Exhibitor Services

Click here to download and print out the entire Exhibitor Services Manual.

I. General Information

• Show Hours
• Show Location
• Set-Up Hours
• Freight delivery hours
• Dismantle & Move-out hours

II. Exhibitor Services Information

• Audio Visual
• Badges/Exhibitor Registration
• Basic Market Suite & Equipment
• Booth Cleaning
• Booth Staffing, Dressers & Steamer Help
• Business Services/ Service Desk
• Custom Signage
• Dress Forms/ Mannequins
• Dressing Rooms
• Driving To The Mart
• Electrical Services
• Equipment & Services
• Exhibitor Appointed Contractors (EAC)
• Floral
• International Shipping
• Labor
• Lighting
• Linens
• Models
• Photography, Videotaping & Broadcasting
• Rules & Regulations
• S-Hooks
• Security
• Set-up & Dismantling Procedures
• Shipping & Material Handling
• Direct Shipments to Dock
• Smoking
• Staging/Runways
• Steamer Rental
• Storage
• Telecommunications
• Tipping
• Tenant Move Form
• Travel
• Union Regulations
• Upgraded Equipment Resources
• UPS/ FedEx/ Other Package Services
• Water Services

III. Exhibitor Services Order Forms

• Method of Payment Form (REQUIRED)
• Additional Equipment & Services Form
• Installation/ Dismantle Labor Request Form
• Customization Order Form
• Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Form
• Permanent Tenant Move Form
• Booth Sign Request Form
• Alex Display – Upgrade Furniture
• Alex Display – Custom Displays & Grid Rentals
• AV Chicago – Audio Visual Rental
• Carousel Linens – Linen and Skirting Rental
• Dress-Rite – Dress Forms
• Easy Pedestal – Display Pedestals
• Katherine Frank Creative – Custom Signage Form
• New Office Staffing Order Form
• Manex USA – Display Dress Form
• Vu Cases – Display Case Form
• Travel & Hotel Information Forms

IV. Lease Rules & Regulations

General Show Information

• National Bridal Market Chicago
  SHOW HOURS
  Saturday, October 4, 2008, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
  Sunday, October 5, 2008, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
  Monday, October 6, 2008, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
  Tuesday, October 7, 2008, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
  

• SHOW LOCATION
  The Merchandise Mart, 7th-floor Market Suites.

• SET-UP HOURS
  Thursday, October 2–Friday, October 3, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

• FREIGHT DELIVERY HOURS
  Wednesday, October 1–Friday, October 3, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.  
  (Wednesday is NOT a set-up day)

• DISMANTLING & MOVE-OUT HOURS
  Tuesday, October 7, 4 p.m.–?
  Wednesday, October 8, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  Carriers must check in by noon Wednesday, October 8.

Exhibitor Services Information

• AUDIO VISUAL

The official audiovisual vendor for the National Bridal Market is AV Chicago. Please contact them at 312/943-9822, for equipment and rates.

• BADGES/EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION

For your convenience, there are no forms to mail or fax.  Instead, Registration is done online at the address listed below or by Self Registration Onsite. You will receive a bar-coded confirmation online, which you must bring to the 8th Floor Registration to receive your exhibitor badges. Exhibitor badges will only be issued on-site during move-in at Exhibitor Registration.  (We recommend that you register on-line prior to the show to save time on-site).

TO REGISTER:  http://www.merchandisemart.com/nationalbridalmarket/registration_ex.html

BADGES WILL NOT BE MAILED IN ADVANCE OF THE SHOW, PICK THEM UP ON THE 7th FLOOR!!

Register by visiting us online at the address listed above.  When you have finished filling out your information click the "Submit" button at the bottom of the page and your Bar-coded Confirmation page will appear.  Print this page out, on standard white printer paper with black ink (faxed copies or colored copies will NOT scan).  Bring your bar-coded confirmation to Exhibitor Registration with the items listed below.  The 2-D barcode contains all your registration information.  When scanned, it will immediately print your badge.
NOTE:  EACH EXHIBITOR MUST have proof of employment with the exhibiting company, e.g. a Personalized Imprinted Business card with the exhibiting company’s name, or a letter printed on the exhibiting company’s letter head stating that you are authorized to work in their booth AND a Photo I.D.

You must be present to receive your badge.  Badges will not be printed unless actual individual is present.

This new registration process will ensure better security on the trade show floor.  If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact Customer Service at 800/677-6278 or 312/527-7600.
Contractor Badges: The Exhibitor Service Desk will issue temporary badges, valid only for set-up and dismantling, to contractors on a daily basis.

• BASIC MARKET SUITE & EQUIPMENT

Market Suite dimensions vary with location. A typical suite is approximately 10' deep by 10' wide with 7’10” high back and side walls. Dimensions may be requested by calling 312/527-7902.

Each suite includes gray carpet; a 120 volt, 150 watt duplex electrical outlet; a 1'x4' fluorescent ceiling fixture; one 8.5” X 14” sign; one waste basket per exhibitor; and the Basic Equipment Package.

Note: If you did not order your Basic Equipment Package when you signed your contract, you will be charged the on-site rate for any equipment you require.

If you would like to have MMPI customize your space in any way that involves construction, painting, or flooring, please return the Customization Form.  You may contract an installer to do such work for you, consistent with the rules regarding Exhibitor Appointed Contractors.  (See separate heading below.)

Suites that have been marked, taped, Velcroed, stapled, painted, or papered must be repaired or replaced. Repair charges will be assessed based on time and materials.

• BOOTH CLEANING

All Market Suites will be vacuumed prior to the show at no charge.  If you require additional cleaning services, complete the Equipment and Service order form.

• BOOTH STAFFING, DRESSERS & STEAMER HELP

For your temporary booth staffing needs, including dressers and steamer help, please refer to the New Office Order Form.

• BUSINESS SERVICES/ SERVICE DESK

The Exhibitor Service Desk offers business services including photocopying and faxing.  The Service Desk can also respond to questions about shipping, materials handling, and billing, and assist you in placing orders for booth services or equipment.

Please note that a Method of Payment form, including credit card information, is required of ALL exhibitors by TBD.  No services, including freight delivery, will be provided without this information. 

• CUSTOM SIGNAGE

For all your custom signage needs contact Katherine Frank Creative at www.katherinefrank.com or click here for their order form.

• DRESS FORMS/ MANNEQUINS

Dress forms are available through Dress Rite or Manex USA at 800/699-6466.

• DRESSING ROOMS

Exhibitors who plan to hire models must provide a dressing area. You can rent a set of screens for $140.  Exhibitors with suites larger than 200 square feet are encouraged to install an actual dressing room by returning a Customization Form.

• DRIVING TO THE MART

The Merchandise Mart is bordered by Wells and Orleans Streets on the east and west, and Kinzie Street and the Chicago River on the north and south.  From I-90/94, exit east at Ohio Street.  Turn south on Wells Street and drive four blocks to The Mart.

• ELECTRICAL SERVICES

All electrical services will be installed by The Merchandise Mart.  See the Equipment and Services Order Form for availability. Questions regarding the acceptability of your electrical set-up may be directed to 312/527-7902. Electrical equipment must conform to City of Chicago code requirements.

1. Zip cords, taps, or extension cords over 6’, clamp lights, or track lights are not permitted.
2. All wiring or flexible cords shall be 3-wire, "hard usage approved", 12 gauge, grounded, unless a component part of an assembly approved under the Chicago Electrical Code.
3. Christmas tree lights are permitted only with the use of a GFI cord.  GFI cords must be rented on-site through MMPI
4. All fixtures must be UL listed, though this does not ensure passage of Chicago Electrical Code.
5. Only MMPI fixtures are allowed on light tracks.
6. MMPI reserves the right to review all lighting and electrical.  Additional charges may be assessed.

• EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

See the Order Forms link for a listing of services available. For questions regarding these services, call 312/527-7902.

• EXHIBITOR APPOINTED CONTRACTORS (EAC)

It is the exhibitors' responsibility to see that their agents abide by the "Rules and Regulations of the Exhibition". All EACs must return the Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Form.

CONTRACTOR GUIDELINES
Exhibitors who wish to employ EACs should make known to them the guidelines to be followed as urged by the Exhibit Designers & Producers Association, plus the following qualifications to those guidelines:

1. The EAC shall be given the right to provide services requested of them by an exhibitor in set-up and dismantling on the show floor, and shall have the right to utilize qualified employees registered in advance by Show Management.
2. Services shall not conflict with labor regulations or contracts including jurisdictions claimed by local labor unions.  The EAC shall adhere to the rules and regulations in this manual.
3. The EAC shall possess a valid public liability and property damage insurance policy for at least $2,000,000.  The certificate of insurance must name Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc., Merchandise Mart L.L.C., 350 North Orleans L.L.C., Vornado Realty Trust and Vornado Realty L.P. as additional insured.
4. The EAC shall have a true and valid work order from an exhibitor in advance of the show move-in date and shall not solicit business on the show floor or during move-in or move-out dates.
5. The EAC will share with MMPI all reasonable costs related to their operation including overtime pay for stewards, restoration of the exhibit space to its initial condition, etc.
6. The EAC shall cooperate fully with MMPI, especially with regard to the efficient utilization of labor. 

• FLORAL

The preferred vendor for plants and floral arrangements is Kabloom and Northern.

• INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

If you need assistance with international freight and customs arrangements, call R.E. Rogers, Inc. at 310.641.6600 or fax your inquiry to 310.641-.0703. Click here for more information.

• LABOR

Any labor personnel working in your booth must be one of the following:

1. Your own company personnel (depending on the type of work being done, union labor may be required).  See Union Regulations for additional information.
2. Exhibitor appointed contractor.  EAC’s must comply with guidelines regarding EAC’s.  See Exhibitor Appointed Contractors for additional information.
3. MMPI Union Labor.  To order labor, please refer to the Installation/Dismantle Labor Request Form.

In an effort to provide you with increasingly better service while efficiently utilizing our labor staff, we have implemented a new policy for labor orders.  Any exhibitor who has pre-ordered labor must check in, by their requested start time, at the Service Desk located across from Suite 6030 on the 7th floor.  All exhibitors requiring labor services may also request labor at this desk.

Once you have checked in with the Service Desk Staff, we will send a laborer to your Market Suite. Please keep the following in mind:

• Starting time can be guaranteed only in those instances where personnel are requested for the start of the working day, which is 8:00 a.m., and only for orders placed by the deadline date.
• All labor must be signed in/out at the Service Desk.
• All other orders will be filled, as labor is available.
• Exhibitors not checked in by their requested starting times during installation/dismantling, are subject to a charge of ½ the total time scheduled, per man ordered (one hour minimum), unless we receive written cancellation 24 hours prior to the starting time.

All orders for dismantling labor must be confirmed no later than 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2008.

If you have any additional questions regarding labor options, please call 312/527-7902.

• LIGHTING

Each suite is provided a 1’x4’ fluorescent fixture. You may add up to six (6) halogen track lights per 10x10 suite. See the Lighting and Electrical Services Order Form.

• LINENS

The Merchandise Mart does not provide linens for tables.  You can make arrangements for table linens by contacting Carousel Linens at 847/432-8182.

Please be sure to follow any delivery & return instructions the company may have. Please reference The National Bridal Market when placing your order.

• MODELS

If you are interested in hiring models or dressers for your Market Suite, we suggest the following agencies:
Elite Chicago at 312/943-3226 / Contact: Alyssa
Ford at 312/243-9400 / Contact: Nancy

• PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEOTAPING & BROADCASTING

Photographing, videotaping, filming, or sound recording is prohibited without the prior written consent of Show Management.  Permission should also be obtained from individual exhibitors prior to the filming of their exhibit.

• RULES & REGULATIONS

Exhibitors are advised to carefully read the Terms and Conditions at the end of this manual. In addition, special attention should be given to the rules outlined below.

1. Exhibitor badges are required at all times.
2. At least one representative of the exhibiting company should be in the booth during show hours.
3. Public address or microphone systems may not be used in a booth smaller than 400 square feet arranged in a square.  Exhibitors using TV monitors or demonstrating mechanical or electrical equipment should ensure that noise levels do not cause an annoyance to their neighbors.  Show Management reserves the right to determine acceptable levels of noise.
4. Adhere to all Fire Department, Exhibit Construction and Union Requirements (Rules & Regulations).
5. Any exhibitor breaking down their booth prior to the show closing (4:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 4) will be fined $1000.  Please arrange travel accordingly.

• S-HOOKS

You can rent S-Hooks for the duration of the show at the Exhibitor Service Desk.  Two sizes are available: 7 inches and 16 inches - $1.00.  Hooks must be returned to the Exhibitor Service Desk at the close of the show.

• SECURITY

Show security will be on duty 24 hours a day from move-in to move-out, but cannot and should not be counted on to provide more than a presence to inhibit theft. The show hereby gives formal notice that the show and its management, its agents and its official vendors neither offer nor accept responsibility for exhibitors' property of any kind.  Exhibitors can hire the services of a guard by contacting the official the National Bridal Market Chicago October 2008 Security Company:

Andy Frain Security Services
Harry Payne
761 Shoreline Drive
Aurora, IL 60504
312/755-2001
Email: hpayne@andyfrain.com

To further provide for the security of merchandise in your booth, we advise you to staff your Market Suite at all times, and not to leave valuables unattended.

• SET-UP AND DISMANTLING PROCEDURES

Exhibitor set-up begins at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 2. Exhibitors may begin dismantling their displays at 4:00 p.m. on October 7.  Exhibitors placing labor orders on-site should expect to wait several hours for services. Various unions claim jurisdiction over all set-up and dismantling of exhibits including signs and laying of flooring.  This does not apply to the unpacking and placement of your merchandise.

Please note: If your booth set-up involves any work that will require drilling into the ceiling or base building, or producing excessive noise, please see Show Management at the Exhibitor Services Desk.  As an accommodation, work will be scheduled during non-business hours.

Suites that have been marked, taped, Velcroed, stapled, painted, or papered must be repaired or replaced.  Repair charges will be assessed based on time and materials.

NOTE:  Exhibitors may hand-carry small items. Exhibitors will not be permitted to bring handcarts, flatbeds, or dollies onto the floor.  Refer to Shipping and Materials Handling, below, for applicable labor rates, based on inbound weight.

All exhibits must be set up by 4:00 p.m. Friday, October 3.  Exhibits not set up by this time may be set up by Show Management and assessed a fee.  No construction, arranging, or setting up of exhibits—including deliveries or moving of product—will be permitted during show hours.

Directions to The Merchandise Mart Loading Dock: From I-94, exit on Ohio Street.  At the first light, turn right onto Orleans.  Turn right onto Hubbard, then left onto Kingsbury.  Turn left onto Kinzie.  At the stop sign, turn right to the dock. It may take a few hours for all empty containers to be returned.  Should any exhibitor, its agents, or contractor fail to remove their property by noon on Wednesday, October 8 the exhibitor shall indemnify the Show in respect to any claim thereby occasioned. Management shall be entitled, but not obliged, to remove such materials at the exhibitor’s expense.  Show Management reserves the right to specify the time at which individual exhibits shall be removed.

• SHIPPING AND MATERIAL HANDLING

Material handling involves receiving freight during move-in, delivering it to your booth, removing empty containers and returning them after the show, and loading materials for outbound shipping.

You may ship your materials from the show via any carrier. You are required only to contact your carrier, pack your material, and file a Bill of Lading with the freight desk. Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. assumes no responsibility for shipments until they are collected from the exhibitor's booth. A representative of the exhibitor should remain with their property until this has been done.

PERMANENT SHOWROOM TENANTS, who are showing merchandise in the Market Suites, will be notified by separate cover regarding the delivery procedures of your merchandise. Click here for your MOVE FORM.

Minimize the time and money spent on material handling by observing the following guidelines:

1. Consolidate all freight—booth, merchandise, literature, etc.—into one shipment to the warehouse.
2. Clearly label all packages with show name; company name and booth number.  Remove all old labels.
3. All freight must be no larger than 5’ wide x 10’ long x 5’8” high, or weigh over 2000 pounds.  Any freight that exceeds these measurements and MMPI feel safe to turn on its side will be charged a handling fee of $50 per item, per trip. MMPI is not responsible for damage or loss to product during turning.  Any items too large to move will be held at the loading dock for unpacking.  A 50% surcharge will be applied and your booth set-up will be delayed.
4. Create a detailed inventory sheet of every item you are shipping or bringing to the show.  Be able to provide the number of units, item descriptions (i.e. cartons, cases, crates, and/or individual items) and weight for all shipments being delivered to the Show.
5. Insure your merchandise against theft, damage, and loss from the time it leaves your facility until it returns.

• DIRECT SHIPMENTS TO DOCK

Shipments should arrive between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on October 2–3.  Instruct your carrier to arrive early and not withdraw from the line until your merchandise has been delivered.

SHIPPING EXHIBIT SITE ADDRESS

National Bridal Market Chicago
(Your Company Name)
(Your Booth Number-Market Suites on 7)
c/o Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza
Chicago, IL 60654

A handling charge of $55.00 per cwt. Is applied to the following: direct shipments that arrive outside the designated schedule; and oversized crates.

Drayage penalty rates apply equally to deliveries by car.

Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. is not responsible for loss or theft of materials after they have been delivered to your Market Suite or after they have been picked up for loading out of the dock.

Outbound Shipping
Yellow Freight is the preferred shipper for the National Bridal Market™.  You may ship your materials from the show via any carrier.  You are required only to contact your carrier, pack your materials and file a Bill of Lading with the freight desk. Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. assumes no responsibility for shipments until they are collected from the exhibitor’s booth.  A representative of the exhibitor should remain with their property until this has been done.

Yellow Freight Systems and Airways Freight will be available on site to answer shipping questions.  You can contact Yellow Freight Systems at 800/610-6500 for advanced questions and scheduling.

• SMOKING

The Merchandise Mart is a non-smoking facility.

• STAGING/RUNWAYS

The Merchandise Mart does not provide staging. You can make arrangements for staging by contacting Chicago Party Rental at 708/485-8010.

Note: When ordering runway staging, the maximum height of the runways should be eight (8) inches. Skirting for staging does not come automatically and should be ordered separately. Please reference the National Bridal Market when placing your order. This will insure ease of delivery and waive any minimum order requirements.

• STEAMER RENTAL

Steamers are available for rent at the Service Desk located on the West end of aisle 6000 on the 7th floor.  They are available on a first come, first served basis and quantities are limited.  The cost per hour is $20.00.  See the “Booth Staffing, Dressers & Steamer Help” heading for information regarding hiring personnel to help steam your product

• STORAGE

No storage facilities are available within The Merchandise Mart. Packing materials may not remain on the show floor while the show is open. Flammable containers must be removed from the hall.

When your containers are empty, obtain "EMPTY" labels from the exhibitor service desk.  Use the labels to mark your crates, boxes and containers with your company name and booth number.  Leave the containers in the aisle.  Labeled containers will be returned to you at the end of the show.  Do not store anything in these containers. They will not be available, and are not in the care and custody of the show or any vendor.

• TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Wireless Internet service is available through SBC Freedom Link.  Go to www.sbc.com/freedomlink for additional information.  Hard line, dial up telephone service is not available.

• TIPPING

Show Management requests that exhibitors do not tip labor. It is considered a destructive practice leading to a lack of rapport between management and labor.

• TRAVEL

You may contact Mart Travel Services at 800/528-8700 to reserve the lowest available airfare and discounted rates at Chicago’s finest, most conveniently located hotels.  You will receive an 11% discount on the lowest published price on United Airlines flights, the official carrier for the National Bridal Market Chicago™ (some restrictions apply). Click here for more information.

• UNION REGULATIONS

Union labor will be required for certain aspects of your exhibit handling, including installation and dismantling of all systems furniture.

General Guideline: You may set up your exhibit display if one person can accomplish the task in less than ½ hour, without the use of tools and the booth is 100 sq ft (10x10) or smaller.  Your personnel may work along with a union installer.  The use of power tools, including battery operated tools, and ladders are strictly prohibited.  Any such work must be completed by union labor.

You may address questions regarding the specific union regulations that apply to carpentry, signage, electrical installation, or material handling for your display to 312/527-7902.

• UPGRADED EQUIPMENT SERVICES

Click here for upgraded equipment resource list.

• UPS/FED EX/OTHER PACKAGE SERVICES

All packages will be received through the loading dock and charged at the published drayage rate when applicable. Please note that piece counts cannot be guaranteed for such shipments. Where possible exhibitors may avoid delays and extra charges by having express deliveries shipped to their hotel.

• WATER SERVICES

Bottled water services can be ordered through Hinckley Springs by calling 773/586-8600.

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