Helpful Terms to Know
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A
Audio/visual support such as television monitors, VCRs, or taped music.
A supplier of audio/visual equipment and services.
An order for services sent to the service contractor prior to the installation of the show. Compare with Floor Order.
Fees associated with advance orders, which typically include discounts when paid in advance.
A bona fide representative with proper credentials from the party represented.
Goods shipped via airplane.
A bill of lading that establishes the terms between a shipper and an air transportation company for the transport of goods from a given location to a given airport destination for a specified charge. Compare with Inland Bill of Lading, Ocean Bill of Lading, Through Bill of Lading.
A walkway intended for audience movement through an exposition or exhibit.
Carpeting installed in trade show aisles.
Signs, usually suspended, identifying exposition aisles by number or letter.
The process of erecting an exhibit from its components. Also called Installation, Set Up.
See On-site.
Those persons who visit an event that are not exhibiting or connected with the event itself.
B
A light source that illuminates translucent material from behind.
The panels at the rear of an exhibit.
An exhibit that is back-to-back with another exhibit or against a building wall.
A partition designed to control light, air, sound, or traffic flow.
A suspended panel used as a decoration or a sign, usually made of fabric or paper for temporary use.
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. Also see Air Waybill, Inland Bill of Lading, Ocean Bill of Lading, Through Bill of Lading.
Uncrated goods covered with blankets or other protective padding and shipped via van line. Also called Pad Wrap.
A scale drawing of booth space layout, construction, and specifications.
A storage area for empty crates and contractor materials.
An area made up of one or more standard units of exhibit space.
The amount of floor space assigned to an exhibitor.
A number assigned by show management to identify an exhibitor’s floor space.
Staff members assigned by an exhibitor to work in an exhibit.
The dimensions of the floor space contracted by an exhibitor. Usually sold in 10′ x 10′ increments.
The level at which a discount is given for a volume order.
C
Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing.
Certified Trade Show Marketer.
Hundred weight. A measurement used for shipping exhibit properties. Usually 100 pounds.
A skilled tradesperson who designs, builds, assembles, and dismantles temporary structures such as booths, displays, stages, and exhibit units for trade shows, conventions, and events.
A double sided tape used to temporarily adhere carpeting to the existing flooring of a venue.
A transportation line moving freight. Usually a van line, common carrier, rail line, or air carrier. Also see Common Carrier.
1. The fee charged for transporting freight.
2. The moving of exhibit properties over a short distance.
A document certifying that merchandise was in good condition immediately prior to its shipment.
Equipment used to lift people to a given height.
A carrier-issued receipt indicating that transported merchandise was received in apparent good condition. Compare with Foul Bill of Lading.
A contract between an employer and a union specifying the terms and conditions for employment, the status of the union, and the process for settling disputes during the contract period. Also known as Labor Agreement, Union Contract.
A pillar in an exposition facility which supports the roof or other overhead structures. Usually shown on a floor plan as a solid square.
An itemized list of shipped goods.
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.
A person to whom goods are shipped.
A delivery of merchandise from an exporter (the consignor) to an agent (the consignee) under the agreement that the agent will sell the merchandise, receive a commission, and remit the net proceeds to the exporter.
A person who sends freight.
A drawing which gives detailed diagrams and instructions for building an exhibit.
To ship freight to a central depot where several loads bound for the same destination are put together before being shipped to that destination.
An individual or company that provides services or materials to a trade show and/or its exhibitors. Also see Official Contractor, Exhibitor Appointed Contractor.
An exhibit space with exposure on at least two aisles.
A skilled worker who provides services at the exposition facility. Also called Labor.
An itemized list of the contents of a crate.
An aisle at a right angle to a main aisle.
Literally, length x width x height. With reference to booth space, the placement of exhibit properties at a height of 8 feet or more above the leased area. Also, a measurement used in determining shipping costs for van lines.
A display designed and built to meet the specific needs of an exhibitor.
A person or company licensed to enter and clear goods through Customs.
D
Doing Business As.
Department of Transportation.
Deadweight (tons of 2240 lbs.)
A report submitted by an exhibitor to a freight company or drayage contractor itemizing damage to shipped goods.
Temporary post used during installation to help support the weight of an overhead structure.
Time when a worker is unable to perform duties due to factors beyond his or her control.
A shipper’s stated dollar value for the contents of a shipment.
An individual (skilled craftsperson) or company (a contractor) providing services for a trade show and/or its exhibitors.
Length x width x height divided by 194 for domestic shipments, or divided by 166 for international shipments.
A catalog of basic information about the show, including exhibitors, floor plan and schedule of events. (This is also sometimes referred to as an On-site Program or Program.)
To take apart an exhibit. Also known as Take-down, Teardown.
A company which fabricates exhibits.
Exhibit construction specifications endorsed by major exhibit industry associations. Also, the specific set of rules that apply to an exposition.
A platform where freight is loaded onto and removed from vehicles or vessels.
A small platform on wheels used for moving heavy objects.
A two-storied exhibit. Also known as Multiple Story Exhibit.
A craftsperson who installs drapes, fabric, and special decor.
The service that includes delivery of materials to an exhibit space, removal of empty crates, storage of crates during the show, returning of crates at the end of the show, and delivery of materials to the carrier loading area. (It is a two way charge, incoming and outgoing.)
A company responsible for handling exhibit materials at a trade show.
A form completed by an exhibitor requesting handling of materials.
Labor Double Time Labor. Work performed on overtime and charged at twice the published rate.
A double electrical outlet.
E
A stand for displaying objects.
A company hired by show management to provide electrical services to exhibitors.
Scaled drawings depicting front and side views of an exhibit.
Exhibitor properties placed in empty storage area. Properties are stored till close of the show when empties can be returned.
An exhibit space with aisles on three sides.
Estimated Weight.
A contractor appointed by show management as the sole provider of specified services.
The rental of a carrier’s entire cargo space by one shipper.
Company responsible for designing and constructing exhibit booths.
A guide for exhibition attendees which lists exhibitors and exhibit locations.
The area(s) within an exposition center where exhibits are located.
Person in charge of a company’s exhibit program.
A contractor hired by an exhibitor to perform trade show services independently of show management appointed contractors. Also called Independent Contractor, EAC.
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.
To send or transport goods out of one country for sale in another.
An individual or company that brings together buyers and sellers for a fee.
A company that transacts manufacturers’ export business for a fee.
A company that buys products directly from manufacturers, then packages the merchandise for resale under its own name.
A company that buys foreign merchandise for resale in its own local market.
See Show Manager.
The set of regulations which govern a given trade show.
F
A notation on floor plans indicating the locations of fire hose cabinets.
Free On Board (vessel). A price quotation under which the exporter quotes a price that includes delivery of the goods on board the vessel. When FOB is used in conjunction with an inland shipment, the expenses up to the point specified are covered by the seller, but shipping expenses after that point are charged to the buyer.
The construction of an exhibit.
The use of cut glass fibers to display colored light.
A door designated for emergency egress, which must be kept clear of obstructions.
An aisle that must be kept clear of obstructions to allow emergency egress.
Term used to describe a finish which coats materials with a fire-resistant (not fire proof) cover.
An individual representing show management who is responsible for the exhibition area.
Method used to mark booth spaces.
Order for services placed after exhibit installation has begun. Compare with Advance Order.
A map showing the size and locations of exhibit spaces.
A utility box recessed in the floor containing electrical, telephone, or plumbing connections.
Rigid foam covered with heavy paper stock used for mounting signs, art, etc.
Forktruck Motorized vehicle used to load, unload, and transport heavy items.
A carrier-issued receipt indicating that transported merchandise was damaged when received. Compare with Clean Bill of Lading.
Minimum work period for which union labor must be paid.
A port designated by the government of a country for duty-free entry of any non-prohibited goods.
Exhibit properties and other materials shipped for an exhibit.
The area where inbound and outbound exhibit materials are handled at a trade show.
A shipping company which handles export shipments for a fee.
G
International term referring to the “aisle”.
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. A multilateral treaty intended to reduce trade barriers between the signatory countries and to promote trade through tariff concessions.
Show management appointed company providing services to a trade show and/or its exhibitors. Also called Official Contractor. Compare with Exhibitor Appointed Contractor.
A photo, copy panel, or artwork applied to an exhibit.
A network of structural members, electrical conduits, and other support systems on a pattern of centers.
H
General term used for an exposition facility or the exhibit area within a facility.
Small hand-propelled vehicle used for transporting small loads.
Work order for labor or services.
Drayage contractor’s record of materials received or shipped.
A type of exhibit construction in which walls are made of a solid material, rather than fabric.
A network of a sign or other structure across the top of an exhibit.
Equipment used to lift people to a given height.
International term referring to “rent” a service or product.
A contract clause that relieves one party of responsibility in the event of a legal claim.
I
Installation & Dismantle (of an exhibit). Also known as Set Up and Take-down.
Interstate Commerce Commission.
A contractor hired by an exhibitor to perform trade show services independently of show management appointed contractors. Also called Exhibitor Appointed Contractor, EAC.
An exhibitor’s unauthorized use of floor space outside the leased booth area.
A contract between a shipper and transportation company used when transporting goods overland to an exporter’s international carrier.
Compare Ocean Bill of Lading, Through Bill of Lading.
An exhibit that is constructed in a continuous line along an aisle. Also called Linear Display.
The process of setting up exhibit properties according to specifications. Also called Assembly, Set Up.
A company responsible for supervising and coordinating workers who install and dismantle exhibits.
The set up and take-down of exhibits. Also called I & D.
Total amount of equipment available for a show.
A display with aisles on four sides.
J
A special-purpose crate with hardware to secure exhibit properties in place to prevent shifting during shipment.
A person in charge of supervising and coordinating workers.
A distribution point for electrical power.
K
An exhibit with separate components that must be assembled on-site.
Kit See Service Kit.
L
Contracted workers who perform services. Also called Craftspersons. Kit See Service Kit.
1. Method of securing union employees.
2. Time specified for labor to report (as in a 7 A.M. call).
3. Minimum amount for which labor must be paid.
Exhibit hall location where exhibitors may place orders for labor.
The form used by exhibitors to order labor.
See Craftsperson.
The process of bonding two or more substances together.
A manual or automated system used to conduct follow-up activities for sales prospects resulting from a trade show.
Logistics strategy where freight that is too small to fill a full trailer, is combined other shipments to fill a trailer, and is then charged at an LTL rate.
A document issued by a bank at the request of a buyer of goods which authorizes the payment of a specified amount of money to the seller when certain terms are met.
A legal term referring to responsibility for damages or injuries.
The amount or type of illumination in an exhibit or exhibition hall.
An enclosure which contains lighting underneath a translucent facing material. Used to back-light signs or graphics applied to the face.
An exhibit that is constructed in a continuous line along an aisle. Also called In-line.
An area within an exposition facility where freight is received and shipped.
A secure storage area within an exposition facility.
A specific symbol chosen to represent a company. Usually comprised of stylized type alone or in conjunction with graphic art.
A term applied to electrical currents of 24 volts or less. Usually used in animation and specialty lighting.
M
See Service Kit.
A lot where trucks gather for orderly dispatch to show site.
To cover for painting or protection.
A cloth used to cover storage or other unsightly areas.
The most common width for a backwall panel. (1 Meter = 39.37 inches)
An exhibit constructed with interchangeable components designed to be set up in various arrangements and sizes.
N
Not Otherwise Herein Provided.
The total amount of leased booth space in an exposition facility.
O
Owner’s Risk.
A contract between a exporter and an international carrier for transport of merchandise to a specified foreign market. Compare Inland Bill of Lading, Through Bill of Lading.
Show management appointed company providing services to a trade show and/or its exhibitors. Also called General Contractor. Compare with Exhibitor Appointed Contractor.
A reference to the exhibit location. Also called At-site.
Floor order placed at a show site.
Work performed on overtime.
A designation for work performed outside the hours specified as normal working hours. Usually work performed on overtime is charged at a substantially higher rate.
P
Packed Weight.
See Shipping Case.
A document prepared by a shipper itemizing contents of shipment and including other information needed by the carrier.
See Blanket Wrap.
Uncrated goods covered with blankets or other protective padding and shipped via van line.
See Skid.
A prefabricated exhibit composed of connected rectangular panels of various sizes.
A panel made of compressed, glued wood chips.
A type of hardboard with perforations at regular intervals. Usually used for hanging items.
An exhibit with aisles on three sides.
A booth space on a outside wall.
Tubing covered with draped fabric to make up the rails and backwall of a trade show.
A demonstration area, usually higher than the surrounding floor.
A lightweight display unit that can be moved without a forklift.
A movable unit having multiple electrical outlets.
A pre-built exhibit ready for installation.
A package of materials put together for the media. Usually a folder containing press releases, product announcements, and other materials.
An article submitted to the media for publication. Usually announcing news about a product, company, or individual.
1. Exhibit Producer: An individual or company which designs and/or builds exhibits.
2. Show Producer: An individual or company which manages trade shows.
An invoice sent to a buyer prior to the shipment of merchandise which provides detailed information about the kinds and quantities of goods to be shipped.
A carrier-assigned number used to designate a specific shipment.
Q
Four electrical outlets in one box.
R
Metal or insulated rubber tubing used to channel electrical wires.
See Shipping Case.
A low wall used to divide exhibits.
A technique of using a light source to illuminate a translucent image from behind. Also called Backlighting.
A video technique in which images are projected on a screen positioned between the projector and the audience.
The process of repairing or reconditioning an exhibit to extend its life span.
An electrical device used to produce programmed effects by interrupting the flow of current.
Forms provided by show management to permit the removal of materials from an exhibition.
A complete booth package offered to exhibitors on a rental basis.
Side panels joined perpendicular to the backwall.
A device used to regulate lighting intensity. Also known as Dimmer Switch.
A skilled worker responsible for handling and assembly of machinery.
A state where no person can be denied the right to work because of membership or non-membership in a labor union.
A platform for people or materials.
S
A diagram in model form.
A motorized platform used to lift people to a given height.
An electric or gas cart used to transport people and materials.
Fabric which is opaque when lighted from the front and transparent when lighted from the rear.
Cages provided to exhibitors for locking up materials.
A display which uses the shipping case as an integral part of the exhibit.
The location at which exhibitors order services from the General Contractor.
A packet of show-related information and order forms provided to exhibitors by show management. Also called Exhibitor Kit.
The process of erecting an exhibit from its components. Also called Assembly, Installation.
Drawings which give detailed instructions for the installation of an exhibit.
A reusable container for transporting exhibit materials.
A wooden container for transporting exhibit materials, which may be designed for a single use or custom built for extended reuse.
Time specified for the closing of an exhibition and beginning of dismantling.
A company or individual responsible for providing draping, carpeting, and signage services for the trade show and its exhibitors.
The organizer and operator of an exposition.
The show management office at an exposition.
The show management appointed photographer for an exhibition.
An individual or company which manages trade shows, including leasing the exposition facility, hiring official contractors, and promoting the show.
The general rules and regulations governing a specific trade show.
A process used to seal materials in transparent plastic.
A low divider wall, usually pipe and drape, used to divide one exhibit space from another.
A frame on a stand into which a sign can be inserted for display.
A method of creating graphics with a reusable stencil.
A low wooden frame used to support heavy objects or groups of materials for easier handling. Usually used as a platform for objects moved by forklift. Also called Pallet.
Decorative covering around tables and risers.
A lowered portion of a ceiling.
The area occupied by an exhibitor in the exhibition hall.
The cost per square foot of exhibit area.
Applies to exhibit shipments requiring extra labor, equipment, or time for delivery to exhibit space.
A lamp that provides a defined circle of light.
A location used for demonstrations.
Posts used to support signage or other elevated objects.
Straight Time Labor. Work performed during normal work hours at the standard rate. Compare with D.T. Labor, Overtime.
European term for booth.
A predesigned display modified for a particular use by the exhibitor.
An individual or company retained by a general contractor to provide services.
T
See Time & Materials.
Truckload.
An exhibit designed for use on the top of a table or similar surface.
An individual or company hired to work in an exhibit to greet visitors, demonstrate product, or stage a performance.
A date set by show management for the arrival of freight at a trade show. Usually shipments received before or after this date are assessed a penalty charge.
Shipping charges for various types of cargo.
The dismantling of an exhibit. Also known as Take-down.
Tubing in which one section slides inside another. Used to support drapes.
Freight handling or dock area.
Electrical cable with a continuous ground wire in addition to a positive and a negative wire.
A document that establishes the terms between a shipper and a transportation company covering both the domestic and international transport of export goods between specified points for a specified charge. For example, an air shipment can be covered with a through bill of lading; however, ocean shipments require both an inland bill of lading (for domestic transport) and an ocean bill of lading (for international transport). Compare with Air Waybill, Inland Bill of Lading, Ocean Bill of Lading.
A form of billing in which a consumer is charged for labor costs (time) and materials.
See Forklift.
Broadly used as the international term for an exposition.
An exposition related to a particular industry or group, and open only to the members of that group.
The movement of visitors through an exposition or exhibit.
Short-term rental space.
A type of electrical plug that connects by twisting together.
U
Underwriters Laboratory. An organization which grants electrical ratings.
U.S. Standard Gauge.
Underwriter.
An organization of workers formed with the purpose of protecting workers’ rights and increasing bargaining power with an employer on such issues as wages, hours, and benefits.
An on-site union official elected by coworkers to oversee a particular union’s work in a facility and resolve any disputes over union jurisdiction. Also known as Shop Steward.
V
Value Added Tax. A tax that has been added to the overall price of a product reflecting the value added to the product by processing.
An overhead banner typically used as a light baffle.
The trade name for a fabric closure with two components: hooks and loops. The two components adhere when pressed together and separate when pulled apart, allowing repeated use..
W
Waybill.
A construction product used for panels which are temporary. overhead banner typically used as a light baffle.
A receipt issued by a warehouse for goods received for storage.
The removal of trash from an area or building.
A charge assessed for handling cargo at a pier.
A set of policies and expectations designed to ensure a productive, safe, and respectful working environment.
The period of paid time which begins when craftspersons are turned over to an exhibitor and ends when they are released by the exhibitor.
X
No terms beginning with X
Y
No terms beginning with X
Z
No terms beginning with Z