Glossary of terms
Advance Order
An order for services sent to the service contractor prior to the installation date. Fees associated with advance orders 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
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
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
CWT
Hundred weight. A measurement used for shipping exhibit properties. Usually 100 pounds
Damage Report
A report submitted by an exhibitor to a freight company or drayage contractor itemizing damage to shipped goods
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
Est. Wt.
Estimated Weight
Exclusive Contractor
A contractor appointed by show management as the sole provider of specified services
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
Floor Port
A utility box recessed in the floor containing electrical, telephone, or plumbing connections
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
Hand Truck
Small hand-propelled vehicle used for transporting small loads
Infringement
An exhibitor's unauthorized use of floor space outside the leased booth area
In-line
An exhibit that is constructed in a continuous line along an aisle
Island Exhibit
A display with aisles on four sides
Labor Form
The form used by exhibitors to order labor
Lead Tracking
A manual or automated system used to conduct follow-up activities for sales prospects resulting from a trade show
Loading Dock
An area within an exposition facility where freight is received and shipped
Marshaling Yard
A lot where trucks gather for orderly dispatch to show site
Meter
The most common width for a backwall panel. (1 Meter = 39.37 inches)
Move-in
The date specified by show management for beginning exhibit installation.
Move-out
The date specified by show management for dismantling exhibits.
Official Contractor
Show management appointed company providing services to a trade show and/or its exhibitors. Also called Official Contractor
On-site Order
Floor order placed at a show site. Costs for on-site orders are higher than orders placed prior to the event
Overtime
A designation for work performed outside the hours specified as normal working hours. Work performed on overtime is charged at a higher rate
Peninsula Display
An exhibit with aisles on three sides
Perimeter Booth
A booth space on a outside wall
Privately Owned Vehicles (POV)
Exhibitors’ privately owned vehicles (POVs) or small rental trucks (UHaul, etc.)
Pipe & Drape
Tubing covered with draped fabric to make up the rails and backwall of a trade show
Straight Time Labor
Work performed during normal work hours at the standard rate
Service Desk
The location at which exhibitors order services from the show decorator and other official suppliers
Show Decorator
A company or individual responsible for providing draping, carpeting, and signage services for the trade show and its exhibitors
Side Rail
A low divider wall, usually pipe and drape, used to divide one exhibit space from another
Visqueen
A clear plastic sheeting that is placed over exhibit carpeting after its laid in order to protect it until the show opens. Visqueen also allows exhibit components to slide on top of it during setup, allowing you to align various exhibit components by simply pushing them into position