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OAS Toronto Exhibitor Manual

Welcome and thank you for choosing to be a participant in The National Franchise Show – Tampa.

Please take a moment to read the exhibitor manual, which will provide you with all of the necessary information for the preparation and installation of your exhibit. Processing your orders at your earliest convenience will allow us and the service-contractors time to provide you with the best possible rates & service.

The Show Office will be set up at the Tampa Convention Center, on Friday September 13, 2024, at noon and management will be available to assist you for the duration of the Show.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Show Location

Tampa Convention Center 
Central Hall  
333 South Franklin Street 
Tampa, FL  
33602 

Show Dates & Times

Saturday, September 14, 2024 | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, September 15, 2024 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Exhibitor Move-in Times

Friday, September 13, 2024 | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Exhibitor Move-Out Dates & Times

Sunday, September 15, 2024 | 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Produced By

National Event Management
Suite #102
260 Town Centre Blvd.,
Markham ON
L3R 8H8
Tel: (905) 477-2677 or (800) 891-4859

Exhibitor Coordinator

Emma Barnes-Chow
905-477-2677 or 800-891-4859 Ext 283
emma@nationalevent.com 

Exhibitor Checklist

Please print a copy of this checklist to assist you in planning for the Show. To take advantage of “early booking discounts” please note booking deadlines.

CHECKLIST

AUDIO / VISUAL RENTALS

BOOKING DEADLINE: August 23, 2024

If you require audio-visual equipment in your booth, please use the ORDERING LINK

Orders received after the pre-show booking deadline may be subject to additional charges.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Encore Exhibitor Services
Email: sales.tcc@encoreglobal.com
Tel: 813-898-1372

ORDERING LINK
AV EQUIPMENT PRICE GUIDE

Booth Backdrops

If you require a pop-up banner or backdrop, please contact:

EZ Backdrops
Phone: 678-717-1222
Email: angie@ezbackdrops.com
http://www.ezbackdrops.com/

BOOTH CLEANING

PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: August 26, 2024

Exhibitors are responsible for maintaining their own booth space. If you require in-booth vacuuming please see below:  

GEMS Gilbert Exposition Management Services
Britni Fitzpatrick  
Email: Britni@gemsevents.com 
Tel: 407-438-5002 

ORDERING ONLINE: 
You will receive an email from GEMS with login information, a link to their Online Ordering System and instructions for signing in. If you did not receive an email with your login information, please contact: Britni@gemsevents.com  

ONLINE ORDERING LINK 

 

BOOTH INSTALLATION & DISMANTLING

PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: August 26, 2024

Dismantling or removing your exhibit/exhibit materials before the end of the show is strictly prohibited. 

Should you require assistance setting up or dismantling your booth, these services can be ordered from: 

GEMS Gilbert Exposition Management Services
Britni Fitzpatrick 
Email: Britni@gemsevents.com 
Tel: 407-438-5002 

ORDERING ONLINE:
You will receive an email from GEMS with login information, a link to their Online Ordering System and instructions for signing in. If you did not receive an email with your login information, please contact: Britni@gemsevents.com  

ONLINE ORDERING LINK 

Electrical

BOOKING DEADLINE: August 23, 2024

Electrical is not supplied to your booth. If you require an electrical hookup please contact:

EDLEN
Email: tampa@edlen.com
Tel: 407 854-9991

ELECTRICAL ORDER FORM 

Exhibitor Badges

DEADLINE: August 30, 2024

We have implemented a new automatic badge system to simplify the request process. Information regarding this new system will be coming soon.

Exhibitors are provided with up to a maximum of 7 personalized name badges based on the size of your booth. Badges will be available for pick up at the Show Office during move-in and must be worn to gain admittance to the Show.

Federal ID Number

The Federal ID Number for the venue is 59-1101138. You will require this number to clear customs.

Food Sampling

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: August 15, 2024

If you are planning on sampling food or beverage products in your booth, please note the necessary steps to complete. Food samples are limited to a 2 oz. portion and beverage products to 2 oz. 

1. All food and beverage samplers are required to have insurance for the event. Please email a copy of your insurance to Emma Barnes-Chow at emma@nationalevent.com  

2. Please complete the FOOD SAMPLING FORM and return it to emma@nationalevent.com & tcc-catering@aramark.com  

For more information, you can contact:

TCC Catering
Olivia Lopresti
Tel: 813‐215-2061
Email: tcc-catering@aramark.com  

PLEASE NOTE: 
If you are sampling pre-packaged items, only the Sampling Form is needed.

If you are doing open samples like cutting chocolate or making something on-site, you must email emma@nationalevent.com and inform them of any equipment being used onsite. It is also mandatory for a handwashing station to be present at your booth and for gloves to be worn. 

FOOD SAMPLING FORM 
TEMPORARY EVENT CHECKLIST 

FREE ADMISSION PASSES

Raise awareness and let people know you will be at The National Franchise Show! Increase traffic to your booth by sharing free admission passes to the event. There is no limit to the number of FREE Admission Passes you may share to your email database, as well as on social media. Please share the registration link below for free passes or download a copy of our generic FREE Admission Pass. 

You can also distribute a customized FREE Admission Pass to promote your participation at the show. If you are interested, please complete the form below and upload a high-resolution logo (.jpg, .eps, .pdf forms accepted). You will recive an email from emma@nationalevent.com with your customized pass 2-3 weeks before the show.

CUSTOM COUPON REQUEST FORM

DEALINE OF LOGO SUBMISSION: August 15, 2024

Hotel

OPTION 1: Hotel Tampa Riverwalk

We do not have a group rate set with any hotel in the area. There are many large conventions going on and hotels are not doing group blocks. To obtain the best rate please book as soon as possible. 

Our recommended hotel is: 

Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
200 North Ashley Drive
Tampa, FL
33602 

The Hotel Tampa Riverwalk is a 10-minute walk from the Tampa Convention Centre.
Reservations may be made by BOOKING ONLINE HERE.

OR 

OPTION 2: HOTEL PLANNER

HotelPlanner is one of the world’s top providers of individual, group and corporate travel bookings, specializing in unique “Closed User Group” discount rates.

Book your hotel stay for the show through HotelPlanner.com. Click here for the best rates available: https://franchiseusa.hotelplanner.com/

Insurance

Insurance for booth/show
Exhibitors must have their own liability insurance covering a minimum of $1 million in damages. Please list National Event Management as “additional insured”.

Transportation Insurance
Show Management is NOT responsible for damages caused during the transportation of your products. We strongly recommend purchasing transportation insurance when booking your shipments.

Liability
Exhibitors will be liable for, will indemnify, and will hold harmless Show Management from any loss or damage whatsoever occurring to, or suffered by, any person or company. This includes, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, exhibitor, other exhibitors, management, the owners of the building and their respective agents, servants and employees, and members of the public attending the show, either (a) on the said space or (b) elsewhere. Neither the facility nor Show Management will be responsible for loss or damage to persons, exhibits, or decorations by fire, accident, theft, or any cause while in the exhibition buildings.

Insurance Supplier
If you do not already have insurance for the show, you may contact:

Exhibitor Insurance
Phone: 905-695-2971
Toll Free: 1-866-836-9066
info@exhibitorinsurance.com 

Exhibitor Insurance Brokers.com is offering a special price for the show at $139. Please click on the link here to access their form:

ONLINE EXHIBITOR INSURANCE

If you prefer, you may also fill out the form below and send to info@exhibitorinsurance.com

EXHIBITOR INSURANCE FORM

Lead Retrieval System

Details coming soon. 

Loading Docks

The loading dock for Central Hall is the Upper Loading dock, located at 211 S. Franklin St. Tampa, FL 33602.  

There is drive in access. Cars will have 30 minutes to drop off items. Then you must park before setting up.

LOADING DOCK DIRECTIONS

Move-in Instructions

Move -in Times:          Friday September 13, 2024        12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

  • All exhibitors must officially register before setting up.  
  • All exhibits must be set up by 6:00 pm Friday. Exhibitors will not be permitted to set up during show hours.
  • The aisle carpet will be in place Saturday morning. Dollies and carts WILL NOT be permitted on the carpet.  Hand-carried items only may be brought in on Saturday.
  • Children 15 years of age or younger will not be permitted in the exhibit area during move-in, set-up, or tear down.

Move-out Instructions

Move -Out Times:         Sunday September 15, 2024        4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Please note that move-out will begin once the show has closed, the aisles are cleared and the aisle carpets removed. If you are able to hand carry your supplies out to your car, we encourage you to do so. Dismantling or removing your exhibit/exhibit materials before the end of the show is strictly prohibited

All material must be removed by 8:00 pm

Items left on the show floor after move-out time will be forced off the floor. Show Management reserves the right to reroute shipments that are not picked up or refused by carriers. Should this occur, you will be responsible for any charges incurred.

Exhibitors are encouraged to remove small items and open cases of products from the show floor first. Show Management will take all reasonable security precautions, but immediate removal of these items is the best way to prevent pilferage.

NOTE:
All exhibitors using HAUListic must move freight after the show must have booth materials packed and ready for pick up at the loading dock. Please provide our sales staff onsite with your paperwork before leaving the show site.

Parking

Parking is available at the Tampa Convention Center Garage and Pam lorio Parking Garage.  The rate is $2/hour, rates can change with other city events. Rates can go as high as $40 to $50 per day.

The entrance to the garage is located at 141 E Brorein Street. Large City events will increase parking rates. We will send exhibitor updates to keep you up to date on information.

CLICK HERE for directions to the parking garage.  

Rules & Regulations

Diagram #1: Sample of the drape provided for your booth
Diagram #2: Sample of display allowance

Upright banners & products must be within 4’ from the back drape, and a maximum of 8’ high. The front 6’ of the booth must be clear above 4’.

 

Booth Display & Restrictions

  • Diagram#1 shows the drapes that are provided as a part of your booth cost.
  • Diagram#2 shows the allowed clearance for displays, banners, and products within your booth.
  • No exhibit may exceed a maximum height of 8 ft.
  • Side panels 8 ft. high, must not exceed a depth of 4 ft. extending from the back of the display.
  • The remainder of the 6 ft depth from the front of the booth must not exceed a 4 ft. height.
  • Any exceptions to this must have pre-approval from Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com

Prefab booth partitions must be finished on both sides. If they are not, please request drapes prior to the show.

Signage

No signage or material may be extended above the 8ft height at the back of your booth nor hung from the ceiling or across the aisle, without approval from Show Management (emma@nationalevent.com). All signs must be printed on one side only. Your brand messaging can only face the inner walls of your exhibit space.

Carpet or Flooring

Carpet is provided within your booth space.  If you would like to change the color, you may order different flooring through our decorator at your own cost or you may bring your own. *Please be sure to review the Tape Restrictions below. 

Tape (Floor, Wall, and Carpet Damage)

This only applies to companies that choose to place carpet or flooring on top of the existing carpet.
It is important that you use the proper carpet tape in your booth. If you do not use the correct tape there will be a charge for tape removal.
Here are the models of two-faced tapes that are authorized by the facility:

  • Polyken 105c LPDE
  • Scapa 274004
  • DC W002A

If you bring your own carpet, you must adhere to the above Tape Restrictions. If you do not have the proper tape, please notify Show Management before installing your carpet or tiles.

If you would like to install your carpet on top of the existing carpet, please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com

Restrictions for Booth Installation

Painting, nailing, drilling, or screwing to the floors, walls or any other part of the building is not permitted. Exhibitors are also responsible for oil, grease, or any general damage to the carpeted area. Exhibitors wishing to lay any floor coverings may not fasten the coverings to the building floor. It is suggested that building paper or the approved tape (Polyken 105c LPDE OR Scapa 274004 OR DC W002A) is used instead. 

Demonstrations/Distributions

Displays, demonstrations or distribution of advertising materials, are not permitted outside the confines of your booth. If audio visual equipment is used, the sound must be subdued to such an extent as to ensure it’s having no nuisance effect on neighbouring exhibitors. The use of microphones is not permitted without prior management approval. 

Fire Regulations

All exhibitors planning to use any type of fuel (such as gas, oil, helium gas, or propane) in their exhibits are requested to contact Show Management. All displays or exhibited materials must be fireproof to conform to Federal, Provincial/Sate, and City Fire Laws. 

National Event Management is obligated to abide by the Fire Code regulations in each city. We therefore retain the right to refuse any material or object that does not confirm to code. If you have a question or need information re the Fire Code please contact Haelee Jones (haelee@nationalevent.com)   

Animals in the Show

The facility’s policy prohibits the presence of animals unless they are used as a working dog. Permission must be obtained from the facility for any exception. Please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com) regarding approval. 

Helium Balloons

Helium balloons are prohibited in most venues. There is a large retrieval fee, charged to the exhibitor when balloons are lost. Please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com) if you wish to use helium balloons in your display. 

Mechanical Conveyances

Mechanical Conveyances such as electric carts, scooters, or bicycles will not be allowed in the aisles during the show hours. The only exceptions to this rule will be in the case of handicapped persons visiting the show, or those with authorization from Show Management. 

Non-Compliance

National Event Management reserves the right to make changes, amendments, and additions to the rules and regulations without notice, as considered necessary to the efficient and proper conduct of the show. Interpretation of these rules and regulations shall rest with Show Management and non-compliance can result in ejection of the offending exhibitor or in the closing of his/her exhibit. 

SHIPPING & DELIVERIES

Shipping Direct To Show: Friday, September 13, 2024

PLEASE NOTE: The facility will NOT accept shipments prior to the Show move-in date. Show Management will sign for the delivery on your behalf during move-in hours onlyYour materials will be left at the dock until you arriveTo move your items to your booth space, pump trucks and dollies will be available at no charge.  Should you require assistance or the use of a forklift, please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com) as charges may apply.    

NOTE: After freight is packed at the end of the show it must be moved to the dock area for pick up. Freight that is left on the show floor will incur a handling fee.    

The most cost-effective way to ship your items to the show is to arrange delivery during move in hours with our official Show Carrier;

HAUListic
Tel: (859) 254-4112 or (800) 388-4112
Email: LEX@shiphaulistic.com

HAUListic SHIPPING ORDER FORMS

You may choose to use another carrier however, keep in mind that not all carriers deliver and pick up during our scheduled move in/move out times.   

Please address shipments to:
Company name, Booth number
The National Franchise Show
C/O
Tampa Convention Center

Central Hall 
333 South Franklin Street
Tampa, FL 
33602 

NOTE: All exhibitors using HAUListic must move freight after the show must have booth materials packed and ready for pick up at the loading dock. Please provide our sales staff onsite with your paperwork before leaving the show site. 

Pre-Show Shipping

To request a quote for Advanced Shipping, please see below:  

GEMS Gilbert Exposition Management Services  
Britni Fitzpatrick  
Email: Britni@gemsevents.com 
Tel: 407-438-5002  

Shipping enquiries must be finalized 14 days prior to show move-in date. Be sure your shipment is labeled clearly.  

Advanced shipments may begin to arrive on August 12, 2024 

ORDERING ONLINE: 
You will receive an email from GEMS with login information, a link to their Online Ordering System and instructions for signing in. If you did not receive an email with your login information, please contact: Britni@gemsevents.com  

ONLINE ORDERING LINK 

Show Decorator (Furniture & Display Rental)

PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: August 26, 2024

Carpet, 8ft back drape and 3 ft side drape are supplied for your exhibit space. If you require tables, chairs or additional booth supplies, these items can be rented from 

GEMS Gilbert Exposition Management Services  
Britni Fitzpatrick  
Email: Britni@gemsevents.com  
Tel: 407-438-5002 

Show Colours 

  • Booth Drapes: Black  
  • Aisle & Booth Carpet: Tuxedo 

ORDERING ONLINE:
You will receive an email from GEMS with login information, a link to their Online Ordering System and instructions for signing in. If you did not receive an email with your login information, please contact: Britni@gemsevents.com  

ONLINE ORDERING LINK

Show Guide Ad & Sponsorship Opportunities

There are a number of ways to increase your brand awareness at our shows.  Additional ad space is available in our Show Guides that are distributed to attendees and sponsorship recognition includes show guide space, on-site signage, & online presence.  For more information, please contact Michael at michael@nationalevent.com or 905-477-2677 ext. 270.

Telephone / Internet / WIFI

PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: August 23, 2024

Please Note: This venue only has paid WIFI. 

Complimentary WIFI is available in public spaces only. If you require WIFI at your booth, please review the WIFI ordering information below.  

If you require a telephone/internet line or WIFI in your booth, please fill out form below and send it to:

Smart City
Email: customerservice@smartcitynetworks.com
Tel: 888-446-6911

Or if you would like, place your order online HERE.

WIFI ORDERING INFORMATION 
INTERNET & TELEPHONE ORDER FORM 
INTERNET & TELEPHONE ORDERING GUIDE  

Tips to Success

Please review the "Tips for Successful" pdf below for important information on how to make the most out of exhibiting with us! 

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Vehicles on Show Floor

All vehicles must abide by the arrival and departure schedules and procedures established by Show Management.

Please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com) and provide pictures and specifics (make, model, dimensions) of the vehicle you would like to display for approval and to arrange arrival time. 

When motorized vehicles are approved for use, a protective sheet of visqueen, tarpaulin or comparable material may be required to eliminate damages from leaks of gas, oil, etc., at the exhibitor’s expense.

Motorized equipment and vehicles, including interior aircraft displays, may be permitted during events provided Licensee has TCC & Office of the Fire Marshal approval and the following conditions are met: 

  • Fuel tanks must have less than 1/2 tank of fuel or less than 10 gallons, whichever is less. Vehicles or equipment fueled by LP gas must comply with NFPA #58 and may not be operated during show hours.  
  • Fuel caps must be taped/sealed completely around to prevent escaping vapors. 
  • The positive battery cable must be disconnected and either taped around or secured within a battery cable bag then secured. Exceptions to this policy may apply for hybrid vehicles or vehicles where the battery is inaccessible. 
  • Office of the Fire Marshal has the right to limit the number and location of vehicles. 
  • Fueling and de-fueling cannot take place on premises. 
  • Vehicle keys must remain within the building at all times (Location of keys should be coordinated with TCC Safety & Security Manager and CSM). After move-in, all vehicle keys must remain with TCC security at all times, until move-out begins. 
  • Vehicles cannot be jump-started on premises. 
  • Drivers must be licensed to operate a motorized vehicle on TCC property. 
  • Vehicles cannot be parked in fire lanes or block exits. 
  • Vehicles of any type which have been approved for use in carpeted areas must have non-marking tires and carpet must be covered with heavy-duty polyethylene sheeting (plastic). 
  • TCC and Fire Watch personnel must be present to supervise display vehicle move-in and set up into the facility. 
  • Fire Watch must be ordered for events with 6 or more vehicles on display. Fire Watch is required during vehicle move-in, move-out, and show hours (including 1 hour prior to show opening). 
  • TCC personnel must be present to supervise display vehicle tear down and move-out from the facility. 
  • Aircraft display requires submission of full specs, including fuel information, display location, weight and load-in/out plan, to event manager 45 days prior of first contracted day for Tampa Fire Department approval. 

Exhibitors are responsible for oil, grease, or any general damage to the carpeted area.

Exhibitors must provide a set of keys, the contact’s name, and phone number of the person responsible to remove the vehicle(s) to Show Management.