A
Advance Order
An order for services that is sent to a service contractor prior to the exhibit installation date
Advance Rates
The fees payable for an advance order. Fees paid in advance may be discounted.
Advance Receiving
The location where freight is received and stored before a trade show. Freight is shipped to the show to arrive in time for the opening day.
Agent
A credentialed representative of a given party
Air Freight
Goods that are shipped by air
Aisle
A walkway designed to allow visitor movement through an exhibit or exhibition space
Aisle Carpet
Carpeting installed on an isle in an exhibit or exhibition space
Aisle Signs
Suspended signs that identify exhibition aisles by letter or number
Assembly
Building an exhibit from its component parts. See also Installation, Set-Up
At-Site
The exhibit location. See also On-Site
Attendees
Event visitors who are not exhibiting or involved in running the event. See also Visitors
A/V
Audio/visual assets, such as pre-recorded music or video, and equipment for playing them
A/V Contractor
A contractor that provides A/V services and equipment
B
Back-Light
A light source that illuminates translucent images or materials from behind
Backwall
The panels located at the rear of an exhibit
Backwall Exhibit
An exhibit that is located against a wall or is back-to-back with another exhibit
Baffle
A partition that helps control the flow of light, air, sound, or traffic
Banner
A suspended overhead or freestanding panel made from fabric or paper, for temporary use as a sign or decoration.
Bill of Lading
A legal document that details terms between a transportation company and a shipper for the transport of goods between two specified points. See also Inland Bill of Lading, Ocean Bill of Lading
Blanket Wrap
Uncrated goods protected with blankets or other forms of padding for van line shipping. See also Pad Wrap
Blueprint
A scale drawing of booth construction, layout, and specifications
Boneyard
Storage space for empty crates and contractor materials
Booth
An exhibit area that comprises one or more standard units of exhibit space
Booth Area
The floor space assigned to a single exhibit or exhibitor
Booth Number
A number that identifies a specific booth, assigned by event management
Booth Personnel
Staff members working in an exhibit
Booth Size
The total floor space contracted by an exhibitor, usually sold in increments of 10 square feet
Breakpoint
The purchase point at which a volume discount is applied
Build and Burn
A booth designed and built for a single use only
C
CAD-CAM
Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing
Carpenter
A skilled worker who uncrates and installs an exhibit for an event, then dismantles and recrates the components afterwards
Carpet Tape
Double-sided tape used to stick carpet edges to a floor
Carrier
A transportation line that moves freight; e.g. a van line, rail line, or air carrier
Cartage
(1) The fee charged for transporting freight
(2) Transportation of exhibit components over a short distance
Certificate of Inspection
A document that confirms merchandise is in good condition immediately prior to shipment
Cherry Picker
Equipment used to lift one or more people to a required height
CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)
A pricing term; it indicates that these charges are included in a stated price.
CTSM (Certified Trade Show Marketer)
A certification for professional event marketers
SEE http://www.exhibitoronline.com/ctsm/
Clean Bill of Lading
A receipt that confirms a carrier received transported merchandise in apparent good condition
Collective Agreement
A legal agreement between an employer and a union that specifies terms and conditions of employment, union status, and dispute resolution processes for the duration of the contract
Column
A load-bearing pillar, typically depicted as a solid square on a floor plan
Commercial Invoice
An itemized list of goods in a shipment
Common Carrier
A transportation company that moves people or goods. In exhibiting, the carrier may accept only crated materials. Properties belonging to multiple customers that are bound for the same destination are often consolidated into a single shipment.
Consignee
The recipient of a goods shipment
Consignment
A shipment delivered from a consignor (exporter) to a consignee (agent) who agrees to sell the merchandise on the consignor’s behalf. The agent takes a commission and forwards the remaining proceeds to the consignor.
Consignor
The sender of a freight shipment
Consolidate
Freight from multiple senders is shipped to a central depot, where it is bundled together and sent to a common destination.
Construction Drawing
A drawing that provides detailed instructions for building an exhibit
Contractor
An individual or organization that provides goods or services to a trade show and/or exhibitors. See also General Contractor, Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor, Official Contractor
Corner Booth
An exhibit space located on a corner, with exposure on two aisles
Craftsperson
A skilled worker who provides exhibition-related services at the facility
Crating List
An itemized list of the contents of a crate
Cross-Aisle
An aisle located perpendicular to a main aisle
Cubic Content
A measurement of length x width x height; used in determining shipping costs for van lines. In exhibiting, it refers to the amount of total of usable space available for an exhibit.
Custom Exhibit
An exhibit designed and built to an exhibitor’s specifications
Customhouse Broker
A person or organization licensed to enter and clear goods through Customs
CWT
Hundredweight; a measurement of weight used in shipping exhibit components. One hundredweight is equal to 100 pounds.
D
Damage Report
If goods are damaged in transit, an exhibitor submits a damage report to the freight company, itemizing the damage sustained.
Dead Man
A temporary post that helps support the overhead weight of an exhibit structure
Dead Time
Time in which a worker can’t perform their job due to circumstances beyond their control
Declared Value
The stated dollar value of the contents of a shipment
Decorator
A skilled person or organization that provides aesthetic services for an exhibitor or trade show
DIM Weight (Dimensional Weight)
Length x width x height divided by a variable dimensional factor. This measurement is used to estimate the weight of a shipment based on its volume. The dimensional factor is 194 for domestic shipments and 166 for international shipments.
Directory
A catalog of information about a show, including exhibitors and their locations on the floor and a schedule of events
FIND TRADE SHOWS USING THE EVENT LOCATOR AND TRADE SHOW CALENDAR
Dismantle
To take apart an exhibit. See also Teardown
Display Builder
A company that manufactures exhibits
Display Rules and Regulations
(1) Exhibit construction specifications endorsed by major industry associations
(2) Specifications that apply to a given exhibition
Dock
A platform where freight is loaded or removed from a vehicle or vessel
Dolly
A low wheeled platform used to carry heavy or unwieldy objects
Double-Deck
An exhibit with two or more stories or levels
Draper
A craftsperson who specializes in installation of fabric, drapes, and special décor items
Drayage
The movement of exhibit materials from a shipping dock to the show location, or from the location back to the dock after the show
Drayage Contractor
An individual or organization contracted to provide drayage services
Drayage Form
Completed by an exhibitor to request drayage services from a contractor
DOT
Department of Transportation
DT Labor
Double-time labor; labor performed at an overtime rate of two times normal
D/B/A (Doing Business As)
An organization is “doing business as” when operating under a name other than its legal registered name.
Duplex Outlet
An electrical outlet with two sockets
DW
Deadweight tonnage, a measurement of a ship’s weight capacity. In these terms, 1 deadweight ton is equal to 1 long ton, or 2240 pounds.
E
Easel
A type of display stand, often used to display text and images.
Electrical Contractor
A company hired by show managers to provide electrical services to show exhibitors
Elevations
Scale drawings that depict the front and side views of an exhibit
End Cap
An exhibit space located at the end of an aisle, with aisles on three of its four sides. See also Peninsula
Est. Wt.
Estimated weight
Event Marketing
Face-to-face promotional activities involving organizations and their customers
Exclusive Contractor
Contractors who are hired by show management to provide specified services to exhibitors. Exclusive contractors are typically the sole providers of their services at any given event.
Exclusive Use
A single individual or organization rents a carrier’s entire cargo space and has exclusive use of that space.
Exhibit Designer-Producer
A company that designs and manufactures exhibits
Exhibit Directory
A list of exhibitors and their show locations, made available to attendees
Exhibit Hall
The spaces in an exhibition center where exhibits are located
Exhibit Manager
The individual in charge of an organization’s exhibit program
Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor
A contractor hired by an exhibitor to perform specific trade show services. Exhibitor-appointed contractors work independently of any contractors hired by show management. See also Independent Contractor
Exhibitor Kit
An information packet created by show management and distributed to exhibitors. Kits typically include rules and regulations for exhibitors as well as any forms exhibitors must complete. See also Manual, Service Kit
Export
Sending or transporting goods out of one country to be sold in another country
Export Broker
An individual or organization that connects buyers and sellers for a fee
Export Management Company
A company that helps manufacturers export products by providing support services such as shipping and warehousing
Export Merchant
A company that buys products direct from manufacturers and resells them under its own name
Export Trading Company
A company that buys merchandise from other countries to resell in local markets
Exhibition Manager
The organizer/operator of an exhibition. See also Show Manager
Exhibition Rules
The rules and regulations for a given trade show. See also Show Rules
F
Fabrication
The construction of an exhibit
FHC (Fire House Cabinet)
A notation included on floor plans showing where fire hose cabinets are located
Fiber Optics
The display of colored light using cut glass fibers
Finished
A delivered exhibit with no raw surfaces or unpainted edges
Fire Exit
An emergency exit door, to be kept clear of obstructions
Fire Lane
An aisle that must be kept clear in case of emergency
Fire Retardant
A material coating that provides resistance to fire (but is not fireproof)
Floor Manager
A show management representative who is responsible for managing the exhibition area
Floor Marking
Markings used to define booth spaces
Floor Order
An order for show services placed after exhibit installation has begun
Floor Plan
A map that shows the location and size of exhibit spaces. Floor plans may also show service booth locations, rest rooms, emergency exits, and other points of interest.
Floor Port
A recessed utility box that contains connections for utilities such as electricity, telephone, and plumbing
Foam Core
A rigid foam shape covered with heavy paper stock; Used for mounting signs, art, and other display material
Forklift
A motorized vehicle used to transport heavy items
Foul Bill of Lading
A receipt issued by a carrier when merchandise is damaged in transit
Four Hour Call
The minimum amount of time for which a union worker must be paid
Free Trade Zone
A government-designated port where non-prohibited goods can be received duty-free
Freight
Components and materials shipped for an exhibit
Freight Desk
At a trade show, a designated area where inbound and outbound exhibit materials are handled
Freight Forwarder
A shipping company that handles shipments for export
G
Gangway
Aisle (international term)
GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
A multilateral treaty that promotes trade through tariff concessions between participating countries
General Contractor
A contractor hired by show management to provide specified services to the show or its exhibitors. See also Official Contractor
Graphic
An image, for instance a photo or piece of artwork, used in an exhibit
Grid System
A structural grid for displaying smaller exhibit components
H
Hall
An exhibition facility or the exhibit area located within a larger building
Hand Truck
An L-shaped, wheeled handcart used for transporting small loads
Hand Card
(1) A work order for labor or services
(2) A drayage contractor’s records of items sent or received
Hard Wire
An electrical connection that is physically wired into an electricity source, meaning there is no plug to plug into an electrical socket
Hardwall
An exhibit constructed with solid walls, rather than fabric walls
Header
A panel or sign across the top of an exhibit
High Jacker
A manual or motorized platform that can be raised to provide access to a high workspace
Hire
Rental of a product or service (international term)
Hold Harmless Clause
A contractual clause in which one party agrees that they will not hold the other party responsible for damage or legal liability. In any given contract, one or both parties may agree to a hold harmless clause that absolves the other of responsibility.
I
I&D (Installation and Dismantle)
The installation and removal of an exhibit at a show.
ICC (Interstate Commerce Commission)
A former government agency responsible for regulating the railroad and trucking industries
In-Line
An exhibit constructed in a continuous line along one aisle. See also Linear Display
Independent Contractor
A contractor hired by an exhibitor to perform specific trade show services. See also Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor
Infringement
The unauthorized use of floor space outside an exhibitor’s leased area
Inland Bill of Lading
A legal document that details terms between a transportation company and a shipper for the transport of goods over land to an exporter’s international freight carrier. See also Bill of Lading, Ocean Bill of Lading
Installation
The process of setting up exhibition materials for display. See also Assembly, Set-Up
Installation and Dismantle
The installation and removal of an exhibit at a show. See also I&D
Installation Contractor
An individual or organization responsible for managing workers who install and dismantle exhibits
Inventory
The total amount of equipment and materials available for a show
Island Exhibit
A display that is surrounded by aisles on all four sides
J
Jigged Crate
A crate constructed with special hardware that provides additional damage protection for goods in transit
Job Foreperson
A person in charge of managing, supervising, and coordinating workers
Junction Box
A distribution and access point for electrical power
K
K.D. (Knockdown)
An exhibit with separate components that must be assembled at the show location
Kit
An information packet created by show management and distributed to exhibitors. Kits typically include rules and regulations for exhibitors, as well as any forms exhibitors must complete. See also Exhibitor Kit, Service Kit
L
Labor Call
(1) A method of hiring union employees
(2) A specified time for laborers to report for work
(3) A minimum amount for which workers must be paid
Labor Desk
A designated location in an exhibition space where exhibitors can place orders for labor
Labor Form
A form exhibitors can use to place orders for labor
Laborer
A skilled worker who provides exhibition-related services at the facility. See also Craftspersons
Lamination
Manufacture of materials in multiple layers to improve properties such as durability, sound insulation, or appearance
Lead Tracking
An automated or manual system that helps exhibitors follow up on leads generated at a trade show
Less Than Truckload
The rate a freight company charges for freight that weighs less than the minimum weight for a truckload
Letter of Credit
A bank-issued document obtained by a buyer, authorizing payment of money to a seller when specific terms are met
Liability
Legal responsibility for damage or injury
Lightbox
A three-dimensional enclosure containing back-lighting and a translucent facing material onto which text and graphics are applied
Lighting
The amount, type, and quality of light in an exhibit or an exhibition space
Linear Display
An exhibit constructed in a continuous line along one aisle. See also In-Line
Loading Dock
A designated location in an exhibition facility where freight is received and sent
Lock-Up
A secure storage area within an exhibition facility
Logo
A symbol, often a combination of text and graphics, that represents an organization
Low Voltage
An electrical current of 24 volts or less, most often used for specialty lighting and animation
M
Manual
An information packet created by show management and distributed to exhibitors. Kits typically include rules and regulations for exhibitors, as well as any forms exhibitors must complete. See also Exhibitor Kit, Service Kit
Marshaling Yard
A lot where trucks are organized for dispatch to an exhibition site
Mask
To cover an item for protection or to prevent exposure to pain
Masking Drape
A cloth used to cover an unsightly area from view or to protect exhibition materials
Meter
One meter (39.37 inches) is the most common width for a backwall panel.
Mobile Exhibit
A large vehicle, such as a trailer, that has been converted into an exhibit space
Modular Exhibit
An exhibit with multiple components that can be set up in different configurations
Move-In
The date on which exhibit installation can commence, as specified by exhibition management
Move-Out
The date on which exhibit removal must be completed, as specified by exhibition management
Multimedia
The combination of two or more types of audio/visual experiences in a single presentation
N
Net Square Footage
The total amount of leased booth space in an exhibition hall or building
NOHP (Not Otherwise Herein Provided)
A legal term that can encompass a range of terms, conditions, or outcomes not specifically referred to in a given contract
Net Square Footage
The total amount of leased booth space in an exhibition hall or building
NOHP (Not Otherwise Herein Provided)
A legal term that can encompass a range of terms, conditions, or outcomes not specifically referred to in a given contract
O
OR (Owner’s Risk)
A phrase that means the owner takes responsibility for the outcome of a given action. For instance, when goods are shipped at the owner’s risk, it Is the owner’s responsibility to insure the goods for the journey.
Ocean Bill of Lading
A legal document that details terms between an exporter and an international carrier for the transport of goods by sea to a different country. See also Bill of Lading, Inland Bill of Lading
Official Contractor
A contractor hired by show management to provide specified services to the show or its exhibitors. See also General Contractor
On-Site
The exhibit location. See also At-Site
On-Site Order
A floor order placed at the exhibit site
OT Labor
Work performed in overtime
Overtime
Work performed over normal working hours, usually charged at a substantially higher rate
P
PD (Per Diem)
Typically refers to travel expenses or, in some cases, payment for work
PW (Packed Weight)
The weight of an item or group of items when packed and ready for shipment
Packing Case
A reusable container suitable for safely transporting exhibit materials. See also Shipping Case
Packing List
An itemized list prepared by the shipper, including details of the contents of a shipment as well as other necessary information
Pad Wrap
Uncrated goods protected with blankets or other forms of padding for van line shipping. See also Blanket Wrap
Padded Van Shipment
Uncrated goods shipped via van line are covered with blankets and other protective padding.
Pallet
A low wooden frame that supports heavy items as they are moved and during transit. See also Skid
Panel System
A pre-fabricated exhibit or exhibit unit made of rectangular panels of various sizes that are connected in a single piece
Particle Board
A panel made of compressed wood chips mixed with adhesive
Peg Board
A type of hardboard that is perforated at regular intervals. Peg board is typically used for hanging items.
Peninsula Display
An exhibit with aisles on three sides. See also End Cap
Perimeter Booth
A booth space located on an outside wall
Pipe and Drape
Tubing covered with draped fabric to serve as the rails and backwall of an exhibit or exhibit space
Podium
A demonstration area situated higher than the surrounding floor space, or located in an area that provides viewing access for onlookers
Portable Exhibit
A simple, lightweight display unit that can be easily moved without special equipment
Power Strip
A movable unit with multiple electrical outlets
Prefab
A pre-built exhibit that comes ready to be installed
Press Kit
A packet of materials assembled for media distribution. Typically includes press releases, product announcements, and other relevant material.
Press Release
An article written for media distribution, typically announcing news about a company, individual, or product
Pro Forma Invoice
An invoice sent to a buyer before their merchandise is shipped, including detailed information about the shipment
Pro-Number
A carrier-assigned number that designates a specific shipment
Producer
(1) Exhibit producer: An individual or organization that designs and/or builds exhibits
(2) Show producer: An individual or organization that manages trade shows
Q
Quad Box
An electrical box with four outlets
R
Raceway
Tubing made of metal or insulated rubber, for channeling electrical wires
Rail
A low wall used to divide neighboring exhibits
Rear Illumination
The use of a light source to illuminate a translucent image from behind
Rear Projection
A projection technique where images are projected onto a screen located between the audience and the projector
Refurbish
Repairing and/or reconditioning an exhibit to extend its usability
Relay
An electrical current that creates programmed effects by interrupting the current at defined intervals
Release Forms
Provided by show management to permit the removal of materials from an exhibition
Rendering
The act of creating a 2D or 3D image using data from a model
Rental Booth
A complete booth package that can be rented as-is or altered to fit a customer’s needs
Return Panels
Side panels that are oriented perpendicular to the backwall
Rheostat
A device that regulates the intensity of lighting
Rigger
A skilled worker who assembles and handles machinery
Right-to-Work State
A state where workers cannot be denied the right to work depending on their union status
Riser
A raised platform typically used as a display surface
S
Schematic Model
A diagram rendered in model form
Scissors Lift
A motorized platform used to lift people to a required height and which provides a safe and reliable surface from which workers can perform tasks
Scooter
An electric- or gas-powered cart for transporting people and items
Scrim
A lightweight, opaque fabric that is transparent when lit from the rear
Security Cages
Secure spaces in which exhibitors can store materials for safe-keeping
Self-Contained Exhibit
An exhibit designed such that the shipping case is part of the exhibit
Service Desk
A designated location where exhibitors can request show services
Service Kit
An information packet created by show management and distributed to exhibitors. Kits typically include rules and regulations for exhibitors, as well as any forms exhibitors must complete. See also Exhibitor Kit, Manual
Set-Up
The process of setting up exhibition materials for display. See also Assembly, Installation
Set-Up Drawing
Drawings that illustrate how an exhibit should be installed
Shipping Case
A reusable container suitable for safely transporting exhibit materials. See also Packing Case
Shipping Crate
A wooden container designed for transporting exhibit components
Show Break
The time at which an exhibition closes and the dismantling of exhibits begins
Show Decorator
An individual or organization that provides carpeting, draping, and signage for a show and exhibitors
Show Manager
The organizer/operator of an exhibition. See also exhibition Manager
Show Office
The office or designated area from which show management operates
Show Photographer
A photographer hired by show management to document the exhibition
Show Producer
An individual or organization that manages trade shows. The producer must lease an exhibition facility, hire contractors to provide services, promote the show, and a range of other tasks.
Show Rules
The rules and regulations that govern a trade show. See also Exhibition Rules
Shrink Wrap
A process that seals materials in a tight layer of transparent plastic
Side Rail
A low divider wall that divides neighboring exhibits, typically made of pipe and drape
Sign Standard
A stand with a frame into which a sign can be inserted.
Silk Screen
A printing method that creates graphics with a reusable stencil
Sintra Graphics
High-resolution opaque graphics printed via inject onto PVC foam. They can be double-sided and can be used in a variety of ways.
Skid
A low wooden frame that supports heavy items as they are moved and during transit. See also Pallet
Skirting
A decorative covering wrapped around tables, risers, and other raised display areas
Smoker
An ashtray stand
Soffit
Part of a ceiling that is lower than the surround; for instance, the underside of an arch or balcony
Space
The area occupied by an exhibitor
Space Rate
The per-unit cost of exhibition space
Sparky
An electrician
Special Handling
Exhibit components that need some kind of special care, such as extra labor, equipment, or time, to deliver or install
Spotlight
A lamp that provides strong light in a defined area.
ST Labor
Straight time labor. This is work performed during normal working hours and charged at a standard rate.
Staging Area
A designated location used for demonstrations
Stanchions
Posts used to support signs and other display objects
Stand
Booth (international term)
Stock Exhibits
A prefabricated display modified by the exhibitor for a particular purpose
Subcontractor
An individual or organization hired by a general contractor to provide specific services
SWAG (Stuff We All Get/Stuff We All Give Away)
The goodies given away by exhibitors as promotional items and incentives
T
TL
Truckload
Table Top Display
An exhibit designed to be displayed on a table
Talent
An individual or organization hired to work in an exhibit as a greeter, demonstrator, or performer
Target Date
The date or dates that show management designates for exhibit arrival. Shipments that arrive before or after the target date may incur a penalty charge.
Tariff Rates
Shipping charges for different cargo types
Teardown
To take apart an exhibit. See also Dismantle
Telescopic Pipe
Paired sections of tubing, one of which fits inside the other; used to support drapes
Terminal
A freight-handling area
Three Wire
An electrical cable with positive and negative wires and a continuous ground wire
Time and Materials
A form of billing that charges for labor costs and materials used
Tow Motor
A brand of forklift
Trade Fair
An exhibition (international term)
Trade Show
An exhibition in which companies in a specific industry showcase new products and services
FIND TRADE SHOWS USING THE EVENT LOCATOR AND TRADE SHOW CALENDAR
Traffic Flow
The movement of attendees through an exhibition area or exhibit space
Transient Space
Space available for short-term rental
Truss
A structural element that supports overhead lighting for an exhibit space
Twist Lock
An electrical plug that connects by twisting and pushing the connectors together. This makes it harder to dislodge the connection and ensures a continuous power supply.
U
UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
A global organization that performs safety tests and grants electrical ratings on electric and electronic products
USSG (U.S. Standard Gauge)
(1) A railway with a track gauge of 1.435 meters (56.5 inches)
(2) Standard thicknesses for iron and steel in sheet and plate form
UW (Underwriter)
Typically refers to an insurance underwriter, who assesses risk level and decides how much insurance a given party should receive and at what cost.
Union
An organization of workers that protects workers’ rights and improves employee bargaining power
Union Steward
An elected union official who oversees a union’s work in a given facility and helps resolve certain union disputes
V
Valance
An overhead banner, often used as a baffle to modify lighting effects
VAT (Value Added Tax)
A tax added to a product’s price, intended to reflect the value that processing adds to the product
Velcro®
The trade name for a fabric closure method comprised of microscopic hooks and loops that can be easily pressed together and pulled apart
Vinyl Cutting
A method of producing letters, symbols, and logos using die-cut, adhesive-backed vinyl. This method produces sticky letters and graphics that adhere to most surfaces.
Visqueen
A clear plastic sheet draped over carpeting to protect it until exhibition day
W
WB (Waybill)
A list of goods contained within a shipment; may also include instructions relating to shipment or delivery
Wallboard
A construction product used to make temporary panels
Warehouse Receipt
A receipt for goods to be stored in a warehouse
Waste Removal
The removal of trash from a can, area, or building
Wharfage
A charge incurred for handling cargo at a pier
Work Rules
Regulations that specify details about the labor a craftsperson supplies, such as work hours and rates of pay
Work Time
Paid time in which craftspeople perform tasks for exhibitors
Z
Zoo
The booth, just before the show starts!