ADVANCE ORDER – An order for show services sent to the contractor prior to the discount deadline date.

ADVANCE WAREHOUSE – Shipments sent to the CSS warehouse for up to 30 days prior to move-in.

AIR FREIGHT – Materials shipped via an Airplane.

AIR WALLS – Movable barriers that partition large areas. May be sound resistant, but not necessarily soundproof.

AISLE CARPET – Carpet laid in aisles between booths. Color to be determined by Show Management.

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

ARM LIGHTS – A light with an extended arm, typically clamp on.

AUDIO/VISUAL (AV) – Equipment, materials and teaching aids used in sound and visual.

BACKLOADER – Truck which loads from back opening door.

BACKWALL – Panel arrangement at rear of booth area.

BACKWALL BOOTH – Perimeter booth.

BAFFLE – Partition to control light, air, sound or traffic flow.

BANNER – A horizontal or vertical sign made out of foam core, vinyl or magnetic materials, hung over a structure for promotional purposes.

BILL OF LADING – Document or form listing goods to be shipped.

BLANKET WRAP – Non-crated freight shipped via van line covered with protective blankets or padding.

BONE YARD – Equipment storage area at Show site.

BOOTH CARPET / PADDING – Carpet and padding purchased by the exhibitor, used to enhance their exhibit's look and feel.

BOOTH NUMBER – Number designated to identify each exhibitor's space.

CANOPY – Drapery, awning or other roof-like covering.

CAPACITY – Maximum number of people allowed in any given area.

CARTLOAD SERVICE – The amount of materials that would fit into the trunk of a standard passenger car and has a total weight of less than 250 lbs.

CARPENTER – Handles all carpeting and the installation and dismantle of exhibit booths.

CHERRY PICKER (also Condor Lift, Scissor Lift) – Equipment capable of lifting a person(s) to a given height.

COLUMN – A pillar in an exposition facility that supports the roof or other structures.

COMMON CARRIER – A type of transportation company that handles crated materials.

CSS – Short for Convention & Show Services, your official general service contractor.

CONSIGNEE – Person to whom goods are shipped.

CONTRACTOR – One who contracts to supply certain services or materials.

CORKAGE – The charge placed on beer, liquor and wine brought into the facility but purchased elsewhere. The charge sometimes includes glassware, ice and mixers.

CRATED FREIGHT – Containerized freight shipped in protective containers.

CROSS BAR – Rod used in draping or as a support brace.

CUT & LAY – Installation of carpet other than standard booth or aisle size.

CWT – Hundred weight. Unit of measurement (100 lbs.) typically used for exhibit freight.

DECORATING – Dressing up exhibition with carpet, draping, plants, etc.

DECORATOR – General Contractor or Service Contractor.

DIRECT BILLING – Accounts receivable invoices mailed to individuals or firms with established credit.

DIRECT TO SHOWSITE – Shipments sent directly to Show location.

DISMANTLE – Take-down and removal of an Exhibit.

DISPLAY BUILDER/HOUSE – Company that fabricates displays and often oversees installation and dismantle of those displays.

DOCK – A place where freight is loaded onto and taken from vehicles. (also see Loading Dock).

DOLLY – Low, flat, usually two feet square platform on four wheels used for carrying heavy loads.

DRAYAGE – See Material Handling.

D.T. LABOR – Work performed on double-time.

DUPLEX OUTLET – Double electrical Outlet.

EAC – Exhibitor Appointed Contractor, a third party contractor performing services like installation, dismantling, booth design, etc.

EARLY MOVE IN – Move in date that is before the officially assigned date.

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR – Company contracted by Show management or the facility to provide electrical services to exhibitors.

ELECTRICIAN – Handles all electrical work which includes supplying power lines to your booth, making connections when “hard” wiring and/or electrical harnesses are required, and installing lighting that is not a built-in integral part of the exhibit booth other than two single bulb individual fixtures.

EXCLUSIVE CONTRACTOR – Contractor appointed by Show Management or the facility as the sole agent to provide services (also see Official Contractor).

EXHIBIT BOOTH – Individual display area constructed to exhibit products or convey a message.

EXHIBIT MANAGER – Person in charge of an individual exhibit booth.

EXHIBITOR SERVICE CENTER – A centralized area where representatives of various show services can be contacted or located.

EXTENDED MOVE OUT – Move out date that is after the officially assigned date.

FIRE EXIT – Door, clear of obstructions, designated by local authorities for emergency egress.

FIRE RETARDANT – Term used to describe a finish (usually liquid) which coats materials with a fire resistant cover.

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

FLOOR MANAGER – Person retained by Show management to supervise exhibit area and assist exhibitors.

FLOOR MARKING – Method of marking booth space.

FLOOR ORDER – Goods and/or services ordered on-site.

FLOOR PLAN – A map showing layout of exhibit spaces.

FOAM CORE – Rigid, lightweight material with a Styrofoam center used for signs, decorating and exhibit construction.

FORK LIFT – Vehicle with power operated pronged platform for lifting and carrying loads.

FREIGHT – Exhibit properties, products and other materials shipped for an exhibit.

FREIGHT DOOR – A large door located on the perimeter of an exhibit hall that accommodates large trucks and freight management operations.

FREIGHT FORWARDER – Shipping Company.

FULL BOOTH COVERAGE – Carpet covering entire area of booth.

GARMENT RACK – Frame that holds Apparel.

GEM WALL – Temporary wall panels used to build booths, rooms and custom structures.

GENERAL CONTRACTOR – Company that provides all services to exhibition management and exhibitors.

GOBO LIGHT – A stenciled light which projects an image onto a wall or other surface.

HAND TRUCK – Small hand-propelled implement with two wheels and two handles for transporting small loads.

HARDWALL BOOTH – Booth constructed with plywood or similar material as opposed to booth formed by drapery only.

HEADER – 1. Fascia. 2. Overhead illuminated display sign.

HOSPITALITY SUITE – Room or suite used to entertain guests.

I & D – Install and Dismantle.

I.D. SIGN – Booth identification sign.

ILLUMINATIONS – Lighting available in hall built into exhibit or available on a rental basis.

INFRINGEMENT – Use of floor space outside exclusive booth area.

INHERENT FLAME PROOF – Material that is permanently flame resistant without chemical treatment.

INVOICE – Itemized list of goods and services specifying the price and terms of sale.

INSTALLATION – Setting up exhibit booth and materials according to instructions and drawings.

ISLAND BOOTH – An exhibit space with aisles on all four sides.

KIOSK – Free-standing pavilion or light Structure.

LABOR – Refers to contracted workers who perform services.

LABOR DESK – On-site area from which service personnel are dispatched.

LEADMAN – Teamster or Carpenter supervising a crew.

LIGHT BOX – Enclosure with lighting and translucent face of plastic or glass.

LINEAR BOOTH – Any booth that shares a common back wall and abuts other exhibits on one or two sides.

LOADING DOCK – Area on premises where goods are received.

LOCK-UP – Storage area that can be locked up.

LTL – Less than truckload.

MARSHALING YARD – Check-in area for trucks delivering exhibit material.

MATERIAL HANDLING – The unloading of your shipment, transporting it to your booth, storing and returning your empty crates and cartons and reloading your shipment at the close of the show.

MEANS OF EGRESS – An approved stairway or ramp constructed to the specification of the fire code used for access and exiting.

MODULAR EXHIBIT – Exhibit constructed with interchangeable components.

MOVE-IN – Date set for installation. Process of setting up exhibits.

MOVE-OUT – Date set for dismantling. Process of dismantling exhibits.

MYLAR – Trade name for plastic material.

NET SQUARE FEET – The amount of space occupied by exhibits in a facility, not including aisles, columns, registration area, etc.

NO FREIGHT AISLE – Aisle that must be kept clear at all times during set-up and dismantles. Used to deliver freight, remove empty boxes and trash, and in case of emergency.

OFFICIAL CONTRACTOR – General contractor or decorator.

OFF-TARGET – Move in date that is before or after the officially assigned target date.

ON-SITE ORDER – Floor order placed at Show site.

ON-SITE REGISTRATION – Process of signing up for an event on the day of, or at the site of the event.

O.T. LABOR – Work performed on overtime.

PAD-WRAPPED (BLANKET WRAP) – Non-crated freight shipped via van line covered with protective padding or blankets.

PADDED VAN SHIPMENT – Shipment of crated or uncrated goods such as product or display material.

PALLET – Wooden platform used to carry goods (also Skid).

PEGBOARD PANEL – Framed panel of perforated hardboard.

PENINSULA BOOTH – Exhibit space with aisles on three sides.

PERIMETER BOOTH – Exhibit space located on an outside wall.

PIPE AND DRAPE – Tubing with drapes that separates exhibit booths.

PLUMBER – Handles all plumbing work such as compressed air, water or drain, or natural gas.

PRE-REGISTERED – Reservation that has been made in advance with necessary paperwork.

PRESS ROOM – Space reserved for media representatives.

PRIVATE SECURITY – Security personnel hired from a privately operated company.

PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY – The ability to use advertising to create additional publicity.

PRO-NUMBER – Number assigned by the freight forwarders to a single shipment used in all cases where reference is made to the shipment.

QUAD BOX – Four electrical outlets in one box.

RAIL – Low drape divider between exhibit booths (also see Side Rail).

REAR-LIT – Method of lighting transparency from behind.

REGISTRATION – Process by which an individual indicates their intent to attend a tradeshow.

RENTAL BOOTH – Complete booth package offered to exhibitors on a rental basis.

RISER – A platform for people or product.

SECURITY CAGES – Cages rented by exhibitors to lock up materials.

SCRIM – Light weight, loosely woven covering or cloth used for decorative purposes.

SERVICE CHARGE – Charge for the services of waiters, waitresses, housemen, technicians and other food function personnel.

SHOP – Service contractor’s main office and warehouse.

SHOWCARD – Material used for signs.

SHOWCASE – Glass or plastic enclosed case for articles on display.

SHOW DIRECTORY – Program book for attendees, listing exhibitors and exhibit booth location.

SHOW MANAGER – Person responsible for all aspects of exhibition.

SHOW OFFICE – Management office at Exhibition.

SHRINK-WRAP – Process of wrapping loose items on pallet with transparent plastic wrapping.

SIDE RAIL – Low divider wall in exhibit Area.

SKID – Wooden platform used to carry goods (also Pallet).

SKIRTING – Decorative covering around tables and risers.

SPACE ASSIGNMENT – Booth space assigned to exhibiting companies.

SPACE RATE – Cost per square foot for exhibit area.

SPECIAL HANDLING – Applies to display and/or product shipment requiring extra labor, equipment or time in delivery to booth area.

STAGEHAND – Handles stage and lighting, set-up work on stage-type productions, operate follow spots and install and operate projectors when needed.

STAGING AREA – Area adjacent to main event area for setup, dismantling and temporary storage.

STANCHIONS – Decorative posts that hold markers or flags to define traffic areas. Ropes or chain may be attached.

S.T. LABOR – Work performed on straight-time.

SUPPLEMENTAL INVOICE – An additional invoice for services after initial invoicing has taken place.

TARGET DATE – Move-in date assigned to exhibitors by CSS or Show Management.

TARGET FREIGHT FLOORPLAN – Floor plan indicating freight delivery for individual booths.

TEAMSTER – Union member that handles all material/freight in and out of the hall and machinery/steel installation and dismantle.

TENT – Portable canvas shelter for Outside.

TIME & MATERIALS – Method of charging for services on a cost-plus basis.

TRAFFIC FLOW – Movement of people through an area.

TRUSS – A collection of structural beams forming a rigid framework.

TURN KEY BOOTH – A pre-packed, linear booth consisting of standard furniture, sign and carpet.

UNCRATED FREIGHT – Items shipped outside of protective containers, typically shipped either loosely loaded and/or pad wrapped in trailers.

UNION – An organization of workers formed for mutual protection and for the purpose of dealing collectively with their employer in wages, hours, working conditions and other matters pertaining to their employment.

UNION STEWARD – On-site union Officials.

VELCRO – Material used for fastening.

VISQUEEN – Transparent plastic cover.

WASTE REMOVAL – Removal of trash from the building.