The IATSE won the right to represent employees of New Orleans-based Sheppard Convention Services, Inc., Thomas C. Short, International President stated. The election was held after a prolonged, back and forth dispute among IA Local 39, Shepard Convention Services, Inc. and the Carpenters Union.

Prior to the jurisdictional dispute, IATSE Local 39 had a long-term relationship with Sheppard Convention Services, Inc. When the extended contract expired, Sheppard decided to assign the work historically performed by members of IATSE Local 39 to the Carpenters Union, prompting the IATSE to file unfair labor charges against Sheppard. Sheppard then returned the work to the jurisdiction of the IATSE prompting the Carpenters to file suit against Sheppard. A 10K hearing was held by the NLRB resulting in its ruling that the work should be assigned to the IATSE. Following the NLRB hearing results, the member vote was tallied with an overwhelming majority in favor of IATSE representation.