In order to manage an efficient move-in operation, most shows have a freight target move-in schedule. What this means is that your booth is assigned a "Freight Target Time," in which your section of the show floor is allowed access to the convention center for inbound shipments. What this means is your freight will be unloaded sometime between the beginning of your target time and the next target time. This schedule is for the move in of your freight and was established to ensure the orderly handling of the huge volume of freight moving into the show as well as reducing your waiting time to a minimum.
The freight target date does not mean that you are required to set up that day - it is merely the freight arrival time. However, this does mean that you may not set up before this time and date because you will not be able to access your freight. Freight sent directly to the show site will be unloaded on a first-come, first-served basis during your target time block. If your freight arrives too early, the driver will be told to return at the scheduled time. However, if your freight arrives later than your target time, your driver will be permitted to check in, your freight will be unloaded after those targeted for that time, you may incur a surcharge.
If you ship to the Advance Warehouse, your shipment can arrive up to 30 days in advance of the show and the general contractor will make sure your shipment meets the target time.
Target move in times will be indicated on the freight target floor plan. This floor plan will be located in the Exhibitor Manual. Sometimes, because of logistical problems, your target time may be off by an hour or two so keep your target time in mind when you are scheduling your labor order. Please allow enough time for the laying of carpet and electrical lines as well.
Most areas where booths are designated as late set up areas are scheduled as the last to set up because they are near or blocking a freight door and will interfere with the moving of freight to the other booths. The general service contractor will try and get these booths out first during move-out of materials for the same reason.
Freight free aisles or no freight aisles must remain free of freight so that the forklifts can go through these aisles with ease of movement. These aisles may not be obstructed at any time. Exhibit materials will not be allowed in the designated freight free aisles except for crates or containers marked with empty labels. Empty labels are available on-site at the general services contractor desk or your floor manager.
| Back to Choice of Shipping Destinations | Next - Hiring Contractors |