Trade Show Industry Terms

Backlighting

Backlit graphics contain rear illumination lighting that can create a high-impact visual image.

Briefcase Displays

Small panel or pop up table displays that breakdown into briefcase size packaging. Graphics are typically attached for easy transportation.

Boom Light

Light fixture mounted to a length of metal rod with a clamp or mounting bracket on the other end. These are generally mounted on the top edge of a display wall to cast light down onto the wall.

Cam Lock

A locking device commonly used in custom construction. Cam locks are fabricated into wood components and allow the joining of custom components. Other locks and fasteners are used, but cam locks have a long history in the exhibit industry and are very common.

Custom Displays

Displays that are designed and fabricated without relying on prefabricated elements or components. This generally includes wood laminate booths, but also includes the use of many aluminum extrusion components and other building materials. These displays always require professional setup.

External Frames

External frames encase components in metal or plastic, emphasizing each individual panel. They are useful for displaying multiple pictures or segmenting your product offerings.

Decorator

Term used to describe the job of installing pipe & drape booth dividers, booth signage, or hanging overhead signs.

Drayage

Term used for labor handling of exhibit materials from the freight carrier at the show location to the exhibitors' booth location within the show hall.

Flexible Graphics

Term given to graphics that are printed on or laminated to flexible plastic material that is rolled up for packing. Lexan, Styrene and polyester are the most common materials. There are numerous options for creating these graphics that vary in quality, durability and price.

Feet

Term given to any support that is designed to add stability or leveling to a display wall. These can be built-in or mount-on features

Header

A banner placed above the display that announces your message or company name.

I&D

Installation and dismantling is the term given to the labor required to set up, take down and repack the exhibit.

Internal Frames

Hidden beneath the fabric, this type of frame allows panels to hinge closely together so they're flush, providing a relatively seamless appearance.

Island Displays

Booth spaces surrounded by aisles on all four sides.

Marshaling

A term that refers to the sequential, organized staging of freight carriers waiting at the show freight yard for freight to be unloaded or loaded.

Modular

A group of independent components that can be used in a number of configurations. This term is currently overused as a marketing buzzword assigned to any exhibit or exhibit system where assembly is required.

Panel

A term used to describe an exhibit component. A panel can be flat, curved, short or tall. It can be a window, door, shelving, lightbox or video panel.

Portable

Term used to describe any booth that can be transported by a person without requiring a dolly, pallet jack, or forklift. Historically, portable has been synonymous with any packaging that meets UPS guidelines. Most portable booths were engineered to pack in cases that were within UPS guidelines. Currently portable refers to the size of the components, as portable systems often include display elements that require larger molded tub cases or even wood crates.

Steward

The title giving to the lead position of the union labor manager. This is the show floor boss who manages the labor and ensures that exhibitors follow show regulations.