20-Footer

A 20' by (usually) 10' exhibit space.  Similar terminology (a 30 footer, etc.) may be used.

24-Hour Power

When an exhibitor orders power to be left on in a booth/stand for 24 hours during run of the event; often required when there are refrigerators, fish tanks, or computers in booth/stand.

Access Panel

Removable panel or section of exhibit to permit access to lamps, projectors, mechanisms, etc.

Advance Order

An order for goods and/or services ordered before the move-in date for an exhibition. Usually less expensive than a FLOOR ORDER.

Affixed Merchandise

Products fastened to a display.

Aisle

1) Area between a booth/stand for audience traffic movement. 2) Space between sets of tables, chairs or a booth/stand to allow passage of attendees. See GANGWAY.

Aisle Carpet

Carpet installed in aisles.

Aisle Sign

A sign, usually suspended, indicating aisle numbers or letters.

Anti-Stat for Carpet

A spray that helps reduce static electricity in carpets.

Assembly

1) The process of erecting display component parts into a complete exhibit. 2) A general or formal meeting of an organization attended by representatives of its members for the purpose of deciding legislative direction, policy matters, the election of internal committees and approval of balance sheets, budgets, etc. Consequently, an assembly usually observes certain rules of procedure for its meetings; mostly prescribed in its Articles & By-laws.

Association Booth/Stand

An exhibit booth/stand at which an association provides information about its purpose and services to members and prospective members.

At Site

Location of event or exhibit.  See ON-SITE.

Atmospherics

Use of color to create a mood in a room or exhibit.

Baby Spot

1) Small spotlight in a booth/stand, usually 15 watt. 2) Small spotlight in the ceiling of function rooms used to highlight decor, such as centerpieces.

Back Drape

A drape, curtain or fabric panel that provides a soft, colorful background for a speaker. The audience's attention will be zeroed on the speaker with enhanced concentration and retention.

Backdrop

Drapes, curtain, or fabric panels at the back of a stage, speaker's table, or exhibit booth/stand.

Back-to-Back Booth/Stand

The standard exhibit configuration where booths/stands are placed in rows, back to back.

Backwall

1) The back wall (either hardwall or draped) of a perimeter, booth/stand/exhibit, or inline. 2) Panel arrangement at rear of booth/stand area.

Backwall Booth/Stand

An exhibit that is back to back with another exhibit or against a building wall. See PERIMETER BOOTH/STAND.

Ball Light

Stationary adjustable light found on older model exhibits.

Banjo

Type of lightweight cloth used for backdrops.

Bank Pin

Pin used for hanging booth/stand ID signs, alternative to S-HOOKS.

Banner

A suspended decorative or communicative panel, usually a temporary fabric or paper. Can be used as hanging signs.

Bare Booth/Stand

Booth/stand with no services or facilities, meaning that these all have to be hired at an additional cost.

Block

1) Number of rooms reserved for one group. 2) To assign space.

Blocked Space

Sleeping rooms, exhibit, event, or other function space reserved for future use by an individual or organization.

Blocking

1) First stand-up rehearsal during which the director sets up all the action for the scene. 2) The act of reserving or assigning sleeping rooms, exhibit, event, or other function space.

Blueprint

A mechanical drawing of booth/stand layout, construction and specifications.  See FLOOR PLAN.

Bone Yard

Storage area where equipment is stored during an exhibition. This area may be located within the exhibition hall in an unused portion of the floor. Alternate spelling is Boneyard. See DUMP.

Boneyard

Storage area where equipment is stored during an exhibition. This area may be located within the exhibition hall in an unused portion of the floor. Alternate spelling is Bone Yard. See DUMP.

Booth

One or more standard units of exhibit space.  In the US, a standard unit is generally known to be a 10' x 10' space (one standard booth/stand unit, equaling 100 nsf). However, if an exhibitor purchases multiple units side-by-side or back-to-back, the combined space is also still referred to as a BOOTH or a STAND.  Specific area assigned by management to exhibitor under contractual agreement. See STAND.

Booth/Stand Area

Amount of floor space occupied by exhibitor. Also Called EXHIBITION AREA.

Booth/Stand Contractor

Company which constructs or assembles exhibit booths/stands under contract with the organizing committee. See GENERAL SERVICE CONTRACTOR.

Booth/Stand Number

Number assigned by the event's management to designate each exhibitor's space.

Booth/Stand Package

When an exhibitor receives a variety of services for one single price (e.g. each booth/stand receives carpet 1-6' draped table, a 500-watt outlet and 500 lbs of drayage).

Booth/Stand Personnel

An individual assigned to represent the exhibitor in an assigned space.

Booth/Stand Sign

1) Identification sign indicating name, city, state and booth/stand number for each exhibitor. 2) Sign behind desk indicating service provided at that point. See FASCIA.

Booth/Stand Size

Dimensions of assigned exhibit space.

Boothmanship

See EXHIBITORSHIP.

Bridgeway

1) Area between booths/stands for audience traffic movement. 2) Space between sets of tables, chairs or booths/stands to allow passage of attendees. See GANGWAY.

Cable Pick

Rigging point or working line used to lift overhead equipment above an exhibit space or exhibit.

Call-Out

Notations on drawings or exhibits of special significance, i.e. finish, edge, color, detail or features.

Cantilever

A horizontal beam or piece supported on one end and extending beyond its vertical support.

Carpenter

Skilled person used for fabrication and installation of displays; labor to perform display uncrating, installation, dismantling, recrating. (Note: this type of labor is performed by individuals with a variety of job titles throughout the world).

Century Weight

CWT. A measurement for exhibit freight, usually 100 pounds.

Clamp-On Fixture

Electrical fixture with C-clamp device for attaching to display.

Clear Date/Time

Generally the last point in time at which an exhibitor-appointed carrier must be in line or at the dock in order to be loaded after the close of the show.

Contractor

An individual or organization providing services to a trade show and/or its exhibitors. May be Official (appointed by show management) or Independent (appointed by exhibitor). Typically refers to either a general service contractor or specialty contractor. See DECORATOR. See Also A/V CONTRACTOR, DRAYAGE CONTRACTOR, EXCLUSIVE CONTRACTOR, EXHIBITION SERVICE CONTRACTOR, GENERAL SERVICE CONTRACTOR (GSC), IN-HOUSE CONTRACTOR.

Contractor Logistics Services

This is the transportation service division of the general show contractor. They handle/arrange for all modes of transportation (air, motor and van line), but the services are still executed by the traditional motor, van line and air carriers.

Covered Area

Any area that covers an exhibit space and prevents the building fire sprinkler from discharging water unobstructed to the floor. This includes single story exhibits with ceilings, upper deck exhibits, roofs, overhead lighting installations and any material hanging or installed overhead that is not recognized as acceptable under fire sprinkler systems fire codes.

Crafting List

Names the content of what is enclosed inside a crate (e.g. exhibit pieces, carpet, etc.).

Crate

Wooden box for packing and shipping exhibits.

Crated Exhibit

An exhibit that is transported from event to event in crates (small to huge wooden boxes). Crates make handling the exhibit easier, and minimize damage during material handling. In most cases, individual pieces are jigged in place within the crates.

Crating List

Names the contents of what is enclosed inside a crate (e.g. exhibit pieces, carpet, etc.).

Cross Bar

Rod used in draping or as a support brace.

Cube

Area occupied by an exhibit within a trailer, determined by multiplying the exhibit's length, times width, times height.

Custom Exhibit

An exhibit which is unique to the specific requirements of the user.

Custom Fabricated Exhibit

An exhibit that is individually designed and built with a wide range of materials.

Cut-Off Time

A specific point in time at which the exhibition contractor will cease (for the day) all unloading or loading activities. In transportation environment this refers to the specific time a shipment must be tendered to a carrier in order to receive service that day. For example, a flight that departs at 10:00 p.m. may have a cargo cut-off time of 7:00 p.m.

Decorator

An individual or company providing installation & dismantle and booth/stand and hall dressing services for a trade show and/or its exhibitors.  Decorator services may be provided by carpenters, sign painters or others depending upon union jurisdiction.  Term applies to both contractor and skilled craftsperson.

Dismantle

1) Take-down and removal of exhibits. 2) To take apart.

Dismantling Deadline

The time and day by which booths/stands have to be dismantled and removed from an exhibition area.

Display Builder

Company or person that fabricates displays.

Display Case

See SHOWCASE.

Display Material

The material exhibited by the various exhibitors. Such material is usually insured or has its value stated in writing for insurance purposes.

Display Place

Exhibit booth/stand.

Display Rules & Regulations

A set of specifications for exhibit construction endorsed by all major exhibit industry associations. Also refers to the individual additional rules which may be adopted by event management.

Distributor Show

An exhibition produced by a distributor at which exhibitors are the manufacturers of products sold by the distributor and attendees are the distributor's customers. See EXHIBITION. See Also TRADE SHOW.

Dolly

Any of several kinds of low, flat, wheeled frames for transporting heavy objects.

Donkey Dick

A metal pole placed on the front of a forklift for carrying rolls of carpet.

Double Decker

Two-storied exhibit. See MULTI-STORY EXHIBIT.

Double-Faced Panel

A panel of wood or other material that is finished, or not rough, on both sides.

Drain Line

Pipe that drains water. Usually used on the exhibit floor for displays that require water.

Draped Booth/Stand

A booth/stand made up of back wall and sidewall of pipe and drape (typically provided by management).

Drayage

Delivery of exhibit materials from the dock to an assigned exhibit space, removing empty crates, returning crates at the end of the event for recrating, and delivering materials back to dock for carrier loading.

Drayage Charge

The cost of moving exhibit materials within the confines of the exhibit hall, based on weight. This charge is calculated in 100-pound units, or hundredweight, abbreviated cwt. (There is usually a minimum charge for all drayage.)

Drayage Contractor

Company responsible for handling exhibit materials.

Drayage Form

Form for exhibitor requesting handling of materials.

Drayer

Official event handler designated to move exhibits from truck to dock to booth space. Usually handled by general service contractor.

Dressing the Exhibit

Placing graphics, plants, literature and applying any finishing touches to the display.

Dump

See BONEYARD.

EAC

Exhibitor-Appointed Carrier. See EXHIBITOR-APPOINTED CARRIER.

EAC

Exhibitor Appointed Contractor. Any company other than the designated "official" contractor providing a service to an exhibitor.

EDC

Exhibitor Designated Contractor. See EAC.

Empty Sticker

The tag indicating a crate may be moved into storage. The sticker identifies the exhibitor and the return location for the crate.

End Cap

An exhibit space with aisles on three sides. See PENINSULA.

EOR

Exhibitor of Record.

Erection

The set up and teardown of exhibits. See I&D.

Estimate

1) Critiquing and rating the overall success of an event. 2) Developing an event profile from accurate event statistics. 3) Approximate calculation of exhibit costs.

Exhibit

Individual display area constructed to showcase products, services or convey a message.

Exhibit Booth/Stand

Individual display area constructed to showcase products or convey a message.

Exhibit Designer/Producer

Person or company responsible for designing and constructing an exhibit booth/stand.

Exhibit Directory

Program or catalog for attendees listing exhibitors and exhibit booth/stand location. See DIRECTORY.

Exhibit Hall

Area within facility where exhibition is located.

Exhibit House

Company that fabricates displays. See SHOP. See Also DISPLAY BUILDER.

Exhibit Manager

1) Person in charge of individual exhibit booth/stand.  2) Event management staff member in charge of entire exhibit area.

Exhibit Producer

An individual or company that designs and/or builds exhibits. May also provide other services. See DISPLAY BUILDER.

Exhibition

1) An event at which products and services are displayed. The primary activity of attendees is visiting exhibits on the show floor. These events focus primarily on business-to-business (B2B) relationships. 2) Display of products or promotional material for the purposes of public relations, sales and/or marketing. See TRADE SHOW. See Also CONSUMER SHOW, GATE SHOW, PUBLIC SHOW.

Exhibition Area

Amount of floor space occupied by exhibitor. Also Called BOOTH/STAND AREA.

Exhibition Center

Venue at which exhibitions are held.

Exhibition Contractor

The organizer or promoter of an exhibition; responsible for the letting of space, financial control and management of the exhibition; sometimes an agent acting in this capacity.

Exhibition Manager

Preferred term for the specific person responsible for all aspects of planning, promoting, and producing an exhibition. Also Called SHOW MANAGER, SHOW ORGANIZER. See SHOW MANAGEMENT.

Exhibition Occupancy

Total square feet of space used for exhibits times the number of use days divided by the total exhibit space in the building multiplied by 365. Expressed as a percentage.

Exhibition Plan

Plan showing space to be occupied by the exhibition; the areas intended for booths/stands and those for passageways and services etc. See FLOOR PLAN.

Exhibition Service Contractor

Supplier of booth/stand equipment, rental furnishings, floor coverings, labor, drayage and signs for exhibitions and trade shows. See GENERAL SERVICE CONTRACTOR.

Exhibitor

1) Person or firm that displays its products or services at an event. 2) Event attendee whose primary purpose for attending the event is to staff a booth/stand.

Exhibitor Advisory Committee

Representatives of an event's exhibiting companies who act as advisers to show management on rules and procedures, and also update show management on industry trends and issues.

Exhibitor Appointed Contractor

EAC. Any company other than the designated "official" contractor providing a service to an exhibitor. Can refer to an Install & Dismantle Company (I&D House), photographer, florist or any other type of contractor.

Exhibitor Kit

See EXHIBITOR MANUAL.

Exhibitor Lounge

An area either on or adjacent to the exhibit floor where exhibitors may relax or meet with customers.

Exhibitor Manual

Manual or kit, usually developed by the service contractor for an event, containing general event information, labor/service order forms, rules and regulations and other information pertinent to an exhibitor's participation in an exhibition.

Exhibitor Move-In

The time period allowed for exhibitors to prepare their exhibit space for show opening. It generally begins after the exposition contractor to receive/unload show-site deliveries.

Exhibitor Newsletter

A newsletter sent by event management to exhibitors prior to a event. It includes updates on deadlines, event rules and regulations, events, and marketing opportunities offered by event management, plus educational articles to improve exhibitors' effectiveness.

Exhibitor Prospectus

Direct mail promotional materials sent to current and prospective exhibitors to encourage participation and promote the benefits of exhibiting in a specific show. Contains information about technical points, cost of exhibition space, floor plan of the exhibition and application for participation.

Exhibitor Retention

Persuading current exhibitors to participate in subsequent events. Exhibitor retention rate is the percentage of exhibitors that renew.

Exhibitor-Appointed Carrier

EAC. For freight shipped to (inbound) or from (out-bound) a show, exhibitors are free to choose the carrier of their choice. This choice is predicated upon the exhibitor making necessary pick-up/delivery arrangements. When doing so, the exhibitor is said to have designated an EAC. Selecting a particular carrier is commonly associated with receiving preferred service and/or rates.

Exhibitorship

Skills to effectively present an exhibiting company's message. Includes body language, opening line and message presentation. Also Called BOOTHMANSHIP.

Exhibits-Only

The right to attend the exhibit-based portion of an event, not the paid conference or other fee events.

Explainer

Personnel hired at an exhibition who have technical knowledge of a product; they may or may not be bilingual.

Exposition

See EXHIBITION.

Exposition Manager

See EXHIBITION MANAGER.

Fascia

Placard or sign at top of exhibit usually with company name.

Flat Cable

Cable and extension cords that are used to lie on the floor under the carpet. It is flat to help reduce tripping hazards and provide a safer walk area within a booth/stand space.

Flat Framed

1' x 2', 1' x 3' or 1' x 4' mounted on flat surface, usually associated with banners or signs.

Floor Marking

Method of marking booth/stand spaces in an empty exhibit hall to indicate where booth/stands will be set.

Floor Order

Order for exhibitor services placed on-site after exhibit set up begins. Usually more expensive than an ADVANCE ORDER.

Floor Plan

1) Schematic drawing of an exhibit hall including dimensions, design, shape, entrances, aisles, numbered exhibit booth/stands, lounges, concession areas, restrooms, electrical/plumbing accessibility, etc. 2) Scale plan of the floor area of a hotel's event space. 3) Schematic drawing of a function room with specific requirements (dais, tables, chairs, etc.) drawn to scale.

Foam Core

Corrugated lightweight material with a Styrofoam® center sandwiched in the center; used for signs, decorating, and exhibit construction.

Forklift/Forktruck

Vehicle with a power-operated pronged platform for lifting and carrying loads, used to transport heavy exhibit materials short distances, and for loading and unloading materials.

Free Form

Self-supporting and independent exhibit material. See ISLAND EXHIBIT.

Free Standing

Self-supporting and independent display material.

Frontages/Front Space

Refers to dimension across the front of an exhibit (for example, a 30' x 10' exhibit has 30' of front space and 10' depth).

Full-Booth Coverage

Carpet covering entire area of booth/stand.

Gangway

Space between sets of tables, chairs or booths/stands to allow passage of attendees. See AISLE.

Gate Show

Exhibition open to the public usually requiring an entrance fee. See CONSUMER SHOW. See Also PUBLIC SHOW. Compare With TRADE SHOW.

General Service Contractor

GSC. An organization that provides event management and exhibitors with a wide range of services, sometimes including, but not limited to, Installation & Dismantle, creating and hanging signage and banners, laying carpet, drayage, and providing booth/stand furniture. See DECORATOR.

Genie Lift

The manufacturer of a variety of lifts used in the erection of event displays. The first model manufactured was a hand-cranked material handling lift. Also Called HURTY GURTY. Genie now also manufactures motorized lifts that can be used as material lifts or man lifts.

Graphics

Communicative elements such as color, copy, art, photographs, translites, etc. used to illustrate a booth/stand theme or enhance decor.

Gross Square Feet/Meters

gsf or gsm. 1) Total amount of available function space in exhibit hall or other facility. 2) Total amount of space used for a specific show or event. See NET SQUARE FEET/METERS.

Hall

A place of public assembly or used for exhibits; usually refers to a large function space.

Hand Carry

Items that an exhibitor is allowed to carry unaided into a event facility without being charged.

Hand Truck

Small hand-propelled implement with two wheels and two handles used for transporting small loads.  See WHEELER/WHEELIE.

Hardwall

A type of exhibit construction in which the walls are of solid material, rather than fabric.

Hardwall Booth/Stand

Booth/stand constructed with plastic, plywood or similar material as opposed to booth/stand formed by drapery only.

Header

1) FASCIA. 2) Overhead illuminated display sign. 3) A sign or other structure across top of exhibit. Usually displays company name.

HI LOW

See FORKLIFT/FORKTRUCK.

High Drape

High drape is any drape over 8' high which requires special equipment. High drape is used to create dramatic areas such as stages or special focal points. Typically, high drape is dark blue velour and is 16' to 19' high, although vinyl or 11' banjo drape in blue and other colors is often used. All high drape needs to be anchored securely on its framework to ensure it cannot fall.

High Jacker

Equipment capable of lifting a person or persons to a given height.  See CHERRY PICKER. See Also MAN LIFT, JLG, SCISSORS LIFT, GENIE LIFT, HI LOW, FORKLIFT/FORTRUCK.

Hotel Show

An exhibition held in a hotel. See EXHIBITION.

Housing Priority Points

A system used by some event organizers to assign guest rooms in housing facilities or floor space in an exhibition where preferred locations are given to those exhibitors or sub-blocks with higher priority points. Points are also often awarded for consecutive years of attendance/exhibiting, early registration for an event, sponsorship levels, etc. Points are often earned (primarily by exhibitors or exhibiting companies) by booking guest room reservations within the Event Contracted Block (ECB). See Also EVENT CONTRACTED BLOCK, SUB-BLOCK.

Hurty Gurty

See GENIE LIFT.

I&D

Installation & Dismantle. 1) The set-up and teardown of exhibits. 2) Firm that does I&D work. See ERECTION.

ID Sign

Exhibit booth/stand identification sign.

Illuminations

Lighting available in hall, built into exhibit, or available on a rental basis.

Independent Service Contractor

Any company, other than the designated “official” contractors, providing services (display installation and dismantling, models/demonstrations, florist, photographer, audiovisual, etc.) employed by the exhibitor needing access to an exhibit any time during installation, event dates, and/or dismantling.

Independent Show Management Company

1) A contractor hired by an exhibitor to perform event services independent of event management-appointed contractors. See EXHIBITOR APPOINTED CONTRACTOR (EAC). 2) Any individual or company hired to perform event services on a contract basis.

Infringement

Use of floor space outside exclusive booth/stand area.

Injection Modeling

Method of protecting exhibit properties.

Inline Booth/Stand

Exhibit space with exhibit booths on either side and back. See INSIDE BOOTH/STAND.

Inquiry Card

A card, collected from attendees, requesting information about exhibitors. See LEAD.

Inside Booth/Stand

Exhibit space with exhibit booths/stands on both sides and back. See INLINE BOOTH/STAND.

Installation

Setting up exhibit booth/stand and materials according to instructions and drawings.

Installation & Dismantle

I&D. 1) The set-up and teardown of exhibits. 2) Firm that does I&D work. See ERECTION.

Interactive Exhibits

Exhibits in which the visitor is involved with the exhibit in a proactive way.

Interpreter's Booth/Stand

A soundproof cubicle in which the interpreter works.

Island Booth/Stand

Booth/stand space with aisles on all four sides.

Island Exhibit

A three-dimensional display exposed to aisles on all four sides. See FREE FORM.

Itinerant

Reusable exhibit or display with scheduled shipping from place to place.

Jigging

Special dividers, sectioning and protective padding inside exhibit crates.

JLG

Brand name for equipment capable of lifting a person or persons to a given height. See HIGH JACKER. See Also MAN LIFT, SCISSOR LIFT, GENIE LIFT, HI LOW, FORKLIFT.

KD

Knock Down. Exhibit or display components requiring on-site assembly.

Kit

See EXHIBITOR MANUAL.

Knock Down

KD. Exhibit or display components requiring on-site assembly.

Labor Desk

Location in exhibit hall where exhibitors can order labor on-site.

Lighting

1) Service offered by electrical contractor for illumination.  2) Booth/stand or hall illumination. 3) Existing light provided by the venue for functionality and safety. 4) Controlled application of the art of lighting to impact sales, achieve atmosphere and otherwise enhance the experience of the event.

Linear Display

Linear exhibits are generally 10' deep. They are offered in 10' or 15' widths and can be combined to create an exhibit of almost any length.

List of Exhibitors

List of exhibiting firms, usually with location of their exhibit. May be arranged alphabetically, by category, or both and usually lists personnel who will be in attendance.

Man Lift

Equipment capable of lifting a person or persons to a given height. See HIGH JACKER. See Also JLG, SCISSOR LIFT, GENIE LIFT, HI LOW, FORKLIFT.

Marking the Carpet

Placing rolls of aisle carpet at the end of each aisle to facilitate laying the carpet, which is the last thing done before the event opens.

Marshalling Yard

A holding area where trucks or buses check in and wait for instructions before delivering or picking up freight or passengers.

Material Handling

Services performed by GENERAL SERVICE CONTRACTOR that includes delivery of exhibit materials from the dock to assigned space, removing empty crates, returning crates at the end of the event for re-crating, and delivering materials back to the dock for carrier loading. It is a two-way charge, incoming and outgoing. Formerly known as DRAYAGE.

Max Floor Plan

A computer assisted drawing showing the optimum utilization of a facility space for tradeshow layout of booths/stands.

Model

1) An object made in miniature representing something to be constructed. 2) A person stationed in an exhibit to demonstrate a product, provide attraction to booth/stand or greet visitors. See TALENT.

Modular Exhibit

An exhibit that uses standardized components (e.g., panels, frames) that can be assembled and reassembled in different configurations for different needs.

Modular Panels

Partition units (walls, doorframes, etc.) in standard sizes, used for building booths/stands in the sizes desired in that context.

Mom & Pop

A small, family-owned business. Often used in terms of a “Mom & Pop Exhibitor or Vendor."

Move-In

Dates set for installation. See SET-UP.

Move-In/Move-Out Dates

Dates set for installation/dismantling of an exhibition.

Move-Out

Dates set for dismantling. Also Called TEAR DOWN.

Multi-Story Exhibit

An exhibit with more than two levels or stories. See DOUBLE DECKER.

Net Square Feet/Meters

Actual amount of salable space used by exhibit booths/stands which excludes aisles, lounges, registration areas, etc. See GROSS SQAURE FEET/METERS (GSF OR GSM).

No Freight Aisle

Areas on the exhibit floor used as a thoroughfare, so crates are prohibited.  Designated with red tape. An aisle that must be kept clear at all times during installation and dismantling.

Official Contractor

Organization appointed by show management to provide services such as set-up and tear-down of exhibit booths and to oversee labor, drayage and loading dock procedures. Also known as GENERAL SERVICE CONTRACTOR.

One Shot

Exhibit or display fabricated for one use only.

Opening Hours

Hours during which an exhibition is open to the public or trade visitors.

Outside Exhibit

Booth/stand located outdoors.

Package

1) A combination of benefits received by workers as a result of collective bargaining. A package may include wage increases and other benefits or monetary value, such as insurance, paid holidays, paid vacations, and sick leave. The parties agree to a specified amount of increase to be partly applied to rates of pay and partly to the financing of the related benefits. 2) A single-fee booth/stand package offered by event management which might include booth/stand space, one electrical outlet, one table, two chairs and one hour of labor. 3) Tour arrangements combined and sold at a single all-inclusive price.

Package Plan

A preassembled assortment of services offered to the exhibitor at a fixed price. In catering, refers to purchasing liquor and/or food at a set price per person. For event management, it is providing furniture and/or services to exhibitors for a single fee. 

Panel Dolly

L-shaped dolly with wheels on both the vertical and horizontal sides. Used for moving display panels.

Panel System

A prefabricated exhibit composed of connected panels of various sizes and shapes.

Partition

See DIVIDER. See Also MOVABLE WALL, SCREEN.

Pass

Identification card to enable exhibitors to gain access to an exhibition.

Pedestal

A floor support for an exhibit component.

Peninsula

Two or more exhibit spaces back to back with an aisle on three sides. Also Called END CAP.

Peninsula Booth/Stand

An exhibit with aisles on three sides.

Perimeter Booth/Stand

Exhibit space located on an outside wall. See BACKWALL BOOTH/STAND.

Permanent Exhibit

A product display held on a long-term basis, i.e., museum exhibit, office exhibit, mart, showroom, etc.

Pipe & Drape

Light-weight aluminum tubing and drapery used to separate exhibit booths/stands, staging areas, and other similar locations.

Planting

The use of trees and plants to enhance the appearance of an exhibit or a stage.

Pop-Up

Lightweight display normally shipped in molded plastic crates. See PORTABLE EXHIBIT.

Portable Exhibit

An exhibit that "pops-up" or a self-contained exhibit that is lightweight and easily set up.

Portable Exhibit

Lightweight crated display units which do not require forklifts to move them.

Prefab

Pre-built exhibit ready for installation.

Preferred Carrier

Carriers that have alliances with exposition service firms and general service contractors. They receive preferential treatment, and some discounts may be obtained by using these carriers.

Priority Point System

System of assigning points to exhibiting companies to determine which firms will be allowed to select booth/stand space for the next event first. Also Called PRIORITY RATING SYSTEM.

Priority Rating System

System of assigning points to exhibiting companies to determine which firms will be allowed to select booth/stand space for the next event first. Also Called PRIORITY POINT SYSTEM.

Prospectus

The document (printed or online) that promotes the chief features and benefits of a product or service to prospects.

Public Show

Exhibition that is open to the public, usually requiring an entrance fee. See EXHIBITION. See Also GATE SHOW, CONSUMER SHOW. Compare With TRADE SHOW.

Pylon

A tall exhibit structure normally used for identification.

Rail

Low drape divider between exhibit booths/stands.

Rental Booth/Stand

Complete booth/stand package offered to exhibitors on a rental basis.

Rental Charges

Cost of hiring a piece of equipment or function space for a specified period of time.

Rental Contract

Contract stating terms and conditions for rental of exhibition venue or for individual booth/stand within a venue.

ROO

Return on Objectives. Measurement of benefit an exhibiting company receives for participation at an exhibition by company pre-set objectives to show success.

Rough Layout

Quick drawing giving indications of proposed exhibit.

Row Booth/Stand

The booth/stand within a row of similar booths/stands with the front opening onto an aisle and with other booths/stands on either side.

Rules and Regulations

The requirements and procedures prepared by event management for attendees, contractors and exhibitors for a given event. See EXHIBITOR MANUAL.

Scooter

Electrical cart used for driving around show floor.

Security Contractor

Company hired by exhibit or event management to keep individual exhibits and the entire event floor safe using guards, closed circuit T.V., etc. See SECURITY.

Self-Contained Exhibit

A display which uses the shipping crate as an integral part of the exhibit.

Set-Up Drawings

The plans from which the exhibit components are assembled.

Shell Scheme

European booth/stand system—usually includes raised floor, back and side walls, plus fascia.

Shelves

Thin wooden, or metal, boards fixed horizontally on a wall for displaying objects and sales materials.

Shop

Primarily refers to display builder, also refers to contractor's main office and warehouse.

Show Breaking

Time specified for the close of the exhibition and the start of dismantling.

Show Directory

A listing, with booth/stand numbers, of all the exhibitors in an event and a map showing booth/stand locations.

Show Management

The company, group or organization that manages an exhibition. See Also EXHIBITION MANAGER.

Show Manager

See EXHIBITION MANAGER.

Show Organizer

See EXHIBITION MANAGER.

Show Photographer

Official photographer for exhibition appointed by event organizer.

Side Rail

A low divider panel (usually 3') used to separate an exhibit space from an adjacent area.

Sign Service

Service which provides signs for exhibition.

Sling

1) A pre-made length of cable used for hanging exhibit materials or signs. 2) A pre-made length of cable or a heavy-duty nylon strap used for rigging machinery to cranes or forklifts.

Solid Surface

Material used in display fabrication that is the same all the way through eg. Corion, fountainhead, so it can be sanded and repaired.

Space

1) Area in a facility where a group's private functions may be held. 2) Exhibitor location in the hall.

Space Assignment

Booth/stand space assigned to exhibiting companies or meeting rooms assigned to event groups.

Space Draw/Selection

The process of assigning exhibit space for the next event based on the exhibitors' active involvement in the process.

Space Rate

Cost per square foot/meter for exhibit space.

Space Requirements

Amount of stand/booth space required by individual exhibitors.

Spotting

Placement of equipment in exact location in booth by using a forklift.

Staging Area

1) A place for demonstration. 2) In catering, an area for preparing service equipment and supplies. 3) A preparation area, usually on premises, where suppliers review orders and organize items before delivering them to exhibit booths/stands. 4) An area adjacent to a loading dock where freight trucks wait until they may unload. 5)  Area adjacent to main event area for setup, dismantling, and temporary storage.

Stand

European term for booth or exhibit. See BOOTH.

Stock Exhibits

A predesigned unit adapted to particular use by identification, color, graphics and minor structural modifications.

Storage Area

Space at a show set aside for storage of crates or materials.

Stretch Wrap

1) Process of wrapping and consolidating exhibit crates, boxes and loose items on a pallet with heat-sealed, transparent plastic wrapping.  2) A plastic film used to wrap pallets of freight for shipping.  It comes in various colors, but black is preferable for security purposes.  STRETCH WRAP is often erroneously referred to as SHRINK WRAP, which must be heated to cause shrinkage and tight fit to the item being wrapped. See SHRINK WRAP. See Also PALLET WRAP.

Stretcher

General term for cross member mounted between sides or legs of cabinets, or between upright poles in a pipe and drape booth/stand, to ensure rigidity. These typically hold the drape to form the booth/stand.

Strike

1) Dismantle exhibits. 2) To remove all scenery and props from the stage. 3) Union walkout.

Suitcasing

When a company tries to sell its product or service on the show floor without the permission or consent of the event's management.

Suspended Elements

An attachment of devices to the frame work of an exhibition hall.

System

A stock set of components that can be put together to make an exhibit.

Table-Top Display/Exhibit

Small portable display that can be set up on top of a table.

Tchotchke

A Yiddish slang term for the little giveaways at tradeshow booths/stands or for in-room amenities, gift bags, etc. Also spelled Tsatske (pronounced chaat-ski).

Tear Down

Dismantle.

Touch Up

Paints accompanying an exhibit, in the necessary colors, for the purpose of painting nicks and scratches.

Trade Day

Day of an exhibition restricted to attendance by professional or trade visitors.

Trade Fair

An international term for an exhibition.

Trade Show

An exhibition of products and/or services held for members of a common or related industry. Not open to the general public. See EXHIBITION. Compare With GATE SHOW, PUBLIC SHOW, CONSUMER SHOW.

Trade Show Facilitation Web Site

A Web-site whose primary function is to provide attendees (buyers) and exhibitors (sellers) with online tools that help facilitate participation in an upcoming event.

Trouble Box

A box containing tools and supplies to repair an exhibit or product if a problems occurs. See GANG BOX. See Also JOB BOX.

Tsatske

See TCHOTCHKE.

TSB

Trade Show Bureau.

Turnkey Exhibit

A system whereby the exhibit manager turns responsibility of the display over to an exhibit house.  In essence, the e