TRADE SHOW GLOSSARY

 If you have never done a trade show before, you will learn there are many words you may not be familiar with.  Here is a guide to help break down the terms you may hear during your show experience.

Bill of Lading:  The document that establishes the terms between a shipper and transportation company for transport of goods between specified points for a special charge.  Also know as Air Waybill, Inland Bill of Lading or Ocean Bill of Lading.

Common Carrier:  The transportation company who moves goods.  For exhibit freight, the carrier usually accepts only crated material and consolidates the properties of several customers into one shipment bound for the same destination.

Decorator:  Also referred to as the “Show Decorator”, an individual  (skilled craftsperson) or company (contractor) providing services for a trade show and/or its exhibitors. Freeman Decorating Company is the decorator for the New York Gift Cash & Carry® Show.

Drayage:  The delivery of materials to an exhibit space, removal of empty crates, storage of crates during the Show, returning of crates at the end of the Show and delivery of materials to the carrier loading zone.

Electrical Contractor:  A company hired by show management to provide electrical services to exhibitors.  The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center is the electrical contractor for the New York Gift Cash & Carry® Show.

Exhibitor Appointed Contractor:  A contractor hired by an exhibitor to perform trade show services independently of show management appointed contractors.

Floor Manager:  An individual representing show management who is responsible for the exhibition area on-site.

Marshaling Yard:  A parking lot where trucks gather for orderly dispatch to show site.

Pipe & Drape:  Tubing covered with draped fabric which make-up the rails and back wall of a trade show.

Skid:  Also referred to as a “pallet”, a low wooden frame used to support heavy objects or groups of materials for easier handling.  Usually used as a platform for objects moved by a forklift.

Union Steward:  An on-site union official elected by co-workers to oversee a particular union’s work in a facility and resolve any disputes over union jurisdiction, also know as Shop Steward.