Convention Location:
Georgia World Congress Center
Address:
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313-1591
Phone: 404-223-4000
Booth Set-Up Dates & Times
Booth set up begins on Monday, October 13 at 8:00 am. If you have reserved an island of 600 square feet or larger Shepard Exposition Services has contacted you regarding your early move-in approval and assignment for a Friday or Saturday set up. If a Friday or Saturday move in has been authorized and approved for you, you can begin your set-up after your freight is delivered to your booth between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. All requests to work beyond 5:00pm on these days must be arranged in advance and approved by the official floor manager, as additional costs may be incurred (security, labor, union steward, etc.). For any questions, please contact Don Ellis of Shepard Exposition Services at 404.720.8635.
Exhibitor Move In:
Monday, October 13 – 8:00 am-11:30 pm
Tuesday, October 14 – 8:00 am-8:00 pm*
*All exhibits must be completely set for final inspection by 8:00 pm Tuesday, October 14. Any remaining crates, trash, and debris will then be removed from the aisles and show floor in preparation for the show opening on Wednesday morning.
Exposition Schedule:
Wednesday, October 15 – 9:30 am-5:00 pm
Thursday, October 16 — 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Friday, October 17 — 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday, October 18 — 9:30 am - 1:00 pm**
**Displays may NOT be dismantled until after 1:00 pm Saturday, October 18. Early tear down violates exhibit rules, and will be strictly enforced.
Exhibitor Move Out
Saturday, October 18 - 1:00 pm - Midnight
Sunday, October 19 – 8:00 am - 6:00 pm — disassemble booth, pack up and have shipment complete for removal to trailers (must stay with equipment until removed from show floor).
Monday, October 20 - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm — Load out freight.
Empty crates will be delivered to your booth as soon as possible after the show closes at 1:00 pm on Saturday. With over 100 trailer loads of crates to be delivered, it is not feasible to get crates to all exhibitors within a few hours, so please plan to have at least one staff person stay until Sunday to supervise crating and pickup if you have crated equipment/materials.
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What Your Booth Fee Covers
Your booth fee includes:
- Booth space
- Gray carpeting (for all except island booths)
- Alternating red and white back drape and red side rails
- One (1) 7 inch x 44 inch sign
- Limited number of booth personnel badges when ordered in advance
- List of convention registrants after the show
- Free listing in the Exposition Directory along with the description of your exhibited products**
- Listing in the Products & Services Index**
- Listing in one or more pre-convention promotional brochures**
- A booth on the Virtual Trade Show on the SGIA Web site**
**Sponsor packages are outlined in the Sponsorship Brochure.
For any other items you may require (tables, chairs, plumbing, electrical, etc.) please use the appropriate Shepard order forms (pdf, 556K).
Frequently requested forms:
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Ceiling
The clear span ceiling in the exhibit hall is 30 feet. However, there are limitations on your booth height. Please refer to the Exhibit Rules & Regulations for details.
Aisles
All aisles and cross aisles are at least 10’ wide. Aisle carpeting will be red.
Floor, Carpet, and Padding
The floor under all booths will be carpeted gray. Carpet is included in the booth fee for all booths except Islands. Exhibitors with Island booths may order gray carpet separately from SGIA for an additional fee by emailing convention@sgia.org. Additional colors are available directly from Shepard Exposition Services. Carpet padding is not included in your booth fee, and must be ordered directly from Shepard Exposition Services on the Shepard order form.
The exhibit hall flooring is concrete with a floor load capacity of 350 pounds per square foot. The exhibition hall is located on Level 1.
Back drape, Side Rail
Back drape will be in alternating red and white and side rails will be red.
Not finding something you need?
If there is something you need in your booth and it is not included on the SGIA Exhibitor Services Website, call Exhibitor Services at 404.720.8600. They can help you get whatever you need, or provide you a source so you can make your own arrangements. All advance orders require full payment. Shepard Exposition Services will accept all major credit cards, bank transfers, company checks, or cash. Full payment is required on advance and on-site orders for all utilities.
Contract between Exhibitor/Association
By signing the exhibit contract with SGIA, you agree to abide by all show rules and regulations. These regulations are in place to help make the SGIA Expo the best trade show in the industry. Rules will be strictly enforced, so please review them carefully before you arrive in Atlanta. If you have any questions or concerns about the exhibitor rules and regulations, please email convention@sgia.org or call us at 703.359.1328.
Exhibitor Registration
Let SGIA help you manage your booth personnel badge list by taking advantage of our On-Line Exhibitor Registration. You can make edits or additions to your initial list until October 11 – changes after October 11 must be made onsite. Exhibitor booth personnel badges will not be mailed prior to the Convention. You may pick up your badge at the Exhibitor Registration Desk located in the Lobby of Hall C. Exhibitor Registration will be open:
Monday, October 13 – 10:00am-5:00pm
Tuesday, October 14 – 9:00am-5:00pm
Wednesday, October 15 – 8:00am-5:00pm
Thursday, October 16 — 8:00am-5:00pm
Friday, October 17 — 8:00am-5:00pm
Saturday, October 18 — 8:00am-1:00pm
Please direct your booth personnel to the Exhibitor Registration Desk - not the general registration area – to pick up your badges.
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How many badges do I get?
Exhibiting companies are entitled to a certain number of complimentary exhibitor badges (depending on the size of their booth). Additional badges over and above that number can be purchased for $15 per badge in advance or $20 after September 12 and onsite.
Complimentary Expo Entrance Available to your Customers!!
We are pleased to offer you complimentary expo passes for your customers. Details are available at the Virtual Trade Show.
Registration/Lead Retrieval
Registration Control Systems (RCS) is SGIA’s official registration and lead retrieval provider. Make the most out of your SGIA participation by taking full advantage of the RCS lead retrieval system. There are several options to choose from, and all systems will provide you with valuable information about everyone who visits your booth. Order your lead retrieval system from RCS today.
The Exposcan and printer are battery operated. A charger will be provided for the printer. Please note: Although electricity is not required to operate the Exposcan and printer, you maybe required to charge the battery at some point, depending on use. The Exporead and Exposoft connects to your own computer and is powered by the computers USB port.
Attendee Mailing Lists
3-4 weeks after the Convention, SGIA will make available to all exhibiting companies a full listing of all attendees. This complimentary listing will be available for you to download from the SGIA Web site – you will receive the web address from SGIA after the Exposition. If you wish to order additional or special lists or mailing labels, these can be ordered directly from SGIA for an additional fee. Please contact Sondra Fry Benoudiz at Sondra@sgia.org or 703.359.1332 for details.
Food Service/Catering
The official caterer at the Georgia World Congress Center is Levy Restaurants. If you wish to serve food or drink items from your booth, or have meals delivered to your booth for your booth personnel please contact Diann Jackson at 404.223.4500 or fax request form to Diann at 404.223.4511.
Deliveries to Your Booth
If you need to have a package delivered to you while the exposition is in progress, please have the package delivered to the Exhibitor Registration Desk. We will accept the package, and will let you know there is a package for you at the desk. You will be able to pick up your package anytime during exhibitor registration hours.
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Show Service Desk
Once you are in Atlanta, if you need to check on an order you have placed for drayage, electrical, plumbing, tables, chairs, etc. - anything at all having to do with the set up or tear down of your booth - just go to the Show Service Desk located on the second floor in the building B/C connector which is located in the rear of the exhibit hall/dockside. Please note that the only way to access this connector is through the exhibit hall. There is no access to this location from the second floor of the lobby and public areas. We suggest that you bring copies of all order forms, bills of lading, etc. with you to the show in the event of any unanticipated issues or questions regarding your orders.
Press Releases
Our trade publications are interested in learning about new products available to the screen printing and graphic imaging industry. If you will be introducing something new at the show, please prepare 25 copies of a press release with details and drop it by the SGIA Press Room at the Georgia World Congress Center upon your arrival (Room C-105, Level 1)
Labor/Overtime
Please refer to the Union Jurisdiction Information Form (pdf, 556K) for details regarding what you can and cannot do in setting up your own booth.
Shipping
Join the over 750 SGIA corporate members in the US and Canada who saved nearly $7 million last year by taking advantage of your SGIA discount (up to 70%) from Yellow Transportation. You also get other cost savings including no charge for notifications, no charge for residential delivery, and no charge for single shipments… and more! Make sure your exhibit is shipped and properly addressed to arrive early, and read the shipping instructions carefully.
A note regarding shipping insurance and damage claims: If your freight is damaged during shipment, and your shipping provider pays your damage claim, the shipping company may retain the right to sell your equipment to the highest bidder. Because this has happened in the past, SGIA recommends that you add a stipulation to your shipment insurance contract that indicates that you retain the right of refusal as to how the shipping company can dispose of your equipment (so they cannot sell it to a competitor).
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Move In/Move Out - Critical To Your Success
The following checklist includes some helpful hints to make your exhibit experience a positive one – regardless of your booth size.
- Keeping design and construction as simple as possible will keep set up and tear down costs under control.
- Ship well in advance of the show to make sure your materials arrive, and you have plenty of time for setup.
- Plan to arrive on site before your shipments are scheduled to be moved in. Being there during move-in allows you to check your master list as cartons, crates, etc. are delivered to your booth.
- Label all crates, cartons, etc. clearly. Remove all old labels. Indicate clearly which side is up. Why not color code your crates for easy identification?
- Mark the crate that contains set-up hardware and instructions with “Open Me First.”
- Always bring duplicate sets of drawings and all order forms with you to the show.
- If you can afford to crate shipments, do so. Long-term savings from shipping by common carrier, as opposed to padded van, will more than pay for construction of crates.
- Do not begin booth erection until your set-up crew fully understands the sequence of events. A half-hour briefing may be less costly than having a crew blindly set up an expensive, custom-built display.
- Do as much pre-wiring, etc. as possible before shipping. Equipment and displays are cheaper to pre-wire and skid at the factory than to assemble on site.
- If the set-up crew does a good job, arrange to have the same crew tear down your display. They’ll save you time and money.
Back to top Security/Insurance/Theft Issues
In reading the exhibitor service information, you have probably noticed an emphasis on security and insurance issues. Theft and loss of property is, unfortunately, a major issue and concern for the trade show industry. At every Convention Center, and every trade show, losses occur when personal property is unsecured and left unattended.
At SGIA ‘08, it is a priority for us to provide adequate security and a safe environment for the trade show.
However, Specialty Graphic Imaging Association is not responsible for any loss or damage of the personal property of any exhibitor for any case whatsoever.
Protect your products! Thousands of attendees will pass through the hall each day. SGIA recommends the following to ensure a successful, secure show:
- Insure your products before, during, and after the show – including covering travel from your home base to the show and back.
- Be certain your equipment is properly skidded. If your equipment or materials are damaged due to improper packing, the shipping company and SGIA cannot be held responsible.
- Don’t leave your booth unsupervised during move-in or move-out – this is when most thefts occur.
- If you will have garments (t-shirts, clothing etc.) in your booth, we strongly urge you to unpack these items at the last possible minute – and do not display these items in your booth until immediately prior to show opening each day. Pack up remaining items and store them in a safe place overnight.
- If you have a great deal of equipment or something in your booth that is quite valuable – consider hiring your own booth security guard. Services are available through SGIA’s security partner.
- During show hours, secure small items such as handbags, calculators, video games etc. – don’t leave them unattended in your booth.
- Take small items, garments and valuable equipment with you overnight – although SGIA provides security throughout the hall, building personnel still have access to the hall during the overnight hours.
The following security measures are being taken by SGIA to assure the safeguarding of your materials:
- Uniformed security guards have been hired and will be on site 24 hours a day beginning with the first day of move in.
- No one — exhibitors or attendees — will be permitted on the show floor without a badge. This will be strictly enforced not only during the show, but also during set up and tear down, with only exhibitors allowed on the floor during those times.
- During exposition days, exhibitor personnel will not be permitted on the floor until 90 minutes prior to the opening of the show and must leave the hall 30 minutes after closing.
- If you must work on your equipment after show closing for more than one hour, additional security is required at an additional fee. Arrangements must be made at the SGIA Show Office by 5:00 pm on the day that the work is necessary.
(Room C-103, Level 1).
Gathering Point
Need a place to meet up with a friend, colleague, or client? The Gathering Point, located in the main lobby, is a small seating area created just for you! The gathering point will be open during all show hours.
Expo Directory Listing and Advertising Opportunities
Enter your Expo Directory and Keywords online. This information will be included in our Expo Directory, which will be given to all SGIA ’08 attendees. August 6 is the deadline to be included in the official Expo Directory.
Upgrade your Expo Directory Listing
For $250, your logo will appear by your booth description; or for $1,000 you can place a one-page ad in the official Expo Directory. For details and additional information, see the sponsorship/advertising contract.
Sponsorship
SGIA offers numerous sponsorship opportunities to help make your participation in SGIA ‘08 really stand out! New opportunities include shuttle bus sponsorship, shuttle bus wraps, and more.
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Travel Information
Detailed information on discounts and other travel information (including car rental and ground transportation) is available on the SGIA Travel Tips page.
Parking
The GWCC operates five surface lots and two parking decks-all located within the convention, sports and entertainment campus.
Parking rates are $10 or less for all-day parking and never increase due to event day activity in downtown. All lots are gated and attendants are on duty during all show/event hours. Additionally, GWCC public safety force patrols the lots and decks ensuring the safety of you and your automobile. Emergency vehicle assistance is available for motorists in distress.
Housing
To make hotel reservations for SGIA ‘08, go to Travel Planners Inc. A description of all hotels, their proximity to the GWCC and a map showing their locations is available.
If you have not already done so, we strongly suggest that you make your reservations ASAP so you get your first choice of hotel!!! The deadline for reservations is September 17, 2008, but many hotels will fill up before the cut-off date.
First-Aid Station
A first-aid station will be manned during set up, exposition hours, and tear down. The station will be located on the lobby level outside Hall C1. In the event of an emergency, please dial 4911 on any GWCC house phone, or contact SGIA staff or security who will summon assistance.
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Audio-Video & Computer Equipment
Should you require audio-video or computer equipment in your booth, you can order them from SGIA’s official AV supplier.
Photography
If you will require a photograph of your booth, you can order photography services from SGIA’s official convention photographer Harley Bonham. There are no restrictions regarding cameras on the exhibit hall floor at the convention. If you do not want attendees to photograph your booth, it will be your responsibility to establish a “No Photography” rule if desired. SGIA will continue to enforce its “No Photography” rule for the Golden Image Awards area and André Schellenberg Gallery to protect copyrighted designs on display in that area.
Videography
Corporate Video Productions is available for you to capture your booth in action! Additional details.
Exhibitor and Booth List
View an up-to-date floor plan with exhibitors and their booths. The list can be sorted by “Company Name” or “Booth”.
Seminars/Social Events/Sporting Events at SGIA
Booth personnel are invited to attend the meetings and social events being held as part of SGIA ‘08. Additional fees may apply. You can register for these events by using the online Exhibitor Registration Form.
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Visiting the SGIA show has become increasingly SERIOUS business. Competition for the attendee’s time and attention is fierce, and attendees’ time is limited. Capture attendee attention BEFORE the show, and they’ll beat a path to your booth! Let SGIA help:
I. Advertising
- The SGIA ’08 Exposition Directory is the guide that all 16,000+ attendees will rely on for the information they need to navigate the show floor.
- Industry trade magazines are planning special show issues containing a great deal of information about SGIA ‘08. Consider advertising in them – and if you do, be sure to include the SGIA ‘08 logo and your booth number in your ad.
- Get on the SGIA ‘08 Exposition Map! Attendees will carry this map-sized trade show map for quick reference throughout the show. A $3000 investment will give you a business-card sized ad that points directly to your booth on the floor plan. An $8,000 investment will give you the one and only back panel of the map. Ad space is limited, so contact the convention department if you are interested, 703.359.1328.
II. Special Mailings
Sending a special mailing before the show can be another way to get the attendees’ attention. Write personalized letters inviting people to register for SGIA ’08 and to visit your booth or send special printed advertisements about your products, show specials, etc. Make it an even better offer by taking advantage of our “VIP Pass”. Include a SGIA ’08 floor plan with your letter pointing out where your location is.
SGIA makes its membership lists available to exhibitors - you can order pressure-sensitive labels, diskette, or an electronic list — sorted alphabetically or geographically — so that you can make regional or selective mailings. To order SGIA lists, click here.
III. Using Show Logo to Advertise Participation
Add the SGIA show logo to your pre-show trade press advertising, company newsletter, promotional materials, and letterhead. Be sure to include your booth number! There is no cost to you to use the SGIA logo.
IV. Virtual Trade Show
As an SGIA exhibitor – you receive a complimentary listing on the SGIA virtual trade show. The SGIA Virtual Trade Show site is one of our most popular and most visited Web areas and makes the Virtual Trade Show an essential part of your SGIA exhibit package! Attendees can search for exhibitors “alphabetically” or by their specific “products and services” and can leave a virtual business card for easy follow up. You can list specific product information, promote what’s new and offer show specials. You have 24/7 (password protected) access to your booth information! In the fall, we encourage attendees to visit the Virtual Trade Show to plan their trip to the SGIA show floor. Be sure to update your Virtual Trade Show booth on a regular basis!
V. Social/Meeting Functions Sponsored by Exhibitors
Hospitality suites, dinners, tours, and other private events are an important part of the attendee experience. However, show rules prohibit these events from taking place during show hours, or in conflict with general convention activities. Private exhibitor functions can only take place during the following hours:
Tuesday, October 14 – Anytime
Wednesday, October 15 – before 9:30 am and after 5:00pm
Thursday, October 16 – before 9:30 am and after 5:00 pm
Friday, October 17 – before 9:30 am only
Saturday October 18 – before 9:30 am and after 1:00 pm
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International Exhibitors
For your information, the nearest locations to the Convention Center capable of handling international currency conversions are listed below however are not in walking distance of the Georgia World Congress Center. One is located at the airport and the other in Buckhead. The larger convention hotels also offer currency exchange, however, hotel exchange rates are often less favorable than bank rates.
Foreign Currency Exchange by Travelex Currency
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA30320
(404) 766-2700
American Express Travel Agency
3384 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA30326
(404) 262-7561
Shepard Exposition Services, SGIA’s official exhibit service provider, has assigned Aymee Borst to the SGIA show as a special representative to assist our international exhibitors. She can answer your questions about the design of your booth, furniture orders, etc. You can reach her by email or at 404-720-8600.
VISA Invitation Letters
You must register to attend SGIA' 08 before you request your Visa Invitation Letter and Letter to the Embassy. You will need the Passport Number of each person attending to complete the Visa application process. Obtain your invitation letter early. You will find the Visa letter request submission form on the “Registration Summary Page” of your registration.
The State Department recommends that you begin your visa application process well in advance of your travel dates. The decision to grant visas belongs solely to the Embassy/Consulate. SGIA cannot promise that you or your colleagues will receive a visa. Likewise, SGIA cannot change the decision of the U.S. State Department should your application be denied. For more information on applying for a visa, visit the U.S. State Department Web site.
Customs
SGIA ’08 has been declared a Trade Fair by the United States Department of Commerce. All international exhibitors should refer to the Agility Fairs and Events (formerly known as GeoLogistics) information for complete details on freight forwarding to the United States. Transmittal instructions should be sent to Agility as soon as possible – details are available at the link above.
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Business Center
FedEx Kinko’s is conveniently located inside the Georgia World Congress Center. FedEx Kinko’s provides extensive copying, printing, and bindery services. See order form. FedEx Kinko’s, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30313; Telephone: 404-223-4660, Fax: 404-223-4777.
Assistance for the Disabled
If you need special hotel accommodations, please advise the Housing Bureau when you make your hotel reservation. If you have a disability that may require any other reasonable accommodation, once you have registered for the conference, please email SGIA as early as possible at convention@sgia.org to outline your needs. We will do our best to meet your needs. We cannot ensure the availability of appropriate accommodations without prior notification. To reserve a wheelchair or scooter during the convention, call Scootaround Mobility Solutions at 888.441.7575.
E-mail Lounge
SGIA ‘08 will feature an E-mail lounge in the lobby this year – these computers are available for attendees to check email, and to network with colleagues and clients. Gain increased visibility and opportunities for your company, its products or services by becoming an E-mail Lounge sponsor! See the SGIA sponsorship brochure for additional information, or contact the convention department at convention@sgia.org or 703.359.1328.
Last But Not Least…
- Avoid additional booth personnel fees by registering your booth personnel online by October 13th. You can edit the list until September 24th – so there’s no reason to wait.
- Enter or edit your Exhibition Directory and Product & Service listings online by visiting sgia.org/categories/login.cfm. Edit your listing up to August 6.
- Only one booth number will be assigned for each exhibitor – regardless of amount of space reserved.
- Increase your success at SGIA ‘08 – Market your participation through SGIA, trade publications, and your own clients/customers.
- Keep your Virtual Trade Show listing up to date!
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