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| Source: Candy Adams, Exhibitor Magazine, August 2009. |
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| While there is no fail-safe substitute for reading and adhering to the show's exhibitor services manual, here are a handful of the most common exhibit-related regulations, along with what you need to know to avoid inadvertently breaking the rules. |
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| Linear or in-line exhibits may be up to 8 feet tall, unless they are on the perimeter of the exhibit hall, in which case they can be 12 feet tall. No inline exhibits may have hanging signs of any kind. Exhibits that are 20-by-20 feet or larger, whether they are island exhibits (aisles on all sides) or peninsulas (aisles on three sides) can be higher, with limits from 16 to 20 feet, depending on the show. These larger exhibits may also have hanging signs. For regulations on less common booth layouts like end-cap booths, extended header booths, or corner booths, consult the guidelines in your show book. |
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| Hanging signs may hang only above your contracted booth space, at least 10 feet away from adjacent booths. Drawings approved by a structural engineer are usually required, and signs must be sent to the advance warehouse prior to the show to be hung before exhibitor freight arrives on the floor. |
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| Exhibitors may not place anything taller than 4 feet in the front half of their exhibits, so they don't block the view from the aisle into adjacent booths. If you can get your neighbors to agree to overlook this rule, show management will usually grant you a variance. This rule is often not enforced at gift, apparel and craft shows. |
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| Your booth must be fire retardant according to the rules stated in your exhibitor services manual (rules vary depending on the specific venue and local fire regulations). To test your compliance, fire marshals can hold a flame to your exhibit properties for three seconds to see whether they are combustible. |
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| Any type of fire apparatus, such as hoses or extinguishers, may not be blocked or hidden from view. Any fire apparatus will be noted on floor plans as FHC (fire hose cabinet) or FA (fire apparatus). If you're building rooms in your exhibit with ceilings, depending on the size of the area covered, the fire marshal might also require smoke alarms, additional fire extinguishers, or full sprinkler systems. |
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| Before bringing your own extension cords and power strips to a show, check with the facility's electricians to see if they allow their use or if you must rent theirs. Generally, the criteria for electrical cords is that they must be Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approved, 14-gauge flat (not round) wire, and grounded with a third prong. Most UL-rated power strips with surge protection are allowed, but it's always safer to ask. |
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