“A
perfect method for adding drama to life is to wait until the deadline
looms large.”
-Alyce P Cornyn-Selby
Electrical
Services
... shocking!
A little dazed by the electrical service form? Keep in mind that electrical service forms are designed for electricians, not exhibitors. If your brain freezes when you begin to look at an electrical form know that you are not alone.
To begin you must keep good records of your electrical needs from show to show. Take a copy of each electrical order form to the show, and write notes on them. Specify what was and was not ordered correctly, along with any other notes on electrical pertaining to labor needs, booth layout and so on.
Contact
a local electrician to help you review your notes, your forms, and
the layout of your display including all electrical equipment. Your
electrician can explain the forms’ electrical language. He will
know how to calculate your electrical needs and how to describe those
needs in writing on the form. Additionally, your exhibit house should
be able to take you through this process. Always ask for ideas on
saving money.
Think
about using a distribution or junction box for larger installs. The
distribution box allows you to combine the electrical supply into
a single drop and simplifies the electrical purchase, since you just
add up your electrical needs and make one entry on the form. Using
a distribution box comes in handy if power is lost somewhere in your
exhibit as you will have one place to go to check what has happened,
otherwise it is the long wait for the union electrician to arrive
mid-show.
When
ordering your electricity it is not the time to skimp. When you order
1500 watts, that is what you will get … not 1750! Keep in mind
that there will always be the additional laptop computer, cell phone
chargers, or the forgotten lead retrieval machine that can take you
over the top and leave you completely in the dark!
You’ve
Got the Power.
Buy
extension cords and power strips before the show. Extension
cords cost about $5 at a discount store. You will spend about
$20 to rent one at the show. Be certain that the cords are UL-approved
and will carry a 20-amp load and be aware that many venues now
require flat cords for under carpet placement. Pre-wire as much
of the exhibit as possible. Anything you can just “plug
and play” will save on labor charges. Run under-the-carpet
electrical before your freight arrives. This eliminates the
need to schedule a rigger to move your crates off the carpet
while the electrician waits on your dime. |
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| The
exhibitor’s manual is your guide to everything you need
to know about show logistics including dates, times, locations,
restrictions, and admission. |
| Be
especially aware of set up and takedown times and power supply
availability. All of the forms to set up booth services are
located right here with deadline dates. Most shows offer three
prices – early bird discount pricing, after deadline full
retail “no deal” pricing and the dreaded “at
the show” have your credit card ready pricing. Always
complete and submit your paperwork early for substantial discounts. |
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The exhibitor manual explains all of the show rules … familiarize yourself with them and plan to follow them. There are “show policemen”everywhere. Remember that the rules change according to the venue city and the show management – most are unionized, but some are not. Show management decides whether an inline booth can be taller than 8’ high – or which booth spaces are allowed hanging signs. Don’t plan to take your hanging sign without checking the rules.
Example
– many shows in Orlando are not allowed hanging signs. Check
the height of your booth space. Example – at Moscone in San
Francisco the ceiling takes dips in many areas that do not allow for
tall structures, even if you are in a non-restricted island space
based on the show rules. Also remember that you can ask for a varianceand
most likely will get it … if it is a reasonable request, you
ask early enough and you speak nicely.
Perfect
timing is critical for trade show planning. Follow the time-line form
that is in the exhibitor manual, know your target dates. Do no hesitate
to contact Show Management with any questions – you are their
client and they are there to service your needs.
| So
Many Titles ... who do you call? |
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Show
Producer- An individual or company which manages trade
shows, including leasing the exposition facility, hiring official
contractors, and promoting the show. Examples – Reed Exhibitions,
GLM Shows, VNU Expositions, Inc. |
Show
Management - The organizer and operator
of an exposition. In some cases of larger shows the producer and the
management may be the same. Examples – MD&M, Medtrade, National
Sheriff’s Association, Semicon.
Official
Contractor or General Contractor-
The contractor employed by show management to set up the show. Responsibilities
can include drayage, signs, setting hall carpet, rental displays,
decoration, show labor and cleaning. Examples – GES, Freeman
Decorating Service, Champion.
Exclusive
Contractor-
Contractor appointed by show or building management as the lone provider
of specified services. Services can include facility telecommunications,
plumbing and electrical services. This does not limit the use of an
Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor. These vary widely venue to venue.
Exhibitor-Appointed
Contractor (EAC) -
Any company (other than the “official” contractor) providing
a service and needing access to an exhibit during installation, show
dates and dismantling. Often used to refer to a subcontractor who
is appointed by an exhibitor to install and dismantle their exhibit.
Also referred to as an independent contractor. Examples – exhibit
houses, I&D companies. |
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