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Frequently Asked Questions

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Have a question? Search by keyword or category below to find the answers at your fingertips. If you can't find the answer to your question, please contact NAB Show Exhibit Services at (877) 622-3947, (202) 595-2051 or via email.

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How do I update my directory listing?

The majority of Attendees use the NAB Show Web site and Program and Exhibit Guide for pre-show planning. Updating your Directory Listing is the easiest way for Attendees to find information about your company and products.

Directory listings include:


  • Company contact information (address, web link, phone, fax)

  • Company contact name and title with contact information (email, phone, fax)

  • 500-character online profile; 250-character print profile

  • Five (5) product sub-categories

  • Three (3) product listings with color photos and descriptions

  • Five (5) Special Offers

  • Press Releases

  • 25 Emails
 

What are the move-in / move-out times?

Target move-in begins at 8 a.m., Monday, April 9. The schedule of target move-in dates will be available shortly.

Move-out begins at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 19. Early move-out will NOT be permitted.

View the complete Show schedule here.

 

What is target move-in and why can't I change it?

Each Exhibitor is assigned a target move-in date, the date an Exhibitor's freight is scheduled to be delivered to their booth. Each date is determined by Freeman based on the booth's size, location, and time allotted for access to the hall.

The larger the booth and further the booth is from freight doors and "no-freight" aisles, generally, the earlier its target move-in date. Adhering to the target move-in date is vital to allow all Exhibitors accessibility to their booths and to guarantee the show is able to open on schedule.

A link to the schedule of target move-in dates will be posted shortly.

To accommodate all Exhibitors in the most efficient manner, we are asking each Exhibitor to honor their target date. A request for change in target date will not necessarily be granted. If you have questions about your target date, please complete the Target Date Change Request Form (available soon).

 

What are the discount deadlines?

Year to year, deadlines are as consistent as possible in regards to vendor deadlines. March 16, 2012 is the early discount deadline for Freeman, Aramark, A/V, security, telecommunications, etc. Freeman also offers a deeper discount for all orders placed online.

 

What is Material Handling?

Material handling (drayage) is the service of receiving freight at either the advance warehouse or at show site. This service includes the following:


  • Acceptance of freight shipped to advance warehouse

  • Storage of up to 30 days prior to move-in

  • Delivery of freight to show OR acceptance of freight delivered directly to LVCC

  • Delivery of freight from dock to booth

  • Pick up and storage of "empty" crates/boxes for duration of show

  • Delivery of "empties" from storage back to booth for move-out

  • Freight transferred from booth to dock for return shipment

  • Loading of crates/boxes onto outgoing carrier

 

When do I ship my materials?

Material shipping information is as follows:


  • Ship in advance to the warehouse. Shipments to the warehouse can arrive March 16 - April 2, 2012.


  • Schedule your shipment to arrive during the published hours (8 a.m. - 4 p.m., drivers must check in by 3:30 p.m.) for freight receipt at the warehouse to avoid unnecessary surcharges.


  • Be sure you hit your Target Move-in date and time. Penalties will be assessed if materials arrive before or after your Target Move-in date.


  • For onsite deliveries, expect at least a 3-hour wait for your materials to be unloaded from the time your truck checks in at the marshaling yard.


  • Check-in to the marshaling yard on straight time. Check in prior to 2 p.m. to insure same day delivery.


 

How do I ship my materials?

Inbound Freight


  • Check out the weight of your exhibit. Lightweight designs save on shipping and drayage.


  • Remove old shipping labels and attach clean labels with your company name and booth number clearly marked.


  • Be sure to attach a rider to your insurance policy from the time your exhibit and product leave your possession until it is returned. Your company is responsible for your exhibit and product.


  • Shrink-wrap all your cartons onto a skid to avoid any special handling charges. Be sure to securely pack and tape your boxes.


  • Ship prepaid and keep an inventory and the PRO numbers of all your shipments.


  • Alert Freeman if you are shipping less than you initially estimated. This will not only save you money, but also expedite the move-in process for you and other exhibitors.


  • If delivering to the advance warehouse, confirm delivery with both Freeman and your shipping company.


  • Make sure that all shipments are accompanied with a certified weight certificate.



TIP: With the new tiered rates you can save money by consolidating your shipments. Contact Freeman for assistance in estimating your material handling charges.

Outbound Freight


  • Make return shipping arrangements in advance.


  • Prepare and pack labels for your outbound shipment prior to the show.


  • Avoid forced shipments on the outbound. Contract only with carriers familiar with the tradeshow industry.


 

What are my rights as an exhibitor regarding freight handling?

As an employee of the exhibiting company you have the right to hand-carry some materials to your booth provided the following rules are adhered to:


  • Must use specified access doors, may use main entrance into the Exhibit Hall


  • May not use freight/dock doors


  • No material handling equipment may be used (i.e. carts, dollies, etc., however small 2-wheeled luggage carts are allowed)


  • Materials must be able to be carried by one person


 

What are my rights as an Exhibitor regarding labor?

As a full-time employee of the Exhibiting Company you have the right to install and dismantle your own booth, as follows:


  • May unpack, pack and arrange merchandise and product within Exhibit


  • Opening of cartons containing your products


  • Performance, testing, maintenance or repairs of your products


  • May set up and take down "pop-up" displays


  • Technical work to machines, such as balancing, programming, cleaning


  • Clean and wipe down products and display merchandise and parts of Exhibit not installed by other union labor


To exercise these rights you must be a full-time company employee of the exhibiting company with positive identification such as medical card or payroll stub. This rule prohibits the utilization of workers hired from a non-union agency or company.
 

What is the maximum booth height?

The maximum height varies by hall due to different ceiling heights in the halls. Please refer to the chart below. A more complete guide of rules and restrictions is available here.


Halls C1-C2

Halls C3-C5

Halls N1-N4

Halls S1-S4

Hilton Pavilion

Standard Linear

8'

8'

8'

8'

8'

Perimeter

12'

12'

12'

12'

12'

Split Island

20'

25'

25'

20'

22'

Island

20'

25'

25'

20'

22'


Important:
Please be considerate of others when designing your booth; every Exhibitor has the right to be visible. If you build your Exhibit to the maximum height allowed across one or more sides of your booths, you ARE blocking neighboring Exhibitors from being seen.  Please be respectful of all exhibitors.

New for the 2012 NAB Show – All island booths regardless of size should allow at least 20% of visibility (above 4 feet/1.22 meters tall) on all four sides. Split island booths should allow 20% of visibility on all sides excluding the shared back wall.

Examples:

  • 20' x 20' island: Each side of the booth must have visibility for a minimum of four feet (4 feet/1.22 meters).


  • 30' x 40' island: The 30 foot (30'/9.14 meters) sides of the booth must allow visibility for a minimum of six feet (6'/1.83 meters); the 40 foot (40'/12.19 meters) sides of booth must allow visibility of eight feet (8'/2.44 meters).


  • Exhibitors may use plexiglass or similar material to create a wall that will still allow for line of sight from one booth to the next.


Submit a fully detailed schematic by February 17, 2012 via email for review and approval. Files should be saved as PDF, TIF, or JPEG only and include:

  • An overall 3D graphic of the design

  • Plan view clearly showing all dimensions, walls and exhibit elements

  • Scaled side and height elevations

  • Hanging signs dimensions and height from top of sign to floor.

  • Exhibiting Company Name and Booth Number

If you are concerned in any way about meeting booth structure guidelines for your booth type or would like to request permission to construct your booth outside the stated guidelines, you must complete the Booth Variance Request Form (available soon) and submit a schematic/drawing of your booth for review by February 17, 2012. If you need further assistance, please call NAB Show Exhibit Services at (877) 622-3947 or (202) 595-2051.

 

What are the regulations for hanging signs?

Hanging signs are permitted for Split-Island and Island Booths only. They are not permitted in Standard Linear and Perimeter Booths.

Companies that occupy Split-Island Booths must position hanging signs at least five feet (5'/1.52 meters) forward from the back wall.

Hanging signs must remain within the height guidelines of the booth they occupy. These guidelines were determined based upon ceiling heights in each hall, including obstructions. Exhibitors wishing to hang banners above the recommended guidelines must contact Freeman to ensure there are no obstructions in the ceiling over the area to be utilized. Banners and signs must also follow posted Line of Sight Guidelines.

All hanging signs, both electrical and non-electrical will be hung by Freeman. If the sign requires electricity, electrical services must be ordered through Freeman.


C1 - C2

C3 - C5

N1 - N4

S1 - S4

Split Island

20' / 6.1m

25' / 7.62m

25' / 7.62m

20' / 6.1m

Island

20' / 6.1m

25' / 7.62m

25' / 7.62m

20' / 6.1m

 

Who can I contact to design my booth?

Freeman has the capabilities to design a custom booth developed to meet your specific goals and requirements. You may choose a custom designed booth or to save money you may choose to rent a standard or deluxe hardwall unit. Contact Marci Grodin at Freeman at (702) 429-0721 or via email.

 

What is an EAC?

Exhibitor Appointed Contractors (EACs) are independent contractors hired by exhibiting companies. These are companies that are typically signatory to the local unions. They can include labor building your booth, booth supervisors, booth designers, independent display companies, delivery personnel, technicians, Manufacturing Reps, etc. An EAC will only be granted access to the Show floor if NAB Show has received the EAC Work Authorization Form AND a valid Certificate of Insurance (forms to be posted shortly). There will be no exceptions. EAC Forms must be received by March 16, 2012.

 

How do I reserve a hotel room within the NAB Show Hotel Block?

NAB Show Housing is ready to assist you and your company with making hotel reservations. It is strongly recommended that you reserve rooms immediately to ensure the best chance of receiving the hotel and rate of your choice. Special rates are available at the official hotels including pre- and post-show rates. more

Complimentary Shuttle Bus Service will be provided to and from the LVCC and only official NAB Show hotels. Service to the LVCC will begin on Monday, April 16 at 7:30 a.m. Complete schedule information will be posted in the LVCC, hotel lobbies and the NAB Show Program and Exhibit Guide. Shuttle buses will drop-off and pick-up at the Grand Lobby and Central Hall 5 Entrance. Buses will first stop at the Grand Lobby and then proceed to the drop-off by Central Hall.

 

How do I sign up for exhibitor parking?

There will be a limited number of parking spaces available in the Silver Lot. Exhibitors have the option to purchase a five-day parking pass from Transportation Management Services (TMS), NAB Show's preferred transportation company. This parking pass includes in and out privileges and is valid Sunday, April 15 through Thursday, April 19. Order a parking pass now, valid for exhibiting companies only.

 

How many Exhibitor Badges do I get with my booth?

Only employees of Exhibiting Companies and their spouses may register as Exhibitors. Exhibitor Guest Passes are not intended for booth personnel registration. Exhibiting Companies receive 8 complimentary Exhibitor Registrations for every 100 sq. ft. of Exhibit Space. There will be a $25 fee per badge over the allotted quota for additional personnel. Registration is open and you will need your exhibitor ID and password.

 

What are Session Passes and how do I get them?

Session Passes allow an Exhibitor to attend an educational session within any of the NAB Show Conferences outside of training and certification packages. Session passes do not include access to the Luncheons or Breakfasts. Passes are interchangeable among booth personnel. An Exhibitor badge and Session Pass are required to attend a sesion. Note: to attend a session within Post|Production World (P|PW), Exhibitors must purchase a PPW Registration Package (One-Day Passes available). To attend a Luncheon, Exhibitors must purchase a separate ticket for each Luncheon. Tickets for Breakfasts are not available for purchase.

Passes are available on site only at Exhibitor Registration and are distributed to one representative from your company.

All exhibiting companies, except subleasors, receive Session Passes based on the following scale:


Booth Size Number of Passes

Booth Size Session Allotment

100 - 400 sq. ft.

2

401 - 999 sq. ft.

5

1,000 - 1,999 sq. ft.

7

2,000+ sq. ft.

10

 

How do I arrange for a Special Event in my booth?

NAB Show Exhibitors planning to host an event in their booth before or after scheduled show hours must do the following:

  • After Hour Special Events may only be held Monday, April 16 - Wednesday, April 18, 2012 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Events on Thursday, April 19 are not permitted.


  • In special circumstances a special event may be approved for Sunday, April 15 between 4 - 7 p.m. Please note additional fees may apply as Exhibitors may be required to purchase 8' drape from the designated entrance to and surrounding their booth. This drape may be required to protect neighboring booths finalizing equipment set-up and programming.


  • Submit completed Special Events Form located in the Official Forms section by March 16, 2012.


  • NAB Show must receive confirmation of hired security and the number of RSVPs for the event before Special Event Passes will be issued.


  • Security guards, hired by the exhibitor, must be present at all Before Hours and After Hours events. Security is required to escort event attendees to and from your booth and the hall entrance and to ensure attendees stay in your booth. The number of security guards needed is based on the following sliding scale:

    • 400 sq. ft. and smaller - One guard

    • 401 - 900 sq. ft. - Two guards

    • 901 - 1,200 sq. ft. - Three guards

    • 1201 - 2,000 sq. ft. - Four guards

    • 2,001+ sq. ft - Determined by show management based on type of event.


  • All planning and costs associated with the Special Event are the responsibility of the Exhibitor, including notifying their customers about the event and distributing Special Event Passes.