Trade fairs are vibrant hubs of innovation, networking, and business opportunities, attracting diverse professionals from various industries. Whether you are an experienced exhibitor or a first-timer exploring this dynamic realm, understanding the specialised terminology is crucial for confidently navigating the expo landscape. This extensive glossary serves as a definitive guide, encompassing the key terms and phrases commonly encountered in the world of trade shows.

A

Advanced Order - A pre-move-in order for final cleaning and preparation services.

Advance Rates - Fees paid early to secure discounts and ensure prompt processing.

Advance Receiving - Designated location for early freight delivery and storage before the show begins.

Air Walls - Movable partitions that divide large spaces, providing partial soundproofing.

Aisle - A designated pathway for audience movement within an exhibition or exhibit.

Aisle Signs - Suspended signage indicating aisle numbers or letters to guide visitors.

Arm Lights - Lights with adjustable arms, often clamp-on fixtures for flexible placement.

Arc Light — Illumination produced by a carbon electrode gap employed in slide projection and silkscreen production.

Arch - A curved structure or entryway spanning two points, often used in exhibit displays.

Assembly - Installing or putting together an exhibit structure. Also called Installation, Set Up.

At-site - On the premises or within the exhibition grounds. Same as On-site.

Attendees - Individuals who visit an event or exhibit without being exhibitors or organisers.

Attendee Brochure - A promotional piece mailed to potential attendees, highlighting the benefits of participating in a specific event.

Audio/Visual (A/V) - A combination of audio and visual elements for educational or promotional purposes.

A/V Contractor - A company or individual providing audio/visual equipment and services for events or presentations.

B

Baby Spots - Small, low-power spotlights for targeted booth illumination.

Backlight - A lighting technique that illuminates translucent material from behind, enhancing its visibility and contrast.

Back-Lit Panels - Three-dimensional structures or boxes with lights placed behind transparent images, providing a distinctive glow.

Backwall - A panel arrangement at the rear of a booth area, providing a backdrop or visual anchor.

Backwall Booth - A booth located along the perimeter of an exhibition hall, facing an aisle or walkway.

Backwall Exhibit - An exhibit situated directly behind another exhibit or adjacent to a building wall, maximising booth space.

Badge - A personalised identification tag that attendees and exhibitors wear to distinguish participants and roles.

Baffle - A partition or screen that controls light, airflow, sound, or pedestrian traffic within a booth or exhibit space.

Banjo (Fabric) - Lightweight material resembling a fabric hammock, commonly employed for backdrops and soft partitions.

Banner - A suspended panel or sign, typically made of fabric or paper, used for decorative or informational purposes.

Blister Wrap - A transparent, vacuum-formed plastic cover that protects exhibit components.

Bone Yard - A designated storage area within the exhibition venue for contractor-owned equipment and supplies.

Booth - A designated area within an exhibition hall or venue for exhibiting companies to showcase their products or services. Also called a "stand."

Booth Area - The square footage assigned to an exhibitor for their booth space.

Booth carpet/padding – Carpet and padding purchased by the exhibitor to enhance their booth's aesthetic appeal and comfort.

Boothmanship (Exhibitorship) - The skills and expertise of booth staff in effectively presenting an exhibitor's company message and engaging attendees.

Booth Number - The unique identifier assigned to each exhibitor's booth space, typically a numerical designation.

Booth Personnel - The exhibitor-appointed staff members that manage, operate, and promote their stand during the trade show.

Booth Size - The physical area of floor space that an exhibitor has rented to house their exhibit booth, typically measured in square feet and often expressed in increments of 10 feet by 10 feet.

Breakpoint - The minimum quantity or order requirement for a product or service to qualify for a discounted price.

Build and Burn - A booth specifically designed and constructed for a single trade show or event without the intention of reuse.

C

Canopy - A drapery, awning, or other protective covering used to create a room-like atmosphere or provide shade.

Capacity - The maximum number of people allowed to occupy a specific area.

Carpenter - A skilled craftsman responsible for unpacking, assembling, and disassembling trade show exhibits.

Cherry Picker - A lifting equipment that elevates a person or object to a desired height.

Chevron - A type of fabric with a distinctive diamond pattern commonly used for backdrops.

Construction Drawing - A detailed blueprint or diagram outlining an exhibit's design and assembly instructions.

Corkage - A fee charged for alcoholic beverages brought into the event venue and not purchased from the authorised caterers.

Corner Booth - An exhibit space situated at the intersection of two aisles, providing maximum visibility and foot traffic.

Cross-aisle - A secondary aisle perpendicular to the main aisles, providing additional circulation within the exhibition hall.

Cross Bar - A rod used for draping or as a support brace to reinforce structures or draperies.

Custom Exhibit - A unique and personalised trade show display tailored to the exhibiting company's specific needs and visual identity.

Cut & Lay - The process of installing carpet or flooring materials that deviate from the standard booth or aisle sizes.

D

Decorating - Enhancing the exhibition space's visual appeal through carpet, drapery, plants, and other decorative elements.

Decorator - A skilled professional responsible for installing, hanging, and arranging decorative elements within an exhibit space.

Direct Billing - A billing method where accounts receivable are sent directly to individuals or organisations with established credit arrangements.

Dismantle - The process of taking down, packing, and removing exhibit components after a trade show or event.

Display Builder - A company specialising in designing, fabricating, and installing trade show displays.

Display Rules & Regulations - Set of guidelines and standards governing the construction, installation, and safety of trade show exhibits.

Double-decker - A two-story trade show exhibit, providing additional height and space for product displays or interactive elements. Also known as Multiple Story Exhibit.

Duplex Outlet - A two-prong electrical outlet accommodating multiple plugs for power-intensive equipment.

E

Exhibit Booth - A dedicated display area showcasing products, services, or company information.

Exhibit Directory - A comprehensive guide for event attendees, listing participating exhibitors and their booth locations.

Exhibit Hall - A designated area within an exhibition centre or venue where exhibits are displayed.

Exhibit Manager - The individual responsible for overseeing and managing a specific exhibit booth.

Exhibitor Appointed Contractor (EAC) - A third-party contractor engaged by exhibitors to handle tasks like installation, dismantling, and booth design.

Exhibitor Kit - A comprehensive package of information provided by show management to exhibitors, including rules, regulations, forms, and instructions. Also called Service Kit.

Easel - A portable stand for displaying documents, product samples, or other promotional materials.

Elevations - Scaled drawings illustrating an exhibit's front and side views, providing detailed dimensional information.

End Cap - An exhibit space at the end of an aisle that offers maximum exposure and visibility.

Event Marketing - A marketing strategy that uses face-to-face interactions and experiences to engage customers and promote products or services.

F

Fabrication - The process of constructing or building an exhibit structure or display.

Freebie - In the context of trade fairs, it refers to promotional items or samples provided to attendees to raise brand awareness and encourage engagement with exhibitors. Offering freebies is a great strategy to connect with your audience. Check out what else you need to do when exhibiting at a trade show.

Floor Manager - An exhibition venue or show management employee responsible for overseeing the exhibit area, assisting exhibitors with setup and operation, and ensuring compliance with guidelines.

Floor Marking - The method of indicating booth boundaries or individual exhibit spaces within the exhibition hall or venue.

Floor Order - Goods or services purchased directly from show management or vendors during the event.

Foam Core - A lightweight material composed of a flexible foam core covered with a protective layer, commonly used for signage, décor, and exhibit construction.

Full Booth Coverage - Carpet that covers the entire exhibit space area, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal and providing a sense of enclosure.

G

Garment Rack - A sturdy frame designed to hold and display clothing items.

Gangway - An international term used interchangeably with "aisle" to refer to a walkway or passage within an exhibition hall or venue.

Gem wall - Modular wall panels used for temporary construction, particularly in creating booths, rooms, or customised structures.

Gobo light - A type of projection lamp that uses a stencil to create a specific image or pattern on a surface.

H

Hardwall Booth - A booth constructed with solid materials such as plywood, providing a more durable and structured foundation compared to drape-based booths.

Header - A horizontal sign or decorative element across the top of an exhibit, serving as a visual focal point and identification marker.

High Jacker - Equipment specifically designed for lifting people to a specific height, typically used for installation or maintenance purposes.

I

I&D (Install and Dismantle) - The process of setting up and taking down an exhibit.

ID Sign - A sign that identifies an exhibit booth.

Illuminations - Lighting within the exhibition hall, either built into the exhibits or available for rent.

Infringement - The unauthorised use of floor space outside an exhibitor's exclusive booth area.

Installation - The process of putting together an exhibit booth and its components according to the instructions and drawings provided.

Island Booth - An exhibit booth that is surrounded by aisles on all four sides.

J

Job Foreman - A supervisor who coordinates and directs the work of labourers and tradesmen.

K

Kiosk - A freestanding pavilion or lightweight structure for displaying products or information.

K.D. (Knockdown) - An exhibit that is composed of separate components and must be assembled at the event site.

L

Labour - Contracted workers engaged to perform specified tasks or services.

Labour Desk - A designated location within the exhibition hall where exhibitors can request assistance or place orders for labour services.

Labour Form - A standardised form utilised by exhibitors to communicate their requirements to the assigned labour personnel.

Lead Tracking - A manual or computerised system for managing and following up on sales leads generated during a trade show.

Linear Booth - An exhibition booth that shares a common back wall with neighbouring booths and abuts other exhibits on one or more sides.

Linear Display - A continuous exhibit structure that extends along an aisle, commonly referred to as an in-line exhibit.

M

Modular Exhibit - An adaptable and versatile trade show display composed of interchangeable modules that can be configured in diverse layouts and sizes to suit the exhibitor's requirements and the event venue.

Mylar - A trade name for a thin, transparent plastic material commonly used for signage, displays, and coverings.

Move-in - A designated date set by show management for the commencement of exhibit installation and setup.

Move-out - A predetermined date established by show management for dismantling and removing exhibits.

N

No Freight Aisle - An aisle that must remain clear and unobstructed throughout the setup and dismantling phases of the trade show. This aisle serves as a designated route for freight deliveries, waste removal, and emergency access.

O

On-Site Registration - The process of signing up for an event at the venue or on the day of the event itself.

P

Package Plan - A comprehensive package offered by show management that includes furniture and/or services for exhibitors at a single, fixed price.

Panel System - A prefabricated exhibit structure composed of interconnected rectangular panels of varying sizes, providing flexibility and customisation options.

Peninsula Display - An exhibit setup that is surrounded by aisles on three sides, creating a semi-enclosed space. If you feel a little confused by the variety of booth and display types, check out our detailed guide on trade fair stands.

Perimeter Booth - An exhibit space located along an exterior wall of the exhibition hall.

Pipe and Drape - A method of dividing exhibit booths using lightweight tubing and drapery material, creating visual separation and enhancing the overall appearance.

Planting - The use of flowers and plants to beautify and enhance the aesthetics of the exhibition space.

Podium - A raised platform or stage used for product demonstrations, presentations, or interactive engagements.

Portable Exhibit - A lightweight and movable display unit that can be easily transported and set up without the need for specialised equipment, such as a forklift.

Power Strip - A movable unit equipped with multiple electrical outlets, providing convenient power access for exhibit equipment and lighting.

Prefab - A pre-constructed exhibit structure that is ready for installation upon arrival at the exhibition venue, reducing setup time and complexity.

Pre-registered - A registration process completed in advance of the event, ensuring early access to benefits, availability of preferred booth locations, and reduced risk of last-minute changes.

Press Kit - A collection of promotional materials explicitly prepared for media representatives, typically including press releases, product information, and high-resolution images.

Press Release - An official announcement distributed to the media, typically announcing new products, company initiatives, or noteworthy achievements.

Press Room - A designated area within the exhibition venue reserved for media representatives to gather, receive press kits, and conduct interviews with exhibitors and event organisers.

Q

Quad Box - A single box that holds four electrical outlets, providing power access for multiple devices or appliances within an exhibit booth.

R

Rail - A low, narrow drapery divider used to separate exhibit booths, creating visual distinction and enhanced privacy.

Rear-Lit - A lighting technique that involves illuminating translucent objects or images from behind, enhancing visibility and adding depth.

Rear Projection - A projection method in which images are projected onto a screen placed between the projector and the audience, creating a more intimate and immersive viewing experience.

Rental Booth - A fully equipped exhibit booth that is leased to exhibitors, eliminating the need for them to purchase or construct their own booth structure and décor.

Riser - A raised platform or stage used to elevate people or products, making them more visible and accessible to attendees.

S

Service Charge - A fee levied for the services provided by catering staff, including waiters, waitresses, housemen, technicians, and other personnel involved in event logistics.

Show Break - The designated time for the closure of an exhibition, signalling the beginning of dismantling activities.

Side Rail - A low, narrow partition wall commonly used within exhibit booths, typically measuring 36 inches in height.

Skirting - Decorative coverings placed around tables or risers that enhance their visual appeal and create a more polished appearance.

Space Assignment - The allocation of specific booth spaces to exhibiting companies, determined based on their registration and requirements.

Space Rate - The cost per square foot or meter of exhibit space, representing the rental fee charged to exhibitors for their booth locations.

Staging Area - A designated area adjacent to the main event space, serving as a staging ground for setup, dismantling, and temporary storage of exhibit materials. It can also be used for showcasing or demonstrating products or services.

T

Table Top Display - A compact exhibit designed to be placed on a table or similar surface, typically used for showcasing small products or providing an interactive element.

Trade Fair - A large-scale exhibition showcasing various industries' products, services, and innovations, typically open to the public or industry professionals.

Trade Fair Accommodation - The term refers to the lodging arrangements made for attendees of a trade fair or exhibition. It can include hotels, apartments, or other types of accommodation, depending on the preferences and budget of the attendees. Some trade fair organisers may offer discounted rates on accommodation for attendees. In contrast, others may partner with specific hotels or accommodations to provide special packages for their events.

Trade Fair Accommodation Agency - A specialised company, like Fair Point, that helps trade fair attendees find suitable lodging arrangements for their event. These agencies can be a valuable resource for attendees, as they can save them time and money and ensure they stay in a comfortable and convenient location. They can also help to reduce the stress of organising accommodation for a trade fair.

Trade Show - A specific type of trade fair focused on a particular industry or group and typically restricted to members or professionals within that field.

Traffic Flow - The pattern of movement of people through an exposition or exhibit space, influencing visitor engagement and overall efficiency.

Transient Space - Temporary rental space within an exhibition venue, often used for pop-up booths or demonstrations.

Truss - A lightweight, skeletal structure that supports lighting equipment and creates an overhead canopy within an exhibit booth.

Turn Key Booth - A pre-configured, fully equipped booth consisting of standard furniture, signage, and carpet, ready for immediate use by exhibitors.

V

Valance - An overhead curtain or banner typically used to block or diffuse light, creating a more controlled and appealing lighting environment within an exhibit booth.

Velcro - A fastening material commonly used in exhibit booth construction, consisting of two components: hooks and loops. The two components adhere firmly when pressed together. They can be easily detached by pulling them apart, allowing for repeated use and reconfiguration.

Visqueen - A transparent plastic sheeting placed over exhibit carpeting after it is laid out, serving two primary purposes. First, it protects the carpet from damage during setup and dismantling activities. Second, it allows exhibit components to slide effortlessly across its surface, facilitating precise alignment and rearrangement during the setup process.

W

Wallboard - A type of lightweight construction material used for creating temporary walls, partitions, or other interior features.

Remember, trade fairs are not just about showcasing products and services; they are about connecting with potential clients, establishing meaningful partnerships, and expanding your network. By leveraging the information provided in this glossary, you will be well-equipped to turn trade fairs into a springboard for business growth and success.