Welcome and thank you for choosing to be a participant in The National Franchise Show – Halifax.
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 & services.
The show office will be set up at the Halifax Convention Centre, on Friday October 31st at noon. 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 Cleaning
- Booth Installation & Dismantle
- Customs Broker
- Electrical
- Exhibitor Badge
- 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
GENERAL INFORMATION
Show Location
Halifax Convention Centre
Hall C1 & C2
1650 Argyle St
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 3N8
Show Dates & Times
Saturday, November 1, 2025 | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, November 2, 2025 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Exhibitor Move-in Times
Friday, October 31, 2025 | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Exhibitor Move-Out Dates & Times
Sunday, November 2, 2025 | 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
Fax: (905) 477-7872
Exhibitor Coordinator
Emma Barnes-Chow
905 477-2677 or (800) 891-4859 Ext 284
Email: emma@nationalevent.com
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.
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
BOOKING DEADLINE: October 1st, 2025
If you require audio visual equipment in your booth, please send the completed order form to;
Encore Audio Visual
David Smith
david.smith3@encoreglobal.com
Orders received after the ORDER deadline may be subject to additional charges.
BOOTH CLEANING
BOOKING DEADLINE: October 18, 2025
Exhibitors are responsible for maintaining their own booth space. If you require in-booth vacuuming, please fill out the order form below and email to info@globalcovention.ca
For all other questions please contact:
Global Convention Services
Tel: 902-425-1400
Fax: 902-423-4129
E-mail: info@globalconvention.ca
BOOTH CLEANING ORDER FORM
PAYMENT FORM
Alternatively, if you wish to place your order online, you will receive an email from Global with login information.
BOOTH INSTALLATION & DISMANTLING
BOOKING DEADLINE: October 18, 2025
Dismantling or removing your exhibit/exhibit materials before the end of the show is strictly prohibited.
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.
Should you require assistance setting up or dismantling your booth, please fill out the forms below and email them to: info@globalconvention.ca
For all other questions please contact:
Global Convention Services
Tel: 902-425-1400
Fax: 902-423-4129
E-mail: info@globalconvention.ca
BOOTH INSTALLATION & DISMANTLE ORDER FORM
PAYMENT FORM
Alternatively, If you wish to place your order online, you will receive an email from Global with login information.
CUSTOMS BROKER
Cross Connect Customs & Logistics is our designated official customs broker to coordinate customs clearance of goods destined for The National Franchise Show. Please make sure you contact them at least one month prior to the event in order to arrange your custom needs.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Anthony D’Alessandro
Email: info@crossconnectcl.com
Cell: 416-670-6606
Electrical
BOOKING DEADLINE: October 18, 2025
Electrical is not supplied to your booth. If you require electrical in your booth, please fill out the forms below and email them to: info@globalconvention.ca
For all other questions please contact:
Global Convention Services
Tel: 902-425-1400
Fax: 902-423-4129
E-mail: info@globalconvention.ca
ELECTRICAL ORDER FORM
PAYMENT FORM
Alternatively, If you wish to place your order online, you will receive an email from Global with login information.
Exhibitor Badges
DEADLINE: October 24, 2025
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 Postal to register your booth staff for the Halifax 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.
Food Sampling
FORMS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: October 1st, 2025
If you are planning on sampling food or beverage products in your booth, you will need approval from the facility and the city. Please send your sampling details to the venue as early as possible.
Details required :
– Company Name
– Contact person and email
– Booth Number
– Food product you wish to sample (include a picture)
– Address/Facility product is made
– List of ingredients
– How you plan to serve (Size of serving, disposable serving plate, etc.)
– Documentation to support that samples meet all provincial food safety regulations
– Please provide any other information you deem necessary.
Please email your request for authorization with all the information above to Stacey McLaughlin stacey@halifaxconventioncentre.com and emma@nationalevent.com.
Exhibitors are to provide their own equipment suitable for serving their products, and fees will apply should equipment or other items be required. The Halifax Convention Centre is unable to store any product samples.
FOOD SAMPLING GUIDELINES (FACILITY)
Serving Size: Servings must be in sample size portions. Maximum serving sizes include: 3 oz for beer, 2 oz for wine, ¼ oz for spirits and 1 oz for food.
Non-Competitive: The product is deemed by the Halifax Convention Centre to be a non-competitive product, both in content and pricing, to products offered by the Halifax Convention Centre Catering Services. Bottled water and soft drinks are deemed to be competitive.
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://halifaxfranchiseshow.com/freetickets
- Generic Free Admission Coupon (.jpg): CLICK HERE
- Generic Free Admission Coupon (.pdf): CLICK HERE
Furniture (Show Decorator)
ORDER DEADLINE: October 18, 2025
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 our Official Show Decorator through their online portal.
Show Colours
- Booth Drapes: Black
- The hall is carpeted with a multi-coloured carpet
To place a rental order from the Show Decorator, please fill out the forms below and email them to: info@globalconvention.ca
For all other questions please contact:
Global Convention Services
Tel: 902-425-1400
Fax: 902-423-4129
E-mail: info@globalconvention.ca
FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES ORDER FORM
CARPET ORDER FORM
PAYMENT FORM
Alternatively, if you wish to place your order online, you will receive an email from Global with login information.
Hotel
BOOKING DEADLINE: September 29, 2025
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 $239.00 + taxes at the Residence Inn by Marriott
Residence Inn by Marriott
1599 Grafton Street,
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2C3
To make a reservation, you can BOOK ONLINE HERE
To receive this rate, you must mention that you are with The National Franchise Show – Halifax 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
Email: info@exhibitorinsurance.com
Exhibitor Insurance Brokers.com is offering a special price for the show at $175 + taxes.
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 it to info@exhibitorinsurance.com.
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: you will need your access code to login, please contact emma@nationalevent.com if you require assistance)
Loading Docks
Please note that the loading docks are located at 1650 Market Street, Door 3. Please review the Docking Bay Map for important arrival instructions.
Dock level access is available. 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 speak with (emma@nationalevent.com) to discuss your needs. A charge may apply.
Move-in Instructions
Move-in Times: Friday October 31, 2025 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- All exhibitors must officially register before setting up. Exhibitors will not be permitted to set up during show hours.
- All exhibits must be set up by 6:00 pm Friday.
- 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.
Exhibitors may use the Argyle Street, Grafton Street, or parking entrances to transport materials they can carry in one trip to their booths. Examples of acceptable hand-carry materials include: boxes, suitcases or fiberboard shipping cartons, portable displays on wheels and small luggage racks.
Move-out Instructions
Move-out Times: Sunday November 2, 2025 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.
Parking
Parking is available in the Nova Centre and is managed by Page Realty. Rates can be found here. Please note, rates are subject to change.
In addition to the onsite paid parkade there are several major paid parkades within close proximity of the Centre. Please review the parking map below for locations and rates.
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@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 or Flooring is mandatory for all exhibits. You can use the show decorator below or you are welcome to bring in your own at your own cost. See 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.
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@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 (emma@nationalevent.com)
Animals in the Show
The facility’s policy prohibits the presence of animals unless they are used as a working dog for the blind. Permission must be obtained from the facility for any exception. Please contact (emma@nationalevent.com) regarding approval and the necessary forms.
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@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: October 31, 2025
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. 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.
Please address shipments to:
Company Name, Booth Number
C/O The National Franchise Show – Halifax
Halifax Convention Centre
1650 Market Street, Loading Door 3
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 3N8
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;
Cross Connect Customs & Logistics
Anthony D’Alessandro
Email: info@crossconnectcl.com
Cell: 416-670-6606
TRANSPORTATION AND CUSTOMS 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.
Pre-Show Shipping: October 4 – October 25
Advanced Warehousing can be ordered through our show decorator Global Convention Services. To request a quote, please contact:
Global Convention Services
Tel: 902-425-1400
Fax: 902-423-4129
E-mail: info@globalconvention.ca
ADVANCED WAREHOUSING SHIPPING FORM
SHIPPING GENERAL INFO
Shipping enquiries must be finalized 14 days prior to the show move-in date. Be sure your shipment is labeled clearly.
Show Decorator (Furniture & Display Rental)
ORDER DEADLINE: October 18, 2025
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 our Official Show Decorator through their online portal.
Show Colours
- Booth Drapes: Black
- The hall is carpeted with a multi-coloured carpet
To place a rental order from the Show Decorator, please fill out the forms below and email them to info@globalconvention.ca.
For all other questions please contact:
Global Convention Services
Tel: 902-425-1400
Fax: 902-423-4129
E-mail: info@globalconvention.ca
FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES ORDER FORM
CARPET ORDER FORM
PAYMENT FORM
Alternatively, if you wish to place your order online, you will receive an email from Global with login information.
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 us for more details:
Nadine Thompson at nadine@nationalevent.com or 905-477-2677 ext. 229
or
Connie McNaughton at connie@nationalevent.com or 905-477-2677 ext. 240
or
Teena-Lee Sherrer at tl@nationalevent.com or 905-477-2677 ext. 275
Telephone / Internet / WIFI
ADVANCE RATE ORDERING DEADLINE : October 25, 2025
Please Note: This venue has free (but limited) access to WIFI in its public spaces (this does NOT include the show floor). Paid WIFI can be accessed through the Pay-As-You-Go Portal by connecting to the Halifax Convention Centre hotspot while onsite. The cost is $20 per device, per 24 hours (plus applicable taxes).
If you require a telephone or wired internet access in your booth, please fill out the forms below and email them to: info@globalconvention.ca
For all other questions please contact:
Global Convention Services
Tel: 902-425-1400
Fax: 902-423-4129
E-mail: info@globalconvention.ca
INTERNET ORDER FORM
PAYMENT FORM
Alternatively, if you wish to place your order online, you will receive an email from Global with login information.
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@nationalevent.com for approval and to arrange arrival time if you want to display a vehicle.
All vehicles must be authorized by the Halifax Convention Centre, and the procedures as outlined below must be followed. The Halifax Convention Centre reserves the right to remove any vehicle deemed to be unsafe for display at the exhibitor’s expense. All vehicles must be dry of rain or snow, washed and cleaned before arriving to the facility.
Requirements:
- Provide exact weight and measurements of the vehicle (diagram where possible) to prevent any floor load bearing issues.
- Secure copies of insurance coverage in case of loss, damage, theft or fire. The Halifax Convention Centre will not be held accountable for action that results from loss, theft, fire, damage or any other occurrence.
- Vehicles must have the battery disconnected while on static display, and gas caps are to be locked or protected against tampering. If the gas fill opening can only be opened from the inside, then locking the vehicle doors is sufficient.
- While on static display, the vehicle must have an oil/fluid pan collecting leaking fluids to protect the show floor surface. This must be monitored and cleaned. To further prevent damage, please provide sheets of plastic to be placed underneath vehicles. Studded tires are not permitted.
- A set of keys and emergency telephone numbers for contact person(s) responsible for the vehicle are to be left with your Event Manager.