Glossary of Terms

ACCESS PANEL: Removable panel or section of an exhibit that permits access to lamps, projector mechanisms, etc.

ADVANCED ORDER: Goods and/or services ordered prior to the published deadline date using exhibitor service manual. Advance orders, when accompanied by payment, are usually discounted.

A/V: Audio/visual support/equipment such as plasma screens, monitors, sound and light equipment, microphones or projectors.

A/V CONTRACTOR: Official supplier of audiovisual equipment and services.

ADVANCED WAREHOUSE: overhaul contractor facility designated for warehouse freight received prior to the tradeshow move-in date.

AIR FREIGHT: Materials shipped via airplane.

AIR WAYBILL: A bill of lading (B/L) which covers both domestic and international flights transporting goods to a specified destination.

AISLE: Area for audience traffic movement.

AISLE CARPET: Carpeting installed in the aisles.

AISLE SIGNS: Signs, usually suspended, indicating aisle numbers or letters.

ANCHORS: Devices drilled into the floor to stabilize operating equipment.

ASSOCIATION: An organization of people sharing a common interest.

BACK-LIGHT: A light source which illuminates any transparent or translucent material from behind.

BACK WALL: The back wall (either hard wall or draped) of a booth/exhibit.

BACK WALL BOOTH: An exhibit that is set against a building wall. Also known as a Perimeter Booth.

BASE: Steel floor support for supporting an upright post.

BILL OF LADING (B/L): A commercial shipping document that establishes the terms of a contract between a shipper and a transportation company under which freight is to be moved between specified points for a specified charge.

BLANKET-WRAPPED: Non-crated freight covered with strapped-on pads or blankets; usually shipped via van lines and charged by the general service contractor as “special handling”.

BLUEPRINT: A mechanical drawing of booth layout, construction, and specifications.

BONE YARD: The contractor's on-site area where extra inventory and sometimes empty cartons are stored during exposition.

BOOMLIFT: Equipment capable of lifting a person or persons to a given height. Also known as a Highjacker or Cherry Picker.

BOOTH: One or more standard units of exhibit space. A standard unit is generally known to be a 10' x 10' space. However, if an exhibitor purchases multiple units side-by-side or back-to-back, the combined space is still referred to as one booth.

BOOTH AREA: The amount of floor space occupied by an exhibitor.

BOOTH DRAPE: Back wall and side drapes provided by management.

BOOTH NUMBER: Number designated by show management for each exhibitor’s space.

BOOTH PACKAGE: Show management provided furniture and/or services to exhibitors for a single fee. (See package plan).

BOOTH SIGN: Sign usually stating name, city, state, and booth number of exhibitor used to identify an exhibitor’s space on the show floor.

BOOTH SIZE: Dimensions of assigned space (usually allocated in 10’ X 10’ portions.

CAD: Computer Aided Design; software used by general service contractors to lay out floor plans and design displays.

CANCELLATION OR INTERRUPTION INSURANCE: Insurance that protects a show organizer against financial loss or expenses incurred when contractually specified "perils" necessitate canceling or relocating show, or cause a reduction in attendance.

CARAVAN: Multiple exhibit shipments transported from one trade show to another trade show in a sufficient quantity to create a truckload, or loads that will be transported to destination without transfer.

CARNET: A customs department permitting the holder to carry or send merchandise temporarily into certain foreign countries (for display, demonstration, or similar purposes) without paying duties or posting bonds.

CARPENTER: Skilled craftsperson used in the uncrating, installation, dismantling, and re-crating of exhibits and displays. Note: Individuals perform this type of labor with a variety of job titles throughout the world. Even in the US, titles vary from city to city. Work that is done by a carpenter in one city may be done by a stagehand in another.

CARPET PIG: A rectangular pallet with two long sides commonly used by contractors to move and load carpet.

CARRIER: Transportation company that transports freight (van line, common carrier, rail car, airplane).

CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE: A basic element of an effective risk management program. Serves as evidence of the financial capability of an indemnitor who has executed an agreement in favor or an organization. Most show organizers require a certificate of insurance from every exhibitor, just as most facilities require one from show organizers.

CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION: A document certifying that merchandise (such as perishable goods) was in good condition immediately prior to its shipment.

CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN: A document, required by certain foreign countries for tariff purposes, certifying as to the country of origin or specified goods.

CHARGEABLE WEIGHT: Weight at which any freight shipment or material handling will be charged; usually rounded to the nearest CWT.

CLASSIFICATION (Rating): The freight class to which an article is assigned for the purpose of applying transportation charges. Exhibit material is typically rated as class 125.

CLEANING SERVICES: Janitorial service provided to exhibitors by a service contractor.

CO-LOCATE: To hold two related shows at the same time and in the same place.

COLUMN: A pillar in an exposition facility which supports the roof or other structures. Usually denoted on floor plan as a solid square.

COMMON CARRIER: An individual, partnership, or corporation which transports people’s goods for compensation. For exhibit materials, usually accepts only crated or cased goods and consolidates freight of more than one exhibitor into one shipment headed for a particular location.

COMPANY TRUCK: An exhibitor's privately owned vehicle (POV) for transporting exhibit material to and from a trade show.

CONCEALED LOSS OR DAMAGE: Loss or damage to the contents of a package that is not apparent until opened.

CONSIGNEE: Organization or person to whom goods are shipped.

CONSIGNMENT: Delivery of merchandise from an exporter (the consignor) to an agent (the consignee) under agreement that the agent sells the merchandise for the account of the exporter. The consignor retains title to the goods until the consignee has sold them. The consignee sells the goods for commission and remits the net proceeds to the consignor.

CONSIGNOR: A person or company shown on a bill of lading as the shipper.

CONSOLIDATE: Shipping freight to a central depot where several loads bound for the same destination are put together before being shipped to that destination.

CONSUMER SHOW: An exposition that is open to the public. Typically an admission fee is charged. Also known as a Public Show.

CONVENTION INDUSTRY COUNCIL (CIC): A federation of associations serving the convention, tradeshow and hospitality industries.

CORNER BOOTH: An exhibit space with exposure on at least two aisles. Some shows charge premiums for these corners.

CORPORATE EXHIBIT: An institutional exhibit telling the story of the company without intentionally marketing product or service.

CORPORATE SHOW: A show produced by a corporation that is not a show management company. Exhibits are limited to products and services of that corporation or its marketing partners; no competitors participate.

COUNTER: A working cabinet for display, demonstration, or registration.

COUNTER HEIGHT TABLE: Table raised to counter height; 42 inches.

CRAFT UNION: A labor organization, the membership in which is restricted to individuals possessing or working at a specific skill or trade, such as material handling, carpentry, or plumbing.

CRATE: Container used for shipping displays; usually made of wood.

CROSS-aisles: aisles that are at right angles to main aisles on the show floor.

CUSTOM BROKER: Person or company which provides customs-clearing services to shippers of goods to and from another country.

CUSTOM CARPET: Upgraded carpet with special colors provided by the official contractor. Custom carpet is typically provided at a premium charge.

CUSTOM HOUSE: An individual or firm licensed to enter and clear goods through customs.

CUSTOMS: The governmental authorities designated to collect duties levied by a country on imports and exports. The term also applies to the procedures involved in such collection.

CUT & LAY CARPET: Carpet other than the standard booth (9’ X 10’) or aisle size generally provided at an increased cost.

CWT RATE: Cost per "hundred weight."

CWT: An abbreviation for Per Hundred Weight.

DAIS: A raised platform or stage where head tables are placed or where speakers and seminar leaders sit.

DARK DAY: A day on which a facility or hall has no events booked.

DATE PROTECTION: A guarantee that the dates a show organizer has selected for an event in a specific facility are reserved for that organizer.

DECORATOR: Craftsperson used to install drape, fabric, signs, etc.; also a common term for General Service Contractor.

DEFERRED AIR FREIGHT: Long-haul airfreight that awaits available cargo space (usually 1 to 2 days) at a reduced rate.

DIRECTIONALS: Signs directing attendees to exhibits, meetings, or special areas.

DISPATCHER: Person responsible for scheduling and routing freight, labor, etc.

DISPLAY HOUSE: A company that manufactures trade show exhibits. Additional services may also include warehousing and shipping exhibits for exhibitors, as well as providing set up and dismantle labor.

DISPLAY RULES & REGULATIONS: A set of specifications for exhibit construction endorsed by all major exhibit industry associations. Also refers to the individual additional rules that may be adopted by show management.

DISTRIBUTOR SHOW: A show produced by a distributor at which exhibitors are the manufacturers of products sold by the distributor and attendees are the distributor's customers.

DIVIDER: Partition between exhibitors, usually 3' drape. Also known as side- rail.

DOCK: A place where freight is loaded onto, and taken from, vessels, or vehicles.

DOLLY: Any of several kinds of low, flat, wheeled frames for transporting heavy objects around a warehouse or show site floor. Also refers to the unit used to adjoin two semi-trailers to create a set of trailers.

DOUBLE-DECKER: Two-storied exhibit; also called a multiple-story exhibit.

DOUBLE-FACED PANEL: Finished on both sides.

DRAYAGE: Delivery of exhibit materials from the dock to an assigned exhibit space, removing empty crates, returning crates at the end of show for re-crating, and delivering materials back to dock for carrier loading. More commonly referred to as Material Handling .

DUPLEX OUTLET: Double electrical outlet.

EAC: Exhibitor Appointed Contractor; non-official service contractor; usually supplies services related to displays requested by individual exhibitors. EACs are arranged by exhibitors well in advance of the show.

EACA: Exhibitor Appointed Contractors Association, the professional industry association of exhibitor appointed contractors.

ED&PA: Exhibit Designers & Production Association; professional industry association of EACs and specialty contractors who design, construct, install and dismantle exhibitor’s booths and displays.

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR: Company contracted by show management to provide electrical services to exhibitors.

ELECTRICIANS: Skilled craftsman handling installation of all electrical equipment.

EXCLUSIVE: Any agreement which limits who may provide services to an exposition or in a facility. A general service contractor, for instance, may have an ""exclusive" in a particular facility, meaning that no other contractor is allowed to work in that building.

EXHIBITOR-APPOINTED CONTRACTOR (EAC): Any company other than the designated show contractor providing a service to an exhibitor. Includes I & D houses, photographers, florists or any other type of contractor not designated as an “official” contractor of services.

EXHIBIT DESIGNER/PRODUCER: Company responsible for designing and constructing exhibits.

EXHIBIT MANAGER: Person in charge of an individual exhibit (as opposed to the show manager, who is in charge of the entire exposition.)

EXHIBITOR PROSPECTUS: Promotional materials developed by show management to encourage participation in an exhibition.

EXHIBITOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Representative of a show's exhibiting companies who act as advisers to show management on rules and procedures, and also update show management on industry trends and issues.

EXHIBITOR KIT (Exhibitor Services Manual): Booklet containing general show information, service order forms, show rules and regulations, and other information pertinent to an exhibitor's participation in an exposition.

EXHIBITOR LOUNGE: An area either on or adjacent to the exhibit floor where exhibitors may relax or meet with customers. Show management sometimes provides special services in this area, such as translators for a show that has international attendees.

EXHIBITOR RETENTION: Persuading current exhibitors to participate in subsequent events. Exhibitor retention rate is the percentage of exhibitors that renew.

EXPORT: To send or transport goods out of one country for sale in another country. The exporter is usually the seller or the seller's agent.

EXPORT BROKER: An individual or firm that brings together buyers and sellers for a fee, but does not take part in the actual sales transaction.

EXPORT LICENSE: A government document which permits the license to engage in the export of designated goods to certain destinations.

EXPORT MANAGEMENT COMPANY: A private firm that serves as the export department for several manufactures, soliciting and transacting export business on behalf of its clients in return for a commission, salary, or retainer plus commission.

EXPORT MERCHANT: A company that buys products directly from manufacturers, then packages and marks the merchandise for resale under its own name.

EXPOSITION MANAGER: Person responsible for all aspects of planning, promoting and producing an exposition. Also known as a Show Manager, Show Organizer, or Show Producer.

EXPORT TRADING COMPANY: A firm that purchases international goods for resale in its own local market.

FABRICATION: The building or construction of an exhibit.

FASCIA: Panel at the top of an exhibit, usually bearing the company name; also referred to as a header.

FHC: Notation on floor plans indicating location of fire hose cabinets.

FIRE EXIT: Door designed for emergency egress, which must be kept clear of obstructions.

FIRE MARSHALL: Civic or building official responsible for enforcing fire prevention regulations.

FIRE RETARDANT: Term used to describe a finish (usually liquid) which coats materials with a fire resistant cover. This does not render the material fire-proof.

FLAME PROOFED: Term used to describe material which is, or had been treated to be fire retardant.

FLATBED: Open sided trailer used to transport large equipment.

FLOOR LOAD: Maximum weight per square foot a floor can support.

FLOOR MANAGER: Person retained by show management to supervise the installation, dismantling and operation of the exhibit area.

FLOOR MARKING: Method of identifying booth spaces during the initial set up of the show.

FLOOR ORDER: Order for labor or services placed on site.

FLOOR PLAN: A map showing the layout of exhibit space.

FLOOR PORT: Utility box, recessed in the floor, containing electrical, telephone, and/or plumbing connections.

FOAM CORE: Corrugated material often used for show signage.

FORLIFT, FORK TRUCK, TOW MOTOR: Vehicle used to transport heavy exhibit materials short distances, and for loading and unloading materials.

FOUR HOUR CALL: Minimum work period for which union labor must be paid in special circumstances. (Generally, a minimum call is one hour.)

FREE TRADE ZONE: A port designated by the government of a country for duty-free entry of any no prohibited goods. Merchandise may be stored, displayed, used for manufacturing, etc., within the zone and re-exported without duties being paid. Duties are imposed on the merchandise (or items manufactured from the merchandise) only when the goods pass from the zone into an area of the country subject to the Customs Authority. Also known as Foreign Trade Zone.

FREIGHT DESK: At a show, handles inbound and outbound exhibit materials.

FREIGHT FORWARDER: A shipping company that typically handles international freight shipments.

FRONTAGE, FRONT SPACE: Refers to dimension across the front of an exhibit (for example, a 30'x10' exhibit has 30' of front space and 10' depth.)

GANG BOX: A box containing tools and supplies to repair an exhibit or product in case of trouble.

GENERAL SERVICE CONTRACTOR: The company hired by the trade association or sponsoring organization or a trade show to handle the overall coordination, freight logistics, sub-contracting of ancillary services, and decoration of the exhibit hall.

GOOSE-NECK LIGHT: Small (75 to 150 watt) spotlight with a flexible stem.

GRIEVANCE: An employee's or employer's dissatisfaction with some aspect of the employment relationship. May or may not be limited to dissatisfaction due to interpretation and application of the union contract.

GROSS SQUARE FEET: Total space available in exhibit hall.

GROSS WEIGHT: The full weight of a shipment to include goods and packaging.

GT: Gross Ton

HIGH JACKER: Equipment capable of lifting a person or persons to a given height. Also known as a Cherry picker or Boom lift.

HAND TRUCK: Small hand-propelled implement with two wheels and handles 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 WALL EXHIBIT: Exhibit constructed to plywood or similar strata as opposed to exhibits formed by drapery only.

HEADER: A sign or other structure across the top of an exhibit.

HEAVY HAULER: Special trailers utilized to transport large, heavy equipment.

HEIGHT LIMITATION: Rule set by manager to control height of exhibits.

HOLD HARMLESS CLAUSES: A contract clause that eliminates the liability to one party in case of a claim.

HORIZONTAL SHOW: A show displaying a wide range of products and services that are loosely related; for example, a computer show. Compare with vertical show.

HOUSE CARRIER: Carriers recommended and promoted by the service contractor to handle transportation services for exhibitors at a respective trade show. Also known as Preferred Carrier or Primary Carrier.

IAEE (INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EXPOSITIONS AND EVENTS): Trade association for exposition and event producers.

I&D: An abbreviation for Installation and Dismantling.

I&D Houses: Companies that install and dismantle trade show exhibits.

ID SIGN: Company name sign, usually with name, booth number, city, and state.

ICC: An abbreviation for Interstate Commerce Commission.

INCENTIVE RATE: A lower-than-usual tariff rate assessed because a shipper or consignee offers a greater volume of freight. The incentive rate is assessed for that portion exceeding the normal volume of business.

INDEPENDENT SERVICE CONTRACTOR: Any company (other than the designated "official" contractors listed in the exhibitor service manual) providing a service (display installation and dismantling, models/demonstrators, florist, photographers, audiovisual, etc.) and needing access to an exhibit any time during installation, show dates, and/or dismantling.

INDEPENDENT SHOW MANAGEMENT COMPANY: A for-profit show management company.

INDEPENDANT UNION: Labor union not affiliated with organizations such as Congress of Industrial Organizations or the American Federation of Labor.

INDUSTRIAL SHOW: Private show, sponsored by one company to introduce new products, etc.

INFRINGEMENT: Use of floor space outside exclusive booth area.

INSTALLATION & DISMANTLING: The set-up and tear down of exhibits. Also know as I&D.

INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS: Exhibits in which the visitor is involved with the exhibit in a proactive way.

ISLAND BOOTH: An exhibit booth that is exposed on all sides to the aisle.

ISLAND UNIT: A display that may be viewed from four sides.

INLINE BOOTH: Exhibit space with exhibit booths on either side or back.

JOINT AGREEMENT: Union contract covering more than one employer and a union, more than one union and an employer, or a number of employers and a number of unions.

JONES PLUG: Theatrical term for multi-prong electrical disconnect.

JOURNEYMAN: Worker who has satisfactorily completed an apprenticeship in a skilled trade.

JUNCTION BOX: A distribution point for electrical power.

JURISDICTION: 1) The jobs that may be performed by a specific labor union. 2) The locality where a contractual dispute is decided.

JURISDICTIONAL DISPUTE: Conflict between unions concerning the right to control certain jobs in a particular trade or industry.

JURISDICTIONAL STRIKE: Work stoppage as a result of a jurisdictional dispute.

KIOSK: A small, freestanding structure, often inside a facility, where printed or electronic information is available.

LABOR: Refers to contracted workers who perform services.

LABOR CALL: (1) Method of securing union employees, (2) Time specified for labor to report, as in 8:00 a.m. call, (3) Minimum amount for which labor must be paid.

LABOR DESK: Location in exhibit hall where exhibitors can order labor.

LABOR POOL: Number of persons available to the contractor.

L & D : An abbreviation for Loss and Damage.

LANDSCAPE (HORIZONTAL): Sign where width is larger than height.

LEAD RETRIEVAL: A system for capturing and follow-up of sales leads generated at an exposition.

LIABILITY: Legal issue of who is responsible for damage or injury.

LINEAR DISPLAY: One that is set in a continuous line.

LOADING DOCK: Area of facility where freight is loaded and unloaded.

LOCAL: Organization of employees in one area or in one company or a group or companies chartered by and affiliated with a national or international union.

LTL: An abbreviation for Less-than-Truckload. A quantity of freight less than required for the application of a truckload rate.

M.A. FORM: Special form of invoice required for shipment to Canada.

MARSHALLING YARD: A trailer yard or lot designated by the service contractor where all incoming and outgoing carriers report before and after pickups and deliveries at show site. The area functions as a trailer staging area throughout the duration of a trade show.

MASKING DRAPE: Drape used to cover storage and other unsightly areas.

MATERIAL HANDLING: Term used for moving freight between the loading dock and an exhibitor’s booth.

MIMO: Acronym for move-in/move-out.

MOBILE UNIT: Self-propelled equipment such as vehicles, trailers and motorcycles that are brought onto a show floor for display purposes.

MODULAR EXHIBIT: Exhibit constructed with interchangeable components that allow for flexibility in arrangement and size.

MOVE-IN: Date set for installation.

MOVE-OUT: Date set for dismantling.

NMFC: An abbreviation for National Motor Freight Classification. A publication for motor carriers containing rules, descriptions, and ratings on all commodities moving in commerce.

NET SQUARE FOOTAGE: The amount of space occupied by only the exhibits in a facility-does not include aisles, registration area, lounges, etc.

NET WEIGHT: Weight of goods alone without any packing, packaging, pallet, etc.

NO FRIEGHT AISLE: Locations on the show floor which must be kept clear of freight and show debris.

NO-SHOW: An exhibitor that does not show up to claim booth space or ordered services.

OFFICIA L CONTRACTORS: Service organizations appointed by show management.

ONE SHOT: Exhibit or display fabricated for one use only.

ON-SITE: Location of event or exhibit.

ON-SITE ORDER: A labor or service order placed on-site.

OS & D: An abbreviation for Over, Short, and Damage, which is usually discovered at shipment destination/unloading.

OT LABOR: Work performed on overtime billed at either time-and-one half or twice the published labor rates.

OUTSOURCE: To subcontract a task or responsibility to a supplier.

OVERLAY: A panel mounted to another surface.

OVERTIME: Time worked by an employee outside, of, or in addition to, regular working time or beyond the legal maximum hours of work.

PACKAGE: Can refer to a single-fee booth package offered by show management. Package might include, for instance, booth space, one electrical outlet, one table, two chairs and one hour of labor.

PACKAGE PLAN: Management providing furniture and/or services to exhibitors for a single fee.

PADDED VAN SHIPMENT: Freight shipped via van lines where material is pad-wrapped but not crated. (See Van shipment)

PALLET: A platform with or without sides, on which a number of items may be loaded to facilitate handling by a forklift.

PEG BOARD: Trade name for perforated bead board.

PENINSULA BOOTH: An exhibit booth at the end of an aisle, with aisles on three sides.

PERIMETER BOOTH: An exhibit booth located on an outside wall. Also knows as Back wall Booth.

PILASTER: Upright post used for supporting drape.

PIPE & DRAPE: Pipe material with fabric draped from it to make up side rails and back wall of an exposition.

PLEXIGLAS: A trade name for acrylic plastic material commonly used at trade shows.

PORTERS: Perform sweeping, cleaning, and dusting at two-hour intervals throughout the show.

PORTRAIT (VERTICAL): Sign with greater height than width.

POST: Metal upright used to support drapes.

P.O.V.: Privately Owned Vehicles, such as cars, pick-up trucks and SUVs.

PRE-CON MEETING: Meeting among representatives from show management, the facility and the general service contractor intended to tie up any loose ends prior to the move-in of a show.

PREFAB: Pre-built exhibit ready for installation.

PREFERRED CARRIER: Carriers recommended and promoted by the service contractor to handle transportation services for exhibitors at a respective tradeshow. Also known as House Carrier or Primary Carrier.

PRELIMINARY SKETCHES: Idea sketches preceding proposal.

PREMIUM PAY: Extra pay over the regular wage rate for work performed outside or beyond the regular working hours, for work on Saturday, Sunday, or holidays, for night shift work, for hazardous, dirty, or unpleasant work, and for production in excess of established standards.

PRE-REGISTRATION: Registration of attendees prior to arrival, primarily to relieve congestion at the show or event.

PRE-RIGGING: Attachment of slings, shackles, lifting eyes, spreader bars, etc. at your plant for the lifting of the machine at show site.

PRESS ROOM: Room where members of the media may obtain exhibitor press kits, conduct interviews, or relax. Larger press rooms contain computers, phones, and fax machines for the use by the press in filing their stories.

PRIORITY POINT SYSTEM: System of assigning points to exhibiting companies to determine which firms will be allowed to select booth space first.

PRO FORMA INVOICE: An invoice provided by a supplier prior to the shipment of merchandise, informing the buyer of the kinds and quantities of goods to be sent, their value, and important specifications (weight, size, etc.)

PRO NUMBER: A number issued to each shipment of freight by the carrier and used for tracking of the shipment to its destination and for any other reference to the shipment.

PROOF OF DELIVERY (POD): The delivery receipt copy of a freight bill by receiver at time delivery.

PROPERTY PASS: Release provided by the exhibitor for the removal of materials from the exhibit hall. (Forms available from show security.

PUBLIC SHOW: An exposition that is open to the public. Typically, an admission fee is charged. Also known as a Consumer Show.

PUP: A short semi-trailer, approximately 28 feet in length, usually connected in tandem to another semi-trailer to create a twin trailer or a set of trailers.

PW: Packed weight.

QUAD BOX: Four electrical outlets enclosed n a metal box.

RAIL: A low divider between exhibits; usually a 3 foot high pipe and drape.

RATE BASIS: A formula of the specific factors or elements that contribute to making of a rate. A rate can be based on several factors (i.e. weight, classification, distance, measure, packaging, etc.)

RECALL: Requiring employee to return to work after he or she has left for the day (or night).

RECONSIGNMENT: Changing the consignee or destination on a bill of lading while the shipment is still in transit.

REFURBISH: To repair damage, renew surfaces and replace graphics as necessary to recondition an exhibit to extend its lifespan.

REGIONAL SHOW: A show targeted to attendees from a specific geographical area that may be a stand-alone event or a regional version of a national show.

REGISTRATION: The process of obtaining information from an event's participants, including name, company affiliation and address, plus any other information that show management chooses to request.

REGISTRATION AREA: Designated area, usually outside the exhibit hall or meeting room, where registration takes place.

RELAY: Electrical device used to interrupt or sustain flow of current. Commonly used in low voltage systems for programmed effects.

RELEASE FORMS: Form provided by show management to permit removal of goods from exhibition during show hours.

RETURN: Common term applied to panel joined to background at 90-degree angle.

RFP: An abbreviation for Request for Proposal. A request given to the contractor by the association or show management group to begin the bid process for a tradeshow which may include freight requirements.

RIGGER: Skilled craftsperson or laborer used in the handling and assembling of machinery, steel construction, and heavy materials.

RIGHT TO WORK STATE: (1) A state where joining a union is not a condition of employment. (2) A state where exhibitors are allowed to set up their own exhibits without union labor.

RISER: A platform for people or products.

S-HOOK: Type of hanging hardware in the shape of the letter "S" used as a hanger for plaques, banners, etc.

SECOND-TIER: A city where the space limitations of the convention center, the hotels or both, make the city more appropriate for smaller meetings and shows.

SECURITY CAGES: Cages supplied to exhibitors to lock up materials.

SECURITY CONTRACTOR: Company hired by exhibit or show management to keep individual exhibits and the entire show floor safe using guards, closed circuit TV, etc.

SELF-CONTAINED EXHIBIT/UNIT: Type of exhibit where a crate/case is opened and becomes part of the exhibit.

SERVICE CONTRACTORS: Company that provides services to management and exhibitors.

SERVICE DESK: On-site location for ordering or reconfirming services provided by general service contractor and specialty contractors and where the contractor customer service personnel and transportation representatives are located.

SERVICE KIT: (See Exhibitor Services Manual)

SHELL SCHEME: A standard exhibit shell which is widely used throughout the world, except in the U.S.

SHOW BREAK: Time specified for the close of the exhibition and beginning of dismantling.

SHOW CARD: Material used for show signs.

SHOW DECORATOR: Craftsperson used to install drape, fabric, signs, etc. Also a term used to refer to the general service contractor.

SHOW MANAGER: Person who manages the overall functions, arrangements, and logistics for a tradeshow. Also known as Exposition Manager, Show Organizer, and Show Producer.

SHOW OFFICE: On-site show management office.

SHOW-WITHIN-A-SHOW: A show with its own name and own focus that takes place within a larger, related event.

SHRINK WRAP: Process of wrapping loose items on pallet with heat-sealed, transparent plastic wrapping.

SIDE RAIL: A low divider between exhibits.

SIGN CLOTH: Lightweight material, as opposed to canvas, used for banners, signs, and streamers.

SIGN HOLDER: Stand for displaying signs.

SIGN STANDARD: Frame or stand to display signs.

SILK SCREEN: A printing platform or location for loading or unloading at a place.

SKID: Wooden platform used to support machinery or a collection of objects for easier handling. Also thick wood blocks attached to crates which allow forklift access for easier handling.

SKIRTING: Decorative covering around tables and risers.

SLIDER: Telescopic pipe, used to support drapes.

SL&C: An abbreviation for Shipper's Load and Count.

SOFFET: A lowered portion of a ceiling.

SPECIAL HANDLING: Applies to display shipments requiring extra labor, equipment, or time in delivery to booth area.

SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR: A supplier of a specific show service, such as photography, a/v equipment, or floral decoration.

SPONSORSHIP: Payment of the cost of a service or activity at an event, in exchange for being publicized at the event.

SPOTTING: Placement or "dropping" of a trailer by a carrier for loading or unloading.

SPREADER: A device used with a crane for special lifting of equipment.

STAGEHAND: Union labor that handles spotlights, rigging, and scenery for theatrical productions. In some cities, they may also include decorating tasks, such as hanging draperies at convention facilities.

STAGING AREA: (1) A preparation area, usually on premises, where suppliers review orders and organize items before delivering them to exhibit booths. (2) An area adjacent to the dock where freight trucks wait until they may unload.

STACHION: Upright posts used to support ropes which prevent entry or direct traffic in, for instance, registration area.

STAND: European term for booth.

ST LABOR: Labor performed on straight time.

STOCK EXHIBITS: A pre-designed unit adapted to particular use by identification, color, graphics, and minor structural modifications.

SUBCONTRACTOR: Company retained by general contractor to provide services to exhibitors or show management.

SUPERVISION: Fees charged by the official contractor to supervise installation and dismantling labor for exhibits.

SYSTEM: A stock set of components which can be put together to make an exhibit.

T & M: An abbreviation for Time and Materials.

TABLE TOP DISPLAY: Exhibit designed for use on top of a table.

TAFFETA: Type of material used for skirting or special draping.

TARE WEIGHT: The weight of a container when empty.

TARGET LOAD: Loading exhibit freight that is advanced received for a trade show by hall or specific floor location to facilitate unloading.

TEARDOWN: The dismantling or disassembly of exhibits for removal from an exhibition hall following a tradeshow.

TERMINAL: Freight handling or dock area.

THIRD PARTY VENDOR: Any company (other than designated "official" contractor) providing a service (such as display installation & dismantling) employed by the exhibitor. See Independent Service Contractor.

TIE-OFF: A method of securing a shipment by the use of nylon belts and block latches.

TIME & MATERIAL: Method of charging for services on a cost-plus basis.

TL: An abbreviation for Truckload.

TON: Freight rates for liner cargo generally quoted on the basis of a certain rate per ton, depending on the nature of the commodity. This ton, however, may be a weight ton or a measurement ton.

TRADE FAIR: An international term for an exposition.

TRAFFIC FLOW: The direction or path the audience will take through an exposition or exhibit.

TRAVELER: A heavy duty traverse rod for drapery.

TRUCKLOAD: Truckload rates apply where the tariff shows a truckload minimum weight. Charges will be at the truckload minimum weight unless weight is higher.

TURNBUCKLE: Hardware installed between stretched cable to adjust tension.

TURNTABLE: Electronically or manually rotating platform.

TWIST LOCK: Type of electrical plugs which are connected by twisting together as opposed to standard male and female plugs.

UNION: Organization of workers formed for mutual protection and for purpose of dealing collectively with their employer on issues of wages, hours, working conditions and other matters pertaining to their employment.

UNION JURISDICTION: The group of employees which a union seeks to represent, or jobs which the union claims should be filed by its members. Also, the crafts covered by specific national or international unions.

UNION STEWARD: On-site union official. The steward is elected by his or her co-workers to oversee that particular union's work in the facility. Stewards are responsible for resolving disputes over the union jurisdiction, handling grievances, and ensuring that the term specified in the union contract are complied with.

UPRIGHT: The vertical post that supports the back wall and side rail drape. Also referred to as post, stanchion or pilaster.

VALANCE: An overhead, decorative boarder normally used as a light baffle.

VAN SHIPMENT: Shipment of exhibit properties via van lines, often consisting of large pieces, crated or uncrated, such as furniture or exhibit materials.

VELCRO: Brand name of the special tape used to secure objects to a display. Has two parts (male and female) that adhere to one another, but may be separated, allowing graphics and other materials to be moved.

VELOUR: A plush fabric like velvet, used for draperies, upholstery, etc.

VENUE: Site or location of an event.

VERTICAL SHOW: A show displaying products and services aimed at a well-defined market; for example, computer products for engineering design and construction. Compare horizontal show.

VERTICAL UNION: Union with jurisdiction over all occupations, skilled and unskilled, in an entire industry.

VINYL: Plastic material used for drapes or table tops.

VISQUEEN: A type of clear plastic sheeting used to protect carpeting from the time it is laid to the time the show opens.

VOLUME: Volume rates or classes are those for which a volume minimum weight (Vol. min. wt.) is provided; charges will be assessed at the volume minimum weight shown in the tariff, except that actual weight will apply when in excess of the volume minimum weight.

W & I: An abbreviation for Weighing and Inspection.

WAYBILL: Description of goods sent with a common carrier freight shipment.

WORK RULES: Regulations which govern union craftsperson's working conditions, including what work exhibitors may perform, when overtime begins, etc.