NAB Show
Exhibitor Access Hours and Registration.
Exhibitor Access Hours and Registration
Whether you’re building your booth, coordinating your team, or managing vendors on-site, here’s what you need to know to access the show floor.
NEW! Exhibitor Registration Process Updates
The exhibitor registration process has changed this year. All exhibitors must acknowledge show policies and complete demographic questions before registration is finalized. Please review updated steps to ensure a smooth and timely registration process.
Required Exhibitor Actions
All exhibitors must complete the following requirements before registration can be finalized:
✓ Acknowledge the show policies
✓ Complete demographic questions
✓ Add “[email protected]” to safe senders list
Booth Manager Checklist
Help your exhibitors complete registration and avoid delays:
✓ Share group registration URL from the registration dashboard
✓ Remind exhibitors about new registration requirements
NEW! Exhibitor Registration Process Updates (2026)
Review this year’s registration changes, required exhibitor actions and key steps for booth managers.
Registration Process
The registration process follows the steps outlined once an exhibitor has been added to the registration system.
1
Add Exhibitor
Enter the exhibitor’s name and email in the registration system
2
Exhibitor Completes Registration
The exhibitor receives an email and completes the registration form.
3
Registration Confirmed
Status automatically updates from “in progress” to “exhibitor.” Confirmation email is sent.
4
Visa Letter Generated
If required, a visa letter automatically becomes available for download after registration is complete.
Exhibitor Badge and Pass Types
Review the badge and pass types to confirm what your team, contractors, guests and event attendees may need for show floor access.
| Badge/Pass Type | What It’s For | Allotment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exhibitor Booth Personnel Badge | Booth staff working the event. This badge provides access to the show floor before and after show hours. | 8 badges per 100 square feet. Additional badges may be purchased for $25 each. | This badge may not be used for outside vendors working in your booth. |
| Manufacturer Representative Badge | Independent sales agents who sell an exhibit company’s products but are not direct employees of the exhibitor company. Manufacturer reps may represent multiple companies. | Unlimited | Manufacturer Representatives have restricted access to the show floor. |
| Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Badge | Vendors hired by an exhibitor not on NAB Show New York’s exclusive e or preferred partner list. | Unlimited | EACs are only granted show floor access if they are registered through the online portal and show management has approved the Certificate of Insurance (COI) on file. |
| Session Pass | Staff who need access to educational sessions. Sessions do not need to be assigned to specific individuals and may be shared among staff once picked up on-site. | Based on booth size: – 100-400 square feet: 2 passes – 401-900 square feet: 5 passes – 1,000-1,999 square feet: 7 passes – 2,000+ square feet: 10 passes | |
| Guest Pass | Customers and prospects invited to access the show floor using your company’s unique discount code and customized marketing tool. | Unlimited | Guest Passes can help provide a benefit to your buyers and may also generate qualified leads. |
| Off-Hours Work Pass | Required if you need to complete work outside scheduled move-in and move-out hours. | Unlimited | Pick up in room 3D101 or the security desk outside the show floor. Passes must be picked up before show hours. |
| Special Event Pass – Show Days | Required for guests attending a company-hosted special event before or after show hours. Company events must be pre-approved. | Unlimited | Pick up at room 3D101 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Badge Pick-up and Reprints
Ensure your team is prepared for badge collection by reviewing individual pick-up, group pick-up, and reprint requirements.
Individual Badge Pick-up
Exhibitors and Manufacturer Representatives may pick up their individual badges at the registration counter by presenting their registration confirmation and a valid photo ID. Exhibitors may pick up Manufacturer Representative badges on their behalf; however, Manufacturer Representatives may only pick up their own individual badge.
Group Badge Pick-up
Walk-in group badge pick-up is available during move-in registration hours. Badges may be picked up in smaller batches or in their entirety by a registered exhibitor. Once picked up, that exhibitor is responsible for distributing badges to the respective registrants. Photo ID and proof of employment, such as a business card, will be required for pick-up and reprints.
Badge Reprints
A $50 fee will apply per badge reprint. Badge corrections can be made for free by bringing the badge with the error to the registration counter.
Show Floor Access and Registration Hours
Wednesday, October 21: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thursday, October 22: 10 a.m.-5p.m.
Move-In Schedule
Plan your setup time. Wristbands are required for entry on Monday and Tuesday morning. Full registration services begin on Tuesday at noon.
| Day | Registration Hours | Show Floor Access | Freeman Service Desk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, Oct. 19 | Closed -wrist bands available at security | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. |
| Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 12-5p.m. | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Tip: Need more time? Review the Off-Hours Work Pass.
Show Days
Exhibitors may enter before and after show hours. Exhibitor Appointed Contractors have designated maintenance access windows.
| Day | Registration Hours | Show Floor Access | Freeman Service Desk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. |
| Thursday, Oct. 22 | 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Move-Out Schedule
| Day | Registration Hours | Show Floor Access | Freeman Service Desk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Oct. 22 | Closed | 5-8 p.m. | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Registration and Show Floor Hours
Are you planning to hire a vendor that’s not on our preferred vendors list? If yes, you must register each company as an Exhibitor Appointed Contractor through the EAC Registration Portal by October 18, 2026. Common use-cases include booth installation/dismantle labor, florists, photographers and audio-visual equipment providers.
Move-In Schedule
| Day | EAC Registration Hours | Show Floor Access | Freeman Service Desk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, Oct. 19 | Wristbands available at security | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 8 a.m. – 5p.m. |
| Tuesday, Oct. 20 | Wristbands available at security | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Show Days
Exhibitor Appointed Contractors are only allowed on the show floor during designated maintenance access windows.
| Day | EAC Registration Hours | Show Floor Access | Freeman Service Desk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, Oct. 21 | Wristbands available at security | 7:30-9:30 a.m. & 6-8 p.m. | 8 a.m.-5p.m. |
| Thursday, Oct. 22 | Wristbands available at security | 7:30-9:30 a.m. | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Move-Out Schedule
| Day | EAC Registration Hours | Show Floor Access | Freeman Service Desk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Oct. 22 | Wristbands available at security | 5-9 p.m. | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Reminders
- Wristbands are mandatory for move-in/move-out — no exceptions.
- All passes must be collected in advance — no on-the-spot after-hours access.
- International visitors may require a visa — see U.S. Visa Information.
Questions?
We’re here to help! From assistance with access hours, exhibitor passes or general on-site logistics, please contact our team:
Exhibitor Services Team
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET
Toll Free: +1 864-342-6296
[email protected]
On-site: Visit the Show Management Office (3D01) between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.