Glossary
A/V (Audio Visual) – Using both sight and sound, typically in the form of video or recorded music. Also includes screens, lights, staging, design and more.
Accessible Storage – (Access Storage) - The holding area from which goods may be easily accessible during show hours.
Advance Receiving Date - Any time prior or up to the last day allowed for shipments to arrive at the advance warehouse without a surcharge being applied.
Advance Shipments to Warehouse - Includes unloading crated freight; storing at warehouse; reloading for delivery to the exhibit site; unloading freight; delivery to booth, picking up, storing, and returning empty shipping containers/boxes; reloading freight for return.
Advanced Warehouse - A designated facility where exhibitors can ship materials ahead of the trade show for storage and timely delivery to the show floor.
Air Freight - Materials shipped via airline.
Aisle Carpet - Carpet installed in aisles.
Aisle Signs - Signs (typically suspended from ceiling) to indicate aisle numbers.
Arch - An exhibit display ceiling or entryway which spans two points.
Attendee - A person who attends the trade show.
B2B (Business-to-Business) - Events where businesses sell to other businesses.
B2C (Business-to-Consumer) - Events targeting end consumers.
Back wall - The panels at the rear of an exhibit.
Back Wall Booth - Booth located on the most outer wall of the exhibit hall of the exhibit facility rather than to another exhibit. Also known as Perimeter Booth.
Backlight – A light source that illuminates translucent material from behind.
Badge - A type of identification supplied to an attendee, exhibitor or worker to allow access to a show or convention.
Banner - A suspended panel used as a decoration or a sign, usually made of fabric or paper for temporary use.
Bill of Lading (BOL or B/L) - A document that establishes the terms between a shipper and a transportation company for the transport of goods. 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.
Blind Shipping - A shipping method where the supplier sends goods directly to the end
customer on behalf of a third party, such as a reseller or distributor, without revealing the supplier’s identity. This is often used to maintain the third party's branding or client relationship.
Bone Yard - A storage area for empty crates and contractor materials.
Boom lift – (Cherry picker, Condor, Man lift or Scissor lift) - A mechanical device that can be motorized or manually operated to lift a laborer above floor level.
Booth - The exhibitor's display area.
Booth Layout – Diagram of booth space showing orientation, electrical, plumbing, furniture, booth structure and equipment placement in a booth space.
Booth Number - A number assigned by show management to identify an exhibitor’s floor space.
Booth Package - When an exhibitor receives a variety of services for one single price (e.g. each booth receives carpet 1-6’ draped table, a 500-watt outlet and 500 lbs. of drayage.).
Booth Personnel - Staff members assigned by an exhibitor to work in an exhibit.
Booth Sign - I.D. sign indicating company name and booth number of exhibitor.
Booth Size - The dimensions of the floor space contracted by an exhibitor. Usually sold in 10’ x 10’ increments.
Carrier - A transportation line moving freight. Usually a van line, common carrier, rail line, or air carrier. Also see Common Carrier.
Cartage- Fee charged for transporting freight between destinations.
Collateral - Printed or digital marketing materials distributed at the booth.
Column - A pillar in an exposition facility which supports the roof or other structures. Usually denoted on a floor plan as a solid square.
Commercial Invoice - An itemized list of shipped goods.
Convention Center - A facility where expositions are held. Also known as Exposition Center, Facility or Hall.
Corner Booth - An exhibit space with exposure on at least two aisles.
Crated Materials - Materials that are skidded or are in any type of shipping container that can be loaded or unloaded at the dock with no additional handling required.
Crating List – An itemized list of the contents of a crate.
Cross Aisle - An aisle at a right angle to a main aisle.
Custom Exhibit - A display designed and built to meet the specific needs of an exhibitor.
Demonstration - A live presentation showcasing a product or service.
DIM (Dimensional) Weight - Length x width x height divided by 194 for domestic shipments or divided by 166 for international shipments.
Direct to Show - Shipping exhibit materials straight to the event venue during the designated move-in period, bypassing advanced warehousing.
Dismantle - To take apart an exhibit. Also known as Take-down, Teardown.
Display - Graphic panel of varying sizes often used to show a product or service.
Display Labor - Required for all installation and dismantling of exhibits, including signs and floor covering installation.
Display Rules and Regulations - Exhibit construction specs endorsed by major exhibit industry associations. Also the specific set of rules that apply to an exposition, which vary by venue and city.
Divider - Partition between exhibitors.
Dock - A platform where freight is loaded into and removed from vehicles trucks at the convention facility.
Draped Booth - A booth made up of back wall and sidewall of pipe and drape.
Drayage - The handling of exhibit materials from the loading dock to the exhibitor’s booth and back, including storage and transport, often charged as a separate fee.
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.)
Dye Sublimation - A printing technique that uses heat to transfer dye onto fabric, resulting in vibrant, durable, and wrinkle-resistant graphics commonly used for trade show displays.
Empties or Empty Crate - Reusable packing container in which exhibit materials were shipped. Not needed during the show and marked to go into empty storage.
Empty Crate Labels - Special stickers supplied by the general contractor. Special crews patrol the exhibit hall picking up empties during installation and return them during dismantling.
End Cap - An exhibit space with aisles on three sides.
Exhibit - Structure used at trade shows and events for displaying products, conveying a marketing message, brand activations, and more.
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.
Exhibition - A trade show or conference at which people gather to drive business, learn new industry trends, network and attend educational sessions.
Exhibitor - A company or individual presenting at a trade show.
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.
Expendables - Purchases that typically have a “one and done” use. Ex: tape, disposable skirts, etc.
Flame Retardant - A safety requirement for materials used in trade show displays, ensuring fabrics and components are treated to resist catching fire.
Floor Load - Maximum weight per square foot a floor can support. (May also refer to the maximum amount of power available from floor outlets and ports).
Floor Manager - An individual representing show management who is responsible for the exhibition area.
Floor Plan - A map showing the size and locations of exhibit spaces.
Free Form Exhibit - This is an exhibit with aisles on all four sides. Also known as Island Exhibit.
Free Standing - Self-supporting and independently displayed material.
Freeman - A major general contractor in the trade show industry responsible for providing services such as exhibit setup, dismantling, shipping, and show management logistics.
Freight - Exhibit properties and other materials shipped for an exhibit.
Freight Forwarder - A shipping company which handles export shipments for a fee.
Furniture - Rental furniture provided by a contractor for use by the exhibitor or management.
Gangway - An International term referring to the aisle.
Graphics - Communicative elements/color, copy, art, photographs, back drop, etc. used to decorate a booth or space.
Grommet - Rubber, metal or plastic element for reinforcing holes in weaker materials.
Hall - A generic term for an exposition facility; may also refer to an individual area within a facility such as south hall, etc.
Hand Carry - Items that an exhibitor is permitted to carry unaided in/out of a convention facility without being charged.
Header - A sign or other structure across the top of an exhibit.
Height Limitation - Rules set by show manager to control height of exhibits.
Hospitality Suite/Event - An area separate from the exhibit, in which refreshments are served and exhibitor personnel and visitors socialize. Most shows require hospitality events to be opened only after exhibit hours.
Inline - An exhibit that is constructed in a continuous line along an aisle. Also known as Linear Display.
Installation & Dismantle (I & D) - Installation and dismantle of an exhibit, or set-up and tear down of an exhibit.
Installation Date - The date the general services contractor first receives access to the facility for move-in.
Interactive Exhibits - Exhibits in which an activation that typically involved multi-media and integrated marketing to immerse the visitor in the experience Exhibitions, Exhibits, Events)
Invoice - A statement sent to clients for monies owed to a corporation for services or items provided.
Island Booth - Booth space with aisles on all four sides.
Knockdown (K.D) - An exhibit with separate components that must be assembled on-site.
Kiosk - A small informational counter, open to one or more sides, used within an exhibit for the display of product, services, screens, and activations.
Labor Order - Refers to an order for exhibit installation and dismantle or any job that will bill labor.
Last in, first out – Booths built in front of overhead doors used for loading freight in & out. Booth is constructed last, before show open, and is dismantled first, prior to move out due to use of overhead doors.
Late Arrival Surcharge - A surcharge applied to each shipment received at the advance warehouse after the deadline date.
Lead Retrieval - Technology or systems used to collect and track attendee information.
Light Box - Enclosure with lighting and translucent face of plastic or glass used to back light signs or graphics.
Line Booth - Line booths have only one side exposed to an aisle and are generally arranged in a series along a straight line. They are also called “Linear” booths or “In-Line” booths.
Line of Sight Rule - A regulation that limits the height and placement of booth structures to ensure visibility and access to neighboring exhibits, maintaining a fair and open layout.
Linear Display - An exhibit that is constructed in a continuous line along an aisle. Also called inline.
Literature Rack (Lit Rack) - Devices used to hold literature or brochures.
Loading Dock - An area within an exposition facility where freight is received and shipped.
Logistics - The movement of freight shipments on a commercial basis, where a general services contractor buys transportation at a wholesale price and sells it to their customers at a retail price.
Modular Exhibit - Exhibit constructed with interchangeable components.
Move-In - Date(s) set for installation of exhibits.
Move-Out - Date(s) set for dismantling of exhibits.
Networking Lounge - A designated area for attendees to interact informally.
No-Freight Aisle - An aisle that must be kept clear at all times during installation and dismantling.
Off-Target Shipment - Any shipment arriving before or after its target date and/or time.
Official Opening - Ceremony, ribbon cutting, etc. to proclaim the show officially opened.
OMHF - Outbound Material Handling Form.
On-Site Services - Services provided at the venue, such as electricity, internet, and furniture rentals.
Organizer - Show Manager.
Outbound Material Handling Document/Form - An OMHF (Outbound Material Handling Form / Bill of Lading) must accompany all outgoing shipments.
Overhead Work - Work performed over the exhibit floor usually requiring a scissor lift or man lift.
Padding - Usually blanket protection for uncrated material.
Pallet - A low wooden platform onto which goods are loaded for easier handling. Usually used as a platform for objects moved by forklift.
Peninsula Booth - Booth space with aisles on three sides. Also known as End Cap.
Peninsula Display - An exhibit with aisles on three sides. Perimeter Booth - Booth located on the outermost wall of the exhibit hall.
Pipe & Drape - A modular system of metal pipes and fabric drapes used to create booth spaces, dividers, or presentation areas at trade shows and events.
Platform - Raised stage for speakers, entertainers or products.
Podium - Raised cabinet used to hold speaker’s notes.
Pop Ups - A type of small exhibit in which the back wall structure expands to size from collapsed, interconnected members.
Portable Display - Exhibit capable of being carried by one person.
Portable Exhibit - A lightweight display unit that can be moved without a forklift.
Post-Show Follow-Up - Actions taken after the event to maintain connections.
Pre-Registration - Registration of attendees prior to arrival .
Pre-Rigging - An attachment of slings, shackles, lifting eyes, spreader bars, etc. at an exhibitor’s plant for the lifting of the machine at the show site.
Pre-Show Marketing - Efforts made to promote participation before the event.
Print Ready - Artwork or pasted up material that is ready for reproduction.
Program Book - Printed schedule of meeting events, location of function rooms, location of exhibitors, and other pertinent information.
Proof - A graphics copy obtained for checking purposes.
Rail - A low wall used to divide exhibits.
Receiver - 1. A document that verifies goods ordered are received. 2. Someone who fills out a receiver document.
Registration - Procedure in which attendees receive badges for admittance.
Registration Counter - Cabinet designed to facilitate registration of attendees.
Rental Booth - A complete booth package offered to exhibitors on a rental basis.
Rental Exhibit - An exhibit rented to an exhibitor.
Rigging - 1. The process of attaching the cable on a crane to a piece of machinery or equipment. 2. The process for hanging material or signs from the ceiling of a facility or by floor standing truss secured to the ceiling.
Riser -1. A platform for people or products. 2. Shelf added to table or counter to form tiers.
ROI (Return on Investment) - The measure of an exhibitor's success at the trade show.
Sandbags - Weights put around the base to help anchor and hold materials.
Sandwich Board - Two boards held together with hinges that form a tent-like structure for signs. Also known as Tent Boards.
Self-Contained Exhibit - A display that uses the shipping case as an integral part of the exhibit.
Self-Contained Unit - Type of exhibit where a crate is opened and becomes part of the exhibit.
Service Kit - Manual containing general show information, labor/service order forms, rules and regulations and other information pertinent to an exhibitor’s participation in an exposition.
Set-Up - The function of assembling and installing displays. Also known as Installation.
Set-Up Personnel - A labor crew that installs a show or exhibit.
Shipment - Freight tendered to a carrier by one consignor at one place at one time for delivery to one consignee at one place on one bill of lading.
Shipper - Person who arranges transportation of goods.
Shipping - Transportation of goods.
Shipping Crate - Wooden containers for transporting exhibit materials, which may be designed for a single use or custom-built for extended reuse.
Show Close Date - Date that a show-ends.
Show Office - Office maintained by show management.
Show Rules - The general rules and regulations governing a specific trade show set by show management and/or facility.
Show site – Onsite at a trade show or event.
Side Door Loading /Unloading - Shipments tendered for delivery in such a manner as to prevent access from the rear of the trailer.
Side Rail - A low drape divider used to separate one exhibit space from another.
Skirting or Skirts - A pre-pleated fabric made of polyester satin or taffeta, which is stapled to tables or counters.
Space - Exhibitor’s location in the hall.
Special Handling - Applies to display shipments requiring extra labor, equipment, or time in delivery to the booth area. This can sometimes incur extra charges.
Spotting - Placement of equipment in an exact location in the booth by using a forklift.
Spotting Fee - The charge to spot equipment.
Storage fee – A fee charged by the warehouse if goods for a show are stored between shows or arrive prior to the advanced warehouse arrival date set for the exhibitors show of attendance.
Stage - Elevated platform for entertainment, speakers, etc.
Stanchion - Upright post to support ropes for crowd control.
Step & Repeat - A backdrop featuring a repeating pattern of logos or graphics, typically used as a branded photo opportunity at trade shows and events.
Stock Exhibit - A pre-designed display modified for a particular use by the exhibitor.
Storage Area - Designated areas for storage of crates or materials.
Structure/Tent - An additional, or temporary exhibit/official/association space.
Surcharge - Additional charge to base rate such as a surcharge for receiving freight on overtime.
Swag - Free promotional items given to attendees (e.g., pens, tote bags).
T & M - Time and Materials - A form of billing in which a consumer is charged for labor costs (time) and materials.
Table Top Display -Graphic designed for use on top of a table.
Target Date - A designated day and time for arrival of freight assigned to a particular exhibitor or exhibit area depending on their location within the facility. Helps to ensure a smooth move-in.
Tax Exempt - Customer is exempt from paying taxes.
Tax Exempt Certificate - Document needed from customer to verify tax exemption status in the state the show is held.
Tear Down - Dismantle or disassembly of an exhibit. Also known as Dismantle.
Telescopic Rod or Pipe – Horizontal drape support where one section slides inside another for use at various lengths.
Trade Show - An event where businesses showcase their products or services to potential customers and partners.
Traffic Flow - The movement of attendees through an exhibition, exhibit, or event.
Truss - A triangular beam structure utilized in overhead rigging.
Turnkey Exhibit – A phrase used to describe an exhibit where the exhibitor simply “turns the key” upon arrival at the show and opens the booth. Everything else is handled by their exhibit provider.
TV Monitor - A type of screen used to show a video image.
Virtual Booth - An online representation of a trade show exhibit.
W/B - Waybill.
Warehouse - Building where goods are stored.
Warehouse Handling In - Any materials shipped back to the warehouse from the exhibit site.
Warehouse Handling Out - Any materials shipped to the exhibit site from the warehouse after the deadline to receive advance shipments.
4 Sided Counter/ Table Skirt - A standard counter skirt is 3-sided with one side open. A 4th side counter skirt encompasses all four sides of the counter. Ideal for when items may need to be stored underneath the table during the event.
3 Sided Counter/ Table Skirt - A standard table skirt which is 3-sided with one side open. Ideal for when there may be chairs untucked behind or exhibitors seated at the table.