air wall tacks shall be with approved air wall hangers only. Load tested and certified hangers manufactured specifically for the Phoenix Convention Center must be used.
- The load limit from air wall tracks is 200lbs per point. The minimum distance between points is 4 feet. Vertical “dead hangs” only, SIDE LOADS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Airwall track hangers cannot be used to support people or live loads such as motors, pulleys, traveler tracks, etc.
Exhibit Halls F-G
Beams
- Main E-W Trusses
- Lower chord w/in 6” of panel pt. – 250lbs. (increase to 300lbs if adjacent panel pts. are not loaded).
- Lower chord between panel pts. – 125lbs. (subtract from panel point capacity).
- Maximum load on a single E-W truss not to exceed 6,000lbs.
- N-S Bridging Members
- 40lbs. maximum (subtract load from connecting panel point capacity).
When wrapping beams a protective wrap must be used to protect the beams painted surface along with providing protection for wire rope.
Air wall tracks
- Rigging from air wall tacks shall be with approved air wall hangers only. Load tested and certified hangers manufactured specifically for the Phoenix Convention Center must be used.
- The load limit from air wall tracks is 200lbs per point. The minimum distance between points is 4 feet. Vertical “dead hangs” only, SIDE LOADS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Airwall track hangers cannot be used to support people or live loads such as motors, pulleys, traveler tracks, etc.
Contact Our Office at the Phoenix Convention Center
We have an office location on-site at the Phoenix Convention Center. Our dedicated team is ready to help you with all of your PCC event related needs. Contact our PCC team with the information above or email us anytime.