Advance Receiving
Location set by show management to receive freight before the start of the show. Freight is stored at this location and then shipped to the show at the appropriate time. Also known as the Advance Warehouse.
Cross Aisle
An aisle at a right angle to a main aisle.
CWT
CWT, which means “hundredweight”, is the unit used in material handling services. Exhibitors are charged in units of 100 lbs, rounded up to the next hundred. The “C” in CWT represents the Roman numeral for 100, and “WT” stands for weight.
Decorator
A company, contracted by show management, which is responsible for the labor, drayage, signage, installation, decoration and dismantling of exhibits at the show.
Drayage (Material Handling)
Drayage is the term for handling the exhibit materials from the dock at the show location, to the exhibitor’s booth within the show hall. Exhibitor’s pay a fee, based on the weight and number of packages, to have their show materials received at the dock and moved to their show space.
Exhibitor Appointed Contractor (EAC)
The most common meaning for the acronym EAC is Exhibitor Appointed Contractor which are outside contractors who specialize in I & D (see below). It is also often the acronym for a trade show’s exhibitor advisory committee.
End Cap
An exhibit space with aisles on three sides.
Header
A sign or other structure across the top of the exhibit.
Installation and Dismantle (I & D)
Installation and Dismantling is the term given to the labor required to setup, take down, and repack and exhibit. I & D rules can vary depending on the show hall, and location.
Island Booth
An Island Booth, or Island Display are booth spaces surrounded by aisles on all four sides. The most common size is 20’ x 20’ but can be much larger.
Marshaling
Marshaling refers to the sequential and organized staging of freight carriers waiting at the show freight yard for freight to be unloaded or loaded.
Material Handling Form
The material handling form is an agreement between the exhibitor and general services contractor (GSC) to handle the exhibitor’s freight. It is what an exhibitor receives from the GSC for moving equipment and exhibit properties between a dock or point of entry and booth space. This is not to be confused with a bill of lading (BoL). A BoL is a shipping document that establishes the terms between an exhibitor and a transportation company.
Modular
Modular exhibits consist of independent components that can be used in a number of configurations. Caution should be taken as this term is overused and assigned to any exhibit or exhibit system requiring assembly.
Pop Up
Pop-up displays are hinged frames that expand to form a curved or straight frame. The frame supports channel bars which, in turn, support fabric or graphic panels. They can vary in quality, difficulty of assembly and price.
Privately Owned Vehicle (POV)
A privately (personally) owned vehicle, such as passenger car, van, or small company vehicle.
Quad Box
Four electrical outlets in one box.
Rigger
A skilled worker responsible for handling machinery, and hanging signs.
Steward
The Steward is the title given to the lead position of the union labor manager. This steward helps the Contractor manage the union labor and helps ensure that exhibitors follow show regulations.
Target Date
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.
Union
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.
Work Time
The period of time which begins when laborers are turned over to an exhibitor and ends when they are released by the exhibitor.
