Welcome and thank you for choosing to be a participant in The National Franchise Show – Minneapolis.
Please take a moment to read the Exhibitor Manual which will provide you with all 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 to provide you with the best possible service.
The Show Office will be set up at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Friday, September 15, 2023, 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
- Audio / Visual Rentals
- Booth Cleaning
- Booth Installation & Dismantle
- Electrical
- Exhibitor Badges
- Exhibitor Parking
- EZ Backdrops
- Federal ID Number
- Food Sampling
- Free Admission Passes
- Hotel
- Insurance
- Lead Retrieval System
- Loading Docks
- Move-in Instructions
- Move-out Instructions
- Rules & Regulations
- Shipping & Deliveries
- Show Decorator (Furniture & Display Rental)
- Signage Installation
- Show Guide Ads & Sponsorship
- Telephone / Internet / WIFI
- Vehicles on Show Floor
GENERAL INFORMATION
Show Location
Minneapolis Convention Center
Ballroom A & B
1301 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota
55403
Tel: 612-335-6000
Show Dates & Times
Saturday, September 16, 2023 | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, September 17, 2023 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Exhibitor Move-in Times
Friday, September 15, 2023 | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Exhibitor Move-Out Dates & Times
Sunday, September 17, 2023 | 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
Emily Huang
905 477-2677 or (800) 891-4859 Ext 284
Email: emily@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
ADVANCED RATE CUT-OFF: September 1, 2023
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: September 15, 2023
If you require audio visual equipment in your booth, please send the completed order form to;
Minneapolis Convention Center
Exhibitor Service Information
Tel: (612) 335-6550
Fax: (612) 335-6600
Email: exhibitorservices@minneapolismn.gov
Orders received after the pre-show booking deadline may be subject to additional charges.
BOOTH CLEANING
ADVANCED RATE CUT-OFF: September 1, 2023
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: September 15, 2023
Exhibitors are responsible for maintaining their own booth space. If you require in-booth vacuuming, please contact:
Minneapolis Convention Center
Exhibitor Service Information
Tel: (612) 335-6550
Fax: (612) 335-6600
Email: exhibitorservices@minneapolismn.gov
BOOTH INSTALLATION & DISMANTLING
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: September 12, 2023
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 submit the below forms to;
Chrom Expo Services
Brad Allred
Phone:(952) 994-4137
Email: brad.allred@chromexpo.com
BOOTH INSTALLATION & DISMANTLE ORDER FORM
Electrical
ADVANCED RATE CUT-OFF: September 1, 2023
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: September 15, 2023
Electrical is not supplied to your booth. If you require an electrical hookup, please contact:
Minneapolis Convention Center
Exhibitor Service Information
Tel: (612) 335-6550
Fax: (612) 335-6600
Email: exhibitorservices@minneapolismn.gov
Exhibitor Badge
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: August 28, 2023
We have implemented a new automatic badge system to simplify the request process. Please follow the link below to complete your badge request form. You will receive a confirmation email upon completion.
Exhibitors are provided with up to a maximum of 7 personalized name badges based on the size of your booth.
10×10 booth – 3 booth staff
10×20 booth – 5 booth staff
300 feet or larger – 7 booth staff
Badges will be available for pick up at the Show Office during move-in and must be worn to gain admittance to the Show.
Exhibitor Parking
Exhibitors may park in surrounding public parking lots.
EZ 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/
Federal ID Number
The Federal ID Number for the venue is 41-6005375. You will require this number to clear customs.
Food Sampling
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: August 21, 2023
If you are planning on sampling food or beverage product in your booth, please:
Complete the attached Short-Term Food Permit Application and send to emily@nationalevent.com. There is a fee involved please click payment link to pay $45 to public health. If you submit after the deadline, you will be subject to additional fees.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND DIRECTLY TO THE CITY.
Any food that could be potentially hazardous (ie: cheese, dairy, meat) must have mechanical refrigeration. ICE IS UNACCEPTABLE.
*Please read the entire application, there will be inspection on site to review if each exhibitor is responsible for adhering to all rules and regulations. Show management is not responsible for any infraction fees.
Additional Information:
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- Food vendors must comply to the Environmentally Acceptable Packaging Ordinance https://www.minneapolis.org/minneapolis-convention-center/about/sustainability/
- Food and/or beverage samples may only be distributed directly from an exhibit booth, within the show floor exhibit space.
- Food and/or beverages samplings are limited to products manufactured, processed, or distributed by the exhibiting company.
- The Minneapolis Convention Center offers hand washing stations and three-compartment sinks for rent.
- All items distributed are limited to SAMPLE SIZE:
Food portions are limited to 2 ounces.
Non-alcoholic beverages are limited to 5 ounces.
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Exhibitors who wish to distribute alcohol samples from their booth must contact Show Management in advance for fees and regulations involved with sampling under Kelber Catering’s liquor license. Kelber Catering retains the right of final approval on the dispensing of beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages by exhibitors.
FREE ADMISSION PASSES
The National Franchise Show will be emailing you free admission passes to share with your network. Raise awareness about your franchising initiatives and increase traffic to your booth by distributing FREE ADMISSION passes to the Show. There is no limit to the number of FREE passes you may distribute to your professional and personal databases.
You can also distribute a customized FREE Admission Pass to promote your participation at the show. If you are interested, please email emily@nationalevent.com with a high-resolution logo (.jpg, .eps, .pdf format accepted).
Hotel
BOOKING DEADLINE: August 30, 2023
Rooms and the 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 $159.00 + taxes at The Hilton Hotel Minneapolis.
The Hilton Minneapolis is located at:
1001 Marquette Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN
55403
Reservations may be made by BOOKING ONLINE HERE.
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 $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 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). Attendees contact info (name, email and cell if provided) will be pre-populated into the software to make your lead collection easy on-site and your post-show follow-up effortless.
Please send your completed order form to emma@nationalevent.com if you would like to sign up for this system.
Please note: This is not a complete list of attendees. It is a lead retrieval service to help you capture leads quickly and accurately.
Please note: If you have already selected lead retrieval upon registering, you do not ned to fill out a form.
Loading Docks
Please note that this venue is NOT EQUIPPED WITH A LOADING DOCK, only service level load-in is available. The loading area can be accessed near 12th Street parking pad at the rear of Ballroom A & B. Security staff will be outside at the load in entrance, to assist.
Vendors/Exhibitors would have a 30-minute window to load/unload on the 12th street pad and then would need to find offsite parking. The 3rd Ave ramp and Plaza municipal ramps are convenient. If a vehicle/small trailer combo needs to park offsite, then there are surface lots on 12th street and the 3rd Ave ramp that can accommodate vehicle parking.
Show management will cover the cost of materials handling for your first skid of materials only, however, if you have excessive requirements, a charge may apply.
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, basic forklift services are included with your booth space. If you have more than one skid, please reach out to Emily (emily@nationalevent.com) to discuss your needs. Charges may be applied.
Using an official transportation carrier or courier that uses a truck with a ramp or tailgate is strongly recommended. We also recommend loading your items near the back of your truck, near the door, to make unloading easier.
Move-in Instructions
Move-in Times Friday, September 15, 2023 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Forklift Service Hours:
• 10:00 am to noon (By appointment only)
• Noon to 2:30 pm (General forklift service hours)
- Please note that the venue is in a carpeted hall.
- The venue is not equipped with a loading dock. Only service level load-in is available. We strongly recommend that your transportation carrier or courier use a truck with a ramp or tailgate.
- Show management will cover the cost of materials handling for your first skid of materials only, however, if you have excessive requirements, a charge may apply. If you have more than one skid, please reach out to Emily (emily@nationalevent.com) to discuss your needs. Charges may be applied.
- Materials handling for advanced warehousing is not included and must be quoted by Chrom Expo. If you ship your materials directly to the decorator, charges will also apply.
- All exhibitors must officially register before setting up. Please come to the show office and staff will direct you to your booth.
- All exhibits must be set up by 6:00 pm Friday. Exhibitors will not be permitted to set up during show hours.
- 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, September 17, 2023 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Forklift Service Hours:
• 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm only, please schedule pick-up accordingly
Please note that move-out will begin once the show has closed, the aisles are cleared. 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.
Please remind your transportation carrier or couriers who are scheduled to pick up your materials that the venue is not equipped with a loading dock, only service level load-in. Trucks must be equipped with a tailgate or ramp.
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.
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 Emily Huang (emily@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.
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 Dina Latina, dina@nationalevent.com, 905-477-2677 or 1-800-891-4859 ext 224.
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 any applicable OSHA regulations, 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 Emily Huang (emily@nationalevent.com)
Written authorization by MCC management and the M.F.D. Fire Prevention Bureau shall be required for the following:
- Operation of any heater, barbecue, heat producing or open flame devices, candles, lanterns, torches, welding equipment, smoke emitting devices or materials, etc.
- Operation of any electrical, mechanical or chemical devices which may be deemed hazardous by the M.F.D. Fire Prevention Bureau.
- Use or storage of flammable liquids, compressed gases, or dangerous chemicals.
- Use or storage of any fireworks/pyrotechnics.
If you are planning on doing any of the above at the show, please contact Emily Huang (emily@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 Emily Huang (emily@nationalevent.com ) regarding the necessary forms.
Helium Balloons
Helium balloons are prohibited in most venues. There is a large retrieval fee (at the exhibitor’s expense) when balloons are lost. Please contact Emily Huang (emily@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: September 15, 2023
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 Emily (emily@nationalevent.com) as charges may apply.
Move-in Forklift Service Hours:
• 10:00 am to noon (By appointment only)
• Noon to 2:30pm (General forklift service hours)
Show management will cover the cost of materials handling for your first skid of materials only, however, if you have more than one skid, please reach out to Emily (emily@nationalevent.com) to discuss your needs. Charges may be applied.
**If your product arrives outside the designated move-in hours, you (the exhibitor) will be charged for Materials Handling.**
The venue is not equipped with a loading dock. Only service level load-in is available. We strongly recommend that your transportation carrier or courier use a truck with a ramp or tailgate.
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
Fax: (859) 253-9137
Email: LEX@shiphaulistic.com
Please address shipments to:
Company name Booth number
The National Franchise Show
Minneapolis Convention Center
Ballroom A & B
1301 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota
55403
NOTE:
All exhibitors using HAUListic must-have booth materials packed and ready for pick up at the loading dock. Do not leave your Booth Materials shipment in your booth. Please provide our sales staff onsite with your paperwork before leaving the show site.
Pre-Show Shipping
If you require advanced warehousing, please contact:
Chrom Expo Services
Brad Allred
Phone:(952) 994-4137
Email: brad.allred@chromexpo.com
Materials handling for advanced warehousing is not included and must be quoted by Chrom Expo. If you ship your materials directly to the decorator, charges will also apply.
Be sure your shipment arrives from August 14th – September 12th 2023 and is labeled as follows.
To: Exhibiting Company Name / Booth #
For: The National Franchise Show
C/O Chrome Expo Services
1134 NE Stinson Blvd
Minneapolis, MN 55413
ADVANCED WAREHOUSING INFORMATION
Show Decorator (to order tables, chairs, accessories, etc.)
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: September 12, 2023
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
Chrom Expo Services
Brad Allred
Phone:(952) 994-4137
Email: brad.allred@chromexpo.com
Show Colors
• Booth Drapes : Black
• Aisle Carpet : Hall is carpeted
• Booth Carpet: Hall is carpeted
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
ADVANCED RATE CUT-OFF: September 1, 2023
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: September 15, 2023
If you require a telephone or internet line in your booth you must contact:
Smart City
Tel: (888) 446-6911
Fax: (702) 943-6001
Email: csr@smartcity.com
Vehicles on Show Floor
APPROVAL DEADLINE: August 16, 2023
All vehicles must abide by the arrival and departure schedules and procedures established by Show Management. Please contact Emily Huang (emily@nationalevent.com) to arrange arrival time if you want to display a vehicle.
Gasoline/Diesel vehicles on display in exhibit areas require prior approval and may not be operated during show hours. Gasoline/Diesel operated vehicles on display must have:
- Fuel tank caps locked or taped shut
- Battery cables disconnected
- A gas tank fuel level of no more than ¼ full or five gallons, whichever is less
- Protective covering under tires on terrazzo or carpeted surfaces
Any vehicle that drips oil or other staining solutions may not be operated within the MCC without a drip pan or dry absorption powder. Exhibitors will be charged for all cleaning and/or replacement costs for stain removal. Please contact Show Management for further information.
Exhibitors are responsible for oil, grease, or any general damage to the carpeted area.
Exhibitors must provide a set of keys, the contact’s name, and phone number of the person responsible to remove the vehicle(s) to Show Management.