ONLINE EXHIBITOR MANUAL

The exhibitor manual is available at this link. You can place orders by submitting the completed PDF order forms to orders@t3expo.com, or you can also place orders through T3's online store.

The Exhibitor Manual is your resource for the successful implementation of your DAC Exhibits plan. Included are the rules and regulations, shipping and handling instructions, rental display options, labor services, and order forms for every service available to exhibitors during DAC 2025. Please direct any questions to help@t3expo.com or call +1.888.698.3397.

Be sure to review the Exhibitor Manual in detail well before DAC 2025 as there are numerous discounts and deadlines. 

SET YOUR SHOW BUDGET

• Review the DAC Budget Worksheet located in the First Time Exhibitor's Guide.
• Booth space, service costs, travel, etc.
• If you need help assessing general contractor costs, please feel free to ask the DAC exhibits team.

SCHEDULE PLANNING MEETINGS WITH YOUR TEAM

• Define what is showcased and why it is important to your market (products, services, etc.) Review the Exhibiting By Objective Tips in the First Time Exhibitor's Guide.
• Who is the audience? Who are you trying to reach?
• Assign goals to event - select something measurable (leads, visits, meetings).
• What is needed to support company goals and specific DAC goals?
• How many people will you need at the show to maintain the booth during the show hours? Review the Booth Staffing Tips located in the DAC First Time Exhibitor's Guide.

RESOURCES

• Booth & Display Regulations  
• What is included in my exhibit space rental?

DESIGN YOUR BOOTH

• How do you plan to demonstrate your product or service?
• Will you have monitors to show demos or presentations?
• Will you need space to sit down with customers?
• Will you have a live presentation?

Resources

All of the below resources are located in the DAC First Time Exhibitor's Guide:

• Booth Design Tips
• Booth Graphic Copy that Connects
• Tips for Giveaways
• 6 Tips to Increase Booth Traffic with Pre-Show Promotions
• How To: Exhibiting by Objective

BOOTH OPTIONS

• Option 1: Rent from the general service contractor, T3:
  • T3 can provide many exhibit materials, from basic walls to customized booths including furniture.
  • The advantage of using DAC’s general service contractor is that you will not be subject to material handling and shipping costs for materials that they furnish.
  • T3 also offers Turnkey Booth Displays.

• Option 2: Rent from an exhibit house
  • Exhibit materials are more customizable, but you will have to pay for shipping, material handling and for set-up.
• Option 3: Purchase and use your own exhibit property
  • This could be a good choice for your company if you participate in several shows of a similar size each year, as you will avoid incurring repeated rental charges.
  • Before deciding to purchase exhibit materials, you should consider potential storage, customization, and maintenance costs.
• Carpet in your booth at DAC is mandatory. Do not forget to order carpet to match the size of your booth footprint. Your exhibit staff will thank you if you also add padding—it really does make a difference when you are on your feet for many hours!
• If you bring in exhibit materials and equipment yourself, independent of a contractor, please note that storing items of any kind behind your booth is NOT an option. This includes, but is not limited to: empty boxes, cases for pop-up booths/signage, giveaway items, and/or booth crates. Please make arrangements to store these items off site for the duration of the show.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Show Management will provide access control personnel in the exhibit halls during the set-up period, throughout the exhibit, and following the close of the exhibit until the premises are vacated. Neither the Moscone Center nor Show Management is liable for, nor carries insurance on, exhibitors' property or fixtures. Insurance and liability coverage is your responsibility. Your exhibit materials and displays are your property. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that you take every precaution to protect this material.

Here are a few suggestions to keep your exhibit and articles secure:

• Ship in locked trunks or crates and sturdy containers
• If cartons are used, be sure that they are securely taped or banded and, under no circumstances, have any markings on the outside naming the type of articles contained therein
• Ship with a qualified trucker or forwarder
• All exhibitors should take extra precaution, even during the show, if they have highly sensitive and proprietary information stored on their computers
• Securely fasten all lightweight, high-theft-risk items such as laptop computers, cameras, calculators, stereos, etc. to display boards, or lock them in showcases. Personal items of value should never be left in an unattended exhibit
• Be sure to furnish your shipping company with an accurate account and a complete bill of landing
• Do not leave your booth unattended during set-up or move-out periods
• Cover your display after setup and each night before you leave
• Do not leave exhibit materials under tables or displays
• Never leave materials in containers to be stored with empty containers
• At the close of the exhibit, be sure to pack as quickly as possible, and do not leave your space unattended during this period
• Have one of your employees remain in your space with your shipment until it is actually picked up by a Material Handling Contractor
• Use black shrink wrap

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

Below are some important reminders and tips to help you have the best experience possible as a DAC exhibitor.

LOGISTICS

• You must arrange shipment of your property to and from the show site. Use a shipping company that has experience with trade shows—it will save you many headaches!
• You will need material handling to transfer your freight from the loading docks to your booth at move-in and back at dismantle, where your shipping company will pick it up again. 
• You might want to consider using the logistics/shipping department of DAC’s General Service Contractor. If you use them, you do not have to worry about the move-in schedule. The cost might (but not always) be higher with other carriers, you usually get a discount on your material handling costs (10%), and you can be sure that your shipment awaits in your booth when you arrive.

SETUP AND DISMANTLE 

• Check the move-in schedule and make every effort to have your shipment arrive accordingly. If you miss your move-in date and time, you will be charged a different rate per pound of materials—usually 30% higher than the reduced rate offered for on-time arrivals.
• Order labor in advance, both for set-up and dismantling. Check with your exhibit house if your booth set-up requires a forklift in the booth. If you have a hanging sign, you will need to submit a separate rigging/hanging sign labor form.

ORDERING AND DEADLINES 

• To keep your show in budget, order all services before the discount deadlines as outlined in the Exhibitor Manual.
• Lead retrieval systems ordering deadline is earlier than that of the general service contractor.
• Do not forget electrical services and associated labor. This will be ordered separately from other show services and requires you to specify your required voltage and provide a layout diagram of where you want your electrical to be placed within your exhibit. On your layout diagram, be sure to mark:
  • Where you want to have the “main drop” of power—this is the location where your electricity will be brought in from outside your booth (typically centered at the rear of your booth). Depending on the exhibit hall, the drop could come from the ceiling or the floor. 
  • Where you will need other outlets placed in order to give access as needed throughout your booth.
• If you need internet in your booth, you also must order this in advance.

• Consider your goals for the show and focus your exhibit theme and messaging accordingly.
• Put your best foot forward! Design and prepare your graphics well in advance. All signage should be professionally printed for a neat appearance.
• It is generally better to use less copy (text) and more graphics on exhibit signage. Where text is needed, carefully consider font size: be sure that a person walking down the aisle (10 to 15 feet away) can clearly read and understand your message. Don't forget to include your company logo in a prominent location.
• Pay attention to detail! If you are using table linens or fabric backdrops in your booth, ensure that these are clean, free of stains, and in good repair. Press or steam them to remove wrinkles.
• Do not forget to order a cleaning service to keep your booth looking sharp throughout the show.

REMINDERS AND TIPS 

• To avoid disappointment, use DAC Housing to book hotel rooms/blocks for your group. Reserve rooms early—they often sell out.
• Exhibit vendors and show contractors will require a credit card to keep on file. This does not, however, many that it will be charged, as you have the option to prepay service orders by check or wire transfer, as desired, prior to show start.
• Bring a set-up kit with you for installation. Include Velcro strips, scissors, packing tape (to pack up after the show), cleaning wipes, markers, pens, and paper. 
• You may also consider a small kit with some amenities for your exhibit staff to have on hand throughout the show. Personal items like tissues, hand sanitizer, breath mints, and a small first-aid kit will make your staff more comfortable and help them to be at their best. 
• Don’t forget your business cards and any needed laptop/phone chargers!