Expo Glossary
This glossary has been put together to help you understand the sometimes confusing terms used in the world of exhibitions and trade shows. Not sure what drayage is? Or the difference between an in-line booth and an island booth? Look here for the answers! Most of these words are common industry terms, but some are ACC-specific (these terms are in bold orange type). These terms will be used throughout ACC.10 communications. Please refer to this section if you encounter any word or phrase that is unfamiliar to you.
A/V—Audio/Visual support, such as video monitors, sound systems or projection systems.
ACC—Please see American College of Cardiology.
ACC Central—The booth for the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Information about products and services from ACC may be found here.
ACC.10—The 59th Annual Scientific Session, held March 14 to March 16, 2010, in Atlanta, Georgia.
ACCME—Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. ACCME issues “Accreditation Guidelines” (also known as “ACCME Guidelines”), which are standards written by ACCME to ensure the independence of CME activities, and which can be found on the ACCME Web site (www.accme.org). From the ACCME Web site: “The ACCME's Mission is the identification, development, and promotion of standards for quality continuing medical education (CME) utilized by physicians in their maintenance of competence and incorporation of new knowledge to improve quality medical care for patients and their communities. The ACCME fulfills its mission through a voluntary self-regulated system for accrediting CME providers and a peer-review process responsive to changes in medical education and the health care delivery system.”
AdvaMed—Advanced Medical Technology Association. AdvaMed issues the “Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals” (also known as "AdvaMed's Code of Ethics" or the "AdvaMed Code"), which can be found on the AdvaMed Web site (www.advamed.org). From the AdvaMed Web site: “AdvaMed member companies produce the medical devices, diagnostic products and health information systems that are transforming health care through earlier disease detection, less invasive procedures and more effective treatments. Our members produce nearly 90 percent of the health care technology purchased annually in the United States and more than 50 percent purchased annually around the world. AdvaMed members range from the largest to the smallest medical technology innovators and companies.”
Advance Order—An order for show services sent to the general contractor before move-in. Typically less expensive than a Floor Order.
Advance Rates—Fees associated with advance orders, which typically include discounts when paid in advance.
Air Waybill—A bill of lading that establishes the terms between a shipper and an air transportation company for the transport of goods from a given location to a given airport destination for a specific charge.
Aisle—Area for expo floor attendee foot traffic movement.
Aisle Signs—Signs indicating aisle numbers for attendees to use to find specific booths.
AMA—American Medical Association. A voluntary association of physicians in the United States that sets standards for the medical profession and advocates on behalf of physicians and patients. The AMA issues the "Code of Medical Ethics" and Opinion 8.061: Gifts to Physicians from Industry, both of which can be found on the AMA Web site (www.ama-assn.org). From the AMA Web site: "[Since 1847], the AMA's Code of Medical Ethics has been the authoritative ethics guide for practicing physicians. The Code articulates the enduring values of medicine as a profession. As a statement of the values to which physicians commit themselves individually and collectively, the Code is a touchstone for medicine as a professional community. It defines medicine's integrity and the source of the profession's authority to self-regulate."
American College of Cardiology (ACC)—ACC was chartered and incorporated as a teaching institution in 1949. The mission of the American College of Cardiology is to advocate for quality cardiovascular care—through education, research promotion, development and application of standards and guidelines—and to influence health care policy. From the ACC Web site (www.acc.org): “The American College of Cardiology is leading the way to optimal cardiovascular care and disease prevention. The College is a 36,000-member nonprofit medical society and bestows the credential Fellow of the American College of Cardiology upon physicians who meet its stringent qualifications. The College is a leader in the formulation of health policy, standards and guidelines, and is a staunch supporter of cardiovascular research. The ACC provides professional education and operates national registries for the measurement and improvement of quality care.”
Annual Scientific Session—The ACC annual meeting. Also referred to as ACC.10. 2010 will mark ACC’s 59th Annual Scientific Session, and the Innovation in Intervention: i2 Summit 2010 in partnership with the Cardiovascular Research Foundation will be taking place concurrently. ACC.10 and i2 Summit 2010 feature the latest and most innovative findings in cardiovascular science, as well as the most clinically relevant practical applications.
Approval Letter—A letter issued via e-mail to companies that have received permission to hold a Satellite Event. A copy of the Approval Letter will be required by any hotel or venue in which a company wishes to host a Satellite Event.
Assembly—The process of erecting display component parts into a complete exhibit.
At-Site—Please see On-Site.
Attendee—A visitor, potential customer or buyer.
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Back-light—A light source that illuminates translucent material from behind.
Backwall—Panel arrangement at rear of booth area.
Badges—A form of identification. Different colors are used on the badges to distinguish exhibitor/booth personnel from attendees and to show attendee categories, such as regular attendees, media, exhibitor guests, etc.
Baffle—A partition designed to control light, air, sound or traffic flow.
Banner—A suspended or ground-supported decorative or communicative panel; usually made of vinyl or cloth.
Bill of Lading—A document that establishes the terms of a contract between a shipper and a transportation company under which freight is to be moved between specified points for a specified charge. Also referred to as a Packing List or Waybill.
Blanket Wrap—Uncrated goods covered with blankets or other protective padding and shipping via van line. Also called Pad Wrap.
Boneyard—A storage area for empty crates and contractor materials.
Booking—An arrangement with a company for use of facilities, goods or services.
Booth—One or more standard units of exhibit space. At the ACC Expo, sold in 10’x10’ units.
Booth Area—The amount of floor space occupied by an exhibitor. Also referred to as a Footprint.
Booth Number—Number designated by show management for each exhibitor’s space.
Booth Personnel—Staff assigned to represent exhibiting company in an assigned space.
Booth Size—Measure of assigned space. Can be represented by the booth’s dimensions (e.g., 10’x10’ or 100 sq. ft.) or units (e.g., 1 unit).
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Cardiologist—A person who has completed the medical study of the diseases and functioning of the heart. Cardiologists make up the largest group of attendees at the ACC Expo.
Carpetbagging—A non-exhibitor attempts to promote products or services on the show floor without paying for a booth. Also referred to as Suitcasing. Also see Outboarding.
Carrier—A transportation line moving freight. Usually a van line, common carrier, rail line or air carrier.
CME/CE—Continuing Medical Education/Continuing Education. CME are units of education for physicians, CE are units of education for nurses. CME/CE units are needed annually to keep medical certification.
Column—A pillar in an exposition facility that supports the roof or other structures. Usually denoted on the floor plan as a solid square or dot.
Conference—Educational and informational seminars generally held in conjunction with an exhibition.
Construction Drawing—A drawing that gives detailed diagrams and instructions for building an exhibit.
Continuing Medical Education—Please see CME/CE.
Contractor—An individual or firm providing services to an exhibition and/or its exhibitors. May be official (show management-appointed) or independent (exhibitor-appointed).
Convention Center—A facility where expositions and/or conferences are held. Also known as Exposition Center, Facility or Hall.
Corner Booth—An exhibit space with exposure on at least two aisles.
Cross Aisle—An aisle at a right angle to the main aisle.
Cubic Content—Length x width x height. In reference to booth space, the placement of exhibit properties at a height of 8 feet or more above the leased area. Also a measurement used in determining shipping costs for van lines.
Custom Exhibit—An exhibit created to be a unique solution to the specific requirements of the user, generally manufactured by a professional exhibit design firm.
Customs—The authorities designated to collect duties levied by a country on imports and exports. The term also applies to the procedures involved in such collection.
CWT—Hundred weight. A measurement used for shipping exhibit properties. Usually 100 pounds.
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D/B/A—Doing Business As. Used to link a company’s corporate or trade name to its exhibiting name.
Damage Report—A report submitted by an exhibitor to a freight company or drayage/material handling contractor, itemizing damage to shipped goods.
Declared Value—A shipper’s stated dollar value for the contents of a shipment.
Decorating—Dressing up an exhibition with carpet, draping, plants, etc.
Decorator—An individual or company providing installation and dismantling of exhibits, and booth and hall dressing services for a meeting, trade show or exhibiting company.
Deferred Freight—Long-haul freight that waits for available cargo space, usually one to two days, at a reduced rate.
Demonstrators—Persons hired to illustrate or explain products.
DIM Weight—Length x width x height divided by 194 for domestic shipments, or divided by 166 for international shipments.
Directory—Program book distributed to attendees, listing information about exhibitors’ products and services and other pertinent facts. The ACC Expo’s directory is called the ExpoGuide.
Dismantling—The process of breaking down an exhibit. Also referred to as Move-Out and Tear-Down.
Display Builder—A company that fabricates exhibits. Also referred to as a Display House or Stand Fitter.
Display House—Please see Display Builder.
Dock—Please see Loading Dock.
Doctor’s Bag—The official hotel room door drop promotional opportunity of ACC.10. Exhibitors may submit booth flyers, satellite event invitations, product brochures, etc., for ACC approval and inclusion. The Pre-Meeting Doctor’s Bag is delivered to the largest hotel blocks before the meeting, and the Meeting & Symposia Doctor’s Bag is delivered to the largest hotel blocks during the meeting.
Dolly—A low, wheeled frame with a platform used for carrying heavy or cumbersome objects.
Door Drop—A marketing opportunity for exhibitors in which marketing materials, provided by the exhibitors, are delivered to the hotel rooms of convention attendees. ACC only permits door drops through the official Doctor's Bag door drop service. See also Doctor’s Bag.
Double Decker—Please see Two-Story Exhibit.
Double Time—Refers to work performed beyond Straight Time and Overtime. Double Time is double the normal hourly rate (i.e., if laborer normally charges $50/hour, the double-time rate will be $100/hour). In some cities, Double Time applies to work performed on Sundays and/or Saturdays, holidays and, in some cases, after a certain number of daily hours has been worked by a laborer. Exhibitors should check the service kit forms to determine when double time rates apply.
Drayage—Delivery of exhibit materials from the loading dock to assigned space, removing crates, returning crates at end of the show for re-crating, and delivering materials for carrier loading.
Duplex Outlet—A double electrical outlet.
Duty—A tax imposed on imports by the customs authority of a country. Duties are generally based on the value of the goods (ad valorem duties), some other factor such as weight or quantity (specific duties), or a combination of value and other factors (compound duty).
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EAC—Please see Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor.
Easel—A stand for displaying objects or signs.
EDC—Please see Exhibitor-Designated Contractor.
Elevations—Scaled drawings depicting front and side views of an exhibit.
Exhibit—A display designed to showcase an exhibitor’s products, message and business ideas. Also referred to as a Booth. Also, an event at which products or services are exhibited.
Exhibit Manager—The organizer and operator of an exposition. Also referred to as Exhibition Manager, Exhibition Organizer, and Show Management. Also, the person in charge of an exhibitor’s display at a show.
Exhibit Prospectus—Promotional brochure or booklet sent to prospective exhibitors by show management to encourage participation in an exposition or trade show.
Exhibit Rules and Regulations—The rules prepared by show management that govern exhibitors at a given event.
Exhibition—Please see Exposition.
Exhibition Manager—Please see Exhibit Manager.
Exhibition Organizer—Please see Exhibit Manager.
Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor—Refers to any outside contractor, other than an Official Contractor, hired by an exhibitor. Often abbreviated as EAC. Also referred to as an Independent Contractor or an Exhibitor-Designated Contractor (EDC).
Exhibitor-Designated Contractor—Please see Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor.
Exhibitor Advisory Committee—Please see Exhibitor Committee.
Exhibitor Advisory Council—Please see Exhibitor Committee.
Exhibitor Committee—Representatives from exhibiting companies who serve as a liaison between exhibitors and show management to identify problems, make suggestions and implement solutions to make the show better for all involved. Also referred to as Exhibitor Advisory Committee or Exhibitor Advisory Council.
Exhibitor Resource Center—An online “manual” with exhibiting tips, a glossary and work tools to help educate exhibitors of all experience levels.
Exhibitor Service Kit—A manual that includes forms for ordering services, show rules, furnishings, contractor information, marketing opportunities and more. For ACC.10, as part of ACC’s Green Initiative, the Kit is available both electronically and on a USB flash drive to all exhibitors who have paid in full.
Exhibits Subcommittee—A group of ACC-member cardiologists who are members of the Annual Scientific Session Program Committee. These members vet first-time exhibitors and do periodic reviews of all exhibitors to judge eligibility to exhibit.
Expo—Please see Exposition.
Expo Coffee Breaks—Specific times during Expo-only hours each day when coffee is served to attendees on the Expo floor.
Expo Lunch & Learn—A time each day during which exhibiting companies may purchase food and beverage from the official convention center caterer to serve to attendees as they highlight their products and services within their booths.
ExpoExtra—An electronic communication vehicle, sent monthly, which keeps exhibitors informed of new opportunities, upcoming deadlines, exhibiting tips and other important information.
ExpoGuide—This is the exhibitor directory for the ACC Expo. It includes an alphabetical exhibitor list, a listing by booth number, company descriptions, a product/service listing and more. The publication is distributed to attendees in the portfolio bag and is available in bins outside the entrances to the Expo floor.
ExpoGuide Addendum—The follow-up piece to the ExpoGuide exhibit show directory. The Addendum includes last-minute booth change information and listings from companies that missed the ExpoGuide deadline. It includes company names, booth numbers, descriptions and product/service listings, as well as ExpoSuite listings and Expo Lunch & Learn participants.
Exposition—An event at which products and/or services are exhibited. Often shortened to Expo. Also referred to as Exhibition, Exhibit, Expo, Trade Show, or Trade Fair.
ExpoSuite—Modular meeting room space on the Expo floor available for rent to exhibitors. Exhibitors may use their ExpoSuite(s) for staff meetings, to host hospitality events, meet with clients, etc.
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FDA—Food and Drug Administration—The FDA issues "FDA Guidance Documents for FDA-Regulated Products," which can be found on the FDA Web site (www.fda.gov). From the FDA Web site: “The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. The FDA is also responsible for advancing the public health by helping to speed innovations that make medicines and foods more effective, safer, and more affordable; and helping the public get the accurate, science-based information they need to use medicines and foods to improve their health."
FHC—A notation on floor plans indicating the location of fire hose cabinets.
First-Time Exhibitor—Applicants that have not previously exhibited at an ACC Annual Scientific Session Exposition. The Applications for Booth Space from these companies must have the “First-Time Exhibitor” box checked, and description and product/service information completed, and they will be reviewed by the Exhibits Subcommittee before being assigned space.
Floor Manager—Individual representing show management who is responsible for overseeing all or part of the exhibition area. The Floor Manager acts as an extension of show management, ensuring that exhibitors are receiving the services they ordered and are in compliance with the rules and regulations governing the exhibition.
Floor Map—Please see Floor Plan.
Floor Marking—Method of indicating the boundaries of each booth space.
Floor Order—Order for services placed by the exhibitor with the service contractor after exhibit setup begins. Usually more expensive than an Advance Order.
Floor Plan—A map showing layout of exhibit spaces. Also referred to as a Floor Map.
Floor Port—A utility box recessed in the floor containing electrical, telephone or plumbing connections.
Foam Core—Rigid foam covered with heavy paper stock used for mounting signs, art, etc.
Focus Group—Interviews of and discussions with people in a group setting to evaluate services or test new ideas.
Follow-Up—To send literature or other information and/or have a representative call on prospects identified at a trade show.
Footprint—The amount of floor space occupied by an exhibitor. Also referred to as Booth Area.
Freight—Exhibit properties, products and other materials shipped for an exhibit.
Freight Desk—At a trade show, a specific location where inbound and outbound exhibit materials are handled.
Freight Forwarder—A shipping company that handles export shipments for a fee.
Front Space—Refers to dimension across the front of an exhibit. Also referred to as Frontage.
Frontage—Refers to dimension across the front of an exhibit. Also referred to as Front Space.
Full-Access Badges—At ACC.10, each exhibiting company will receive two Exhibitor Full-Access badges per 100 square feet of space, up to a maximum of eight full-access badges. These badges allow the holder access to all education sessions, in addition to the Expo floor and poster sessions area.
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General Contractor—Show management-appointed company providing services to a meeting and/or its exhibitors. Also referred to as Official Contractor, Decorator, and General Services Contractor. Compare with EAC.
General Services Contractor—Please see General Contractor.
Giveaways—Items given to attendees to entice them into the booth. Giveaways should be associated with products or services of the exhibiting company, and/or be related to the physician’s work. Giveaways may be regulated by external guidelines and policies such as ACCME’s Standards for Commercial Support, the OIG’s Compliance Program Guidance for Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, PhRMA’s new Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals, AdvaMed’s Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals, etc.
Graphics—Communication elements, such as color, copy, art and photographs, used to illustrate a booth theme or décor.
Grid System—A network of structural members, electrical conduits and/or other utility systems on a pattern within an exhibit hall.
Gross Square Feet—Total space available in exhibit hall as compared to net square feet, useable exhibit space, or occupied exhibit space.
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Hall—A generic term for an exposition facility. May also refer to an individual area within a facility.
Hand Truck—Small hand-propelled vehicle used for transporting small loads.
Hanging Banner—A decorative or communicative panel that is hung from or ties into the ceiling of the exhibit hall.
Hardwall—A type of exhibit construction in which the walls are of a solid material, rather than fabric or drape.
Header—A sign or other structure across the top of an exhibit. Usually displays company name.
Hospitality—An event or gathering usually separate from the exhibit, in which refreshments are served and exhibitor personnel and invited guests socialize.
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i2 Summit—Please see Innovation in Intervention: i2 Summit 2010.
I&D—Installation and dismantling of an exhibit.
Independent Contractor—A contractor hired by an exhibitor to perform show services independently of show management-appointed contractors. Also called an Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC) or Exhibitor-Designated Contractor (EDC).
Industry Guidelines—Refers to the various codes of conduct and ethics issued by professional organizations. See also ACCME, AdvaMed, AMA, OIG, and PhRMA.
Infringement—Use of floor space outside contracted booth area; a violation of the official rules and regulations.
In-Line Booth—Exhibit space with exhibit booths on both sides and in back or along a wall. Also referred to as a Linear Booth or Linear Display.
Innovation in Intervention: i2 Summit 2010—Full name is “Innovation in Intervention: i2 Summit in Partnership with the Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF).” The premier interventional cardiology event by and for interventionalists. The fifth annual i2 Summit will be held from March 14 to March 16, 2010, in conjunction with the ACC 59th Annual Scientific Session in Atlanta.
Installation—The process of setting up exhibit properties according to specifications. Also referred to as Move-In and Set-Up.
Interactive Exhibits—Exhibits in which the visitor is involved with the exhibit in a proactive way.
Investigator Meetings—A process early-on in the clinical development procedure, in which study results are communicated and feedback can be solicited.
Inventory—Total amount of furniture and equipment available for a show; also used to describe total number of booths on the exhibit floor.
Island—An exhibit space with aisles on all four sides. Also referred to as an Island Booth or Island Exhibit.
Island Booth—Please see Island.
Island Exhibit—Please see Island.
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Jigged Crate—A special-purpose crate with hardware to secure exhibit properties in place to prevent shifting during shipment.
Junction Box—A distribution point for electrical power.
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Key Opinion Leader (KOL)—Physicians who influence their peers' medical practice, including but not limited to, prescribing behavior.
Kiosk—A small structure, open on one or more sides, for the display of a product or for use as an information station or for material distribution.
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Labor—Workers contracted to perform services.
Late-Breaking Clinical Trials (LBCT)—Major randomized trials that will have significant impact on clinical practice.
Lead Tracking—A manual or automated system used to conduct follow-up activities for sales prospects from a trade show.
Liability—Legal issue of who is responsible for damage or injuries.
Light Box—An enclosure that contains lighting underneath a translucent facing material; used to back-light signs or graphics applied to the face.
Lighting—Refers to booth or general hall illumination.
Linear Booth—Exhibit space with exhibit booths on both sides and in back or along a wall. Also referred to as an In-Line Booth or Linear Display.
Linear Display—Please see Linear Booth.
Loading Dock—A place where freight is loaded onto and taken from vehicles. Also referred to as a Dock.
Logo—A trademark or symbol, unique to each company.
Low Voltage—A term applied to electrical currents of 24 volts or less. Usually used in animation and specialty lighting.
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Mailing List—A list of contact names and addresses to use for marketing purposes. These lists can be obtained by gathering information onsite, or purchasing or renting from an agency, company or association.
Make Ready—To mount and prepare artwork for photography or reproduction, i.e., make camera-ready.
Marshaling Yard—A lot where trucks gather for orderly dispatch to the trade show site.
Mobile Unit (Vehicle) Exhibits—A booth that uses a truck, bus or other vehicle as part of its exhibit display.
Modular—Structural elements that are interchangeable. Allows for maximum flexibility in arrangement and size.
Move-In—Dates set for installation of exhibits. See also Installation or Set-Up.
Move-Out—Dates set for dismantling of exhibits. See also Dismantling or Tear-Down.
Multiple Story Exhibit—Any exhibit that has area on an upper level accessible via stairs. Also called a Two-Story Exhibit or a Double Decker.
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Net Square Feet—The amount of space occupied by exhibits in a facility, not including aisles, columns, registration areas, etc.
News Release—An article, intended for use by the media, about a company, product, service or individual. Also referred to as a Press Release.
No-Show—A scheduled exhibitor who does not show up onsite to claim booth space or ordered services.
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Objectives—Statement of expected achievements in a marketing event.
Official Contractor—Service provider appointed by exposition management. Also referred to as General Contractor, Decorator and General Services Contractor.
OIG—Office of Inspector General. OIG issues the Compliance Program Guidance for Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, which can be found on the OIG Web site (http://oig.hhs.gov). From the OIG Web site: "Through this [Federal Register] notice, the OIG is setting forth its general views on the value and fundamental principles of compliance programs for pharmaceutical manufacturers and the specific elements that pharmaceutical manufacturers should consider when developing and implementing an effective compliance program."
On-Site—Location of exhibits. Also called At-Site.
Outboarding—A non-exhibitor attempts to promote products or services in near proximity to the show floor, usually in a nearby hotel or venue. Also see Suitcasing.
Overtime—Refers to work performed beyond what is considered a standard business day. Overtime labor is paid at time-and-a-half (i.e., if laborer normally charges $50/hour, the overtime rate will be $75/hour). Generally overtime applies between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. and on weekends/holidays in convention facilities where Double Time does not apply. Exhibitors should check the service kit forms to determine when overtime rates apply.
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Package Space—Exhibit space that includes basic furnishings in the published price.
Packing List—A list included with shipment showing the number and kinds of items being shipped, as well as other information needed for transportation purposes. Also referred to as Bill of Lading or Waybill.
Pad Wrap—Uncrated goods covered with blankets or other protective padding and shipping via van line. Also called Blanket Wrap.
Pallet—Wooden platform used to support machinery or a collection of objects for easier handling. Also, thick wood blocks attached to crates that allow forklift access for easier handling. Also referred to as a Skid.
Pavilion—A group presentation of different companies for the purpose of generating collected impact. Companies may also be grouped based on technology or country of origin.
Peninsula—An exhibit area with aisles on three sides. ACC does not permit this type of display.
Perimeter Booth—Exhibit space located on an outside wall within the hall.
PhRMA—Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. PhRMA issues the “Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals,” which can be found on the PhRMA Web site (www.phrma.org). From the PhRMA Web site: “The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies, which are devoted to inventing medicines that allow patients to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. PhRMA companies are leading the way in the search for new cures. PhRMA members alone invested an estimated $50.3 billion in 2008 in discovering and developing new medicines. Industry-wide research and investment reached a record $65.2 billion in 2008.”
Pipe and Drape—Pipe material with fabric draped from it to make up side rails and backwall of an exhibit booth. The ACC Expo uses pipe and drape as a standard offering for all in-line exhibits.
Portable Exhibits—Lightweight, crated display units that do not require forklifts to move.
Portfolio Bag—At ACC.10, each attendee receives a complementary portfolio bag, which contains the ExpoGuide, the ExpoGuide Addendum, the Program At-A-Glance, and the Final Program.
Pop-Up Booth—A booth that requires minimal tools to set up and is usually set up by the exhibitor.
Prefab—Pre-built exhibit ready for installation.
Presenters—Trained individuals stationed in a booth to present a scripted promotional message.
Press Kit—An informational kit intended to educate and inform media and analysts about an organization, event or issue. Common documents found in press kits include press releases, executive biographies, white papers, user stories, backgrounders, fact sheets and product data sheets. At ACC, exhibitor press kits distributed via the ACC exhibitor newsroom may only contain news releases and other news materials that are directly related to the scientific research being presented at ACC.10.
Press Release—An article, intended for use by the media, about a company, product, service or individual. Also referred to as a News Release.
Priority Point System—A method of assigning booth space. At the ACC Expo, the priority point system is based on the amount of space utilized in previous years. An exhibitor accrues one point for each 100 square feet of exhibit and ExpoSuite space occupied during each of the most recent five years. In addition, an exhibitor accrues one point for each year of participation, without limit.
Pro-Forma Invoice—An invoice sent to a buyer prior to the shipment of merchandise, which provides detailed information about the kinds and quantities of goods to be shipped.
Promotional Opportunities—Occasions when an exhibiting company can market its participation in a trade show, or its product or service. May include print or digital advertising, banners, logo placement, etc.
Pro-Number—A carrier-assigned number used to designate a specific shipment.
Proof—Any preliminary reproduction by photography, typesetting or lithography, provided by processor for approval prior to finished product.
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Quad Box—Four electrical outlets in one box.
Qualifying—The act of determining an exhibit visitor’s authority to purchase or recommend a product or service on display.
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Raceway—Metal or insulated rubber tubing used to channel electric wires.
Raw Space—The actual space for an exhibit with no furnishings or decoration. In-line spaces include pipe-and-drape back wall and side rails.
Rear Projection—A video technique in which images are projected on a screen positioned between the projector and the audience.
ROI (Return on Investment)—Measurement of how much benefit a company receives from participation in an exposition.
Registration—Obtaining demographic information from an attendee in exchange for an entrance badge to the event. An exhibitor will also register its booth personnel in order to obtain exhibitor badges.
Riser—A platform for people or materials.
Rough Sketch—Quick drawing giving indications of proposed exhibit.
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Satellite Event—Any activity or meeting that is independently organized and offered by an organization other than ACC, and held on the days immediately before or during the ACC 59th Annual Scientific Session and the i2 Summit. All satellite events must be approved by ACC through the submission of an online Satellite Event Request Form (SERF).
Satellite Event Request Form (SERF)—The online form used to submit details of a satellite event to ACC.
Scale Model—Any model articulating all components of original object, but in smaller size.
Schematic Model—A diagram in model form.
Scrim—Fabric that is opaque when lighted from the front and transparent when lighted from the rear.
Security—Systems used to keep exhibits safe, such as guards, closed-circuit TV, etc.
Self-Contained Exhibit—A display that is an integral part of the shipping case. See also Pop-Up Booth.
SERF—Please see Satellite Event Request Form.
Set-Up—The process of setting up exhibit properties according to specifications. Also referred to as Installation and Move-In.
Service Desk—A centrally-located service area in which exhibitors can order or reconfirm the services provided by show management such as electrical, decorating, telecommunications, etc.
Service Contractor—Show management-appointed company providing services to a trade show and/or its exhibitors. Also called Official Contractor. Compare with EAC.
Show Daily—A daily publication produced onsite that offers articles on late-breaking clinical trials, session activities, and other show information. At ACC.10, the show daily is known as Scientific Session News.
Show Decorator—Company or individual responsible for hall draping, aisle carpeting and signage. Performs same service for individual exhibitors. Also referred to as the Service Contractor, General Contractor or General Services Contractor.
Show Management—The organizer and operator of an exposition. Also referred to as Exhibit Manager, Exhibition Manager, and Exhibition Organizer.
Show Office—Show management’s office on site.
Show Photographer—The show management-appointed photographer for an exhibition.
Shrink Wrap—Process of wrapping loose items on pallet with heat-sealed, transparent plastic wrapping.
Side Rail—A low divider panel or drape run used to separate an exhibit space from an adjacent area.
Skid—Please see Pallet.
Skirting—Decorative covering around tables and risers.
Soffit—A lowered portion of a ceiling.
Space Rate—Cost per square foot for exhibit space.
Special Handling—Requiring extra labor, equipment or time in delivery to booth area.
Spotlight—A lamp that provides a defined circle of light.
Staging Area—A place for collection of materials, components, delivery units, etc.
Stanchions—Posts used to support signage or other elevated objects.
Stand Fitter—Please see Display Builder.
Straight Time—The hours considered normal business hours, usually between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. in convention facilities. Exhibitors should check the service kit forms to determine when straight time rates apply.
Stand—Please see Booth.
Subcontractor—An individual or company retained by a general contractor to provide services.
Substrate—Primary or underlying material on which other materials (such as paints or coatings) are applied, or from which other materials are made.
Suitcasing—A non-exhibitor attempts to promote products or services on the show floor without paying for a booth. Also referred to as Carpetbagging. Also see Outboarding.
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Table Top Display—Exhibit designed for use on top of a table.
Talent—Outside personnel stationed in an exhibit to demonstrate a product, provide attraction to booth or greet visitors.
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.
Tear-Down—Please see Dismantling and Move-Out.
Terminal—Freight handling or dock area.
Three Wire—Electrical cable with a continuous ground wire in addition to a positive and a negative wire.
Time & Materials—A form of billing in which a consumer is charged for labor costs (time) and materials.
Trade Fair—Please see Trade Show.
Trade Show—An event at which products or services are exhibited. Also referred to as Exhibition, Exhibit, Expo, Exposition and Trade Fair.
Traffic Flow—A common or directed path the audience will take through an exposition or exhibit.
Two-Story Exhibit—Any exhibit that has area on an upper level accessible via stairs. Also called a Multiple Story Exhibit or a Double Decker.
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Union—An organization of workers formed for mutual benefit and for the purpose of dealing collectively with their employer for wages, hours, working conditions and other matters pertaining to their employment. If an exhibition takes place in a state that is not a Right-to-Work state, union employees must be hired.
Union Steward—On-site union official.
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Valance—An overhead banner typically used as a light baffle.
VIP Exhibits-Only Pass—A document, customizable with an exhibitor’s company name and booth number, meant to be sent to potential attendees by an exhibitor. Each pass has a code, which, when used, gives the recipient a significant discount off the exhibits-only registration fee.
Visitor—An attendee at an exposition. A potential customer or buyer.
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Waiting List—A list of companies that are either interested in obtaining exhibit space, or relocating to a different space, but for whom no such space is yet available.
Wallboard—A construction product used for panels that are temporary.
Warehouse Receipt—A receipt issued by a warehouse for goods received for storage.
Waybill—Please see Bill of Lading.
Work Time—Paid time that begins as soon as the workers report to the exhibitor. Stops when the exhibitor releases them from work.
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