The term, linear exhibits, is derived from the fact that there is a straight line of exhibitors that are side by side. Last week we discussed the backwall height restriction for these linear exhibits which focused more on the exhibitor behind them. Today we are going to discuss the “line of sight” show rule for the same linear exhibits but this rule focuses more on the exhibitors to each side of you rather than the ones behind you.
This rule is a little more complicated as it changes as the booth size increases. But let’s start with the basic principal. The rule simply states that your neighbor to your left and right has the same opportunity for an attendee to see their exhibit as they walk across or down an aisle as they can see your exhibit. Bottom line – you are not allowed to obstruct your neighbor’s exhibit by putting tall items in the front of your booth space.
So let’s take the basic 10’ x 10’ booth space and draw a line from left to right dividing the booth in half. Ok – Are you with me so far? You would have two 5’ deep by 10’ wide spaces that together would make the 10 x 10. The rule generally goes like this. You are allowed to go up to 8’ tall in the 5 x 10 space nearest the backwall drape. In the space that is in the front half you would need to drop down to a height that is usually no more than 4’ feet tall.
I know that your first concern is that if you have a front counter that is standing (or bar height) which is usually about 42” tall that you would only be able to put a 6” item on top. I can tell you that I have never seen the line of sight rule disallow a standard monitor to be placed on top of a counter. By a standard monitor I am talking about a 42” slim monitor or smaller. Everyone does it so it would be hard to enforce that rule on the show floor. Just don’t go putting your latest gadget or gizmo that is the size of a mini refrigerator on the front counter as it would clearly be a line of sight violation. Many exhibitors try to put 10’ pop-ups on the backwall and then add banner stands on either side or on the front edge of their exhibit. These banner stands are usually angled so attendees can see them as they walk down the aisle. If they are in the front half of the booth space they would also be a violation of the line of sight rule and your neighbor would have the right to ask the show organizer to have you remove or relocate it.
Now here is where the line of sight rule gets a little complicated. You are able to have thin poles, panels, and header signage that can go all the way to the front edge of your exhibit space but only in larger booth spaces. Linear exhibits that are 10 x 30 and larger provide these allowances with the restriction that you only do this in the middle section of the space. The show rules get pretty specific about dimensions and visual lines of sight so it is best for you to read the rules of each show for yourself. The reason that I am telling you this is that if you are getting a larger space you can modify your exhibit to take advantage of these exceptions.
As always, please respond with your questions or comments and let others know about EXHIBITOR LOUNGE.COM. We will see you next week. Until then, I am your host Michael Gray telling you to RELAX in the Exhibitor Lounge.