The cost you pay for material handling once your trade show displays reach the show venue dock(s).
These fees can add up fast.
You're charged for your display case(s), and item(s), and container(s), and pallet(s), and crate(s) being taking to your show booth once they arrive FOB show venue dock(s). Including empty cases being taken back to from your booth to onsite venue storage. Then back to your booth after show. Then back to the venue docks for disposition or freight-out.
Cost are usually determined by CWT weight, which is weight per 100 lbs. However the show decorator will usually set a 200 lbs minimum weight in determining your cost. Which means a 50 lb item will be charged at the minimum weight of 200 lbs.
Normally these cost are NON-negotiable. Expect to pay prevailing union wages and fees.
Good question. Almost every trade show venue allows for "Carry In" (Portable Displays) items which you or your team can carry or wheel-in the front door, and set-up yourself.
Portable displays can be pop up back walls, tension fabric structures, banner stands, and just about everything you can carry in yourself.
And with ideal modern advances in show booth display designs... many of your smaller inline show booths, from 10x10 to 20x10, can be produced to be 100% carry-in ready.
Which means you can avoid the gruesome fees associated with Drayage. Fees which can exceed the total cost of all your displays!
What is a trade show Ship-In Tag?
If you planned in advance, you'll be given the option to ship-in your trade show displays to the show decorators warehouse ahead of time. Usually 2 to 4 weeks before the actual show date.
Also know as Advance Warehousing and or Advanced Receiving.
This can save you money... because you'll avoid long billable wait times for Marshaling or Marshaling Yards on the move-in dates for your show.
Your ship-in tag can be found inside your show decorator contract. A typical ship-in tag will ask for your booth #, trade show name, number of items being shipped-in, your address, and all of it.
The show decorator will then deliver your show booth displays to the venue, and then to your booth space on move in day. However, you can expect to be charged accordingly. See Drayage.
NOTE... Denver Display can deliver your trade show displays to your show decorators warehouse. Simply provide your filled out ship-in tags.
What is a Pop Up Display?
A Pop Up Display is a display that pops up.
For example... If you have a 10x10 show booth space you may have a pop up display back wall. A back wall which you expand and contract. A pop up display usually consist of a lightweight aluminum cross arm scissor frame which comes with an attached tension fabric face.
Pop ups can also be a cross arm scissor frame which holds roll-able PVC panels too. Even a pop up trade show tower...
Pop ups are usually lightweight and carry-in ready. And are designed as portable for a quick, hassle free, set-up.
What is a Pull Up Banner?
A pull up banner is another word to which is used to describe a banner stand.
It means your print is encased inside of a banner stand base and will have a top-rail attachment which can be pulled up to deploy your banner stand print.
Your banner stand will have either a set size pole or an adjustable bungee pole which easily attaches to a backside (or inside if double sided) pole support hole on the base and then latches to the top of the fully extended top-rail print to present a nice clean image.
A pull up banner print can be full color printed on curl free vinyl, dye sub fabrics, even rigid film.
Banner stands come in a variety of sizes and styles.
What is a Tension Fabric Display?
A Tension Fabric Display is designed to present dye sublimated fabric, or stretch fabric, or sheer fabrics in many different forms.
Tension fabric displays can be a simple pop up display or stretched over a tension fabric structure to produce stunning straight, curved, s-shaped, convex, and concave show booth back-walls.
Tension fabric can be dye subbed and printed to produce amazing hanging show booth signs too. From simple round, square and rectangle hanging sign shapes to complex triangles, tapped triangles, tapered squares, custom tier design, and even diamond shapes.
Plus you can go custom or create beautiful breathtaking arch ways, tunnels, and towers.
Tension fabric frames are usually produced to spec by using round aluminum snap spigot framing. However some frames maybe constructed from SEG (Silicon Edge Graphic) framing to produce taunt graphic presentation.
Tension fabric is ideal for thin display walls for 10x10, 20x10, 20x20 up to 50x50 and 100x100 foot show booth displays to creating spectacular looking island and pinnacle display systems.
An Active Buyer is an attendee who has "on the spot" purchasing power.
Active buyers can be CEOs, Presidents, Purchasing Agents, Business Owners, Business Partners... and they have the authority to procure products and services for themselves and or business.
Normally these are the types of people which a typical business does not have direct access too -during the normal course of a year.
Active buyers make up approximately 50% of the attendees who attend industry shows. Therefore, they can be life changing.
Even though 87% of attendees can have purchasing say so, they'll need approval prior to striking any kind of deal.
What is a Marshaling Yard?
A Marshaling Yard can be considered a "weigh" station for an industry show.
The "yard" is usually off-site where exhibitor freight-in is weighed and given a ticket to proceed to the venue dock(s) for unloading.
Marshaling can be a bit more expensive if you waited to the last minute and or did not make use of the show decorators advanced warehousing options. (See Ship-In Tag)
Normally, the marshaling yard controls the flow of traffic and freight to the venue to eliminate or ease potential log-jams at the receiving docks.
Once a truck is weighed, it's usually sent to the venue where it is unloaded, then returns to the yard to be weighed again. This helps determine the "weight' which is used for drayage cost.
FOB stands for "Free On Board."
It's a shipping term used to identify where ones risk ends and an-others begins.
For example... If Denver Display shares your order is FOB factory (facility), then Denver Displays risk of disposition, shipping and or delivery would end once your order is handed off to the delivery and or shipping carrier at the Denver Display facility.
FOB can also be tagged in other ways too. Such as "FOB destination." Which means Denver Display would be responsible for having your order arrive at your ship-in address (shipping address) free and clear.
Risk can mean your order is quality controlled and documented that it is to spec before it leaves the facility. And if it's designated as FOB factory then the shipper would assume the risk of deposition once picked up. And any potential loss or damage while in transit will rest with the carrier.
What is a Bill Of Lading?
A bill-of lading is a written agreement between the shipper (you or your agent or rep) and the carrier.
A bill of lading spells out the terms of the transport, and the dates, and the cost, and the itemization, and the ship to and from address, and all pertinent data.
Bill of ladings are usually included and or required in your show contract if you're shipping in or out of a trade show venue.
Whereas a "clean bill of lading" means your shipment arrived undamaged... verses a "foul bill of lading" which means damaged may have occurred or something is amiss or missing.
A bone yard is simply a storage area for empty crates, pallets, containers, and cases.
A booth area is the show floor space which you contract for.
Typical show booth areas are contracted out in 10x10 foot space sections.
Thus a 10x10, 20x10, 30x10, 20x20 and so on.
Booth areas are assigned a number to easily identify what services and add-ons are contracted for a particular booth.
What is trade show Floor Plan?
A trade show floor plan details the layout of the show floor.
The floor plan usually depicts the aisles, entry's, exits, seating, food court(s), restrooms, meeting rooms, theaters, stages, first aide, emergency exits, and other penitent locations within the venue.
But most importantly, a trade show floor plan reveals taken and available booth sizes and spaces.
And can distinguish who's exhibiting in a particular space. Which can be advantageous if you want to choose an available booth area next to or across from a competitor or a well known brand.
A floor plan can be used to spot and contract for space which offers excellent visibility. Maybe on main aisle a corner or at a wide open entry or even across from a food court seating area.
It's recommend you choose wisely. Because the more visible your are the better. This may explain why some exhibitors sign up for next years show one year in advance.
What does the term CTSM mean?
A CTSM refers to a Certified Trade Show Marketer. A battle tested expert.
A CAD stands for Computer Aided Design.
CAD drawings can produce 3D visuals of custom build show booths before they're are even produced.
A creating list simply list the contents within a create.
A term used in the exhibition industry to define weight. Usually CWT is calculated in 100 lbs increments.
Yikes, DT labor stands for Double Time labor.
Is usually charged for OT (Over Time) work and is billed at twice the standard published rate!
DIM stands for Dimensional Weight.
It is calculated using a shipments [length x width x height] plus it's weight to arrive at a shipping cost.
A double-decker is a two story exhibition booth.
A draper is a professional who installs drapes, fabric and custom decor.
A duplex outlet is simply an electrical outlet or cord with dual outlets
An end cap covers the side(s) of an exhibit display.
End caps can be wrap around seamless dye sub fabric, roll-able PVC, or panels which hide unsightly frames or wiring...
End caps will also help block-out light which can shimmer a frames shadow on a tension fabric face or display.
End caps are recommend. They ensure your graphic displays will look their best.
What is an Exhibition Kit?
An exhibition kit or service kit usually contains all the forms, insight, rules, regulations, restrictions, and info relating to a "particular" trade show.
The prospective exhibitor usually receives a "kit" from the shows management or host.
Are my exhibition displays Fire Rated?
Yes, now-a-days show booth displays must be fire rated to code or you'll be shut-down.
This is why it's important to have expert exhibition booth builders on your side.
All Denver Display products are fire rated.
Yet, beware those who are still offering halogen lighting... Why? Because Halogen is outlawed at all USA venues and at most venues overseas. You will be inspected prior to your show and you will be unplugged if fire marshals spot you using halogen lighting! Your lights will most likely be confiscated too.
A floor manager is a show management representative and is responsible for the show floor.
If an exhibitor needs assistance or wishes to add a service during move in day or after the show has begun, then contact the floor manager
What is a Four Hour Call?
A four hour call in known as a 4 hour minimum which union labor must be paid.
Even if it only requires 2 hours to complete the task, you'll still pay the 4 hour minimum.
However, as an insider who contracts with union labor, they are highly experienced and they do get the jobs completed fast.
Not only that, union labor doesn't require "hand holding." Which means they show up and know exactly what to do.
A freight deck is the location where both incoming and outgoing exhibition materials, and displays, are handled at your trade show.
Also known as the venues' dock area. This is where Drayage kicks in.
A gangway is just another term for aisle. It's mostly used internationally.
A hand card is a drayage record of materials received or shipped.
And is also known as a work order for services and labor.
What does Hard Wire mean?
Hard wire means an electrical connection which is made by other means -rather than a simple plug in outlet or extension cord.
A header is a sign or even a structure which is on the top of an exhibit display.
Also referred to as the customary booth ID sign which is attached to the upper area of a pipe and drape system.
A high jacker is the name given to equipment which lifts show labor or show staff in the air.
High jackers are used for many purposes. To hang show booth signs, aisle ID signs, upper wall banners, and ceiling displays...
I&D stands for Install and Dismantling.
In layman terms, it simply means the that is cost associated with setting-up and taking down your show booth.
What is an Inline Display?
Inline displays are in a line.
Normally referred to as aisle show booths. Because they line-up along a straight or linear line.
What is an Island Display?
An island display is surrounded by 4 aisles.
This is a rather big show booth area.
A jigged crate is a specially designed crate to keep displays from shifting during freight or transit.
A junction box is a distribution location for electrical power.
Normally junction boxes will be located in the back of show booth areas where the pipe and drape partitions are.
A labor desk is located in the exhibition venue.
This is where you can go to order additional show labor on moves in days, and during the duration of the show.
You'll fill out a "labor form" to complete your request.
Normally the labor desk is located in the back of the exhibition hall on the receiving dock side area. Or simply flag down the floor manager for help.
A lock up simply means a secure storage area within the expo hall.
Secure storage is ideal for trade shows which showcase expensive goods.
What does the term Mask mean?
A mask is a term to describe a covering.
One will mask an area prior to painting or for protection of your displays.
May also be referred to as a "masking drape" which is used to cover unsightly areas or storage.
A meter is approximately 3 feet in length. Or a meter is exactly 39.3701 inches.
A meter is a metric measure of length. Most European exhibitors traveling to the United States speak in metric terms.
For example a typical inline 10x10 show booth area will be referred to as a 3x3 meter booth.
What is a Modular Exhibit?
A modular exhibit or display is made up of interchangeable "modular" components.
Sort-ah-like different sized and shaped blocks.
Modular exhibit displays create a sense of depth and visual excitement.
Multimedia simply means utilizing two or more forms of media.
Multimedia can be the combination of light, sound, video, fragrance, projection, holograms, interactive touch screens, and more.
Similar to the trade show term A/V -which refers only to an audio and visual display.
Another yikes. Be careful here.
Because O.R. means Owners Risk.
If you ever see this term... it may be wise to pay close attention to what is being referred to as your risk.
What is a GC or Official Contractor?
An official contractor or GC (General Contractor) is the show managements appointed contractor.
Normally you will be required to utilize the shows appointed contractor for your I&D and drayage.
However, you may want to inquire about using your own "specialty contractor."
Why? Because this can save you money and not all official contractors are willing to assume the risk of damage they may cause by not being able to install your graphics or PSA (pressure sensitive advises) properly. Especially if they screw up a specialty section which can cost them hundreds if not thousands of dollars in re-do's.
Make sure your show contact spells out who assumes the risk of installing your show booth.
Another yikes. Because P.D. stands for Per Diem.
Which means if your contract calls out PD, then you'll want to pay close attention, and see if the per diem has a cap or if it's open ended.
A per diem may include $25 for meals per day per person. Be alert here. Do your best to control cost.
Why do I need a Packing List?
A packing list itemizes what you're shipping to and from the venue.
All carriers and freight trade show transport will require this list prior to issuing a bill-of-lading.
Unlike a pipe and drape system, a panel system is a prefab exhibit made up of different sized rectangular panels.
Normally these types of panel systems are unitized as trade show booth rentals. And can be laminated with pressure sensitive full color vinyl adhesive film. Or even used as hidden in-booth storage or meeting areas.
A peg board is a hard board panel with evenly spaced holes or slats.
Normally peg boards are utilized to hang or display products within your show booth.
What is a Peninsula Display?
A peninsula display is a show booth surrounded by 3 aisles.
Peninsulas can be rather large show booths.
A pipe and drape is basically a back wall pipe system which normally is 8 feet tall and displays a draping drape with an attached cheap header panel to identify the booths exhibitor.
Pipe and drapes normally extend to the front of the show booth with side rails. Side rail drapes may vary in height from 36" to 48" in height. This ensures other linear (in-line) aisle exhibition show booths are non-obstructed.
Pipe and drapes delineate the a show booths floor contracted area. They tend to be 10x10, 15x10, 20x10 and 30x10 feet in size.
Large island and peninsula display booth areas normally do not have a pipe and drape systems because they are allowed greater size and heights over inline linear aisle booths.
What is a Portable Exhibit?
A portable is exhibit is light weight display which can be moved around rather easily... without the need for equipment of fork lifts.
Many portable exhibits qualify as carry-in displays. Which means, you can carry or wheel them in the front doors of the exhibition hall and set them up yourself.
A power strip is just a fancy word for extension cord with multiple outlets.
A prefab exhibit is an exhibition display that was prefabricated and is ready for installation.
What is an exhibit Producer?
It's a company like Denver Display which can design, build and or produce exhibits and trade show displays.
A pro-number is simply a term used to describe a particular carries assigned number to ID a specific shipment
A simple electrical device which is used to create certain programmable effects by cutting off and turning on a power supply.
Is a highly skilled professional who is responsible to the movement of or the assembly of machinery.
Riggers also are used for controlling the movement and attachment of heavy objects and load bearing displays and hanging signs or structures.
Scrim is just another name for a strong durable substrate. Vinyl banner stock and fabric can be referred to as scrim.
What is a Self Contained Exhibit?
A self contained exhibit is an exhibit which uses its shipping case(s) as part of the display.
Even a small case which is used for a pop up display can be a self contained exhibit.
How? By using a case to counter conversion skin which may either wrap or stretch over the case to turn the case into a show booth counter.
Well it's not the obvious... A show break is a term used to signal the end of the trade show and the start of dismantling.
What is a Show Decorator?
The show decorator is the company responsible for "decorating" the show venue.
This is usually the contact for your show booth signage set up and take down.
The show decorator is also responsible for setting up the venue hall. Which includes... show floor carpeting, pipe and drapes, perimeter draping, overhead hanging signage, and all of it,
The show manager is the company who organizes and manages your particular trade show.
The show manager basically plans your show.
They approve the show decorator(s), develop the logistics, contract with the venue, create the marketing, and promote the show.
They make sure your exhibition goes off without a hitch.
The show producer can be a company or a person.
The show producer produces the show.
Which means, they choose the venues location, dates and times. They lease the venue, hire contractors and promote the show.
Similar to a show manager, however, the buck stops with the producer.
A side rail is used to separate one linear exhibition booth from the next.
A side rail usually consist of a shorter 4 foot tall pipe and drape system.
However, heights may vary depending on your shows venue and floor plan. See your show contract (kit).
A sign standard is simply a sign frame on a stand which a sign(s) can be inserted.
In layman terms, a skid is the same as a pallet.
A skid is used to stack heavier trade show display items for easier transport on and off a truck and in the venue.
Skids make it easier for forklifts to lift and move heavy objects. And can protect exhibit display(s) while in transit.
Skirting is basically the decorative coverings used to wrap around trade show and event tables.
Skirting may also be used to wrap the base of unsightly venue columns and risers.
And it usually matches the same color and style as the show booths pipe and drape system.
Not exactly what you may be thinking, but close.
In the exhibit industry a "smoker" is simply a term which is used to describe an ashtray stand.
A soffit is just the lower portion of ceiling.
A soffit tends to be decorative in nature.
And can include hidden cover caps where hanging structures can be rigged too. Especially in finished convention halls and rooms.
A space rate is simply the square footage cot of an exhibition space.
Sparky is slang for electrician.
A spotlight is different from a flood light... in that it produces pinpoint circular light to an area.
A staging area is a location within the exhibition hall or venue where the show contractor(s) can assemble, sort and itemize displays and components.
And then deliver them to the floor plan location of the exhibitor or vendor.
Can also be referred to as the location where product demonstrations are presented.
Stanchions are simply up right bars and posts which are used to support and or elevate signs and displays.
A "stand", in the exhibition industry, is a term used by European exhibitors to refer to their show booth space.
Stock exhibits are standard display items which can be conformed, branded and or skinned to meet an exhibitors needs.
Similar to trade show booth rentals.
SWAG stands for Stuff We All Get.
In the trade show industry, Swag is cool stuff. And is used as give-away items.
Swag can be branded T-shirts, caps, golf balls, mugs, wrist bands, Nerf footballs, USB sticks, and just about anything you want to give to prospects to make your brand or company more memorable.
The exhibition term T & M stands for Time and Materials.
Which means the cost for show labor and materials.
The exhibition term T.L. means Truck Load.
Trade show "talent" refers to show booth hires which may be used to hand out flyers, greet attendees, do product demos, give away swag or simply provide some sort of entertainment to attract more prospects your way.
This is the date set by the show manager for receiving freight-in.
Target dates can vary. Most show decorators will have a target deadline date for receiving your displays at their off premise warehouse -weeks if not months before the move in date.
And every show will set a target date for freight to arrive at the actual venue.
Missing these dates can result in added cost.
What does Tear-down mean?
Tear-down simply means the taking down or dismantling of your exhibition displays.
A three wire is a continuous cord or cable that includes a ground wire and both the negative and positive wires.
Another trade show term, used by Europeans, which means exhibition.
A trade show is more of an American term which refers to an industry or specific group type of exposition.
A exposition term which refers to temporary rental space.
A truss is a sturdy metal structural element which is hung or rigged above a show booth or exhibition area or stage to hold lighting and sound.
A truss or truss display can also be used as a show booth design structure to create truss booths.
Truss booths can take on many shapes and forms. And look appeasing due to the truss support nature of the overall exhibit booth.
A truss can form back walls, side walls, front walls, entryways, storage areas, private areas, ceilings and just about anything your show contract allows...
A twist lock is an electrical plug which twist locks together to secure an electrical connection.
UL stands for Underwriters Laboratory.
A standard for testing and safety. And in this case, the universal standard for electrical wiring.
A union steward is an onsite union official who oversees union show labor.
He or she will also handle contracted clarifications and disputes on the show floor.
Visqueen is known as clear or plastic sheeting.
Visqueen is used to cover exhibition carpet and displays to add protection during set-up and tear-down stages.
What is a WB or Waybill ?
A waybill is a shipping document which identifies the shipments weight.
A waybill usually includes everything pertinent to the shipment or freight.
Including... from, to, consignees, consignors, itemization of the freight, where freight originated and the destination.
However, a waybill or W.B. is not a contract. It is produce by the carrier to account for internal controls and records.
Wharfage is a charge for the use of a wharf.
This charge is associated with ocean shipped goods which arrive at U.S. piers and port authorities.
What does Work Time mean?
Work time refers to the on the clock "time" from when you accept a labor crafts-mans' arrival to do work at your booth and when you release them... when they are done.
However, as defined early, your minimum billable time will be set at 4 hours.
In exhibition terminology... Zoo refers to the two hour window before the trade show or venue hall doors open.
Usually a "zoo" as exhibitors scramble to address last minute issues and prep.
