Comprehending the terminology of the trade show industry

I decided to write this to help some exhibitors understand the vocabulary of the trade show industry. In order to get what you want done on the trade show floor you must first understand the terminology. I remember years ago when I first entered the trade show industry, I simple did not know most of the terminology. In that I decided to see if I can help a little by putting some terms together to see if I can help others. There are certainly plenty more but these are some more common ones used

Blueprint
Blueprint drawings is the drawing of a particular booth either for set up of for building

Bill of Lading (B/L)
The Bill of Lading paperwork sets the fees and terms between transportation companies and shippers regarding transporting goods.

Back-light
To back-light means setting a light source from behind to light up frontal area

Cam lock
This is usually a locking device used mainly to attach panels; it can also be a tumbler type lock

CWT (Certified Weight Ticket)
the CWT unit of measurement used to measure the weight by th hundred pound weight. example 4 hundred pounds in CWT is 4cwt

Drayage
The manner of drayage involves moving show materials from the convention dock area to your booth space for set up and then back to the dock again at the end of a trade show.

Foul Bill of Lading
a transportation carrier issues a Foul Bill of Lading which is a document showing that material received was damaged

Grid System
A grid system includes a structural group of support systems and electrical conduits.

Hard Card
A hard card is a work order requesting services or labor. .This is a document that time will be recorded on

Junction Box
Junction boxes of “J” box is a point where a electrical cords will meet in one metal box.

Labor Call
Labor call is when you set up a specific time for you to receive your laborer for your booth. Example you have a labor call for 4 men on Friday at 8:00am. Your labor will be there waiting at 8:00am on Friday ready to work

Less Than Truckload (LTL)
Less than truckload, or LTL, is the set rate charged for freight that weighs less than the minimum weight specified.

Light Box
Light boxes are boxes containing light fixtures, usually to light up graphics from the rear

Linear Display
a linear or in-line display is a display which is set up straight in-line with the Aisle. This space can only be approached from aisle unless this is at the end of an aisle

Marshaling Yard
the marshaling yard is the area where trucks wait for dispatch. Truck drivers check-in with a trade show facility and then proceed to the marshaling yard to wait for loading and unloading instructions.

Masking Drape
masking drapes are cloths that cover storage areas. Usually in rear of booth space or covering columns etc .

Union
A union is an organized group of workers who protect the rights of workers and increase the bargaining power with employers on the issues of hours, benefits, and wages.

Modular Exhibit
A modular exhibit is built with interchangeable components able to be set up in different sizes and arrangements.

O.T. Labor
O.T. labor, or overtime labor, is worked performed outside of regular work hours.

Rear Illumination
Rear illumination, also called back-lighting, involves lighting a translucent image from behind.

Rigger
Workers who handle and assemble machinery hanging signs etc .

rental trade show exhibit
Rental components that make up your trade show booth, you do not own these components your are mealy borrowing them for a few to use at the show or event

Runner
This is the person who goes out to get anything for your booth, may it be carpet tape or light bulbs etc

Trade Show Displays
This is the actual component that make up your booth space. These structures display your product or service

S.T. Labor
S.T. labor, Straight time this is usually between the agreed 8 hour time frame, any thing after this is either Overtime or Double time

Scissors Lift
a scissors lift is a motorized platform that can lift people to a correct height. Usually used to do high or above the floor work

Set-up Drawing
Set-up drawings are installation instructions to set up the booth in question.

Shipping Crate
shipping crates is used to transport the product to and from trade show. Basically it is a container for transporting items

Show Manager
Show managers organize and manage the trade show and or event.

Subcontractor
Subcontractors are individuals or companies hired by a general contractor to provide services for a trade show. This person or company usually have to file a EAC form , Exhibitors appointed contractor.

Turnkey Packages
Turnkey packages all inclusive trade show booth and components, labor to set up and dismantle booth .

Velcro
Velcro is the trade name for hook and loop fabric that joins when pressed together and separate when pulled apart.

exhibit fabricator
The exhibit designer/producer is the individual or company responsible for the design and construction of exhibit booths.