Welcome and thank you for choosing to be a participant in The National Franchise Show – Houston.
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 George R Brown Convention Center, on Friday June 6, 2025 at noon and management will be available to assist you for the duration of the Show.
Table of Content
- General Information (Location, Dates, & Times)
- Checklist
- Audiovisual
- Booth Backdrops
- Booth Cleaning
- Booth Installation & Dismantle
- Electrical
- Exhibitor Badge
- Federal ID Number
- Food Sampling
- Franchise Show & Conference Schedule
- Free Admission Passes
- 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
George R. Brown Convention Center
Ballroom A, B, C (level 3)
1001 Avenida De Las Americas
Houston, TX
77010
Show Dates & Times
Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, June 8, 2025 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Exhibitor Move-in Times
Friday June 6, 2025 | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Exhibitor Move-Out Dates & Times
Sunday, June 8, 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
Exhibitor Coordinator
Emma Barnes – Chow
Tel: 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
BOOKING DEADLINE: May 22, 2025
If you require audio-visual equipment in your booth, please fill out the AV Order Form below and send it to jack.fowler@stagingsolutions.com
If you have questions, please contact:
Jackson Fowler
Office: 713-853-8063
Cell: 832-922-9676
Email: jack.fowler@stagingsolutions.com
Booth Backdrops
If you require a pop-up banner or backdrop, please contact:
EZ Backdrops
Phone: 678-717-1222
Email: angie@ezbackdrops.com
http://www.ezbackdrops.com/
BOOTH CLEANING
BOOKING DEADLINE: May 19, 2025
Exhibitors are responsible for maintaining their own booth space. If you require in-booth vacuuming, this service can be ordered from
George R. Brown Convention Center
Email: GRB-ExhibitorServices@houstonfirst.com
Tel: 713-853-8907 / 346-453-9544
BOOTH INSTALLATION & DISMANTLING
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: May 19, 2025
Should you require assistance setting up or dismantling your booth, these services can be ordered from
Phoenix Events
Email: info@phoenixeventstss.org
Tel: 972-201-5219
BOOTH INSTALLATION & DISMANTLE ORDER FORM
PAYMENT FORMS
THIRD-PARTY CONTRACTOR AUTHORIZATION
Electrical
ADVANCED BOOKING DEADLINE: MAY 22, 2025
Electrical is not supplied to your booth. If you require an electrical hookup, you can place your fill in the ELECTRICAL ORDER FORM and send to SHill@smartcity.com or place your ORDER ONLINE HERE
If you have any questions, please contact:
Susanna Hill
Smart City Networks – George R. Brown Convention Center
Cell: 713-853-8915
Email: SHill@smartcity.com
Exhibitor Badges
BOOKING DEADLINE: May 26, 2025
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 Houston Franchise Show 2025. 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 76-0651209. You will require this number to clear customs.
Food Sampling
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: May 8, 2025
If you are planning on sampling food or beverage product in your booth, please note there are two necessary steps to complete
NOTE: Items dispensed are limited to the products manufactured or processed by the exhibiting company and must be related to the theme of the show.
Food samples are limited to “bite size” portions of 3 ounce or less, and Beverages may be dispensed in containers holding no more than 4 ounces. NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED.
VENUE APPROVAL:
Please complete the VENUE SAMPLING FORM and return it to both emma@nationalevent.com and aaron.gonzalez@Levyrestaurants.com
Please ensure you are complying with the guidelines listed within the application. If you do not complete this form, and do not comply with the guidelines, you could be closed down if an inspector comes to the show.
For questions concerning sampling, please contact:
Aaron Gonzalez
Email: aaron.gonzalez@Levyrestaurants.com
PUBLIC HEALTH APPROVAL:
Please note there are two forms needed for public health approval.
1. Please complete the TEMPORARY FOOD PERMIT
2. Please contact emma@nationalevent.com to receive an “Event Coordinator AuthorizationForm” that must be submitted along with your temporary food permit.
Please email your completed application, the owner/agent/event coordinator authorization form, and any other required documents (photo id, copy of your Texas Sales and use tax id, food manager/handler certificate, etc.) to CHS@houstontx.gov
There are fees involved. When your application is approved an invoice will be emailed to the provided applicant email address along with instructions for making payment. Online payments are processed immediately and permits postal mailed to the applicant postal mail address provided on the business day following payment.
If you have any questions, please contact the City of Houston Health & Human Services Department at (832) 393-5100 or CHS@houstontx.gov
VENUE SAMPLING FORM
TEMPORARY FOOD PERMIT
PUBLIC HEALTH APPLICATION WEBSITE & INFORMATION
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://houstonfranchiseshow.com/freetickets
- Generic Free Admission Coupon (.jpg): CLICK HERE
- Generic Free Admission Coupon (.pdf): CLICK HERE
CUSTOM COUPONS
You can also distribute a customized FREE Admission Pass to promote your participation at the show. If you are interested, please complete the form below and upload a high-resolution logo (.jpg, .eps, .pdf format accepted). You will receive an email from emma@nationalevent.com with your customized pass.
DEADLINE OF LOGO SUBMISSIONS: May 8, 2025
Hotel
HotelPlanner is one of the world’s top providers of individual, group, and corporate travel bookings, specializing in unique “Closed User Group” discount rates.
Book your hotel stay for the show through HotelPlanner.com. CLICK HERE for the best rates available: Houston
Or
BOOKING DEADLINE: May 18, 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 $205.00 + taxes at the Hiltons Americas.
Hiltons Americas
1600 Lamar St
Houston, TX
77010
Reservations may be made online using this BOOKING LINK
Or you can call Central Reservations at 1-800-236-2905 on or before Sunday, May 18, 2025. Make sure to mention The National Franchise Show – Houston
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 $139 + 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 offer a Lead Collection system at The National Franchise Show. This system uses any smartphone or internet enabled device (no scanners needed). Our new seamless solution for attendees and exhibitors captures information on who they spoke to, takes notes, allows for quick follow up, and increases your ROI.
All exhibitors will have a personalized QR code on their badge which attendees can simply scan during a conversation.
Attendees will create a profile with their contact information. This will also create a QR code eBadge for attendees.
NOTE: If you have already selected lead retrieval upon registering, you do not need to reorder. If you are unsure if you have ordered, or have any questions, please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com).
Loading Docks
Loading Dock Access on Level 3, there is RAMP access (NORTH ramp).
For GPS entry to find the North Ramp, use this address – 615 Chartres St, Houston, TX 77003, USA
Take Avenida de las Americas South > Left on Polk Street > Left on Chartres (Road behind the GRB) > Pass the GRB by two blocks> Crossover Rusk Street and Capitol St > After driving over Capitol St at the end of the block before Texas Street the NORTH RAMP is on the left-hand side.
– North RAMP Entry Gate located on the left-hand side of Chartres Street/before Texas St.
– Stop at the Security post once the driver pulls into the Entrance Gate to check-in. Mention the event name.
– One way in and one way out, off the Ramp. Exit the opposite side.
– GRB Dispatch 24-hour Security # 713-853-8087 ( Call if driver gets lost and/or when they are at the bottom of the gate to open the interior gate if no guard).
– Once up the ramp, you can use the following Docks to unload, identified in LOADING DOCK MAP):
– Ballroom Dock 58
– General Assembly Docks 62 & 63
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 (more than 1 skid of product), please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com) to discuss your needs. A charge may apply.
Move-in Instructions
Move -in Times: Friday June 6, 2025 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 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 June 8, 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.
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 he show site.
Parking
Centrally located in downtown Houston, the GRB is easily accessible from all areas of the city- no matter how you choose to commute. There are several convenient parking options on campus located just a short walk from the convention center.
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. If you would like to change the colour, 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/State, 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) 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 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: June 6, 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.
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
HAUListic ORDER FORMS
DIRECT SHIPPING LABELS
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.
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.
Pre-Show Shipping
Haulistics no longer offers Advance Warehouse shipments. This will be offered thru our Decorator, Phoenix Events, if you require your goods to be shipped or sorted in the advance warehouse please contact:
Phoenix Events
Tel: 972-201-5219
Email: info@phoenixeventstss.org
IMPORTANT FREIGHT INFORMATION
ADVANCED WAREHOUSING ORDER FORM
PAYMENT INFORMATION
ADVANCED WAREHOUSE SHIPPING LABEL
Show Decorator (Furniture & Display Rental)
BOOKING DEADLINE: May 19, 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:
Phoenix Events
Exhibitor Services
Tel: 972-201-5219
Email: info@phoenixeventstss.org
Show Colours
- Booth Drapes : Black
- Aisle & Booth Carpet: Grey
Show Guide Ad & Sponsorship Opportunities
There are a number of ways to increase your brand awareness at our shows. Additional ad space is available in our Show Guides that are distributed to attendees and sponsorship recognition includes show guide space, on-site signage, & online presence. For more information, please contact Michael at michael@nationalevent.com or 905-477-2677 ext. 270.
Telephone / Internet / WIFI
BOOKING DEADLINE: May 22, 2025
Please Note: This venue only has paid WIFI.
If you require a telephone or internet line, or a WIFI connection in your booth, you can place your fill in the ordering form below and sending to SHill@smartcity.com or place your ORDER ONLINE HERE
If you have any questions, please contact:
Susanna Hill
Smart City Networks – George R. Brown Convention Center
Cell: 713-853-8915
Email: SHill@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
No Vehicles are allowed on the Show Floor for this venue.