Event Planning, Event Organization, Corporate Events

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A/V
Acronym that stands for Audio/Visual, relating to equipment for hearing or sight. It refers to the technical support for an event or function such as televisions, VCR's, DVD players, or taped music.

Account
Record of monetary transactions for goods or services that is maintained in a ledger.

Actual Cost
Costs that have been derived from historical data or actual quotes and those not solely reliant upon averages or estimated increases in costs.

Advance Order
When you place an order for services with a contractor prior to the installation date.

Advance Rates
The associated fees for orders placed in advance, quite often there are discounts included when paying in advance.

Advance Receiving
When items or freight need to be sent prior to a show, the show management sets up a location to receive the freight where it is stored and later shipped to the show at the appropriate time.

Advertising
The presentation of goods or services in a non-personal presentation that has been paid for by an identified sponsor.

Agent
A certified representative who has the proper credentials from the person they are representing.

Aisle
A walkway specifically created for audience movement through an exposition, exhibit or function.

Aisle Carpet
The carpeting that is installed along the walkway, generally in trade show aisles.

Aisle Signs
Identifying signs that designate numbers or letters to exposition aisles. These signs are usually suspended.

Assembly
The process in which an exhibit is created and installed from its components. This process is also referred to as Installation or Set Up.

At-site
Referring to the location where the event will take place. Also called On-site.

Attendees
Those who are present at an event or exhibit that are not connected with the function itself.

Auxilary Services
Services that are contracted in support of a meeting or function.

Backwall Exhibit
Refers to an exhibit that is set against a building wall or back-to-back with another exhibit.

Badge
Identification given to each registrant or attendee. Often an adhesive, pin or clip-on tag is used.

Baffle
A partition specifically constructed to control traffic, light, air, or sound.

Banner
A decoration or sign that is often suspended from the ceiling and is usually made of paper or fabric. Most are for temporary use only.

Banquet
A formal meal, sometimes ceremonial in nature, for a large group of people. Many banquets include presentations and/or speakers.

Bill of Lading (B/L)
The official document that establishes the terms for transport of goods between specific points for a pre-determined charge between a shipper and a transportation company.

Blueprint
A scale drawing of construction; also used to indicate booth space layout and other specifications.

Book
To make a reservation for a specific room, space or service at a particular time with payment agreed upon.

Booking Policy
The guidelines used by a convention center to prioritize reservations; often correspond to hotel rooms used by the event in the area.

Booth
A partitioned-off stall or stand specifically constructed for the sale or exhibition of goods or services. Also may refer to exhibit space made up of one or more standard units.

Booth Area
The exact amount of floor space, length by width, assigned to an exhibitor.

Booth Number
Show management assigns numbers to identify an exhibitor's floor space.

Booth Personnel
Staff members who work in an exhibit, assigned by an exhibitor.

Booth Size
The dimensions of length and width of floor space contracted by an exhibitor. The floor space is usually sold in 10' x 10' increments.

Buffet
An informal service where the meal is set out on a table for ready access.

Build and Burn
A one-time use booth specifically designed for easy installation and deconstruction.

CAD/CAM
Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing. It refers to the use of computer technology to assist in the design and drafting of a product or structure.

C.I.F.
Stands for Cost, Insurance, Freight and is a pricing term that indicates that the stated price includes these charges.

C.T.S.M.
Stands for Certified Trade Show Marketer Camera Ready
Advertising copy or artwork from which the printer can prepare printing plates directly, so that they are ready for the camera.

Cancellation Policy
Document that states the actions that can and will be taken in the event of a cancellation due to certain circumstances.

Carpenter
A skilled professional who installs and dismantles exhibit properties. Also uncrates and recrates exhibit.

Carpet Tape
Adhesive that is double-sided tape used between the edge of a carpet and the floor.

Carrier
Transports freight either by van line, common carrier, rail line or air carrier.

Cartage
Moving of exhibit properties over a short distance or the fee for transporting freight.

Certificate of Inspection
A certifying document that states that, immediately prior to its shipment, the merchandise was in good condition.

Chevron
Setting design where the room is set with tables and/or chairs in a V.

Classroom Style
Seating design where the room is set with rows that are facing the presenter or front of the room and each person has their own writing table.

Clean Bill of Lading
A receipt issued to a carrier indicating that the transported merchandise was received in apparent good condition.

Collective Agreement
A contract specifying the terms and conditions of employment between an employer and a union, the status of the union, as well as the process for settling disputes during the contract period. It is also referred to as Labor Agreement, Union Contract.

Column
A pillar in a facility that supports the roof or other overhead structures and is usually designated on a floor plan as a solid square.

Commercial Invoice
An official itemized list of goods that have been shipped.

Common Carrier
A transportation company that moves people or goods. The carrier usually only accepts crated materials for exhibit freight and, if there is more than one customer for the same exhibit, consolidates several customers' properties into one shipment bound for the same destination.

Concierge
Staff member who handles specific requests for guests or visitors including handling luggage and mail, making reservations and facilitating arrangements on other matters. Concurrent Sessions
Multiple sessions occurring during the same time period.

Conference
A meeting to discuss a common concern or issue with two or more people participating.

Conference Center
A facility specifically constructed for and dedicated to facilitating meetings and meeting space.

Conference Style
Seating design arrangement where the room is set with chairs that are placed around all sides of a table.

Confirmation
Official verification of a reservation or an informal letter for small suppliers that outlines the initial plans for the use of a facility or service that may also serve as the contract.

Consignment
An arrangement between the person or consignor who exports the merchandise and the person or consignee who receives the merchandise that will then be sold, giving the consignee a commission and the consignor the net proceeds of the merchandise.

Consolidate
The action of shipping freight to a central destination where several loads that are bound for the same destination are put together before then being shipped to that destination.

Construction Drawing
A detailed drawing which gives specific diagrams and instructions for building an exhibit.

Contractor
A professional individual or company that provides services or materials to a trade show and/or its exhibitors.

Convention Center
A facility specifically constructed for and dedicated to accommodating multiple groups and/or extremely large groups. Convention Centers generally include exhibit halls, meeting rooms, ballrooms or banquet space but do not have sleeping rooms.

Convention Liability Insurance
An insurance policy that specifically covers and protects the meeting sponsor from any unexpected expenses arising from legal action due to bodily injury or property damage.

Cost Control
A system of keeping specific expenses within budgeted amounts during the completion of a project.

Cost Savings
A specific action that resulted in savings on a budgeted project, service or product.

Craftsperson
A skilled worker who provides services at the exposition facility creating exhibits or other services; also referred to as Labor.

Cross-aisle
An aisle that is at a right angle to the main aisle. Cubic Content
A mathematical equation of length x width x height. It refers to the booth space and the placement of exhibit properties that are higher than 8 feet or more above the booth area. It also refers to the measurement used to determine shipping costs for van lines.

Custom Exhibit
A display that has been designed and built to meet the specific requirements of an exhibitor.

Customhouse Broker
A certified company or person licensed to enter and clear goods through Customs.

D/B/A
Acronym that stands for Doing Business As, often used for companies using different names for different areas of the business.

DIM Weight
A billing technique used in shipping freight that measures the volume of a package. The formula is length x width x height divided by 194 for domestic shipments, or divided by 166 for international shipments.

D.T. Labor
Refers to Double Time Labor or any work performed on overtime that is charged at twice the published rate.

Dais
A raised platform in a hall or large meeting room. Usually it is where guest speakers, honored guests or expert panels are seated.

Damage Report
An official report describing and itemizing damage to shipped goods that is submitted by an exhibitor to a freight company or drayage contractor.

Dead Man
A temporary post that helps support the weight of an overhead structure during installation.

Dead Time
Also known as down time, a period of time when, due to factors beyond their control, workers are unable to perform their duties.

Declared Value
The stated dollar value that a shipper declares for the contents of a shipment.

Decorator
A skilled professional or company that provides a service for a trade show and/or its exhibitors.

Directional Signs
Signs placed at meetings or exhibits that indicate event locations for attendees.

Directory
A catalog that lists basic information about the show. It generally includes a list of exhibitors, the floor plan and a schedule of events.

Dismantle
The tearing down or taking apart of an exhibit after an event is over.

Display Rules & Regulations
Set guidelines for exhibit construction that are endorsed by major exhibit industry associations as well as the specific set of rules that apply to an exposition.

Dock
The location, usually a platform, where freight is loaded onto or removed from vehicles for transport.

Dolly
A frame with wheels that creates a platform used for moving heavy or cumbersome objects.

Draper
A skilled craftsperson who installs special décor, fabric and/or drapes for an exhibit or event.

Drayage
The transportation of show materials from shipping dock to booth for show set up and later back to the shipping dock for return shipment at the end of the show.

Drayage Contractor
A professional company responsible for the handling of exhibit materials at a trade show.

Drayage Form
A form that requests the details for the handling of exhibit materials, to be completed by an exhibitor.

Electrical Contractor
A professional company that provides electrical services to exhibitors and is hired by show management.

Estimate
General idea or guess of what your costs will be before the start of the event. Generally this is based on historical data.

Event Marketing
Advertising exposure as well as face-to-face promotional experiences between customers and companies for a specific event.

Event Resume
A document distributed to each department in-house that addresses the issues, needs, and important information that are pertinent to a show and includes the time of events, set-up information, and public access.

Exclusive Contractor
A professional contractor that is the sole provider of specified services and is appointed by show management.

Exclusive Use
A rental agreement ensuring that a carrier's entire cargo space is being used by only one shipper.

Exhibit
An organization's booth at a public show that is used for competition, demonstration or sale.

Exhibit Designer/Producer
Professional company that is responsible for designing and constructing exhibit booths.

Exhibit Directory
A guide or booklet for exhibition attendees listing exhibitors as well as exhibit locations.

Exhibit Hall
The space or location within a convention hall where exhibits are located.

Exhibitor Appointed Contractor
A professional contractor who is hired by an exhibitor to perform trade show services. This person works independently of the show management appointed contractors.

Exhibit Service Kit
An informational packet that provides information exhibitors will need to participate fully in an exposition. It generally contains all the regulations, rules and forms relating to the event.

Exposition
Refers to a public trade show where many companies or organizations of the same type exhibit the latest products or services their company offers.

Exposition Manager
The organizer of an exposition. Also referred to as the Show Manager.

Exposition Rules
The set of regulations which govern the actions of the participants at a given trade show.

FHC
Acronym for fire hose cabinets that usually appear as a notation on floor plans indicating their locations.

Facility
Something specifically built, installed or established to serve a particular purpose. Also refers to a place designated for a specific purpose such as a housing facility or storage facility.

Fire Exit
A door or window that has been designated for emergency egress and which must be kept clear of obstructions.

Fire Lane
An aisle that allows emergency egress as well as entrance for emergency personnel that must be kept clear of obstructions.

Fire Retardant
A finish that coats a material with a fire-resistant cover. It is not fire proof.

Flat Room Rate
The basic rate of a room without any discount or special offer.

Floor Manager
An individual who is responsible for the exhibition area and is representing show management.

Floor Order
An order for services or goods that is placed after exhibit installation has begun.

Floor Plan
A scaled drawing or map showing the arrangement of rooms, as well as the size and locations of the exhibit spaces.

Floor Port
A utility box that contains electrical, telephone or plumbing connections and that is recessed in the floor.

Foam Core
Heavy paper stock covers a rigid foam center, often used for mounting signs or displaying art.

Forklift, Forktruck
Motorized vehicle that is used to load, unload, and transport heavy items.

Foul Bill of Lading
A receipt issued by the carrier that indicates that the transported merchandise was damaged when received.

Four Hour Call
Union labor must be paid for a minimum work period of four hours.

Free Trade Zone
A port or area that has been designated by the government of a country for duty-free entry of any non-prohibited goods.

Freight
Materials, goods, and exhibit properties that are shipped for an exhibit.

Freight Desk
The area at a trade show that handles the inbound and outbound exhibit materials.

Freight Forwarder
A shipping company that handles export shipments for a set fee.

Function
Refers to an event or part of a planned meeting or is an area of meeting planning that involves income or expenses (printing, registration, etc.) Function Space
The actual physical space occupied by an event.

GATT
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. A multilateral treaty intended to reduce trade barriers between the signatory countries and to promote trade through tariff concessions.

General Contractor
Show management appointed company providing services to a trade show and/or its exhibitors.

General Session
Sessions that all participants in a convention or meeting attend.

Grid System
A network of structural members, electrical conduits, and other support systems on a pattern of centers.

Hall
General term used for an exposition facility or the exhibit area within a facility.

Hard Card
Work order for labor or services or drayage contractor's record of materials received or shipped.

Hardwall
A type of exhibit construction in which walls are made of a solid material, rather than fabric.

Head Table
Table reserved for speakers and VIPs at the front of the room, usually facing the audience Header
A sign or other structure across the top of an exhibit.

Hold Harmless Clause
A contract clause that relieves one party of responsibility in the event of a legal claim.

Hollow Circle
Seating arrangement of tables and/or chairs all facing each other in a single circle.

Hollow Square
Seating arrangement with tables arranged in a square with an open middle. Chairs are only on the outside.

Hospitality Room
Suite or room arranged for the convenience, comfort and socialization of guests, often with drinks and snacks available.

I&D
Initials that stand for Installation & Dismantle (of an exhibit). The set up and take-down of exhibits.

Independent Contractor
A contractor hired by an exhibitor to perform trade show services independently of show management appointed contractors.

Infringement
An exhibitor's unauthorized use of floor space outside the leased booth area.

Inland Bill of Lading
A contract between a shipper and transportation company used when transporting goods over land to an exporter's international carrier.

Installation
The process of setting up exhibit properties according to specifications.

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.

Jigged Crate
A special-purpose crate with hardware to secure exhibit properties in place to prevent shifting during shipment.

K.D.(Knockdown)
An exhibit with separate components that must be assembled on-site.

Keynote
Opening remarks of a meeting that set tone of the event and motivate attendees.

Keynote Speaker
One who presents the issues of primary interest to a group of people.

Kit
An informational packet that provides information that exhibitors will need to participate fully in an exposition. It generally contains all the regulations, rules and forms relating to the event.

Labor
Contracted workers who perform services and are also referred to as Craftspersons.

Labor Call
The method of securing union employees, the time specified for labor to report, or the minimum amount for which labor must be paid.

Labor Desk
Exhibit hall location where exhibitors may place orders for labor.

Lavaliere Microphone
A small microphone that is clipped onto clothing to allow the speaker to move.

Lead Tracking
A manual or automated system used to conduct follow-up activities for sales prospects resulting from a trade show.

Lecture
A discourse given before an audience or class intended to teach something.

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 which authorizes the payment of a specified amount of money to the seller when certain terms are met.

Light Box
An enclosure which contains lighting underneath a translucent facing material sometimes used to back-light signs or graphics applied to the face.

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.

Loading Dock
An area within an exposition facility where freight is received and shipped.

Logo
A specific symbol chosen to represent a company that is usually comprised of stylized type alone or in conjunction with graphic art.

Low Voltage
A term applied to electrical currents of 24 volts or less that is usually used in animation and specialty lighting.

Manual
An informational packet that provides information that exhibitors will need to participate fully in an exposition. It generally contains all the regulations, rules and forms relating to the event.

Marshaling Yard
A lot where trucks gather for orderly dispatch to show site.

Marketing
Process of planning and executing conception, pricing, promotion and distribution of ideas, goods and services in order to create exchanges that satisfy individual and organizational objectives.

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.

Multimedia
Combining two or more types of audio/visual support in a presentation.

Net Square Footage
The total amount of leased booth space in an exposition facility.

O.T. Labor
Abbreviation that stands for overtime labor or work performed on overtime, after standard work schedule. Usually work performed on overtime is charged at a substantially higher rate.

Ocean Bill of Lading
A contract between an exporter and an international carrier for transport of merchandise to a specified foreign market.

Official Contractor
Show management appointed company that provides services to a trade show and/or its exhibitors.

On-site
Referring to the location where the event will take place. Also called at-site.

On-site Office
Organization's temporary headquarters office that is set up on site to handle business during the event.

On-site registration
Registration that occurs directly before the meeting at the meeting location.

Open Seating
There is no assigned seating. Extra tables are placed, but not fully set; these can be prepared quickly if more guests show up than expected.

Overhead Transparency Projector
A/V equipment designed to project and magnify an image on a transparent sheet of acetate.

Overtime
Work performed after standard work schedule or normal working hours. Usually work performed on overtime is charged at a substantially higher rate.

P.W.
Initials stand for Packed Weight or the weight of the freight that includes the packing materials.

Packing Case
A reusable container for transporting exhibit materials, also known as a shipping case.

Packing List
A document prepared by a shipper that itemizes the contents of the shipment and includes other information needed by the carrier.

Pad Wrap
Protective padding used to cover uncrated goods when shipped via van line; also known as blanket wrap.

Padded Van Shipment
Uncrated goods that are 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 and is usually used as a platform for objects that are moved by forklift.

Panel Discussion
Instructional workshop that uses a group of people chosen to discuss a topic in the presence of an audience.

Panel System
A prefabricated exhibit composed of connected rectangular panels of various sizes.

Peg Board
The trade name for a type of hardboard with perforations at regular intervals and is usually used for hanging items.

Pipe and Drape
Materials used to physically construct booths at an exposition. Tubing is covered with draped fabric to make up the rails and a backwall for a trade show.

Platform
A raised, flat surface or a statement of principles of policies of an organization.

Podium
A small raised platform on which a presenter may stand that can also be used as a demonstration area.

Portable Exhibit
A lightweight display unit that can be moved without a forklift.

Post-conference Meeting(post-con)
A meeting between the meeting manager and the staff to discuss and evaluate an event as soon as it is over.

Pre- and Post Meeting Tours
Recreational tours that are scheduled right before or after the meeting to encourage socialization of attendees.

Pre-conference Meeting
A meeting between the meeting manager, the facility department heads, and the major contractors prior to the start of a meeting.

Press Kit or Media Kit
A package of materials put together for the media, usually contained in a folder, in which news releases, product announcements and other materials intended for the media are distributed.

Press Release or Media Release
Description of a newsworthy occurrence written in journalistic or unbiased style and mailed to the news media. A press release is usually intended to promote an event or further the reputation of a facility.

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.

Producer
An individual or company which designs and/or builds exhibits or an individual or company which manages trade shows.

Professional Speaker
A speaker who makes his/her living from presenting information to various organizations.

RFP
Acronym that stands for Request for Proposal Process. A document issued to potential suppliers that outlines what products and services an organization requires, leaving specific solutions up to the supplier to suggest. Business is then generally awarded to the supplier that responds with the most advantageous proposal that meets or exceeds the needs defined.

Rear Projection
A video technique where images are projected on a screen that is positioned between the projector and the audience.

Refurbish
The process of repairing or reconditioning an object or exhibit to extend its life span.

Registration Data
Information about an attendee that is gathered as part of the registration process.

Relay
An electrical device used to produce programmed effects by interrupting the flow of current.

Release Forms
Forms that are provided by show management that permit the removal of materials from an exhibition.

Rental Booth
A complete booth package offered to exhibitors on a rental basis.

Request For Proposal (RFP) Process
A document issued to potential suppliers that outlines what products and services an organization requires, leaving specific solutions up to the supplier to suggest. Business is then generally awarded to the supplier that responds with the most advantageous proposal that meets or exceeds the needs defined.

Rheostat
A device used to regulate lighting intensity and is also known as a Dimmer Switch.

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.

ROI (Return On Investment)
Return on Investment is a percentage of the net profit of an event over the investment.

S.T. Labor
Refers to Straight Time Labor which is work performed during normal work hours at the standard rate.

Scissors Lift
A platform that is motorized and used to lift people to a given height.

Scooter
An electric or gas cart often used to transport materials and people.

Scrim
A specific type of fabric that is transparent when lighted from the rear but is opaque when lighted from the front.

Security Cages
Secure cages that are 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 point at which exhibitors can order services from show management.

Service Kit
An informational packet that provides information that exhibitors will need to participate fully in an exposition. It generally contains all the regulations, rules and forms relating to the event.

Service Level Agreement (SLA)
A contract that defines the performance required for money paid and includes measurements of the performance that vary based on certain value-added elements that may increase the amount of compensation received.

Set Up
The process of erecting, installing or creating an exhibit from its components.

Set-up Drawing
Detailed drawings that give instructions for the installation of an exhibit.

Settlement
The detailed itemization of all ticket sales, production expenses, building rent, box office costs and all other event-related expenses.

Shipping Agent
A third-party company that handles shipping goods to and from a meeting.

Shipping Crate
A wooden container used for transporting exhibit materials; may be designed for a single use or custom built for extended reuse.

Show Break
A specified time for the closing of an exhibition and the beginning of dismantling.

Show Decorator
A professional company or individual responsible for providing draping, carpeting, and signage services for the trade show and its exhibitors.

Show Photographer
Photographer appointed by the show management selected for an exhibition.

Show Producer
An individual or company which manages trade shows. This job would include the leasing of the exposition facility, hiring of official contractors, and promotion of the show.

Show Rules
The general rules and regulations governing a specific trade show.

Side Rail
A low divider wall that is used to divide one exhibit space from another.

Sign Standard
A frame on a stand into which a sign can be inserted for display.

Site Inspection
Process by which the details of a potential location are evaluated.

Skid
A low wooden frame used to support heavy objects or groups of materials for easier handling and is usually used as a platform for objects that are moved by forklift.

Skirting
Decorative fabric placed around a table or riser to conceal the area underneath.

Slide Projector
Equipment designed to project the image of slides onto a viewing screen.

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 that is usually used for keynote speakers or to highlight an area or product.

Square
A conference-style seating arrangement with double or triple- wide tables.

Staging
Laying out the physical elements in a given space to fulfill a given purpose.

Stationary Microphone
A microphone that is mounted on a floor stand and remains in the same location throughout a presentation.

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.

T-shape
Seating design where the tables are arranged for a conference with the presenter(s) sitting at the top of the T.

TCO
Acronym for Total Cost which refers to the total money, time and resources associated with a purchase or activity.

T & M
Acronym for Time & Materials that refers to a form of billing where a consumer is charged for materials and labor costs (time).

T.L.
Initials that refer to truckload which refers to the quantity carried by a truck.

Tabletop Display
An exhibit designed to use only the top of a table, using no booth.

Talent
An individual or company that has been hired to work in an exhibit to greet visitors, demonstrate product, or perform on stage.

Target Date
A date for the arrival of freight at a trade show that is set by show management and usually there is a penalty charge for shipments received before or after this date.

Tariff Rates
Specific shipping charges that are assessed for various types of cargo.

Teleconferencing
Meeting that includes the technology that permits individuals to participate in regional, national or worldwide meetings without actually leaving their local area through the live transmission of video or audio signals.

Telescopic Pipe
Often used to support drapes, the tubing slides one section inside another.

Theater Style or Auditorium Style
Seating design where the seats are in rows facing the stage area and there are no tables.

Three Wire
An electrical cable that has a continuous ground wire as well as a positive and a negative wire.

Time & Materials
A form of billing where a consumer is charged for materials and labor costs (time).

Total Cost
The total money, time and resources that are associated with a purchase or activity.

Tow Motor
Motorized vehicle that is used to load, unload, and transport heavy items. Also referred to as a forklift.

Trade Fair
Another name for a public trade show where many companies or organizations of the same type exhibit the latest products or services their companies offer.

Trade Show
Another name for an exposition or trade fair where many companies or organizations of the same type exhibit the latest products or services offered by their companies.

Traffic Flow
The pattern of movement of visitors as they move through an area.

Truss
A structural element that is hung above an exhibit for the purpose of hanging lighting equipment in order to illuminate exhibit components.

Twist Lock
A specific type of electrical plug that connects by twisting together.

U Shape
Seating design where the tables are set up in a horseshoe-shaped arrangement.

U.L.
Acronym that stands for Underwriters Laboratory, which is an organization that grants electrical ratings.

U.S.S.G.
Acronym that stands for United States Standard Gauge which is a standard unit of measurement specified by the government.

U/W
Abbreviation that stands for Underwriter which refers to an individual or organization that pays for a specific good or service.

Union
A workers' organization that is formed with the purpose of protecting workers' rights and increasing the bargaining power with an employer on such issues as wages, hours, and benefits.

Union Steward
A union official, elected by coworkers, who is on-site and oversees a particular union's work in a facility. He or she resolves any disputes over union jurisdiction and may also be known as Shop Steward.

V-Shape
Seating design where the room features tables in a V and chairs on the outside only.

V.A.T.
Acronym that stands for Value Added Tax, which is a tax that has been added to the overall price of a product, because of the value added to the product by processing.

Valance
A banner suspended overhead that is typically used as a light baffle.

Velcro
The trade name for a fabric closure that uses hooks and loops to adhere when they are pressed together which then separate when pulled apart. Ideal for repeated use.

Very Important Person (VIP)
Refers to a person who has a special function, such as a speaker or dignitary, and who should be treated to special amenities.

Video Conference
A meeting with two or more people that is facilitated by video monitors connected by telephone wires, satellite technology, or ground wires, allowing the individuals to meet "face-to-face" from almost anywhere in the world. These conferences can also include graphics, video clips, and transmission of data or documents.

Video Projector
Technical device that is used to project video images onto a screen.

Visqueen
A clear plastic sheeting that is used to protect exhibit carpeting until the show opens. It also helps with the installation of exhibits as the components can slide on top of it during setup, allowing you to align and put together simply by pushing them into position.

W/B
An acronym that stands for Waybill, which is a carrier-issued document that gives instructions and details relating to the shipment.

Warehouse Receipt
A warehouse-issued receipt for goods that have been received for storage.

Waste Removal
The removal of trash or waste products from an area or building.

Work Rules
Regulations that specify the work hours, pay structure and other conditions of a craftsperson's labor.

Work Time
The period of time that a craftsperson is paid which begins when he or she is turned over to an exhibitor and ends upon release by the exhibitor.

Workshops
Instructional demonstrations for a small group, often employing role-playing simulation encounters, give and take sessions and problem-solving laboratories.

Event Planning Glossary of Terms