Tradeshow Terminology

Tradeshow Terminology

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A/V Audio/visual support such as television monitors, VCRs, or taped music.
A/V Contractor A supplier of audio/visual equipment and services.
Advance Order An order for services sent to the service contractor prior to the installation date. Compare with Floor Order.
Advance Rates Fees associated with advance orders, which typically include discounts when paid in advance.
Advance
Receiving
Location set by show management to receive freight before the start of show. Freight is stored at this location
and then shipped to the show at the appropriate time.
Agent A bona fide representative with proper credentials from the party represented.
Air Freight Goods shipped via airplane.
Aisle A walkway intended for audience movement through an exposition or exhibit.
Aisle Carpet Carpeting installed in trade show aisles.
Aisle Signs Signs, usually suspended, identifying exposition aisles by number or letter.
Assembly The process of erecting an exhibit from its components. Also called Installation, Set Up.
At-site See On-site.
Attendees Those persons who visit an event that are not exhibiting or connected with the event itself.
Back-light A light source that illuminates translucent material from behind.
Backwall The panels at the rear of an exhibit.
Backwall Exhibit An exhibit that is back-to-back with another exhibit or against a building wall.
Baffle A partition designed to control light, air, sound, or traffic flow.
Banner A suspended panel used as a decoration or a sign, usually made of fabric or paper for temporary use.
Bill of Lading (B/L) A document that establishes the terms between a shipper and a transportation company for the transport of
goods between specified points for a specified charge. Also see Air Waybill, Inland Bill of Lading, Ocean Bill of
Lading, Through Bill of Lading.
Blanket Wrap Uncrated goods covered with blankets or other protective padding and shipped via van line. Also called Pad
Wrap.
Blueprint A scale drawing of booth space layout, construction, and specifications.
Boneyard A storage area for empty crates and contractor materials.
Booth An area made up of one or more standard units of exhibit space.
Booth Area The amount of floor space assigned to an exhibitor.
Booth Number A number assigned by show management to identify an exhibitor’s floor space.
Booth Personnel Staff members assigned by an exhibitor to work in an exhibit.
Booth Size The dimensions of the floor space contracted by an exhibitor. Usually sold in 10′ x 10′ increments.
Breakpoint The level at which a discount is given for a volume order
C.I.F. (Cost,
Insurance, Freight)
A pricing term indicating that these charges are included in the stated price.
C.T.S.M. Certified Trade Show Marketer!
CAD/CAM Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing.
Carpenter A skilled worker used to uncrate, install, dismantle, and recrate exhibit properties.
Carpet Tape Double-sided tape used to adhere the edge of a carpet to the floor.
Carrier A transportation line moving freight. Usually a van line, common carrier, rail line, or air carrier. Also see Common
Carrier.
Cartage (1) The fee charged for transporting freight. (2) The moving of exhibit properties over a short distance.
Certificate of
Inspection
A document certifying that merchandise was in good condition immediately prior to its shipment.
Cherry Picker Equipment used to lift people to a given height.
Clean Bill of
Lading
A carrier-issued receipt indicating that transported merchandise was received in apparent good condition.
Compare with Foul Bill of Lading.
Collective
Agreement
A contract between an employer and a union specifying the terms and conditions for employment, the status of
the union, and the process for settling disputes during the contract period. Also known as Labor Agreement,
Union Contract.
Column A pillar in an exposition facility which supports the roof or other overhead structures. Usually shown on a floor
plan as a solid square.
Commercial
Invoice
An itemized list of shipped goods.
Common Carrier A transportation company moving people or goods. For exhibit freight, the carrier usually accepts only crated
materials and consolidates the properties of several customers into one shipment bound for the same
destination.
Consignee A person to whom goods are shipped.
Consignment A delivery of merchandise from an exporter (the consignor) to an agent (the consignee) under the agreement that
the agent will sell the merchandise, receive a commission, and remit the net proceeds to the exporter.
Consignor A person who sends freight.
Consolidate To ship freight to a central depot where several loads bound for the same destination are put together before
being shipped to that destination.
Construction
Drawing
A drawing which gives detailed diagrams and instructions for building an exhibit.
Contractor An individual or company that provides services or materials to a trade show and/or its exhibitors. Also see
Official Contractor, Exhibitor Appointed Contractor.
Corner Booth An exhibit space with exposure on at least two aisles.
Craftsperson A skilled worker who provides services at the exposition facility. Also called Labor.
Crating List An itemized list of the contents of a crate.
Cross-aisle An aisle at a right angle to a main aisle.
Cubic Content Literally, length x width x height. With reference to booth space, the placement of exhibit properties at a height of
8 feet or more above the leased area. Also a measurement used in determining shipping costs for van lines.
Custom Exhibit A display designed and built to meet the specific needs of an exhibitor.
Customhouse
Broker
A person or company licensed to enter and clear goods through Customs.
CWT Hundred weight. A measurement used for shipping exhibit properties. Usually 100 pounds.
D.O.T. Department of Transportation.
D.T. Labor Double Time Labor. Work performed on overtime and charged at twice the published rate.
D/B/A Doing Business As.
Damage Report A report submitted by an exhibitor to a freight company or drayage contractor itemizing damage to shipped
goods.
Dead Man Temporary post used during installation to help support the weight of an overhead structure.
Dead Time Time when a worker is unable to perform duties due to factors beyond his or her control.
Declared Value A shipper’s stated dollar value for the contents of a shipment.
Decorator An individual (skilled craftsperson) or company (a contractor) providing services for a trade show and/or its
exhibitors.
DIM Weight Length x width x height divided by 194 for domestic shipments, or divided by 166 for international shipments.
Directory A catalog of basic information about the show, including exhibitors, floor plan and schedule of events. (This is
also sometimes referred to as an On-site Program or Program.)
Dismantle To take apart an exhibit. Also known as Take-down, Teardown.
Display Builder A company which fabricates exhibits.
Display Rules &
Regulations
Exhibit construction specifications endorsed by major exhibit industry associations. Also the specific set of rules
that apply to an exposition.
Dock A platform where freight is loaded onto and removed from vehicles or vessels.
Dolly A low, wheeled frame with a platform used for carrying heavy or cumbersome objects.
Double-decker A two-storied exhibit. Also known as Multiple Story Exhibit.
Draper A craftsperson who installs drapes, fabric, and special decor.
Drayage The movement of show materials from shipping dock to booth for show set up and back to dock for return
shipment at end of show.
Drayage
Contractor
A company responsible for handling exhibit materials at a trade show.
Drayage Form A form completed by an exhibitor requesting handling of materials.
Duplex Outlet A double electrical outlet.
DW Deadweight (tons of 2240 lbs.)
Easel A stand for displaying objects.
Electrical
Contractor
A company hired by show management to provide electrical services to exhibitors.
Elevations Scaled drawings depicting front and side views of an exhibit.
End Cap An exhibit space with aisles on three sides.
Est. Wt. Estimated Weight.
Event Marketing Face-to-face promotional experiences between customers and companies.
Exclusive
Contractor
A contractor appointed by show management as the sole provider of specified services.
Exclusive Use The rental of a carrier’s entire cargo space by one shipper.
Exhibit
Designer/Producer
Company responsible for designing and constructing exhibit booths.
Exhibit Directory A guide for exhibition attendees which lists exhibitors and exhibit locations.
Exhibit Hall The area(s) within an exposition center where exhibits are located.
Exhibit Manager Person in charge of a company’s exhibit program.
Exhibitor
Appointed
Contractor
A contractor hired by an exhibitor to perform trade show services independently of show management appointed
contractors. Also called Independent Contractor, EAC.
Exhibitor Kit A package of information which contains all rules, regulations, and forms relating to an exhibition, provided to
exhibitors by show management. Also called Service Kit.
Export To send or transport goods out of one country for sale in another.
Export Broker An individual or company that brings together buyers and sellers for a fee.
Export
Management
Company
A company that transacts manufacturers’ export business for a fee.
Export Merchant A company that buys products directly from manufacturers, then packages the merchandise for resale under its
own name.
Export Trading
Company
A company that buys foreign merchandise for resale in its own local market.
Exposition
Manager
See Show Manager.
Exposition Rules The set of regulations which govern a given trade show.
Fabrication The construction of an exhibit.
FHC A notation on floor plans indicating the locations of fire hose cabinets.
Fiber Optics The use of cut glass fibers to display colored light.
Fire Exit A door designated for emergency egress, which must be kept clear of obstructions.
Fire Lane An aisle that must be kept clear of obstructions to allow emergency egress.
Fire Retardant Term used to describe a finish which coats materials with a fire-resistant (not fire proof) cover.
Floor Manager An individual representing show management who is responsible for the exhibition area.
Floor Marking Method used to mark booth spaces.
Floor Order Order for services placed after exhibit installation has begun. Compare with Advance Order.
Floor Plan A map showing the size and locations of exhibit spaces.
Floor Port A utility box recessed in the floor containing electrical, telephone, or plumbing connections.
Foam Core Rigid foam covered with heavy paper stock used for mounting signs, art, etc.
Forced Freight Exhibit materials left on the show floor beyond the designated time specified by show management for all
carriers to check-in for freight consigned to them by exhibitors shipping materials from an exhibit facility are
redirected (forced) to a pre-assigned carrier, who is then responsible for carrying out the terms of the original
carrier’s bill of lading.
Forklift, Forktruck Motorized vehicle used to load, unload, and transport heavy items.
Foul Bill of Lading A carrier-issued receipt indicating that transported merchandise was damaged when received. Compare with
Clean Bill of Lading.
Four Hour Call Minimum work period for which union labor must be paid.
Free Trade Zone A port designated by the government of a country for duty-free entry of any non-prohibited goods.
Freight Exhibit properties and other materials shipped for an exhibit.
Freight Desk The area where inbound and outbound exhibit materials are handled at a trade show.
Freight Forwarder A company contracted to handle shipments for a fee who might also act as a carrier or consolidator
Gangway International term referring to the “aisle”.
GATT General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. A multilateral treaty intended to reduce trade barriers between the
signatory countries and to promote trade through tariff concessions.
General
Contractor
Show management appointed company providing services to a trade show and/or its exhibitors. Also called
Official Contractor. Compare with Exhibitor Appointed Contractor.
Graphic A photo, copy panel, or artwork applied to an exhibit.
Grid System A network of structural members, electrical conduits, and other support systems on a pattern of centers
Hall General term used for an exposition facility or the exhibit area within a facility.
Hand Truck Small hand-propelled vehicle used for transporting small loads.
Hard Card (1) Work order for labor or services. (2) Drayage contractor’s record of materials received or shipped.
Hard Wire Any electrical connection other than receptacle to receptacle.
Hardwall A type of exhibit construction in which walls are made of a solid material, rather than fabric.
Header A sign or other structure across the top of an exhibit.
High Jacker Equipment used to lift people to a given height.
Hire International term referring to “rent” a service or product.
Hold Harmless
Clause
A contract clause that relieves one party of responsibility in the event of a legal claim.
I&D Installation & Dismantle (of an exhibit). Also known as Set Up and Take-down.
ICC Interstate Commerce Commission.
Independent
Contractor
A contractor hired by an exhibitor to perform trade show services independently of show management appointed
contractors. Also called Exhibitor Appointed Contractor, EAC.
Infringement An exhibitor’s unauthorized use of floor space outside the leased booth area.
Inland Bill of
Lading
A contract between a shipper and transportation company used when transporting goods overland to an
exporter’s international carrier. Compare Ocean Bill of Lading, Through Bill of Lading.
In-line An exhibit that is constructed in a continuous line along an aisle. Also called Linear Display.
Installation The process of setting up exhibit properties according to specifications. Also called Assembly, Set Up.
Installation &
Dismantle
The set up and take-down of exhibits. Also called I & D.
Installation
Contractor
A company responsible for supervising and coordinating workers who install and dismantle exhibits.
Inventory Total amount of equipment available for a show.
Island Exhibit A display with aisles on four sides.
Jigged Crate A special-purpose crate with hardware to secure exhibit properties in place to prevent shifting during shipment.
Job Foreman A person in charge of supervising and coordinating workers.
Junction Box A distribution point for electrical power
K.D. (Knockdown) An exhibit with separate components that must be assembled on-site.
Kit See Service Kit.
Labor Contracted workers who perform services. Also called Craftspersons.
Labor Call (1) Method of securing union employees. (2) Time specified for labor to report (as in a 7 A.M. call). (3) Minimum
amount for which labor must be paid.
Labor Desk Exhibit hall location where exhibitors may place orders for labor.
Labor Form The form used by exhibitors to order labor.
Laborer See Craftsperson.
Lamination The process of bonding two or more substances together.
Lead Tracking A manual or automated system used to conduct follow-up activities for sales prospects resulting from a trade
show.
Less Than
Truckload (LTL)
The rate charged for freight weighing less than the minimum weight for a truckload.
Letter of Credit
(L/C)
A document issued by a bank at the request of a buyer of goods which authorizes the payment of a specified
amount of money to the seller when certain terms are met.
Liability A legal term referring to responsibility for damages or injuries.
Light Box An enclosure which contains lighting underneath a translucent facing material. Used to back-light signs or
graphics applied to the face.
Lighting The amount or type of illumination in an exhibit or exhibition hall.
Linear Display An exhibit that is constructed in a continuous line along an aisle. Also called In-line.
Loading Dock An area within an exposition facility where freight is received and shipped.
Lock-Up A secure storage area within an exposition facility.
Logo A specific symbol chosen to represent a company. Usually comprised of stylized type alone or in conjunction with
graphic art.
Low Voltage A term applied to electrical currents of 24 volts or less. Usually used in animation and specialty lighting.
Manual See Service Kit.
Marshaling Yard A lot where trucks gather for orderly dispatch to show site.
Mask To cover for painting or protection.
Masking Drape A cloth used to cover storage or other unsightly areas.
Material Handling
Agreement (MHA)
Agreement between exhibitor and General Contractor for post-show movement of exhibit materials from booth
space to loading dock, specifies the exhibitor’s choice of carrier, and what to do with exhibit freight in the event
that the designated carrier does not arrive before a pre-determined cut-off time.
Meter The most common width for a backwall panel. (1 Meter = 39.37 inches)
Modular Exhibit An exhibit constructed with interchangeable components designed to be set up in various arrangements and
sizes.
Move-in The date specified by show management for beginning exhibit installation.
Move-out The date specified by show management for dismantling exhibits.
Multimedia Combining two or more types of audio/visual support in a presentation.
N.O.H.M. Not Otherwise Herein Provided.
Net Square
Footage
The total amount of leased booth space in an exposition facility
O.R. Owner’s Risk.
O.T. Labor Work performed on overtime.
Ocean Bill of
Lading
A contract between a exporter and an international carrier for transport of merchandise to a specified foreign
market. Compare Inland Bill of Lading, Through Bill of Lading.
P.D. Per Diem.
P.W. Packed Weight.
Packing Case See Shipping Case.
Packing List A document prepared by a shipper itemizing contents of shipment and including other information needed by the
carrier.
Pad Wrap See Blanket Wrap.
Padded Van
Shipment
Uncrated goods covered with blankets or other protective padding and shipped via van line.
Pallet See Skid.
Panel System A prefabricated exhibit composed of connected rectangular panels of various sizes.
Particle Board A panel made of compressed, glued wood chips.
Peg Board The trade name for a type of hardboard with perforations at regular intervals. Usually used for hanging items.
Peninsula Display An exhibit with aisles on three sides.
Perimeter Booth A booth space on a outside wall.
Pipe & Drape Tubing covered with draped fabric to make up the rails and backwall of a trade show.
Podium A demonstration area, usually higher than the surrounding floor.
Portable Exhibit A lightweight display unit that can be moved without a forklift.
Power Strip A movable unit having multiple electrical outlets.
Prefab A pre-built exhibit ready for installation.
Press Kit A package of materials put together for the media. Usually a folder containing press releases, product
announcements, and other materials.
Press Release An article submitted to the media for publication. Usually announcing news about a product, company, or
individual.
Pro Forma Invoice An invoice sent to a buyer prior to the shipment of merchandise which provides detailed information about the
kinds and quantities of goods to be shipped.
Producer (1) Exhibit Producer: An individual or company which designs and/or builds exhibits. (2) Show Producer: An
individual or company which manages trade shows.
Pro-number A carrier-assigned number used to designate a specific shipment.
Quad Box Four electrical outlets in one box.
Official Contractor Show management appointed company providing services to a trade show and/or its exhibitors. Also called
General Contractor. Compare with Exhibitor Appointed Contractor.
On-site A reference to the exhibit location. Also called At-site.
On-site Order Floor order placed at a show site.
Overtime A designation for work performed outside the hours specified as normal working hours. Usually work performed
on overtime is charged at a substantially higher rate.
Raceway Metal or insulated rubber tubing used to channel electrical wires.
Rail A low wall used to divide exhibits.
Rear Illumination A technique of using a light source to illuminate a translucent image from behind. Also called Back-lighting.
Rear Projection A video technique in which images are projected on a screen positioned between the projector and the audience.
Refurbish The process of repairing or reconditioning an exhibit to extend its life span.
Relay An electrical device used to produce programmed effects by interrupting the flow of current.
Release Forms Forms provided by show management to permit the removal of materials from an exhibition.
Rental Booth A complete booth package offered to exhibitors on a rental basis.
Return Panels Side panels joined perpendicular to the backwall.
Rheostat A device used to regulate lighting intensity. Also known as Dimmer Switch.
Rigger A skilled worker responsible for handling and assembly of machinery.
Right To Work
State
A state where no person can be denied the right to work because of membership or non-membership in a labor
union.
Riser A platform for people or materials.
S.T. Labor Straight Time Labor. Work performed during normal work hours at the standard rate. Compare with D.T. Labor,
Overtime.
Schematic Model A diagram in model form.
Scissors Lift A motorized platform used to lift people to a given height.
Scooter An electric or gas cart used to transport people and materials.
Scrim Fabric which is opaque when lighted from the front and transparent when lighted from the rear.
Security Cages Cages provided to exhibitors for locking up materials.
Self-contained
Exhibit
A display which uses the shipping case as an integral part of the exhibit.
Service Desk The location at which exhibitors order services from show contractors
Service Kit A packet of show-related information and order forms provided to exhibitors by show management. Also called
Exhibitor Kit.
Set Up The process of erecting an exhibit from its components. Also called Assembly, Installation.
Set-up Drawing Drawings which give detailed instructions for the installation of an exhibit.
Shipping Case A reusable container for transporting exhibit materials.
Shipping Crate A wooden container for transporting exhibit materials, which may be designed for a single use or custom built for
extended reuse.
Show Break Time specified for the closing of an exhibition and beginning of dismantling.
Show Decorator A company or individual responsible for providing draping, carpeting, and signage services for the trade show
and its exhibitors.
Show Manager The organizer and operator of an exposition.
Show Office The show management office at an exposition.
Show
Photographer
The show management appointed photographer for an exhibition.
Show Producer An individual or company which manages trade shows, including leasing the exposition facility, hiring official
contractors, and promoting the show.
Show Rules The general rules and regulations governing a specific trade show.
Shrink Wrap A process used to seal materials in plastic foil which can be transparent or ,for security reasons plastic can also
be opaque
Side Rail A low divider wall, usually pipe and drape, used to divide one exhibit space from another.
Sign Standard A frame on a stand into which a sign can be inserted for display.
Silk Screen A method of creating graphics with a reusable stencil.
Skid A low wooden frame used to support heavy objects or groups of materials for easier handling. Usually used as a
platform for objects moved by forklift. Also called Pallet.
Skirting Decorative covering around tables and risers.
Smoker Ashtray stand.
Soffit A lowered portion of a ceiling.
Space The area occupied by an exhibitor in the exhibition hall.
Space Rate The cost per square foot of exhibit area.
Special Handling Applies to exhibit shipments requiring extra labor, equipment, or time for delivery to exhibit space.
Spotlight A lamp that provides a defined circle of light.
Staging Area A location used for demonstrations or a location set aside for the purpose of consolidating show materials in
advance of final distribution.
Stanchions Posts used to support signage or other elevated objects.
Stand European term for booth.
Stock Exhibits A predesigned display modified for a particular use by the exhibitor.
Subcontractor An individual or company retained by a general contractor to provide services
T & M See Time & Materials.
T.L. Truckload.
Table Top Display An exhibit designed for use on the top of a table or similar surface.
Talent An individual or company hired to work in an exhibit to greet visitors, demonstrate product, or stage a
performance.
Target Date A date set by show management for the arrival of freight at a trade show. Usually shipments received before or
after this date are assessed a penalty charge.
Tariff Rates Shipping charges for various types of cargo.
Teardown The dismantling of an exhibit. Also known as Take-down.
Telescopic Pipe Tubing in which one section slides inside another. Used to support drapes.
Terminal Freight handling or dock area.
Three Wire Electrical cable with a continuous ground wire in addition to a positive and a negative wire.
Time & Materials A form of billing in which a consumer is charged for labor costs (time) and materials.
Tow Motor See Forklift.
Trade Fair Broadly used as the international term for an exposition.
Trade Show An exposition related to a particular industry or group, and open only to the members of that group.
Traffic Flow The movement of visitors through an exposition or exhibit.
Transient Space Short-term rental space.
Twist Lock A type of electrical plug that connects by twisting together.
U.L. Underwriters Laboratory. An organization which grants electrical ratings.
U.S.S.G. U.S. Standard Gauge.
V.A.T. Value Added Tax. A tax that has been added to the overall price of a product reflecting the value added to the
product by processing.
Valance An overhead banner typically used as a light baffle.
Velcro The trade name for a fabric closure with two components: hooks and loops. The two components adhere when
pressed together and separate when pulled apart, allowing repeated use.
W/B Waybill :It is a document issued by a carrier giving details and instructions relating to the shipment of a consignment of goods. Typically it will show the names of the consignor and consignee, the point of origin of the consignment, its destination, route, and method of shipment, and the amount charged for carriage. Unlike a bill of consignment, its destination, route, and method of shipment, and the amount charged for carriage. Unlike a bill of lading/AWB , which includes much of the same information, a waybill is not a contractual document.
Wallboard A construction product used for panels which are temporary.
Warehouse
Receipt
A receipt issued by a warehouse for goods received for storage.
Waste Removal The removal of trash from an area or building.
Wharfage A charge assessed for handling cargo at a pier.
Work Rules Regulations that specify the conditions of a craftsperson’s labor, including work hours and pay structure.
Work Time The period of paid time which begins when craftspersons are turned over to an exhibitor and ends when they are
released by the exhibitor.
U/W Underwriter.
Union An organization of workers formed with the purpose of protecting workers’ rights and increasing bargaining power
with an employer on such issues as wages, hours, and benefits.
Union Steward An on-site union official elected by coworkers to oversee a particular union’s work in a facility and resolve any
disputes over union jurisdiction. Also known as Shop Steward.