Booth Regulations
Booth Regulations
The following booth rules are typical for U.S. Trade Shows and Convention Halls. However, regulations vary by convention center and even within show halls. Contact show management for specific regulations.
Click on an image below for detailed booth guidelines.
Click on an image below for detailed booth guidelines.
Linear Booths, also called "in-line" booths, are generally arranged in a straight line and have neighboring exhibitors on their immediatete right and left, leaving only one side exposed to the aisle.
Display materials should be arranged in such a manner so as not to obstruct sight lines of neighboring exhibitors. A maximum height of 8ft is allowed only in the rear half of the booth space, with a 4ft height restriction imposed on all materials in the remaining space forward to the aisle.
When three or more Linear Booths are used in combination as a single exhibit space, the 4ft height limitation is applied only to that portion of exhibit space which is within 10ft of an adjoining booth.
A Corner Booth is a Linear Booth at the end of a series of in-line booths with exposure to intersecting aisles on two sides.
All other guidelines for Linear Booths apply.
A Perimeter Booth is a Linear Booth that backs to an outside wall of the exhibit facility rather than to another exhibit.
All guidelines for Linear Booths apply to Perimeter Booths except that the typical maximum back wall height is 12ft.
An Extended Header Booth is a Linear Booth 20ft or longer with a center extended header.
All guidelines for Linear Booths apply to Extended Header Booths, except that the center extended header has a maximum height of 8ft, a maximum width of 20 percent of the length of the booth, and a maximum depth of 9ft from the back wall.
An End-cap Booth is exposed to aisles on three sides, backs to Linear Booths, and is 10ft deep by 20ft wide.
The maximum back wall height of 8ft is allowed only in the rear half of the booth space and within 5ft of the two side aisles, with a 4ft height restriction imposed on all materials in the remaining space forward to the aisle.
A Peninsula Booth is exposed to aisles on three sides, backs to Linear Booths, and is 20ft by 20ft or larger.
The back wall is restricted to 4ft high within 5ft of each aisle, permitting adequate Line-of-Sight for the adjoining Linear Booths. A typical maximum height range allowance is 16ft to 20ft including signage for the center portion of the back wall. Double-sided signs, logos and graphics must be set back ten feet from adjacent booths.
A Split Island Booth shares a common back wall with another Split Island Booth
The entire cubic content of this booth may be used, up to the maximum allowable height, without any back wall Line-of-Sight restrictions. A typical maximum height range allowance is 16ft to 20ft, including signage. Double-sided signs, logos and graphics must be set back ten feet from adjacent booths.
An Island Booth is any size booth exposed to aisles on all four sides.
The entire cubic content of the space may be used up to the maximum allowable height, which is usually a range of 16ft to 20ft, including signage.
Other Important Considerations
Canopies, including ceilings, umbrellas and canopy frames, can be either decorative or functional (such as to shade computer monitors from ambient light or to allow for hanging products).
Canopies for Linear or Perimeter Booths should comply with Line-of-Sight requirements. The bottom of the canopy should not be lower than 7ft from the floor within 5ft of any aisle. Canopy supports should be no wider than three inches 3in. This applies to any booth configuration that has a sight line restriction, such as a Linear Booth. Fire and safety regulations in many facilities strictly govern the use of canopies, ceilings, and other similar coverings. Check with the appropriate local agencies prior to determining specific exhibition rules.
Most exhibition rules allow for hanging signs and graphics in all standard Peninsula and Island Booths, usually to a maximum height range of 16ft to 20ft from the top of the sign. End-cap Booths do not qualify for hanging signs and graphics. The distance is measured from the floor to the top of the sign. Whether suspended from above, or supported from below, they should comply with all ordinary use-of-space requirements. For example, the highest point of any sign should not exceed the maximum allowable height for the booth type.
Hanging Signs and Graphics should be set back 10ft from adjacent booths and be directly over contracted space only.
A Tower is a free-standing exhibit component separate from the main exhibit fixture. The height restriction is the same as that which applies to the appropriate exhibit space configuration being used.
Towers in excess of 8ft should have drawings available for inspection. Fire and safety regulations in many facilities strictly govern the use of towers. A building permit or safety lines may be required.
A Multi-story Exhibit is a booth where the display fixture includes two or more levels.
In many cities, a Multi-storied Exhibit requires prior approval by the exhibit facility, and/or relevant local government agency, as well as show management because it is deemed to be a "structure" for building purposes. The city building department generally needs to issue a building permit based on an application and drawings prepared and submitted by a licensed architect or engineer. Exhibitors should obtain local building regulations early on to ensure that all time constraints are met. Exhibition organizers should be prepared to assist exhibitors in this application process.
Issues Common to All Booth Types
All exhibiting companies are required to be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and are encouraged to be sensitive, and as reasonably accommodating as possible, to attendees with disabilities. Information regarding ADA compliance is available from the U.S. Department of Justice ADA Information Line, (800) 514-0301, and from the ADA Web site atwww.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm.
All exhibit displays should be designed and erected in a manner that will withstand normal contact or vibration caused by neighboring exhibitors, hall laborers, or installation/dismantling equipment, such as fork lifts. Displays should also be able to withstand moderate wind effects that may occur in the exhibit hall when freight doors are open. Refer to local building codes that regulate temporary structures.
It is recommended that all 20ft by 20ft (6.10m by 6.10m) and over exhibits require a drawing, plans or renderings, preferably digital, to be submitted to the show organizer.
Exhibitors should ensure that any display fixtures such as tables, racks, or shelves are designed and installed properly to support the product or marketing materials to be displayed.
All materials used in display construction or decorating should be made of fire retardant materials and be certified as flame retardant. Samples should also be available for testing. Materials that cannot be treated to meet the requirements should not be used. A flame-proofing certificate should be available for inspection. Exhibitors should be aware of local regulations regarding fire/safety and environment which must be adhered to.
Exhibitors should dispose of any waste products they generate during the exhibition in accordance with guidelines established by the Environmental Protection Agency and the facility.
- No lighting, fixtures, lighting trusses, or overhead lighting are allowed outside the boundaries of the exhibit space. Exhibitors intending to use hanging light systems should submit drawings to exhibition management for approval.
- Lighting, including gobos, should be directed to the inner confines of the booth space. Lighting should not project onto other exhibits or exhibition aisles.
- Lighting which is potentially harmful, such as lasers or ultraviolet lighting, should comply with facility rules and be approved in writing by exhibition management.
- Lighting that spins, rotates, pulsates, and other specialized lighting effects should be in good taste and not interfere with neighboring exhibitors or otherwise detract from the general atmosphere of the event.
- Currently, some convention facilities are not allowing quartz halogen lighting fixtures in exhibits due to potential fire hazards. Check with exhibition management.
- Reduced lighting for theater areas should be approved by the exhibition organizer, the utility provider, and the exhibit facility.
Fire regulations in most exhibit facilities prohibit storing product, literature, empty packing containers, or packing materials behind back drapes or under draped tables. In most cases, however, exhibitors may store a limited supply of literature or product appropriately within the booth area, so long as these items do not impede access to utility services, create a safety problem, or look unsightly.
As a matter of safety and courtesy to others, exhibitors should conduct sales presentations and product demonstrations in a manner which assures all exhibitor personnel and attendees are within the contracted exhibit space and not encroaching on the aisle or neighboring exhibits. It is the responsibility of each exhibitor to arrange displays, product presentation, audio visual presentations, and demonstration areas to ensure compliance. Exhibitors should be aware of local regulations regarding fire/safety and environment which must be adhered to.
Special caution should be taken when demonstrating machinery or equipment that has moving parts, cooking equipment with an open flame, or any product that is otherwise potentially dangerous. Exhibitors should establish a minimum setback of 3ft and/or install hazard barriers as necessary to prevent accidental injury to spectators. Additionally, demonstrations should only be conducted by qualified personnel.
In general, exhibitors may use sound equipment in their booths so long as the noise level does not disrupt the activities of neighboring exhibitors. Speakers and other sound devices should be positioned so as to direct sound into the booth rather than into the aisle. Rule of thumb: Sound and noise should not exceed 85 decibels when measured from the aisle immediately in front of a booth. (Refer to OSHA at www.osha.gov for more information.)
Exhibitors should be aware that music played in their booths, whether live or recorded, may be subject to laws governing the use of copyrighted compositions. ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC are three authorized licensing organizations that collect copyright fees on behalf of composers and publishers of music.
