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Linear Booth
Linear booths have only one side exposed to an aisle and are generally arranged in a series along a straight line. They are also called “in-line” booths. For purposes of consistency and ease of layout and/or reconfiguration, floor plan design in increments of ten feet (10’) has become the de facto standard in the United States. Therefore, unless constricted by space of other limitations, Linear Booths are most commonly ten feet (10’) wide and ten feet (10’) deep, i.e. 10’x10’. A maximum backwall height limitation of eight feet (8’) is generally specified.

Corner Booth
A Corner Booth is a Linear Booth exposed to aisles on two sides. All other guidelines for Linear Booths apply.

Perimeter Booth
A Perimeter Booth is simply a Linear Booth that backs to the wall of the exhibit facility rather than to another exhibit. All guidelines for Linear Booths apply to Perimeter Booths except that the typical maximum backwall height is twelve feet (12’).

End-cap Booth
An End-cap Booth is exposed to aisles on three sides and composed of two booths. End-cap Booths are generally ten feet (10’) deep by twenty feet (20’) wide. The Maximum backwall height of eight feet (8’) is allowed only in the rear half of the booth space and within five feet (5’) of the two side aisles with a four foot (4’) height restriction imposed on all material in the remaining space forward to the aisle.

Peninsula Booth
A Peninsula Booth is exposed to aisles on three (3) sides and composed of a minimum of four booths. There are two types of Peninsula Booths: (a) one which backs up to Linear Booths, and (b) one which backs to another Peninsula Booth and is referred to as a “Split Island Booth”. A Peninsula Booth is usually 10’x10’ or larger. When a Peninsula Booth backs up to two Linear Booths, the backwall is restricted to four feet (4’) high within five feet (5’) of each aisle, permitting adequate line of sight for the adjoining Linear Booths. Sixteen feet (16’) is a typical maximum height allowance, including signage for the center portion of the backwall.

Split Island Booth
A Split Island Booth is a Peninsula Booth which shares a common back wall with another Peninsula 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.

Island Booth
An Island Booth is any size booth exposed to aisles on all four sides. An Island Booth is typically 20’x20’ or larger, although it may be configured differently. The entire cubic content of the space may be used up to the maximum allowable height, which is usually sixteen feet (16’), including signage.

Canopies and Ceilings
Canopies, including ceilings, umbrellas and canopy frames, can be either decorative or functional (such as to shade computer monitors from ambient light or for hanging products). Canopies for Linear or Perimeter Booths should comply with line of sight requirements (see”Use of Space for Linear or Perimeter Booths”). The base of the canopy should be no lower than seven feet (7’) from the floor within five feet (5’) of any aisle. Canopy supports should be no wider than three inches (3”). 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.

Hanging Signs & Graphics
Hanging signs and graphics are permitted in all standard Peninsula and Island Booths, usually to a maximum height of sixteen feet (16’). Whether suspended from above or supported from below, they should comply with 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 & Graphics should be set back ten feet (10’) from adjacent booths. Approval for the use of Hanging Signs & Graphics should be received from the exhibition organizer at least 60 days prior to installation. Drawings should be available for inspection.

Multi-story Exhibit
A Multi-story Exhibit is a booth where the display fixtures exceed twelve feet (12”), including Double-decker and Triple-decker Booths. In many cities, a Multi-storied Exhibit requires prior approval by the exhibit facility and/or relevant local government agency 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. Exhibiting organizers should be prepared to assist exhibitors in this application process.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
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 web site www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/infoline.htm

Structural Integrity
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 forklifts. 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. Exhibitors should ensure that any display fixture such as tables, racks, or shelves are designed and installed properly to support the product or marketing materials to be displayed upon them.

Flammable and Toxic Materials
All material used in display construction or decorating should be made of fire retardant material and be certified as flame retarded. Samples should be available for testing. Material that cannot be treated to meet the requirements should not be used. A flame -proofing certificate should be available for inspection. 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.

Electrical
Every exhibit facility has different electrical requirements; however minimum guidelines are suggested:
» All 110-colt wiring should be grounded three-wire.
» Wiring that touches the floor should be “SO” cord (minimum 14-gauge/three-wire) flat cord, which is insulated to qualify for “extra hard usage”
» Cord wiring above floor level can be “SJ” which is rated for “hard usage”
» Using zip cords, two-wire cords, latex cords, plastic cord, lamp cord, open clip sockets, and two-wire clamp-on fixtures is not recommended and is often prohibited. Cube taps are not recommended and are often prohibited.
» Power strips (multi-plug connectors) should be UL approved, with built-in over-load protectors.

Lighting
Exhibitors should adhere to the following suggested guidelines when determining booth lighting:
» No lighting, fixtures, lighting trusses or overhead lighting are allowed outside the boundaries of the exhibit space. Exhibitors intending to use hanging lights should submit drawings to exhibition management for approval.
» Lighting should be directed to the inner confines of the exhibit space. Lighting should not project onto other exhibits or show 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.

Storage
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.

Demonstrations
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 and demonstrations areas to ensure compliance. 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 three feet (3’) and/or install hazard barriers as necessary to prevent accidental injury to spectators. Sound demonstrations should not exceed 85 decibels. Additionally, demonstrations should only be conducted by qualified personnel.

Sound / Music
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 devices should be positioned so as to direct sound into the booth rather than into the aisle. Rule off thumb: Sound and noise should not exceed 85 decibels. Exhibitors should be aware that the music played in their booth, 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.

	» Tom Hunt, IHRSA » 800-228-4772 U.S. & Canada » 617-951-0055 ext. 152 » Fax: 617-737-3323 » meetings@ihrsa.org

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