Welcome Letter
Reference Links
To Our Valued Exhibitors:
Thank you for choosing to exhibit at the (NHS) National Hardware Show® at the Las Vegas Convention Center (located at 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109 Phone: 702-892-0711 Toll-Free: 877-847-4858) in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 1–3, 2012.
This manual is intended to help make the process simple and easy for you. Whether you are an experienced or first-time exhibitor at the (NHS) National Hardware Show® - it's your all-important guide to what, when and how to order the things you'll want and need for your booth. It will quickly walk you through the procedures for getting your exhibit to the Las Vegas Convention Center, running smoothly, then on its way home again.
Be sure to keep a copy of the Exhibitor Action Check List near by as you plan for the Show. It will help save you additional time and money.
Each section of this manual is organized to give you the most important things you need to know upfront. Follow these steps to make your exhibiting process run smoothly.
If you are inexperienced at exhibiting and wish to turn over as much responsibility as possible to professionals, we suggest you call Freeman Decorating Company at (702) 579-1700. As the General Contractor for NHS, FREEMAN will not only handle all of the details of installing and dismantling your exhibit, they can even design and construct it for you at a competitive rate.
Things That Are New This Year at the 2012 National Hardware Show®:
- Please be sure to carefully review the Material Handling section of the online FREEMAN manual located in the GENERAL CONTRACTOR section of this site. There are new rules and regulations related to material handling that you need to be aware of as well as low cost alternatives to get your material to and from your booth if you qualify.
- In addition, new under the GENERAL CONTRACTOR section, we have provided some "quick links" to documents that will help in your planning for the event.
- The Show is located at the Las Vegas Convention Center. See the Show-at-a- Glance layout for product segment locations.
- Freeman Electric is the official vendor for electric at the center.
- Note Halogen Light Restrictions at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
- Facility – Las Vegas Convention Center –please read this section carefully, it contains important Rules & Regulation about the LVCC, these Rules and Regulations may vary from past Rules & Regulations and it is important that you take the time to review this section.
If you have any set up questions for which you don't find answers, just call us on the Exhibitor Manual Hotline (203) 840-5622 or (888) 425-9377.
You'll find a useful list of contact names and numbers for specific functions, in our OFFICIAL CONTRACTORS section. For placing orders, or questions concerning specific rental items, please call the appropriate OFFICIAL CONTRACTORS listed in the manual.
We hope you have a most successful and profitable (NHS) National Hardware Show®
Sincerely,
(NHS) National Hardware Show® Event Management Team
Important Information You Need to Know
Please take a few minutes to review the information that is content on this page. It is a friendly reminder of important things that pertain to the NHS Show.
- Cubic Content Rule:
Please remember that the (NHS) National Hardware Show® follows the cubic content rule, which allows exhibitors to make maximum use of their booth space. Under the cubic content rule, exhibitors may build up to the front of their booths, and up to the maximum allowable height according to booth type as indicated below.
- Notice to Exhibitors regarding Non-Official Contractors:
Show Management carefully considers the selection of the National Hardware Show Official Contractors based on quality of service, variety of products, price, and reputation. Since these contractors frequently work on more than one show with us, they value the business of our customers and provide quality products and services. Some companies may misrepresent themselves as being an official contractor so be sure to check the list in the exhibitor manual or give us a call. Some things to watch for if you are considering the services of a non-official contractor are hidden charges for material handling, labor, and shipping that you might not pay otherwise (for example on carpet rental), control over delivery time, availability during move-in and leverage if something goes wrong. Also be advised that non-official contractors will need to abide by the Exhibitor Designed Contractor procedures, provide insurance certificates, etc. in order to gain access to the Show Floor.
- Exhibitor Designated Contractor (EDC) Paperwork:
Please remember you can go to EAC SECTION of this manual and be able to complete all your EDC Paperwork.
- Cleaning:
Show Management doesn't provide cleaning services of Booth Carpet (unless you rent Freeman carpet – see Freeman Carpet order form for details) and or Booth at anytime.
- Age Restrictions:
In accordance with display rules & regulations and security measures, there will be no strollers allowed on the exhibit hall floor at anyime. Also, no one under the age of 18 will be allowed on the exhibit hall during move-in and move-out days.
- LABOR REGULATIONS:
Las Vegas has several major unions that have jurisdiction over trade shows. Please plan now to abide by labor regulations. Freeman is the official labor contractor. Labor arrangements may be made to set-up, service and dismantle your exhibit. Information regarding labor jurisdiction can be found in the GENERAL CONTRACTOR section. If you have any further questions or would like a quote for labor services, you may contact Freeman directly at (702) 579-1700.
There are 3 distinct ways a booth can be set-up and dismantled.
- Hire FREEMAN labor
- Hire an Exhibitor Appointed Contractor (EAC)
- Exhibitors using contractors other than Freeman for labor and/or supervision must return the (EAC) EXHIBITOR APPOINTED CONTRACTOR form to Show Management prior to Wednesday, March 28, 2012. NO EXCEPTIONS CAN BE MADE AFTER THIS DATE. EAC's must meet specified requirements & must also be registered with the Las Vegas Convention Center.
- If you are plan to set-up your own booth
- Exhibitor is required to have with a Certificate of Insurance which names Reed Exhibitions and others (see the Certificate of Insurance sample in EXHIBITOR APPOINTED CONTRACTOR section as an additional insured as well as documentation of full-time employee status such as paycheck stub or health insurance card. If you cannot produce the required documentation, the personnel without the required documentation will have to vacate the premises and you will need to hire labor from the General Contractor.
Examples of individuals NOT ELIGIBLE to perform booth set up and dismantle are: MANUFACTURERS REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRIBUTORS, SPOUSES, RELATIVES, TEMPORARY OR DAY LABOR AND PART TIME EMPLOYEES OF ANY TYPE.
Floor Managers and Insurance Safety personnel will be on hand to check for adherence to the booth set up and dismantle guidelines. The safety of all people on the show floor is a prime concern to everyone. People without the proper documentation will be asked to leave the show floor.
Special Welcome Message & Information For First-Time Exhibitors
Dear New Exhibitor:
Thank you for choosing to exhibit at the 2012 (NHS) National Hardware Show®. We appreciate your participation in the industry's premier event and we want to make sure you are well prepared. Please take a moment to read the important information below, as it will help you to have the best experience possible at this year's event.
We're Here to Help:
Please remember that being a first-time exhibitor does not to be an overwhelming experience. We are here to help! If you have any questions concerning the show please feel free to call our Customer Service at (888) 425 - 9377 or (203) 840 - 5622.
The Earlier the Better (Save Money Too!):
Please make sure you check the EXHIBITOR ACTION CHECKLIST, of this manual for deadline dates that may apply to discount rates. To ensure the correct discount date, please also refer to the order form for that service. Remember the early bird get the discount!
Customer Satisfaction:
Show Management will have personnel on hand throughout the course of the show to consult with exhibitors regarding any issues or unclear service that was ordered. It is important not to wait until after the show to settle problems that can be easily resolved on-site.
Ensuring a Safe and Secured Show:
Please place valuables in the security room, or otherwise secure all such merchandise at all times. Items particularly vulnerable to pilferage include DVD players, monitors, personal computers and all small items of personal value. We strongly urge that these items be placed in the Security Room. We can assume no responsibility or liability for loss, damage or theft.
Take Advantage of the EVENT MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES (Many are Free!):
Be sure to check out the EVENT MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES at this link: section to see what you can do to promote your presence at the Show and drive traffic to your booth. This section includes many free things such as Customer Invitation Program and HTML Web Banners. These things will enable attendees interested in your products to find you before, during, and after NHS.