Glossary Trade Show Industry Terms S - U

The following contains a glossary with terms and information you should know about Trade Shows, S-U. Read on if you are interested in participating in a Trade Show and how to make it a success.

Glossary Trade Show Industry Terms S - U
SIC – See STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION.

SISO (Society of Independent Show Organizers) – Trade association for independent exposition producers.

SIT – Stopping In Transit.

SITC – See STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION.

SL&C – Shipper's Load and Count.

Sand Blasting – Technique of etching smooth surface of glass, plastic or metal to achieve matte or textured quality.

Sandwiching – Mounting of transparent subject matter between one translucent and one clear plastic panel.

Sateen - Fabric used in special draping or bunting.

Satin Finish – Smooth semigloss finish, usually a metal or lacquered surface.

Scale Model – Any model articulating all components of original object, but in smaller size.

Scene in Action – Term for mechanical animation technique that achieves simulated flow motion by rotating striped cylindrical acetate drum between light source and face art work.

Schematic Model – A diagram of an object in model form.

Schoolroom Set-Up – SEE CLASSROOM

Scissors Lift – A motorized platform used to lift people to a given height. ALSO KNOWN AS FLYING CARPET, PLATFORM LIFT.

Scooter – Electrical cart used for driving around the show floor.

Screen Enamel – For silkscreen printing on nonporous surfaces.

Screw Post – SEE T-NUT

Scribe – Technique of fitting prefabricated unit into existing site condition by cutting prefabricated unit slightly to allow perfect fit.

Scribe Line – Shallow groove incised into face of material.

Scrim – Theatrical term for fabric that is opaque when lighted from front and transparent when illuminated from the rear.

Sealing – Technique of applying sealer coat to porous woods prior to painting procedure. Prevents absorption of final paint finish.

Second Option – Second place on a waiting list. The organization holding the second option for specific dates of a facility, for example, may book those dates only if the organization holding the first option decides not to book.

Second Tier – A city where the space limitations of the convention center, the hotels, or both, make the city more appropriate for smaller meetings and shows.

Security Cages – Wire enclosures supplied to exhibitors to lock up materials for safe storage.

Security Contractor – Company hired by exhibit or show management to keep individual exhibits and the entire show floor safe using guards, closed-circuit TV, etc.

Self-Contained Exhibit – A display that has its shipping case an an integral part of of its design.

Self-Tapping Screw – Screw used to attach material to metal with predrilled hole. As screw is rotated, it threads into hole and remains secure.

Sepia – Printed reproduction of black and white art tinted in brown tones, which imparts an antique look.

Service Desk – A central location to order or reconfirm the functions provided by general service contractor or exposition management.

Service Kit – Packet for exhibitor containing information and forms relating to the exhibition. Also called an EXHIBITOR MANUAL.

Set Screw – Threaded machine screw with flush head normally used to adjust tension or tighten movable parts on shafts.

Set-Up – The function of erecting the displays, installation, or articles in their assembled condition.

Set-Up Drawing – The plans from which the exhibit components are assembled.

Set-Up Personnel – Exhibit installers.

Shadow Box – Five-sided enclosure with face open for display of art or object; a niche.

Sheetrock – Material used in drywall construction composed of gypsum core and paper veneer. Standard measurements: 4' x 8', 4' x 10', thicknesses 3/8", 1/2", 5/8". ALSO KNOWN AS DRYWALL.

Shell Scheme – A standardized hardwall exhibitt system that is is offered as part of the space package for exhibitors

Shiplap – Construction technique of joining two materials by notching both and inserting slots into each other.

Shipment – Freight tendered to a carrier by one consignor at one place at one time for delivery to one consignee at one place on one bill of lading.

Shipper – Company or individual to whom exhibit materials are consigned for transportation.

Shipper's Export Declaration – A form required for all shipments by the U.S. Treasury Department and prepared by a shipper, indicating the value, weight, destination, and other basic information about an export shipment.

Shipping Case – A container for exhibit components suitable for extended reuse.

Shipping Crate – A container for exhibit components Usually with screwed or nailed lid. SEE CRATE.

Ship's Manifest – An instrument in writing, signed by the captain of a ship that lists the individual shipments constituting the ship's cargo.

S-Hook – Type of metal hanging hardware in form of the letter "S", used as hanger for identification signs, plaques, etc.

Shop – Primarily refers to display builder, also refers to contractor's main office and warehouse.

Shop Steward – Person designated by the union within a shop or unit to represent employees.

Show Break – Time of show closing when dismantling begins. ALSO KNOWN AS SHOW CLOSE.

Show Daily – A newspaper published each day during the run of a show. It includes articles about the exhibit and events. Show Decorator – SEE GENERAL CONTRACTOR, OR OFFICIAL SERVICE CONTRATOR.

Show Directory – A softcover book containing a listing, with booth numbers, of all the exhibitors in a show, a map showing booth locations, and (often) advertising. ALSO KNOWN AS SHOW BOOK.

Show Manager – The organizer and/or operator of an exhibition.

Show Office – Show Management Office at exhibition.

Show Photographer – Official photographer for exhibition appointed by show manager.

Show Producer – Company or individual who initiates and plans an event, is responsible for renting a site and for soliciting exhibitors. See EXPOSITION MANAGER.

Show Rates – Rates established by show management, official service contractors and/or other official service providers, and published in the Exhibitor Kit.

Show Rules – The general rules and regulations governing a specific trade show.

Show-Within-A-Show – A show with its own name and focus that takes place within a larger, related event.

Showcase – General term for glazed or framed enclosure for display of objects.

Shrink Wrap – SEE PALLET WRAP.

Side Rail – A low divider panel used to separate an exhibit space from an adjacent area.

Sign Holder – Stand for displaying signs.

Sign Hook – Piece of S-shaped metal for hanging signs. ALSO KNOWN AS S-HOOK.

Silk Screen – A printing stencil used for reproducing one or more times on a variety of materials.

Sintra – PVC Panel, same as Chydex, Chomatex, used in signs and displays.

SISO (Society of Independent Show Organizers) – An organization of independent trade show producers whose membership produces over 3000 events annually all over the world.

SJ Cord – Rubberized cable commonly used as a flexible lead in, or where conduit or Greenfield are not practical.

Sketch Model – A three-dimensional sketch.

Skid – Wooden platform used to support machinery or a collection of objects for easier handling. Also thick wood blocks attached to crates that allow forklift access for easier handling. Also called a PALLET

Skids – Wood runners protecting the exterior of a shipping case.

Skin – A tracing of a sketch with explanatory notes.

Skin Drawing – Preliminary elevation and plan indicating overall dimensions.

Skirting – Decorative covering around tables and risers.

Sleeper – Leveling strip on which flooring or horizontal panels are fixed.

Slider – Telescopic pipe.

Smokers – Ashtrays on stands.

Snorkel – SEE BOOM

Society of Independent Show Organizers – SEE SISO.

Soffit – A lowered portion of a ceiling.

Solarized – An overexposed photographic print, purposely done for artistic effect.

Solid Surface – Material used in display fabrication that is the same all the way through eg. Corion, fountainhead, so it can be sanded and repaired.

Soss Hinge – Trade name for concealed barrel-shaped hinge installed in recess of cabinet doors and jambs to eliminate revealed hinge.

Sound Mix – Procedure of combining independently recorded narration, music and/or sound effect on to single master tape or film, while at the same time establishing tone, volume and balance between elements.

Space Rate – Cost per square foot for exhibit space.

Spade Connectors – Fork shaped metal connectors soldered to wire ends for connection to terminals having machine screw or knurled nut contacts.

Special Handling – Applies to display shipments that require extra labor, equipment, or time in delivery to booth area.

Specialty Contractor – A supplier of a specific show service, such as photography, rental of furniture or audio/visual equipment, or floral decoration.

Spinning – Technique for working sheet metal into concave or convex shapes.

Splice – The twisting together of two or more electrical wires to provide continuous power.

Spline – Thin metal or wood strip glued into grooves, cut in panel edges to reinforce joint between panels.

Sponsorship – Payment of the cost of a service or activity at an event, in exchange for being publicized at the event. Spot Exchange The exchange rate for foreign currency for immediate purchase/delivery. SEE EXCHANGE RATE.

Spot Light – A lamp providing controlled circle of light.

Squeeze Connector – Fitting used to secure SJ-type cords to plugs and splice boxes.

Stagehand – Union labor for theatrical productions. In some cities, they also may handle spotligths, rigging, scenery, display installation, decorating tasks, such as hanging draperies at convention facilities. Member of IATSE.

Staging Area – 1. A place for demonstration. 2. A preparation area, usually on premises, where suppliers review orders and organize items before delivering them to exhibit booths. 3. An area adjacent to the dock where freight trucks wait until they may unload.

Stanchions – Upright posts used to support signage; also support ropes that prevent entry.

Stand – European term for booth.

Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) – A standard numerical code system used by the U.S. Government to classify products and services. Compare NOMENCLATURE OF THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL, STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION.

Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) – A standard numerical code system developed by the United Nations to classify commodities used in international trade. Compare NOMENCLATURE OF THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL, STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION.

Stat – A direct paper reproduction of two-dimensional graphics without the use of photographic film.

State - Controlled Trading Company – In a country with a state trading monopoly, a trading entity empowered by the country's government to conduct export business.

State Federation – Organization of AFL unions located within a state.

Stepper Switch – Electrical relay that is timed to activate further mechanisms after it has itself been activated.

Steward – SEE UNION STEWARD.

ST Labor – Work performed on straight time.

Stock Bill – A list of specific materials and sizes.

Stock Exhibits – A pre-designed unit adapted to particular use by identification, color, graphics and minor structural modifications.

Story Pole – Fixed pole with predetermined layout markings.

Stretcher – General term for cross member mounted between sides or legs of cabinets, or between upright poles in a pipe and drape booth, to ensure rigidity. These typically hold the drape to form the booth.

Strike the Show – 1. Term used in some cities to descirbe the dismantle of exhibits. 2. To remove all scenery and props from the stage.

Strip Light – Fluorescent lighting wired in a line.

Strong Back – A framing member using the triangular system to support a cantilever load.

Stud – Vertical structural wall support of wood or metal.

Styrofoam – Trade name for lightweight rigid form of compressed polystyrene crystals.

Subcontractor – Company retained by a primary contractor to provide services to exhibitors or show management.

Submersible Pumps – Pumps that operate underwater.

Survey – Solicitation of exhibitor's or attendees opinions.

Switch - Electrical on/off switch used directly in wiring to control, by make or break, the flow of current.

System – A stock set of components that can be put together to make an exhibit.

T&M – An abbreviation of a form of billing through labor costs (time) and materials.

TL – Truckload.

TLO – Total Loss Only.

TSEA – See TRADE SHOW EXHIBITORS ASSOCIATION.

Table Skirt – Any fabric used to skirt a display table.

Table Top Display – Exhibit designed for use on top of a table.

Talent – Outside personnel stationed in a trade show exhibit to demonstrate a product, provide attraction to booth or greet visitors. Includes magicians and similar attractions. See MODELS, PRESENTERS.

Tape Blip – An audible impulse that activates an electric mechanism.

Tapered Edge – Any material that is reduced in thickness at its outer edge.

Tapping – Technique of threading hole in metal to receive machine screw.

Tare Weight – The weight of a container and/or packing materials without the weight of the goods it contains. Compare GROSS WEIGHT.

Target Date – A date set by show management and/or general service contractor for the arrival of freight at a trade show. Usually shipments received before or after this date are assessed a penalty charge.

Tariff – Rules and rates of a specific carrier.

Teardown – Dismantle.

Telescopic Pipe – Drape support where one section slides inside another for use at various lengths.

Tempered Pressed Wood – A hardwood product generally used in backwall paneling.

Template – Pattern or guide for various repetitive shop functions.

Temporary Import – Exhibition material whose temporary import status exempts payment of duties and taxes on arrival.

Temporary Import Bond – The surety covering articles imported into a country on a temporary basis. This is generally done in lieu of paying import duties and/or taxes. The fee for the bond is non-refundable in most cases.

Terminal –The carrier's facility for transferring freight.

Theatrical Case – A telescoping fiber case with canvas straps.

Thin Wall Conduit – Lightweight electrical conduit.

Three Dimensional (3-D) – A flat image having the effect of three dimensions.

Three Wire – Term describing electrical cable with one continuous ground wire in addition to positive and negative wires.

Through Bill of Lading – A single bill of lading covering both the domestic and international carriage of an export shipment. An air waybill, for instance, is essentially a through bill of lading used for air shipments. Ocean shipments, on the other hand, usually require two separate documents–an inland bill of lading for domestic carriage and an ocean bill of lading for international carriage. Through bills of lading, therefore, cannot be used. Compare AIR WAYBILL, BILL OF LADING, INLAND BILL OF LADING, OCEAN BILL OF LADING.

Tie-Off – A method of securing shipment by use of nylon belts and block latches.

Time and Materials – A method of billing for work done. Similar to cost plus, but without any extra fee or mark up.

TIR Carnet – Similar to an ATA Carnet, but used for trucks from non- EC countries to EC countries or for transit between non-EC countries. Can be used for different unloading locations. Trucks must be sealed by Customs.

T-Nut – Recessed, threaded fastening device.

Toggle Switch – A lever moved back and forth to open or close an electric circuit.

Ton – Freight rates for liner cargo generally are quoted on the basis of a certain rate per ton, depending on the nature of the commodity. This ton, however, may be a weight ton or a measurement ton. Short ton = 2000 lbs. Long ton = 2200 Lbs.

Tongue and Groove – Construction technique of assembling two wood elements, one having a protrusion, the other having a recess.

Touch Up – Paints accompanying an exhibit, in the necessary colors, for the purpose of painting nicks and scratches.

Tow Motor – See FORKLIFT.

Tractor Trailer – Tractor is the driving unit of a large truck; trailer is the container unit.

Trade Fair – Broadly, the commonly used international term for an exposition.

Trade Out – A type of barter. For example, a show manager might do a trade out with a publishing company, giving the publisher a free booth in exchange for free advertising.

Trade Show – An exposition held for members of a common or related industry. Not open to the general public.

Trade Show Exhibitors Association – Trade association for organizations that use exhibits as a marketing, promotional or communications medium. Also designated by the acronym TSEA. Formerly known as the International Exhibitors Association (IEA).

Traffic Flow – A supposed or directed path the audience will take through an exposition or exhibit.

Tramp Steamer – A ship not operating on regular routes or schedules. Calls at any point where cargo is available.

Translite – A defused transparency, usually mounted between rigid plastic panels.

Transparency – A black and white or color translucent (see-through) photograph or artwork.

Traveler – A heavy duty traverse rod for drapery.

Trouble Box –SEE GANG BOX or JOB BOX.

Truckload – Truckload rates apply where the tariff shows a truckload minimum weight. Charges will be at the truckload minimum weight unless weight is higher.

Turnbuckle – Hardware installed between stretched cable to adjust tension.

Turnkey Exhibit – A system whereby the exhibit manager turns responsibility of the display over to an exhibit services company. In essence, the exhibitor simply "turns the key" upon arrival at the show and opens the booth.

Turntable – Electrically or manually rotating platform.

Turret Projector – General term for slide projector that stores slides in rotating cylinder, dropping or passing slides one at a time between light source and lens.

TV Monitor – A cathode ray tube (CRT) used to show a video image.

Twinkle Lights – Flickering or intermittent lights.

Twist Lock – Type of electrical plugs that are connected by twisting them together, as opposed to standard male and female plugs.

Typeset Copy – Text whose type has been mechanically set prior to reproduction.

Tyrex Cord – A type of cord that, within proper specifications, makes an acceptable electrical cord for exhibits.

USS – U.S. Standard Gauge for bolt threads.

UL (Underwriters Laboratory) – An organization ask EDPA.

U/W – Underwriter.

Ultraviolet Lamp – A source of ultraviolet light used with phosphorescent and fluorescent paints.

Union – An organization of workers formed for mutual benefit and for the purpose of dealing collectively with their employer in wages, hours, working conditions, and other matters pertaining to their employment.

Union Contract – Written agreement between an employer and a union specifying the terms and conditions of employment for workers. Also known as COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT.

Union Jurisdiction –The jobs that may be performed by a specific labor union. SEE JURISDICTION.

Union Official – Representative of a union either selected or elected to conduct the affairs of the union.

Union Referral – Method of hiring in which the union refers job applicants to the employer. Differs from central hiring hall in that there is no fixed location at which applicants gather.

Union Steward – On-site union official; union official who will represent the union workers in relation to the terms of the agreements.

Upright – Metal support for drapes. See POST.

Upson Board – Fiberboard of varying thickness, used as the surface for visual enhancement such as paint or decoration.

Usage – Temporary storage area for excess furniture, carpet and equipment. Typically used by general service contractor on show site.

For more information, go to Conventions.net.


Local Articles
Trade Shows
Home