Welcome and thank you for choosing to be a participant in The National Franchise Show – Cleveland.
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 IX Centre on Friday, February 13, 2026 at noon and management will be available to assist you for the duration of the show.
Table of Content
- General Information (Location, Dates, & Times)
- Exhibit Application Inclusions
- Checklist
- Audiovisual
- Booth Backdrops
- Booth Cleaning
- Booth Installation & Dismantle
- Electrical
- Exhibitor Badge
- Federal ID Number
- Food Sampling
- Franchise Show & Conference Schedule
- Free Admission Passes
- Furniture (Show Decorator)
- Hotel
- Insurance
- Lead Retrieval System
- Loading Docks
- Move-in Instructions
- Move-out Instructions
- Parking
- Rules & Regulations
- Shipping & Deliveries
- Show Decorator (Furniture & Display Rental)
- Show Guide Ads & Sponsorship
- Telephone / Internet / WIFI
- Tips to Success
- Vehicles on Show Floor
Exhibit Application Inclusions
Your exhibit application cost includes the following:
- Carpet
- 8 ft back drape
- 3 ft side drapes on each side of booth
- Up to 6 exhibitor badges
- Material handling for one (1) skid only (from loading docks to booth). Additional charges may apply for additional skids.
Items such as tables, chairs, and electrical are NOT included. If you require these in your booth, you may rent from our official show vendors identified below in this Exhibitor Manual.
All booth designs and activities must comply with the rules and regulations of the Show and Venue.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Show Location
IX Center
Concourse
1 I-X Center Dr
Cleveland, Ohio
44135
NOTE: This is a union facility
Show Dates & Times
Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Exhibitor Move-in Times
Friday, February 13, 2026 | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Exhibitor Move-Out Dates & Times
Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 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 284
Email: 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.
AUDIO / VISUAL RENTALS
ORDER DEADLINE: January 14, 2026
If you require audio visual equipment in your booth, please send an email request to:
Westminster AV
Email: sales@westminsterav.com
Tel: 216-325-6965
Orders received after the pre-show booking deadline may be subject to additional charges.
Booth Backdrops
If you require a pop-up banner or backdrop, please contact:
Corporate Display Specialties (CDS)
Nina Cote
Tel: 1-800-367-2531
Email: nina@cdsdisplays.com
http://www.ezbackdrops.com/
BOOTH CLEANING
coming soon.
BOOTH INSTALLATION & DISMANTLING
coming soon.
Electrical
ADVANCED PRICING DEADLINE: January 24, 2026
Electrical is not supplied to your booth. If you require an electrical hookup, please order online with the link below.
If you have questions, please contact:
EDLEN
Steve Mariakis
Tel: 216-928-1542
Exhibitor Badges
BOOKING DEADLINE: February 6, 2026
We have implemented a new automatic badge system to simplify the request process. Exhibitors are provided with up to a maximum of 6 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.
Visit the EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION PORTAL to register your booth staff for the Cleveland Franchise Show. You can visit this portal at any time to manage your company’s staff badges. You will need to enter your Access Code to manage your company’s account. Your Access Code will be emailed to the main contact from your company roughly 8-weeks before show date. Contact exhibitors@nationalevent.com if you did not receive your access code, please mention company name and show location.
Federal ID Number
The Federal ID Number for the venue is 87-2558211. You will require this number to clear customs.
Food Sampling
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: January 15, 2026
If you are planning on sampling food or beverage products in your booth, please note that there are necessary forms to complete.
Food samples are limited to “bite-sized” – 2”x2” / 5cm x 5cm / 2oz. and beverage samples are limited to a 2 oz./118ml Portions.
- Please fill out the VENUE SAMPLING FORM and send the completed application to both AL.BELTRANENA@OAKVIEWGROUP.COM and emma@nationalevent.com
Franchise Show & Conference Schedule
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.
- Free Admission Pass: https://unitytickets.com/se/FRANCHISECLES2026/Ticket?utm_discount=EXHIBITOR
- Generic Free Admission Coupon (.jpg): CLICK HERE
- Generic Free Admission Coupon (.pdf): CLICK HERE
Furniture (Show Decorator)
coming soon.
Hotel
BOOKING DEADLINE: January 22, 2026
Rooms and discounted rate will only be held until the specified date. Rooms will then be subject to availability at prevailing rates.
We have obtained a group rate of $149 + taxes at the Residence Inn.
Residence Inn by Marriott Cleveland Airport/Middleburg Heights
19149 East Bagley Road
Middleburg Heights, Ohio
44130
Reservations may be made by using this BOOKING LINK
To receive this rate, you must mention that you are with The Franchise Show – Cleveland when booking. Rates cannot be changed at check-in/check-out times if you fail to identify your affiliation at the time of booking.
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
Lead Retrieval System
We have implemented a NEW Lead Collection System at The National Franchise Show.
All attendees will now be badged! Attendees will have to register and obtain their QR name badge before stepping on the show floor, making it even easier for you to scan and capture their information!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW THIS WORKS
TO ORDER LEAD RETRIEVAL (NOTE: your company will only be listed in the show’s drop-down if you have not already ordered)
Loading Docks
Loading docks 36 & 37 are available during move-in and move-out. Any items unloaded in the docks would need to be forklifted down the ramp to the lower level of the building to the Concourse.
Otherwise, please unload in the parking lot outside the 2E entrance and hand-carry or dolly your items down the ramp and into the building.
If you are interested in driving your vehicle into the building for set-up or tear-down, you can purchase a drive-in pass for $30 per pass. One pass is required per vehicle per entry into the building. Passes are non-refundable.
– The door you can drive in is a standard garage door. However, in the lower level, the max height a vehicle can make it safely through is 6.5 feet.
Dollies and a pump truck will be available for your use. If you require a forklift to move material from the dock to your booth, a forklift will be available to you. However, if you have excessive forklift requirements, please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com) to discuss your needs. A charge may apply.
Move-in Instructions
Move -in Times: Friday, February 13, 2026 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 on 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, February 15, 2026 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 are 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 $12.00/vehicle per entry to the lot on show days. There is no fee to park on move-in days.
There is an exhibitor parking pass that allows for in-and-out privileges, so you would not have to pay each time you enter.
– PRE-PURCHASED 2-day EXHIBITOR PARKING PASSES ($20/pass)
– Purchased through the ONLINE PORTAL, receive a QR code, scan the QR code on Friday during move-in to redeem for your parking hang tag. THE QR CODE IS NOT THE PARKING PASS. IF YOU DO NOT PICK UP YOUR HANG TAG, YOU WILL BE CHARGED AT THE GATE ON SATURDAY.
– ONSITE PURCHASED 2-day EXHIBITOR PARKING PASSES ($24/pass) – parking passes can be purchased onsite at the I-X customer service counter on Friday during move-in.
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. 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 and is mandatory for all exhibits. 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 regarding the Fire Code please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@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).
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, February 13, 2026
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 only, the venue will not sign nor receive any shipments for the event. Your materials will be left at the dock until you arrive. To 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. Handling fee charges will be a minimum of $45.00 or $15.00 per ‘hundred weight’ whichever is greater.
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
Please address shipments to:
Company name, Booth number
I-X Center
Attn: National Franchise Show
1 I-X Center Drive
Cleveland, Ohio
44135
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.
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.
Pre-Show Shipping
coming soon.
Show Decorator (Furniture & Display Rental)
coming soon.
Show Guide Ad & Sponsorship Opportunities
Stand Out at The Franchise Show
Boost your brand visibility with show advertising and customizable sponsorships designed to maximize your exposure before, during, and after the event.
- Our Show Guides are handed to every attendee and taken home—keeping your brand top of mind long after the show ends.
- Sponsorships: From onsite branding to digital promos, we offer a range of opportunities to help you connect with serious prospects.
Interested? Let’s find the right fit for your brand. Contact Michael Hyam at michael@nationalevent.com or 905-477-2677 ext. 270 for more details.
Telephone / Internet / WIFI
Please Note: Free internet is NOT available on the exhibit floor
WIFI is ordered onsite through the device you wish to use. There is a portal you can log into once you arrive at the facility. It is $50 a day, per device.
Smart City Networks – Cleveland IX Center
Ryan Keenan
Cell: 440-662-8454
Office:216-676-6000
Email: Rkeenan@smartcity.com
Tips for Success
Please review the "Tips for Success" PDF below for important information on how to make the most out of exhibiting with us!
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.
Display vehicles must purchase a display vehicle pass for $60.
PURCHASE DISPLAY VEHICLE PASS
- Vehicles must be no larger than 7’6″ tall x 11’6″ wide in order to drive in.
Trailers must be no longer than 6′.
- The lower level of the building (where the Concourse is located) only permits standard size vehicles. If the vehicle can fit in a standard size garage door, it can fit in the Concourse. If not, it will NOT be able to drive into the building.
All Display vehicles must comply with the following:
– A maximum of 1/8th tank of gas or two gallons, whichever is less, may remain in the tank
– The gas tank must be sealed, locked, or taped shut
– Battery cables must be disconnected and taped.
– A Compliance Card must be obtained from the I-X Service Center & displayed on the vehicle
– Display vehicles are subject to inspection by the Cleveland Fire Marshal.
Exhibitors are responsible for oil, grease, or any general damage to the carpeted area.
Exhibitors must provide a set of keys, the contact name, and phone number of the person responsible to remove the vehicle(s) to Show Management.