Rules & Regulations

Non-union Hall
Alcohol Sampling
Exhibitor Appointed Contractors
Admission Guidelines
Booth Regulations

Non-union Hall
Exhibitors are allowed to unload/load their own vehicle and transport their equipment to/from their booth. However, the only forklifts and pallet jacks permitted are those owned and operated by the general contractor. Material handling charges apply when using freight carriers or when exhibitors require assistance in delivering exhibit materials. Exhibitors can also bring booth furnishings into the facility and set up their own exhibit (except utility connections) without using the show contractor.

Exhibitor appointed contractor rules apply when hiring outside providers.

Alcohol Sampling
There are no corkage fees at the Wisconsin Restaurant Expo. However, exhibitors sampling alcohol must contact Levy Restaurants, the official caterer for the Midwest Airlines Center, and hire their licensed bartender to pour samples. Based on the 2008 Expo, the estimated cost of a bartender was $420 for 18 hours of service. Contact Levy directly at 414.908.6156 for 2009 rates and sampling sizes.

Exhibitor Appointed Contractors
Definition: An exhibitor appointed contractor (EAC) is any company other than the designated official contractors that provide services for an exhibitor.

For services such as electrical, plumbing, telephone, standard decorating equipment (such as pipe & drape, tables, chairs, carpeting for in-line booths, etc.), vacuuming, cleaning and drayage, no contractor other than the official contractor will be approved. The exhibitor shall provide only the material and equipment that he owns and that is to be used in his exhibit space.

The general contractor is the only company authorized to operate any forklift or motorized pallet jack inside the convention center or on the docks of the center.

EACs are allowed to install and dismantle custom exhibits, provide custom props, custom furniture, and custom flooring. EACs are allowed to provide custom cut carpeting for island exhibits only.

The exhibitor must use the forms in the Exhibitor Service Kit requesting authorization to use an EAC.

EACs will be charged the appropriate material handling (drayage) fees for all freight brought in on an EAC vehicle, warehoused, or shipped direct to show site.

The EAC is responsible for adherence to all rules and regulations including those regarding badges and booth height regulations.

Admission Guidelines

  • Attendance is only open to people that own, manage or work at a foodservice or hospitality outlet.
  • Suppliers that have not purchased exhibit space are not allowed to attend the Expo unless
    pre-authorized by show management.
  • Children under 16 years of age are not permitted at anytime.

Booth Regulations

Linear/Corner Booth
 

Linear/Corner/Perimeter 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. A Corner Booth is a Linear Booth exposed to aisles on two sides. All other guidelines for Linear Booths apply. A Perimeter Booth is simply a Linear Booth that backs to a wall of the exhibit facility rather than to another exhibit. All guidelines for Linear Booths apply to Perimeter Booths except that the maximum backwall height is twelve feet (12'). Use of space: display materials should be arranged in such a manner so as not to obstruct sight lines of neighboring exhibitors. The maximum height of eight feet (8') is allowed only in the rear half of the booth space, with a four-foot (4') height restriction imposed on all materials in the remaining space forward to the aisle. (Note: When three or more Linear Booths are used in combination as a single exhibit space, the four-foot (4') height limitation is applied only to that portion of exhibit space which is within ten feet (10') of an adjoining booth.)

 

End-Cap Booth

 

End-cap Booth
An End-cap Booth is exposed to aisles on three sides and composed of two booths. Use of space: 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 materials in the remaining space forward to the aisle.

     

Island Booth

 

Island Booth
An Island Booth is any size booth exposed to aisles on all four sides. Use of space: the entire cubic content of the space may be used up to the maximum allowable height, sixteen feet (16'), including signage.

 

     

Peninsula Booth

Split Island Booth

 

Peninsula/Split Island Booth
A Peninsula Booth is exposed to aisles on three 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." Use of space: 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 the maximum height allowance, including signage for the center portion of the backwall. For a Split Island Booth, the entire cubic content may be used up to a maximum height of sixteen feet (16'). There are no backwall line of sight restrictions.

Canopies and Ceilings/Hanging Signs and Graphics
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 not be lower than seven feet (7') from the floor within five feet (5') of any side. Canopy supports should be no wider than three inches. This applies to any booth configuration that has a sightline restriction, such as a Linear Booth. Fire and safety regulations in many facilities strictly govern the use of canopies, ceilings and other similar coverings.

Hanging signs and graphics are permitted in all standard Peninsula and Island Booths, to a maximum height of sixteen feet (16'). Whether suspended from above or supported from below, they should comply with all 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 at least 60 days prior to installation. Drawings should be available for inspection.

 

 
2009 Exhibitor Resources


Expo Introduces New
Events for 2009

High-Profile Groups to Meet at 2009 Show


2008 Expo Was a Success!

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