Trade Show Terminology

Understanding Essential Trade Show Terminology

Signing up for and joining trade shows can be a great way to promote and expand your business. But if you are new to them, you might have a hard time understanding their complex terminology and phrases. That is why Southeast Exhibits & Events has put together a helpful and informative trade show glossary. Based in Atlanta, GA, Orlando, FL, and Las Vegas, NV, we provide businesses with strategic, dynamic trade show booth design and installation. Please read on to find out more about the exhibit terms, what they mean, and how to understand and use them correctly.
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Why a Trade Show Glossary Matters

Are you new to industry trade shows or exhibitions? If so, having a glossary handy is crucial to do the following:

  • Clarify Common Trade Show Terms: Trade shows are filled with specialized terms, words, and phrases that can be difficult to understand without a proper guide. A glossary helps attendees and exhibitors understand these terms so that they can be used and applied correctly.
  • Prepare for Marketing and Training: A glossary can be used as part of pre-event planning and training, ensuring that your teams are ready to complete your trade show successfully.
  • Sound Professional: Knowing and using complicated terms correctly makes you appear more knowledgeable and credible. It makes you sound professional, appealing to trade show managers and other critical points of contact.
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A Glossary of Core Trade Show Definitions

The following is a list of general and common trade show terms, in alphabetical order:
  • A/V: Audiovisual components of an exhibit, such as TVs, slides, video presentations, light displays, and projection technology.
  • Backwall Exhibit: an exhibit that is against a wall or back-to-back with another exhibit or booth.
  • Corner Booth: A booth or exhibition situated at a corner or between two aisles.
  • Demo: Short for “demonstration.” An area where sales or marketing personnel present or explain products, services, or features, or brand elements.
  • Exhibitor Kit: Trade show-related information and order forms given to exhibitors by trade show or exhibition management.
  • Floor Plan: A map that shows the size, layout, and location of the exhibits and trade booths.
  • Graphics: Visual representations or elements in an exhibit that convey brand messaging, themes, and tone.
  • Hardwall: A rigid booth wall system that is used to construct exhibits and trade booths.
  • Island Booth: A trade booth or exhibition that has aisles on all four of its sides.
  • Jigging Crate: A crate that protects trade show construction materials from shifting or moving during transportation.
  • Lead Retrieval: Tracking, collecting, and managing contact information from potential customers or clients during the event.
  • Modular Exhibit: An exhibit made from interchangeable components that can be set up in many arrangements and sizes.
  • Net Square Footage: The total amount of space that can be used or rented for exhibits or trade booth setups.
  • On-Site Order: A product or service that has been ordered at the exhibit or trade booth location.
  • Peninsula Display: An exhibit or trade booth with aisles on three sides.
  • Refurbishing: Renovating or updating an existing exhibit or trade booth.
  • Staging: Setting up the trade booth or exhibit before the show to preview and evaluate it.
  • Trade Show Services: Various services offered by trade show companies, such as trade booth construction, installation, and dismantling.
  • Visqueen: A layer of thin, plastic sheeting that is put over the exhibit flooring to protect it until the show opens.
  • Walkthrough: A final check or inspection of the exhibit to ensure that it meets requirements and client expectations before being shipped to the trade show.

More Popular Trade Show Jargon Explained

Trade shows have their own unique jargon. Knowing it can help you communicate effectively and better navigate your exhibition or event. Some common jargon you need to understand includes the following:

  • Pipe and Drape: Poles and fabric used to create booth walls or divide spaces within the exhibit hall.
  • Swag: Promotional items or giveaways distributed at booths to attract visitors and attendees.
  • ROI: Short for “Return-On-Investment.” A measure of the financial or strategic value gained from participating in a trade show compared to its cost.

Choose Us for Trade Show Booth Design

Now that you understand trade show terminology and jargon, and how to use it properly, it is time to start compiling a list of trade shows and exhibitions for your business. Southeast Exhibits & Events has helped customers plan, design, and strategize their booths and displays for over a decade. After you have narrowed down and signed up for your trade shows, we will carefully craft and develop a booth or promotional space that shows your business and brand. Contact us to take the first step toward achieving a booth or display that meets your needs.

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