Other Show Rules and Terminology – Part 2

07/10/18 by Bev

Today we are going to finish our series on show floor rules by completing our list from last week. Here it is again, for your convenience.

  1. No freight aisles
  2. Cubic space exhibits
  3. After hours access
  4. Exhibiting within your own space
  5. Suitcasing restrictions
  6. Storage behind the exhibit
  7. Preferred contractors – exclusive use rules

We’ll pick up where we left off with number 4: exhibiting within your own space. It seems very simple to understand that you should stay within your own space as an exhibitor, but that’s not all. It also states that, especially when showing demos to customers, the customer should also be within your space so the aisles do not get jammed up with people. It is generally accepted that you can have a greeting counter at the front edge of your exhibit for quick introductions and handouts, especially if you have a small linear exhibit. When doing a longer demonstration, the customer should move past the greeting counter and into your exhibit space. Now, I have seen large group demonstrations, mostly for island exhibits, where there is a big gathering of people standing in the aisle. I have also seen workstations positioned right on the edge of the carpet line. Attendees (and the exhibitor) have no choice but to stand in the aisle for the demonstration. This is where the rule will come into play the most – when you are disrupting traffic flow or your neighbor.

Rule number 5 is often referred to as the “No Suitcasing” rule. It comes from the idea that if you do not have an exhibit on the show floor you are homeless, or “living out of a suitcase.” For shows with a “No Suitcasing” rule, soliciting on the show floor without a booth space can have severe penalties for the future. I see more and more signs posted on the show floor that enforce a “no suitcasing” policy and exhibitors are asked to report this activity. Penalties for violations include banishment from the show as an attendee and an exhibitor, so be careful. It’s good to check out a show for future consideration but don’t cross the line by passing out literature or attempting other forms of advertising while at the show. Many shows have a policy that you are required to purchase a booth space in order to sign up for sponsorships and place ads in the show program.

Next is number 6: storage behind the exhibit. This rule has two main reasons and varies from show to show. Many exhibitors with smaller exhibits like to put their cases behind the exhibit for easy access after the show. Shows will often prohibit this practice due to fire regulations and just plain ugliness. You can check and see if the floor plan has a double drape line or a single one, as double drape lines are better for storage when allowed.  Other ideas include getting a rental car for storage, or bringing a handcart and taking the empties to your hotel room. You can also order a table and store the empties under the table. Many cities only allow small amounts of product and literature storage behind the booth space.

Last but not least is the Preferred Contractor or Exclusive Contractor. Each show and city has different union rules for drayage, labor, cleaning, electrical, and many other show services. The show rules will dictate what you can and can’t do at a particular show. It’s important to remember that when you sign a contract to participate in that show you also agree to the rules of that show, even though you don’t see the prices and rules until long after you sign the contract.

The show designates specific contractors with exclusive rights to service the show needs for the efficiency of the show. I have heard comments like “but this is a right to work state” or “the costs are ridiculous.” I personally have a problem with the exclusive cleaning rule which I covered in an earlier blog. I always tell exhibitors that if they feel taken advantage of then they should voice their opinion to the show organizer. Without feedback, the show organizer will think everyone is ok with $2,000 internet lines and vacuum unions! I’m being a little sarcastic here, but I’m sure you know what I mean.

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