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Exhibitor Guide Manual

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EXHIBITOR GUIDE MANUAL

This Exhibitor Guide Manual (the Agreement) is entered into on between Organizer Name: and Exhibitor Name: for Event: to be held at Venue:

WHEREAS

WHEREAS, Organizer is responsible for the administration, logistics, facilities and rules governing exhibitor participation at the Event; and

WHEREAS, Exhibitor has applied to occupy exhibit space and agrees to comply with the terms, rates, deadlines and operational rules set forth in this Manual; and

WHEREAS, the parties intend that the terms in this Manual operate as a binding agreement setting forth exhibitor obligations, charges, and remedies.

SCOPE OF WORK

BOOTH ASSIGNMENT & SPECIFICATIONS

Assigned Booth Number:    Size:    Location Preference (if any):

Exhibitor acknowledges that all booth plans, fixtures, signage and displays must comply with venue rules, fire and safety codes and Organizer display guidelines. Any variance must be submitted in writing for approval and permission may be withheld at Organizer's sole discretion.

SERVICES & UTILITIES

Exhibitor may order the following services. Organizer will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide requested services but is not liable for failure to supply services beyond its control.

Electricity    Internet / Wi‑Fi    A/V Equipment

Furniture Rental    Cleaning Services    Material Handling / Drayage

PAYMENT TERMS

Fees for exhibit space, services and other charges are as set forth below. All amounts are due in United States dollars. Exhibitor remains responsible for all charges regardless of whether services are used.

Deposit Due Date:    Balance Due Date:    Payment Method:

Late payments will incur interest of on outstanding balances or the maximum allowed by law, whichever is less. Organizer may withhold exhibitor access for unpaid balances.

TERM AND TERMINATION

Event Start Date:    Event End Date:

Either party may terminate this Agreement for material breach if the breaching party fails to cure within days' written notice. Organizer may terminate immediately for safety, regulatory violations, or venue mandate and will invoice Exhibitor for charges incurred through the date of termination.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellation by Exhibitor prior to event may result in forfeiture of deposit and additional cancellation fees. If Exhibitor cancels after the balance due date, Exhibitor shall remain liable for the full contract amount less any reasonable mitigation by Organizer.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Each party agrees that confidential information received from the other party in connection with this Agreement shall be held in confidence and used only for performance under this Agreement. Confidential information excludes information that is public, independently developed, or rightfully received from a third party without obligation of confidentiality.

INSURANCE & INDEMNITY

Exhibitor shall maintain commercial general liability insurance, property damage and workers' compensation as required by the venue and Organizer, naming Organizer as an additional insured where applicable. Exhibitor agrees to indemnify and hold Organizer harmless from liabilities, losses and costs arising from Exhibitor's acts or omissions, except to the extent caused by Organizer's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

COMPLIANCE & SAFETY

Exhibitor shall comply with all federal, state and local laws, venue rules, fire and safety regulations, and Organizer's instructions. Exhibitor will ensure booth staff conduct themselves professionally and safely.

Exhibitor affirms compliance with rules: I acknowledge and will comply with all rules and safety requirements.

MARKETING, PHOTOGRAPHY & TRADEMARKS

Organizer may photograph or record the Event. Exhibitor consents to use of such media for promotional purposes unless Exhibitor notifies Organizer in writing and provides a reasoned objection. Use of Organizer trademarks or event marks requires prior written approval.

Consent to Photography: Exhibitor consents to event photography and media use.

SHIPPING & MATERIAL HANDLING

Exhibitor is responsible for scheduling shipments, labelling crates per Organizer instructions and paying drayage and material handling charges. Organizer's designated carriers and schedules shall control access to loading docks.

BADGES & BOOTH PERSONNEL

Exhibitor badges and credentials must be worn at all times. Additional badges beyond the allotment may be subject to fees and will be provided at Organizer's discretion.

RULES, REMEDIES & PENALTIES

Violations of this Manual or venue rules may result in fines, booth closure, removal of materials and refusal to participate in future events. Organizer's assessment of a violation is final for purposes of operational decisions; monetary disputes are subject to the dispute resolution provisions below.

GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of without regard to its conflicts of law principles. Venue for disputes shall be the federal or state courts located in that state unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Manual, together with any executed application, order confirmation, or addenda, constitutes the entire agreement between Organizer and Exhibitor with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, negotiations and understandings, whether written or oral. No modification shall be effective unless in writing and signed by authorized representatives of both parties.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By signing below, Exhibitor acknowledges receipt of this Exhibitor Guide Manual, confirms that Exhibitor has read and understands all terms, and agrees to abide by all provisions, deadlines and requirements stated herein.

Organizer (Printed Name):

By:

Date:

Exhibitor (Printed Name):

By:

Date:

Enter text✕

What the Exhibitor Guide Manual Is and Who It Serves

An Exhibitor Guide Manual is a centralized event document that collects the operational, logistical, and compliance information exhibitors must provide before and during an event. It bundles booth specifications, contact and shipping details, safety requirements, and service requests into a single reference that venue staff, show organizers, and exhibitors use to coordinate setup, delivery, and on-site operations. Properly completed manuals reduce delays, clarify expectations, and document obligations for exhibit builders, freight carriers, and show contractors throughout the event lifecycle.

Why a Complete Manual Matters for Smooth Exhibits

A complete Exhibitor Guide Manual reduces setup errors, ensures compliance with venue rules, and speeds approval of booth plans. It centralizes key data so logistics, electrical, and safety vendors can act without repeated follow-up.

Why a Complete Manual Matters for Smooth Exhibits

Who Prepares and Relies on This Manual

The manual is used by event organizers, exhibitor teams, contractors, and venue operations to coordinate deliveries, utilities, and approvals.

  • Event Organizers — Manage deadlines, approvals, and exhibitor compliance across all show processes.
  • Exhibitors — Provide booth specs, products on display, and contact information for on-site coordination.
  • Venue Operations — Use submitted details to schedule loading dock access, electrical setup, and safety inspections.

Clear ownership and timely completion by the named exhibitor contact prevent last-minute complications and additional fees.

Core Sections to Include in a Professional Manual

A practical Exhibitor Guide Manual groups required inputs under consistent headings so reviewers and vendors find information quickly.

Booth Details

Specify booth number, size, floor plan, and elevation drawings. Include finished height, overhead structures, and aisle orientation so safety and sightline checks can be completed without follow-up.

Primary Contact

Provide the on-site contact name, role, mobile phone, and backup contact. Accurate contact details enable immediate decision-making during move-in, reducing downtime and delivery conflicts.

Product & Services

List products exhibited, demonstrations, and demo schedules. Note any special equipment, live demonstrations, or restricted materials that require prior approval from the organizer or venue.

Shipping & Logistics

Declare inbound/outbound carriers, arrival windows, crated vs. skidded shipments, and special handling instructions. This prevents freight re-routing and unexpected storage charges at the dock.

Electrical & AV Needs

Indicate required amperage, voltage, AV connections, rigging points, and preferred load-in times. Provide technical rider files for complex AV installs to avoid last-minute upgrades.

Insurance & Compliance

Attach certificate of insurance, worker coverage, and any required permits. Document compliance with venue safety rules and list applicable local licensing or tax requirements.

Essential Data Fields to Capture

Legal Entity: Full corporate or individual name
Contact Phone: Mobile number for on-site reach
Insurance Policy: Carrier and policy number
Booth Dimensions: Width x depth x height
Shipping Address: Venue dock address
Emergency Contact: 24/7 name and phone

Step-by-Step: Completing the Exhibitor Guide Manual

Follow these ordered steps to ensure the manual is complete and accepted before move-in.

  • 01
    Gather Documents: Collect insurance, booth drawings, and vendor contracts.
  • 02
    Enter Booth Data: Fill booth number, dimensions, and display details.
  • 03
    Request Services: Select electrical, AV, rigging, and cleaning needs.
  • 04
    Review and Submit: Verify entries, attach files, and confirm submission.

How to Configure the Online Manual Workflow

Configure the online manual to enforce required fields, automate routing, and limit access based on role.

Field Configuration
Authentication Email verification with optional SMS code
Required Fields Make insurance and booth dimensions mandatory
Conditional Logic Show rigging form when overhead structures selected
File Upload Accept PDF, DOCX, and JPEG up to 50MB

How Submission and Review Typically Flow

A short routing path helps exhibitors understand where their data travels and who approves which items.

  • Submit Manual: Exhibitor uploads form and attachments
  • Organizer Review: Event team checks compliance and completeness
  • Vendor Scheduling: Operations schedule electrical and logistics
  • Final Confirmation: Exhibitor receives approval and instructions

Digital Delivery and Format Requirements

Specify supported file types, integrations, and authentication methods to enable automated processing and vendor handoffs.

  • File Types: PDF, DOCX, JPG
  • Integrations: CRM, cloud storage
  • Auth Methods: Email link, SMS code

Key Deadlines and Dates to Track

Time-critical dates reduce operational friction and avoid late fees or denied access at move-in.

Registration Deadline:

Final exhibitor registration due 60 days before move-in

Booth Payment Due:

Balance due 45 days before show opening

Shipping Cutoff:

Carrier arrival window closes 5 business days prior

Insurance Certificate:

Submit at least 30 days before move-in

Manual Acknowledgement:

Confirm rules and sign safety waivers 14 days before move-in

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Manual

  • Submitting incomplete booth drawings or incorrect dimensions, which can trigger rework, safety holds, or denied access during load-in.
  • Failing to attach an acceptable certificate of insurance or omitting the venue as additional insured, resulting in rejected registration.
  • Requesting utilities at the wrong voltage or without lead time, leading to last-minute upgrades and additional service charges.
  • Using an unmonitored email for primary contact, causing missed approvals, vendor questions, and scheduling conflicts.

Consequences of Inaccurate or Late Submissions

Denied Access: No entry to show floor
Late Fees: Higher charges for services
Insurance Lapse: Liability exposure for exhibitor
Booth Removal: Vendor may dismantle displays
Contract Breach: Organizer remedies or penalties
Operational Delays: Missed installation windows

Real-World Examples of Manual Use at Events

These brief case notes illustrate how completed manuals reduce friction during setup and improve coordination between organizers and exhibitors.

Optica Ventures — COO

Optica consolidated exhibitor specs into a single manual to reduce questions at move-in and save staff time.

  • The interface was simple for their team and customers.
  • As a result, freight routing issues dropped and exhibitor satisfaction improved because onsite staff had complete, validated data before arrival.

Martin Properties — Founder

A property firm used a standardized manual for multiple trade shows to ensure uniform booth presentation and compliance.

  • They processed documents end-to-end online.
  • This allowed teams to execute consistent setups across venues, maintain regulatory paperwork, and reduce rework during tight load-in windows.

Who Signs and Approves the Exhibitor Manual

Exhibitor Contact — Marketing Manager

The marketing manager typically completes and signs the manual on behalf of the exhibiting company, confirms booth design and promotional materials, and remains the point person during move-in and show hours for vendor interactions.

Event Organizer — Operations Director

The operations director reviews submissions for venue compliance, approves utility orders, coordinates contractor schedules, and signs acceptance to confirm booth placement and service assignments.

Milestone Timeline Before Show Opening

A sequential checklist of major milestones keeps team members aligned and highlights decision points where approvals are required.

01

Planning and Design

Finalize booth layout and demonstration plans early in the pre-show phase

02

Registration and Payment

Complete registration and submit payments to secure booth allocation

03

Service Orders

Order electrical, AV, and rigging with required lead times

04

Final Confirmation

Receive organizer approval and distribution of move-in instructions

Comparing eSignature Options for Exhibitor Manual Execution

This comparison focuses on common vendor criteria for eSigning exhibitor manuals. signNow is listed first per vendor comparison conventions.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes (bulk send available) Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting Tips

Answers to frequent questions about completing, submitting, and validating Exhibitor Guide Manuals, plus notes on electronic signing and compliance.


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