3D
A 3D design is a digital representation of an object or space with depth, height, and width, providing a realistic visualization from multiple angles.
A/V
Audio/video support, such as digital monitors, LED video walls,microphones/speakers or recorded music or audio
A/V Contractor
A supplier of audio/visual equipment and services.
Advance Order
An order for services sent to the service contractor prior to the installation date. Compare with Floor Order.
Advance Rates
Also known as Discount Rate. Fees associated with advance orders, which typically include discounts (when paid in advance).
Advance Receiving/Advance Warehouse
Location set by show management to receive freight before the start of show. Freight is stored at this location and then shipped to the show at the appropriate time.
Agent
A bona fide representative with proper credentials from the party represented.
Air Freight
Goods shipped via airplane.
Air Waybill
A document that establishes the terms between a shipper and a transportation company for the transport of goods between specified points for a specified charge. Also Bill of Lading, Inland Bill of Lading, Ocean Bill of Lading, Through Bill of Lading.
Aisle
A walkway intended for audience movement through an exposition or exhibit.
Assembly
The process of erecting an exhibit from its components. Also called Installation, Set Up.
Attendees
Those persons who visit an event that are not exhibiting or connected with the event itself (eg the organizer).
Back-light
A light source that illuminates translucent material from behind. Also called Rear Illumination.
Backwall
The panels at the rear of an exhibit.
Backwall Exhibit
An exhibit that is back-to-back with another exhibit or against a building wall.
Baffle
A device used in lighting fixtures to reduce glare and so’en the light.
Banner
A suspended panel used as a decoration or a sign, usually made of fabric or paper for temporary use.
Banner Stand
A retractable banner.
BeMatrix Exhibition System – A modular aluminum frame system used for trade show booths, events, and retail displays. Known for its versatility, lightweight structure, and tool-free assembly, beMatrix frames support fabric graphics, hard panels, and LED integration for customizable, reusable exhibits.
Bill of Lading (BoL)
A document that establishes the terms between a shipper and a transportation company for the transport of goods between specified points for a specified charge. Also see Air Waybill, Inland Bill of Lading, Ocean Bill of Lading, Through Bill of Lading.
Blanket Wrap
Non-crated freight shipped via van line covered with protective blankets or padding; also called Pad Wrap.
Blueprint
A scale drawing of booth space layout, construction, and specifications.
Boneyard
A storage area for empty crates and contractor materials during show hours.
Booth
An area made up of one or more standard units (10’ x 10’) of exhibit space.
Booth Area
The amount of floor space assigned to an exhibitor at a trade show.
Booth Number
A number assigned by show management to identify an exhibitor’s floor space location.
Booth Personnel
Staff members assigned by an exhibitor to work in an exhibit.
Booth Size
The dimensions of the floor space contracted by an exhibitor. Usually sold in 10’ x 10’ or 3 x 3m increments.
Build and Burn
Booth designed and built for one-time use.
C.I.F. (Cost, Insurance, Freight)
A pricing term indicating that these charges are included in the stated price.
CAD/CAM
Computer-Aided Design/ Computer-Aided Manufacturing.
CNC Routing
A computerized manufacturing process in which pre-programmed software and code controls the movement of production equipment; used to create 3D shapes and silhouette cut-outs. CNC stands for Computerized Numerical Control.
CWT
Hundred weight; a standard option for shipping packages that take up less than an entire truckload. Eg, 2,240 pounds total to be shipped: Divide 2,240 by 100, and you get 22.4 CWT.
Carpenter
A skilled worker used to uncrate, install, dismantle, and recrate exhibit properties.
Carpet Tape
Double-sided tape used to adhere the edge of a carpet to the floor.
Carrier
A transportation line moving freight. Usually a van line, common carrier, rail line, or air carrier. Also see Common Carrier.
Cartage
(1) The fee charged for transporting freight. (2) The moving of exhibit properties over a short distance.
Carpet – A specialized carpet used in exhibit booths and event spaces to enhance aesthetics, provide comfort, and define booth areas. It comes in various colors, thicknesses, and padding options to suit different exhibitor needs.
Certificate of Inspection
A document certifying that merchandise was in good condition immediately prior to its shipment.
Cherry Picker
A type of crane with a bucket or platform that can hold a person, open mounted on a truck
Clean Bill of Lading
A carrier-issued receipt indicating that transported merchandise was received in apparent good condition. Compare with Foul Bill of Lading.
Collective Agreement
A contract between an employer and a union specifying the terms and conditions for employment, the status of the union, and the process for settling disputes during the contract period. Also known as Labor Agreement, Union Contract.
Column
A pillar in an exposition facility that supports the roof or other overhead structures. Usually shown on a floor plan as a solid square.
Commercial Invoice
An itemized list of shipped goods.
Common Carrier
A transportation company moving people or goods. For exhibit freight, the carrier usually accepts only crated materials and consolidates the properties of several customers
into one shipment bound for the same destination.
Consignee
A person to whom goods are shipped.
Consignment
A delivery of merchandise from an exporter (the consignor) to an agent (the consignee) under the agreement that the agent
will sell the merchandise, receive a commission, and remit the net proceeds to the exporter.
Consignor
A person who sends freight.
Consolidate
To ship freight to a central depot where several loads bound for the same destination are put together before being shipped to that destination.
Contractor
An individual or company that provides services or materials to a trade show and/or its exhibitors. Also see Official Contractor, Exhibitor Appointed Contractor.
Corner Booth
An exhibit space with exposure on two aisles.
Craftspersons
A craftsperson is a skilled worker who creates or builds things by hand, often specializing in a particular trade or craft, such as woodworking, metalworking, or exhibit fabrication.
Crating List / Packing Slip
An itemized list of the contents of a crate or shipment.
Cross-aisle
An aisle at a right angle to a main aisle.
Custom Exhibit
A display designed and built to meet the specific needs of an exhibitor.
Customer Focus Form (CFF)
The single source of truth for a specific project, especially for design direction and project management.
Customhouse Broker
A person or company licensed to enter and clear goods through Customs.
D.T. Labor
Double Time Labor. Work performed on overtime and charged at twice the published rate.
D/B/A
is a registered trade name a business operates under that differs from its legal name. It’s also known as a fictitious name or assumed name and is commonly used by sole proprietors or corporations for branding purposes.
4o
DIM
Dimensions
DIM Weight
Short for “dimensions”: Length x width x height. Divide by 194 for domestic shipments; divide by 166 for international shipment
DW (Deadweight) – Measured in tons (2,240 lbs.), it represents the total weight a ship can carry, including cargo and supplies, at a specific draft. “This results in a maximum deadweight of 72,350 tons.
Dead Time
Time when a worker is unable to perform duties due to factors beyond his or her control.
Declared Value
A shipper’s stated dollar value for the contents of a shipment.
Decorator
An individual (skilled craftsperson) or company (a contractor) providing services for a trade show and/ or its exhibitors.
Dibond
A rigid, weather-resistant aluminum composite panel that can be machined and bent. It’s formed of two pre-painted sheets of aluminum around a solid polyethylene core.
Dimmer Switch
A device used to regulate lighting intensity. Also known as a Rheostat.
Directory
A catalog of basic information about the show, including exhibitors, floor plan and schedule of events (sometimes referred to as a Program).
Discount Rate
See Advance Rate
Dismantle
To take apart an exhibit. Also known as Take-down, Teardown or breakdown.
Display Builder
A company that fabricates trade show exhibits.
Display Rules & Regulations
Exhibit construction specifications endorsed by major exhibit industry associations. Also the specific set of rules that apply to an exposition.
Dock
A platform where freight is loaded onto and removed from vehicles.
Dolly
A low, wheeled frame with a platform used for carrying heavy or cumbersome objects.
Double-decker
A two-storied exhibit. Also known as Multiple Story exhibit or Multi-Level exhibit.
Drayage (Material Handling) – The transport of exhibit materials from the shipping dock to the booth for setup and back to the dock after the show. Costs are based on the total weight of all booth components, including structures, flooring, furniture, and products.
Drayage Contractor
A company responsible for handling exhibit materials at a trade show.
Drayage Form
A form completed by an exhibitor requesting handling of materials.
EAC
Exhibitor Appointed Contractor.
Easel
A stand for displaying objects.
Electrical Contractor
A company hired by show management to provide electrical services to exhibitors. Oftentimes unionized.
Elevations
Scaled drawings depicting front and side views of an exhibit.
End Cap
An exhibit space with aisles on two sides.
Est. Wt.
Estimated Weight.
Event Marketing
Face-to-face experiences that promote products and services to bring current and prospective customers together with desirable vendors.
Exclusive Contractor
A contractor appointed by show management as the sole provider of specified services.
Exhibit Designer/Producer
Company responsible for designing and constructing exhibit booths.
Exhibit Directory
A guide for exhibition attendees that lists exhibitors and exhibit locations.
Exhibit Hall
The area(s) within an exposition center where exhibits are located.
Exhibit Manager
Person in charge of a company’s exhibit program.
Exhibitor Appointed Contractor
A contractor hired by an exhibitor to perform trade show services independently of show management appointed contractors. Also called Independent Contractor, EAC.
Exhibitor Kit
A package of information that contains all rules, regulations, and forms relating to an exhibition, provided to exhibitors by show management. Also called Service Kit.
Exposition Manager
See Show Manager.
Exposition Rules
The set of regulations that govern a given trade show.
FHC
A notation on floor plans indicating the locations of “fire hose cabinets.”
Fabrication
The construction of an exhibit.
Fabricator
A person who builds and constructs displays.
Fiber Optics
The use of cut glass fibers to display colored light.
Finished
No surfaces or edges on a delivered exhibit are unpainted or raw.
Fire Exit
A door designated for emergency egress, which must be kept clear of obstructions.
Fire Lane
An aisle that must be kept clear of obstructions to allow emergency egress.
Floor Manager
An individual representing show management who is responsible for the exhibition area.
Floor Marking
Method used to mark booth spaces.
Floor Order
Order for services placed after exhibit installation has begun. Compare with Advance Order.
Floor Plan
A map showing the size and locations of exhibit spaces. May also show company names.
Floor Port
A utility box recessed in the floor containing electrical, telephone, or plumbing connections.
Flooring
Specialized flooring used in exhibit booths to enhance aesthetics, provide comfort, and define space. Options include carpet, vinyl, hardwood, interlocking tiles, and raised flooring, often with padding for added support.
Foam Core
Rigid foam covered with heavy paper stock used for mounting signs, art, etc. Also known as Gatorboard.
Forklift, Forktruck
Motorized vehicle used to load, unload, and transport heavy items.
Foul Bill of Lading
A carrier-issued receipt indicating that transported merchandise was damaged when received.
Compare with the Clean Bill of Lading.
Four Hour Call
Minimum work period for which union labor must be paid.
Formica Laminate
A durable, heat- and scratch-resistant surface material made from layers of paper and resin, often used for countertops, cabinetry, and trade show exhibits to provide a sleek, professional finish.
Freight
Exhibit properties and other materials shipped for an exhibit.
Freight Desk
The area where inbound and outbound exhibit materials are handled at a trade show.
Freight Forwarder
A shipping company that handles export shipments.
Gangway
International term referring to the “aisle.”
Gatorboard
A heavy-duty foam board with a polystyrene foam core encased between layers of wood-fiber veneer.
General Contractor
Show management appointed a company providing services to a trade show and/ or its exhibitors. Also called Official Contractor. Compare with the Exhibitor Appointed Contractor.
Graphic
A photo, copy panel, or artwork applied to an exhibit.
Graphic Artist
A designer who produces graphics
Hall
General term used for an exposition facility or the exhibit area within a facility.
Hand Truck
Small hand-propelled vehicle used for transporting small loads.
Hard Card
(1) Work order for labor or services. (2) Drayage contractor’s record of materials received or shipped.
Hard Wire
Any electrical connection other than receptacle to receptacle.
Hardwall
A type of exhibit construction in which walls are made of a solid material, rather than fabric.
Header
A sign or other structure across the top of an exhibit.
Hanging Sign
A suspended sign above a trade show booth, used for branding and visibility. Available in various shapes and sizes, it helps attract attention from a distance.
High Jacker
Equipment used to lift people to a given height.
Hire
International term referring to “rent” a service or product.
Hold Harmless Clause
A contract clause that relieves one party of responsibility in the event of a legal claim.
Hundredweight (CWT)
A standard option for shipping packages that take up less than an entire truckload. Eg, for 3,210 pounds total to be shipped: Divide 3,210 by 100= 32.1 CWT.
I&D
Installation & Dismantle (of an exhibit). Also known as Set Up
and Take-down.
In-line
An exhibit that is constructed in a continuous line along an aisle. Also called Linear Display.
Independent Contractor
A contractor hired by an exhibitor to perform trade show services independently of show management appointed contractors. Also called Exhibitor Appointed Contractor, EAC.
Infill
The process of filling in gaps between exhibit components to create a seamless and cohesive display. This can include graphics or lighting.
Infringement
An exhibitor’s unauthorized use of floor space outside the leased booth area.
Inland Bill of Lading
A document that establishes the terms between a shipper and a transportation company for the transport of goods between specified points for a specified charge. Also Air Waybill, Ocean Bill of Lading, Through Bill of Lading.
Installation
The process of setting up exhibit properties according to specifications. Also called Assembly Set Up.
Installation & Dismantle
The set up and take-down of exhibits. Also called I & D.
Installation Contractor
A company responsible for supervising and coordinating workers who install and dismantle exhibits.
Inventory
Total amount of equipment available for a show.
Island Exhibit
A display with aisles on four sides.
Jigged Crate
A special-purpose crate with hardware to secure exhibit properties in place to prevent shifting during shipment.
Job Foreman
A person in charge of supervising and coordinating workers.
Junction Box
A distribution point for electrical power.
K.D. (Knockdown)
An exhibit with separate components that must be assembled on-site.
Kit
See Service Kit.
LED Tiles
Interlocking LED monitor panels that seamlessly integrate with matrix system to make a dynamic display. Standard size: 19.5” x 19.5”.
Labor
Contracted workers who perform services. Also called Craftspersons.
Labor Agreement
A contract between an employer and a union specifying the terms and conditions for employment, the status of the union, and the process for settling disputes during the contract period. Also known as Collective Agreement, Union Contract.
Labor Call
(1) Method of securing union employees. (2) Time specified for labor to report (as in a 7 A.M. call). (3) Minimum amount for which labor must be paid.
Labor Desk
Exhibit hall location where exhibitors may place orders for labor.
Labor Form
The form used by exhibitors to order labor.
Laborer
See Craftsperson.
Lamination
The process of bonding two or more substances together.
Lead Tracking
A manual or automated system used to conduct follow-up activities for sales prospects resulting from a trade show.
Less Than Truckload (LTL)
The rate charged for freight weighing less than the minimum weight for a truckload.
Letter of Credit (L/C)
A document issued by a bank at the request of a buyer of goods that authorizes the payment of a specified amount of money to the seller when certain terms are met.
Liability
A legal term referring to responsibility for damages or injuries.
Light Baffle
A device used in lighting fixtures to reduce glare and soften the light.
Light Box
An enclosure that contains lighting underneath a translucent facing material. Used to back-light signs or graphics applied to the face. Images here are static (vs LED).
Lighting
The amount or type of illumination in an exhibit or exhibition hall.
Linear Display
An exhibit that is constructed in a continuous line along an aisle. Also called In-line.
Loading Dock
An area within an exposition facility where freight is received and shipped.
Lock-Up
A secure storage area within an exposition facility.
Logo
A specific symbol chosen
to represent a company. Usually comprising stylized type alone or in conjunction with graphic art.
Low Voltage
A term applied to electrical currents of 24 volts or less. Usually used in animation and specialty lighting.
Manual
See Service Kit.
Marshaling Yard
A lot where trucks gather for orderly dispatch to show site.
Mask
To cover for painting or protection.
Masking Drape
A cloth used to cover storage or other unsightly areas.
Material Handling
See Drayage.
Meter
The most common width for a backwall panel. (1 Meter = 39.37 “)
Modular Exhibit
An exhibit constructed with interchangeable components designed to be set up in various arrangements and sizes.
Move-in
The date specified by show management for beginning exhibit installation.
Move-out
The date specified by show management for dismantling exhibits.
Multi-Level
A two-storied exhibit. Also known as Multiple Story exhibit or Double Decker.
Multimedia
Combining two or more types of audio/visual support in a presentation.
Multiple Story
A two-storied exhibit. Also known as Multi-Level or Double Decker.
Net Square Footage
The total amount of leased booth space in an exposition facility.
O.T. Labor
Work performed on overtime.
Ocean Bill of Lading
A document that establishes the terms between a shipper and a transportation company for the transport of goods between specified points for a specified charge. Also Air Waybill, Inland Bill of Lading, Through Bill of Lading.
Octanorm
A structural aluminum exhibit system for trade show booths.
Official Contractor
Show- management-appointed company providing services to a trade show and/ or its exhibitors. Also called General Contractor. Compare with Exhibitor Appointed Contractor.
On-site
A reference to the exhibit location. Also called At-Site.
On-site Order
Floor order placed at a show site.
On-site Program
A catalog of basic information about the show, including exhibitors, floor plan and schedule of events. (This is also sometimes referred to as a Directory or Program.)
Overtime
A designation for work performed outside the hours specified as normal working hours. Usually work performed on overtime is charged at a substantially higher rate.
Painter/Finisher
Applies finishes to booth structures.
P.D.
Per diem (by the day) rates are the amounts each traveler is allowed to spend for lodging, meals, and incidentals (M&IE) while on official travel.
P.W.
Packed Weight. The total weight of an exhibit, including crate and all packing materials.
Packing Case
A reusable container for transporting exhibit materials. Also called a Shipping Case.
Packing List
A document prepared by a shipper itemizing contents of shipment and including other information needed by the carrier.
Pad Wrap
Non-crated freight shipped via van line covered with protective blankets or padding; also called Blanket Wrap.
Padded Van Shipment
Non-crated goods covered with blankets or other protective padding and shipped via van line.
Pallet
A low wooden frame used to support heavy objects or groups of materials for easier handling. Usually used as a platform for objects moved by Forklift. Also called Skid.
Panel System
A prefabricated exhibit composed of connected rectangular panels of various sizes.
Particle Board
A panel made of compressed, glued wood chips.
Peg Board
The trade name for a type of hardboard with perforations at regular intervals. Usually used for hanging items.
Peninsula Display
An exhibit, 20×20 or larger, with aisles on three sides.
Perimeter Booth
A booth space on an outside wall.
Pipe & Drape
Tubing covered with draped fabric to make up the rails and backwall of a trade show.
Plexi, Plexiglass
Lighter than other transparent/translucent materials, plexiglass is used to replace glass cost-effective and easy to install. It’s also resistant to damage and breakage, providing a high level of protection when used in place of glass.
Podium
A small platform on which
a person may stand to be seen by an audience, used for demonstrations and presentations.
Portable Exhibit
A lightweight display unit that can be moved without a Forklift.
Power Strip
A movable unit having multiple electrical outlets.
Prefab
A pre-built exhibit ready for installation.
Press Kit
A package of materials put together for the media. Usually a hard copy or digital folder containing press releases, product announcements, backgrounders and other materials.
Press Release
An article submitted to the media for publication. Usually announcing news about a product, company, or individual.
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.
Pro-number
A carrier-assigned number used to designate a specific shipment for tracking.
Project Manager
Oversees booth production and client coordination.
Producer
(1) Exhibit Producer: An individual or company that designs and/ or builds exhibits. (2) Show Producer: An individual or company that manages trade shows.
Program
A catalog of basic information about the show, including exhibitors, floor plan and schedule of events (sometimes referred to as an On-site Program or Directory).
Quad Box
Four electrical outlets in one box.
Raceway
Metal or insulated rubber tubing used to channel electrical wires. Rail: A low wall used to divide exhibits.
Rear Illumination
A technique of using a light source to illuminate a translucent image from behind. Also called Back- lighting.
Rear Projection
A video technique in which images are projected on a screen positioned between the projector and the audience.
Reception
Counter or space used for greeting or qualifying prospects.
Refurbish
The process of repairing or reconditioning an exhibit to extend its life span.
Release Forms
Forms provided by show management to permit the removal of materials from an exhibition.
Rental Booth
A complete booth package offered to exhibitors on a rental basis.
Return Panels
Side panels joined perpendicular to the backwall.
Rheostat
A device used to regulate lighting intensity. Also known as Dimmer Switch.
Rigger
A skilled tradesperson
who specializes in the assistance of mechanical devices (pulley, block and tackle or motorized) critical to hanging signs and certain booth elements from the ceiling, on the exhibition floor.
Right-To-Work State
A state where no person can be denied the right to work because of membership or non- membership in a labor union.
Riser
A platform for people or materials.
S.T. Labor
Straight Time Labor. Work performed during normal work hours at the standard rate. Compare with D.T. Labor, Overtime.
Schematic Model
A diagram in model form.
Scissors Lift
A motorized platform used to lift people to a given height.
Scooter
An electric or gas cart used to transport people and materials.
Scrim
Fabric that is opaque when lighted from the front, and transparent when lighted from the rear.
Security Cages
Cages provided to exhibitors for locking up materials.
Self-contained Exhibit
A display that uses the shipping case as an integral part of the exhibit.
Service Desk
The location at which exhibitors order services from show management.
Service Kit
A packet of show-related information and order forms provided to exhibitors by show management. Also called Exhibitor Kit.
Set Up
The process of erecting an exhibit from its components. Also called Assembly, Installation.
Set-up Drawing
Drawings that give detailed instructions for the installation of an exhibit.
SEG (Silicone Edge Graphic)
A high-resolution fabric graphic with a thin silicone strip sewn along the edges, designed to fit seamlessly into a recessed frame for a sleek, frameless appearance. Commonly used in trade show displays and retail environments.
Shipping Case
A reusable container for transporting exhibit materials.
Shipping Crate
A wooden container for transporting exhibit materials, which may be designed for a single use or custom built for extended reuse.
Show Break
Time specified for the closing of an exhibition and beginning of dismantling.
Show Decorator
A company or individual responsible for providing draping, carpeting, and signage services for the trade show and its exhibitors.
Show Manager
The organizer and operator of an exposition.
Show Office
The show management office at an exposition.
Show Photographer
The show management appointed photographer for an exhibition.
Show Producer
An individual or company that manages trade shows, including leasing the exposition facility, hiring official contractors, and promoting the show.
Show Rules
The general rules and regulations governing a specific trade show.
Shrink Wrap
A process used to seal materials in transparent plastic.
Side Rail
A low divider wall, usually pipe and drape, used to divide one exhibit space from another.
Sign Standard
A frame on a stand into which a sign can be inserted for display.
Silk Screen
A method of creating graphics with a reusable stencil.
Sintra board
A durable and lightweight PVC material that can be used for indoor and outdoor signage. Sintra board is also known for its durability and can withstand extreme climate conditions.
Skid
A low wooden frame used to support heavy objects or groups of materials for easier handling. Usually used as a platform for objects moved by Forklift. Also called Pallet.
Skirting
Decorative covering around tables and risers.
Soffit
A lowered portion of a ceiling.
Space
The area occupied by an exhibitor in the exhibition hall.
Space Rate
The cost per square foot of exhibit area.
Sparky
Slang for electrician.
Special Handling
Applies to exhibit shipments requiring extra labor, equipment, or time for delivery to exhibit space.
Spotlight
A lamp that provides a defined circle of light.
Staging Area
A location used for demonstrations.
Stall
A term used by overseas exhibitors to mean a trade show booth.
Stanchions
Posts used to support signage or other elevated objects.
Stand
Term for booth used by non- Americans.
Stock Exhibits
A predesigned display modified for a particular use by the exhibitor.
Subcontractor
An individual or company retained by a general contractor to provide services.
Substrate
The base layer or surface upon which something else is built.
T & M
See Time & Materials.
T.L.
Truckload.
Table Top Display
An exhibit designed for use on the top of a table or similar surface.
Take-down
To take apart an exhibit. Also known as Dismantle, Teardown.
Talent
An individual or company hired to work in an exhibit to greet visitors, demonstrate product, or stage a performance.
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.
Tariff Rates
Shipping charges for various types of cargo.
Teardown
The dismantling of an exhibit. Also known as Take-down or Dismantle.
Telescopic Pipe
Tubing in which one section slides inside another. Used to support drapes.
Terminal
Freight handling or dock area.
Three Wire
Electrical cable with a continuous ground wire in addition to a positive and a negative wire.
Through Bill of Lading
A document that establishes the terms between a shipper and a transportation company for the transport of goods between specified points for a specified charge. It covers the entire shipping process, giving legal permission to the transporting company through multiple legs of a journey, modes of transport, and through multiple countries.
Time & Materials
A form of billing in which a consumer is charged for labor costs (time) and materials.
Tow Motor
See Forklift.
Trade Show
An exposition related to a particular industry or group, and open only to the members of that group.
Traffic Flow
The movement of visitors through an exposition or exhibit.
Transient Space
Short-term rental space.
Truss
An assembly of elements, connected by nodes, that creates a rigid structure. Often hung above exhibits for the purpose of hanging lighting equipment and other booth elements such as signs. Can also stand on its own where strength and flexibility are required.
Twist Lock
A type of electrical plug that connects by twisting together.
U.L.
Underwriters Laboratory. An organization that grants electrical ratings. The UL listing means the product has been tested by Underwriters Laboratories for fire safety and electrical safety.
Union
An organization of workers formed with the purpose of protecting workers’ rights and increasing bargaining power with an employer on such issues as wages, hours, and benefits.
Union Contract
A contract between an employer and a union specifying the terms and conditions for employment, the status of the union, and the process for settling disputes during the contract period. Also known as Collective Agreement or Labor Agreement.
Union Steward
An on-site union official elected by coworkers to oversee a particular union’s work in a facility and resolve any disputes over union jurisdiction. Also known as Shop Steward.
Valance
An overhead banner typically used as a light baffle.
Velcro
The trade name for a fabric closure with two components: hooks and loops. The two components adhere when pressed together and separate when pulled apart, allowing repeated use.
Visqueen
A clear plastic sheeting that is placed over exhibit carpeting after it’s laid in order to protect it until the show opens. Visqueen also allows exhibit components to slide on top of it during setup, allowing exhibit components to be aligned by simply pushing them into position.
Vinyl Graphic – A printed or cut design made from durable vinyl material, used for signage, wall graphics, floor decals, and trade show displays. It can be applied to various surfaces, including walls, windows, and exhibit structures.
W/B, Waybill
A document prepared by the carrier of a shipment of goods that contains details of the shipment, route, and charges.
Wallboard
A construction product used for panels that are meant to be temporary.
Warehouse Receipt
A receipt issued by a warehouse for goods received for storage.
Waste Removal
The removal of trash from an area or building.
Work Rules
Regulations that specify the conditions of a craftsperson’s labor, including work hours and pay structure.
Work Time
The period of paid time that begins when craftspersons are turned over to an exhibitor and ends when they are released by the exhibitor.