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Passport to Industry Jargon: An Inexhaustive Glossary Guide
When you're starting out in the world of trade shows, events, and exhibits, it feels like you're learning a new language. Jargon and terms that can make or break your booth — and budget — whizz by you like cars on the other side of the road. It's easy to feel overwhelmed. But you don't have to be lost in the lingo. Follow our glossary of industry terms and go from tourist to tour guide in no time.By Danelle Dodds
 
Advance Rates:
The rates for goods or services charged for orders made in advance. These rates may include discounts or savings.
Airwall:
A moveable panel or wall that can be used to divide a larger room into smaller rooms.
Advance Order:
An order for show services made before move-in.
Baffle:
A partition used to control the flow of traffic, light, sound, or air.
Boneyard:
The storage area where empty crates and materials are stored during the show.
Breakpoint:
The point where a discount is given for a large order.
C.A.D. (Computer- Aided Design):
Computer-based software designers and engineers use to create 2D and 3D models of projects.
Cartage:
The shipment of products over a short distance.
C.I.F. (Cost, Insurance, Freight):
Charges paid by a seller that cover costs, insurance, and freight of the order while it is in transit.
Dead Man:
A temporary post used during installation to help support the weight of an overhead structure.
Dock:
The area where freight is loaded on and off vehicles.
Drayage:
The movement of exhibit materials from the dock to the booth for both set-up and strike. This includes the storing and returning of empty crates. Also known as material handling.
Exhibit House:
A company that fabricates trade show booths and displays.
End Cap:
An exhibit booth with aisles on three sides (also called a peninsula).
Exclusive Contractor:
The contractor appointed by the show or venue manager as the sole agent to provide services.
Floor Order:
An order for services or labor that is placed after exhibit set-up has begun. Floor orders are typically more expensive than advance orders.
Field Services:
Services that include installation, dismantling, freight, drayage, carpentry, electric, plumbing, riggers, and maintenance.
Floor Load:
The maximum amount of weight (or power available) per square foot that a floor can support.
Four-Hour Call:
The minimum work period that union labor must be paid.
General Service Contractor (GSC):
The organization providing show services, including installation and dismantling (I&D), signage, carpet, material handling, and furniture rental. Also known as the official contractor.
Gobo:
An etched metal or glass disc that can project patterns when installed on a light source.
High Drape:
Any drape more than 8 feet high which requires special equipment to secure it.
Hardwall:
Exhibit walls made of solid material instead of fabric.
Hospitality Event:
A show-related event that is separate from the exhibit, where exhibitors and invited guests network.
I&D:
The installation and dismantling of an exhibit.
Inline Booth:
Exhibit space that is constructed in a continuous line. Also known as linear display.
Island Exhibit:
A display with aisles on all four sides.
Jigged Crate:
A crate outfitted with hardware to secure exhibit elements in place for shipment.
Junction Box:
An electrical box containing two or more circuits.
Kelvin Temperature:
The temperature a light source needs to reach to produce the color of light it emits.
Kiosk:
A small independent structure used to display print or electronic information.
L.T.L. / Less Than Truckload:
The rate charged when freight weighs less than the minimum weight of a truckload.
Lighting Plot:
A diagram outlining the location and type of all lighting in a booth.
Marshalling Yard:
The dedicated area where all freight and trucks check in prior to dock unloading.
Modular Exhibit:
An exhibit designed with interchangeable components, which allow exhibitors to swap out sections of display.
Net Square Footage:
The total amount of leased booth space.
No Freight Aisle:
Aisles that must be clear at all times during setup and dismantling.
O.T.R./Over the Road:
Freight that is transferred via roadways.
Pallet Wrap:
Wrapping loose items on a pallet with plastic wrapping.
Pipe and Drape:
Fabric draped over pipe material to decorate, divide, or hide space.
Perimeter Booth:
Exhibit space that is located on an outside wall of an exhibit hall.
Quad Box:
A grounded box with four electrical outlets.
Rear Projection:
Presentation or imagery projected from behind versus in front of the screen.
Rigger:
A skilled laborer who is responsible for hanging trusses, banners, and other equipment to the ceiling of an exhibit hall.
Round:
A 60- to 72-inch banquet table.
Scissor Lift:
A motorized lift to elevate people to a certain height.
Scrim:
Fabric that is transparent when lit from the rear and opaque when lit from the front.
Second Tier City:
A city ideal for smaller meetings and shows due to space limitations of convention centers and hotels.
Show Manager:
Person responsible for all elements of an exhibition.
Show Rates:
Rates established by show management and published in exhibitor kits.
Skirting:
Decorative fabric covering tables and risers.
Special Handling:
Shipments that require extra labor, equipment, or time for delivery to the booth.
Specialty Contractor:
Suppliers and vendors of specific show services, such as florals, decor, entertainment, or photography.
Target Date:
A date when all materials and freight must arrive at the trade show. Shipments received before or after the target date are typically assessed additional fees.
Traffic Flow:
The estimated path the audience will take through the exposition or exhibit.
Upright:
Metal supports for drapes. Also known as posts.
Visqueen:
Clear plastic sheeting used to protect carpeting during exhibit setup. Also known as Poly.
Valance:
A decorative overhead border.
Waybill:
List of shipped materials and instructions sent by transit.
Zone:
List of shipped materials and instructions sent by transit.
 
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