Welcome and thank you for choosing to be a participant in The National Franchise Show – Tampa.
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 Tampa Convention Center, on Friday, October 31st 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
GENERAL INFORMATION
Show Location
Tampa Convention Center
Ballroom A, B, C, & D
333 South Franklin Street
Tampa, Florida
33602
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
Exhibitor Coordinator
Emma Barnes-Chow
905-477-2677 or 800-891-4859 Ext 284
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 10, 2025
If you require audio-visual equipment in your booth, please use the ORDERING LINK
Orders received after the pre-show booking deadline may be subject to additional charges.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Encore Exhibitor Services
George Boyles
Email: george.boyles@encoreglobal.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
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: October 13, 2025
Exhibitors are responsible for maintaining their own booth space. If you require in-booth vacuuming please see below:
GEMS Gilbert Exposition Management Services
Britni Fitzpatrick
Email: Britni@gemsevents.com
Tel: 407-408-4238
ORDERING ONLINE:
You will receive an email from GEMS with login information, a link to their Online Ordering System, and instructions for signing in. If you did not receive an email with your login information, please contact: Britni@gemsevents.com
BOOTH INSTALLATION & DISMANTLING
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: October 13, 2025
Dismantling or removing your exhibit/exhibit materials before the end of the show is strictly prohibited.
Should you require assistance setting up or dismantling your booth, these services can be ordered from:
GEMS Gilbert Exposition Management Services
Britni Fitzpatrick
Email: Britni@gemsevents.com
Tel: 407-408-4238
ORDERING ONLINE:
You will receive an email from GEMS with login information, a link to their Online Ordering System, and instructions for signing in. If you did not receive an email with your login information, please contact: Britni@gemsevents.com
Electrical
BOOKING DEADLINE: October 10, 2025
Electrical is not supplied to your booth. If you require an electrical hookup please contact:
EDLEN
Email: tampa@edlen.com
Tel: 407 854-9991
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 Portal to register your booth staff for the Tampa 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.
Federal ID Number
The Federal ID Number for the venue is 59-1101138. You will require this number to clear customs.
Food Sampling
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: October 2, 2025
If you are planning on sampling food or beverage products in your booth, please review the following information and complete the necessary steps:
– Samples are limited to products manufactured, processed, or distributed by the exhibiting company.
– Food and beverage samples are limited to a 2 oz. portions.
– If you are using a cooking and/or foo warming device, you will require an appropriate fire extinguisher
1. All food and beverage samplers are required to have insurance for the event. Please email a copy of your insurance to Emma Barnes-Chow at emma@nationalevent.com
2. Please complete the VENUE SAMPLING FORM and return it to emma@nationalevent.com & dicarlo-julia@aramark.com
For more information, you can contact:
TCC Catering
Julia DiCarlo
Tel: 813-362-2310
Email: dicarlo-julia@aramark.com
PLEASE NOTE:
If you are sampling pre-packaged items, only your insurance & the Sampling Form are needed.
If you are doing open samples like cutting chocolate or making something on-site, you must email emma@nationalevent.com and inform them of any equipment being used on-site. It is also mandatory for a handwashing station to be present at your booth and for gloves to be worn.
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: www.tampafranchiseshow.com/freetickets
- Generic FREE Admission Coupon(.jpg): CLICK HERE
- Generic FREE Admission Coupon (.pdf): CLICK HERE
Furniture (Show Decorator)
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: October 13, 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
GEMS Gilbert Exposition Management Services
Britni Fitzpatrick
Email: Britni@gemsevents.com
Tel: 407-408-4238
Show Colours
- Booth Drapes: Black
- Aisle & Booth Carpet: Black
ORDERING ONLINE:
You will receive an email from GEMS with login information, a link to their Online Ordering System, and instructions for signing in. If you did not receive an email with your login information, please contact: Britni@gemsevents.com
Hotel
BOOKING DEADLINE: October 9, 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 $209+ taxes and fees at The Westin Tampa Waterside.
The Westin Tampa Waterside
725 South Harbour Island Blvd
Tampa, FL 33602
Reservations may be made by BOOKING ONLINE HERE.
Make sure to mention The National Franchise Show – Tampa. 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 $139.
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
There are no roll-up doors for Ballroom BCD.
Smaller exhibits will unload in front of the building and walk in through the main entrance.
Bigger exhibits may need to use the back doors and bring freight down the freight elevator.
Channelside Dr. Dock: There are lower dock spaces for ballrooms/meeting rooms located at 111 Channelside Drive
Lower Loading Dock allows for trailers 45’ and under and box trucks only
Move-in Instructions
Move -in Times: Friday, October 31, 2025 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- All exhibitors must check in with our show office to 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, 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.
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
The City of Tampa controls all the garages nearby. There are no special rates available.
The entrance to the Tampa Convention Center Parking Garage is 141 E. Brorein Street.
Parking Cost:
Event Rate: $5.00 to $50.00
Non-Event Rate: $2 per hour for 1st hour, $3 for every hour after. Daily maximum is $15.
No long-term parking at TCC, long-term parking is available at Pam Iorio and Fort Brooke Garage.
CLICK HERE to get more information on nearby lots.
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 (emma@nationalevent.com). 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 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 conform 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.
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 the ejection of the offending exhibitor or in the closing of his/her exhibit.
SHIPPING & DELIVERIES
Shipping Direct To Show: Friday, 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.
NOTE: After freight is packed at the end of the show, it must be moved to the dock area for pickup. Freight that is left on the show floor will incur a handling fee.
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 SHIPPING ORDER FORMS
There is a FedEx Office within the Tampa Convention Center. If you are interested in using FedEx, please review the
FEDEX SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS
Otherwise, please address shipments to:
Company name, Booth number
The National Franchise Show
C/O
Tampa Convention Center
Ballroom A, B, C, & D
333 South Franklin Street
Tampa, FL
33602
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
To request a quote for Advanced Shipping, please see below:
GEMS Gilbert Exposition Management Services
Britni Fitzpatrick
Email: Britni@gemsevents.com
Tel: 407-408-4238
Shipping enquiries must be finalized 14 days prior to show move-in date. Be sure your shipment is labeled clearly.
Advanced shipments may begin to arrive on September 29, 2025 until Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Warehouse receiving hours are 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday-Friday, except holidays. All shipments received outside these dates will be subject to a 25% late fee.
Shipments that arrive at the warehouse after Wednesday, October 29, 2025 cannot be guaranteed to arrive before show opening. Additional handling charges will be added for expedited trucking of late shipments.
ORDERING ONLINE:
You will receive an email from GEMS with login information, a link to their Online Ordering System, and instructions for signing in. If you did not receive an email with your login information, please contact: Britni@gemsevents.com
Show Decorator (Furniture & Display Rental)
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: October 13, 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
GEMS Gilbert Exposition Management Services
Britni Fitzpatrick
Email: Britni@gemsevents.com
Tel: 407-408-4238
Show Colours
- Booth Drapes: Black
- Aisle & Booth Carpet: Black
ORDERING ONLINE:
You will receive an email from GEMS with login information, a link to their Online Ordering System, and instructions for signing in. If you did not receive an email with your login information, please contact: Britni@gemsevents.com
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
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: October 10, 2025
Please Note: This venue only has paid WIFI.
Complimentary WIFI is available in public spaces only. If you require WIFI at your booth, please review the WIFI ordering information below.
If you require a telephone/internet line or WIFI in your booth, please fill out the form below and send it to:
Smart City
Email: customerservice@smartcitynetworks.com
Tel: 888-446-6911
Or if you would like, place your order online HERE.
WIFI ORDERING INFORMATION
INTERNET & TELEPHONE ORDER FORM
INTERNET & TELEPHONE ORDERING GUIDE
ONLINE ORDERING
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.
Exhibitors are responsible for oil, grease, or any general damage to the carpeted area.
Motorized equipment and vehicles, including interior aircraft displays, may be permitted during events provided Licensee has TCC & Office of the Fire Marshal approval and the following conditions are met:
- Fuel tanks must have less than 1/2 tank of fuel or less than 10 gallons, whichever is less. Vehicles or equipment fueled by LP gas must comply with NFPA #58 and may not be operated during show hours.
- Fuel caps must be taped/sealed completely around to prevent escaping vapors.
- The positive battery cable must be disconnected and either taped around or secured within a battery cable bag then secured. Exceptions to this policy may apply for hybrid vehicles or vehicles where the battery is inaccessible.
- Office of the Fire Marshal has the right to limit the number and location of vehicles.
- Fueling and de-fueling cannot take place on premises.
- Vehicle keys must remain within the building at all times (Location of keys should be coordinated with TCC Safety & Security Manager and CSM). After move-in, all vehicle keys must remain with TCC security at all times, until move-out begins.
- Vehicles cannot be jump-started on premises.
- Drivers must be licensed to operate a motorized vehicle on TCC property.
- Vehicles cannot be parked in fire lanes or block exits.
- Vehicles of any type which have been approved for use in carpeted areas must have non-marking tires and carpet must be covered with heavy-duty polyethylene sheeting (plastic).
- TCC and Fire Watch personnel must be present to supervise display vehicle move-in and set up into the facility.
- Fire Watch must be ordered for events with 6 or more vehicles on display. Fire Watch is required during vehicle move-in, move-out, and show hours (including 1 hour prior to show opening).
- TCC personnel must be present to supervise display vehicle tear down and move-out from the facility.
- Aircraft display requires submission of full specs, including fuel information, display location, weight and load-in/out plan, to event manager 45 days prior of first contracted day for Tampa Fire Department approval.
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.