Exhibitors – Frequently Asked Questions
When is the show?
Where is the Conference?
Who attends the Conference?
How many attendees are expected?
What kinds of exhibitors do you accept?
How do I become an exhibitor?
What is the difference between a standard and a premium corner booth?
When is the deadline to send in my exhibitor application?
Are retail items required to be handmade?
What is included with my booth fee?
How many passes will I get for my booth staff?
If I buy two booths, do I get two of everything?
Is lunch provided for exhibitors?
How are booths assigned?
Can I request a booth location?
When is move-in and move-out?
I only have a few items. Do I have to set-up prior to show day?
How do I order rentals, electrical, telephone, etc?
How do I ship things to the show?
Why do I need to check in during move-in?
What if I need to cancel my booth?
Who is Universal Odyssey?
How do I register to attend the Conference?
Can I share a booth?
Are there dedicated exhibit hours?
Can I serve food/beverages at my booth?
When is the show?
The Pennsylvania Governor’s Conference For Women will be held on October 2, 2008 from 7:30am to 5:00pm. The exhibitor show will run concurrently. These times are subject to change.
Where is the Conference?
The Conference for Women is moving to Pittsburgh in 2008. It will be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, located at 1000 Fort Duquesne Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
Who attends the Conference?
The Pennsylvania Governor’s Conference for Women is designed to engage, enlighten and empower women from across the state.
The non-partisan, one-day Conference features nationally recognized speakers, presenters and panelists who are leaders in business, media, health, personal development and finance. They share their experience and expertise on everything from leading change to managing money to finding a work/life balance.
The Conference offers something for everyone. The one-day event features more than 75 renowned speakers sharing inspirational stories and leading seminars on the issues that matter most to women, including health, personal finance, executive leadership, business and entrepreneurship, work/life balance, media, and more. The popular Young Women's Program features speakers and topics that encourage young women to overcome obstacles and maximize their potential.
Through its Scholarship Program, the Conference helps deserving female college students pursue their education.
The Be the Change Award recognizes women who are making a significant difference in their communities.
Thousands of Pennsylvania businesswomen and community leaders participate in the Conference every year, to connect, learn practical and professional strategies from nationally recognized experts, and network with peers.
How many attendees are expected?
We are expecting over 5,500 people this year.
What kinds of exhibitors do you accept?
We accept all types of exhibitors into the show each year. We strive to maintain a balance between the different types so as to offer our attendees the widest variety possible. Examples of exhibitor types include: museums, universities, retail vendors, healthcare organizations, non-profits, government agencies, professional services, and many more. Exhibitors can offer products, goods, services and information applicable to women. Many have volunteer, donor, education, and/or employment opportunities available for attendees as well.
How do I become an exhibitor?
Simply fill out the exhibit space application and return it to the Pennsylvania Governor’s Conference for Women with your payment and program listing form. All applications are reviewed by show management.
Returning exhibitors from 2007 will be given priority booth assignments as long as the application and payment are received by July 3, 2008. Following that, spaces will be approved on a first-come first-serve basis.
Once we receive your documents we will review them to determine if we will accept your business/organization into the show. Show management may limit the number of applications accepted in any given field, based on the total number of applications received in that area. If you are accepted, you will receive a confirmation email.
If you are not accepted for this year’s Conference, we will return your payment. In most cases, if an exhibitor is declined, it is simply because there are too many other exhibitors offering your products or service.
Exhibitors are prohibited from promoting political candidates.
What is the difference between a standard and a premium corner booth?
A standard booth is an inline booth. It is 10’x10’ and has adjacent booths directly on either side. Standard booths generally also have booth directly behind. A premium corner booth, which is exposed to traffic on two sides, only has one neighboring booth, and one located behind. It is also 10’x10’ but is more highly visible as attendees walk by.
When is the deadline to send in my exhibitor application?
There is no deadline, but we anticipate that we will sell out, so it is recommended that you get your application in early. Exhibitors from 2007 will be given priority booth assignments as long as the complete application and payment are postmarked by July 3, 2008.
An early bird discount is available for all applications postmarked and paid by July 3, 2008.
Are retail items required to be handmade?
Retail items are not required to be handmade. However, all items must be an original design, or you must have the proper license or approval to sell the items. “Knockoffs” are strictly prohibited and trademark infringements will not be allowed.
What is included with my booth fee?
Each 10’x 10’ section is defined by an 8’ back drape and 3’ side drape and includes a 6’ draped table, 2 chairs, a wastebasket, 3 exhibit hall only passes, 1 Conference pass, a listing in the Conference program and on the website, and an identification sign.
Exhibitors who purchase an “island” space should be aware that draping, table, chairs, and wastebasket are not provided.
How many passes will I get for my booth staff?
As part of your booth package, you will automatically be mailed 3 exhibit hall only passes, for each 10x10 booth. If you need more than three, please contact our office with the appropriate number of passes. These passes can be purchased for $5 each.
You will also get ONE (1) full Conference pass, so that a member of your team may attend the sessions and keynote address. Additional Conference passes are available for purchase at www.pagovernorsconferenceforwomen.org.
If I buy two booths, do I get two of everything?
Yes. Each 10’x10’ you purchase will get the full package. As a function of the space, exhibitors who elect to purchase an “island” space do not receive tables, chairs, or draping, unless specifically requested. These “island” booths are intended to be freestanding exhibits.
Is lunch provided for exhibitors?
The full Conference pass provided in your exhibit space packet will allow entry for one (1) member of your team into the keynote luncheon. The remainder of your booth staff has the option of bringing their own lunch or purchasing food from the concession stands available in the convention center.
How are booths assigned?
Booths will be assigned by the exhibitor show management approximately one month prior to the event. Sponsors will be placed first. Following current sponsors, exhibitors from 2007 will be placed in order of when their application was received, so long as their applications were received by July 3. Finally, new exhibitors will be placed based on when their applications were received.
Exhibitors will be notified of their booth number as soon as assignments are completed.
Can I request a booth number/location?
The floor plan has not yet been set for this year’s Conference. Since the event will be in a new facility this year, the layout will likely be different than in previous years. We are, therefore, unable to accommodate specific booth location requests.
When is move-in and move-out?
Move in will be on October 1. Exact times will be given to you with your exhibitor kit. Move out will be immediately following the Conference, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on October 2. All exhibits must be completely installed and ready for viewing by 7:00 a.m. on October 2. No exhibits may be dismantled prior to closing at 6:00 p.m.
I only have a few items. Do I have to set-up prior to show day?
Yes. All exhibits must be completely set up and ready to go no later than 7:00 a.m. the morning of the event. You will not have adequate time to make your booth presentable in the morning before the attendees arrive and are allowed into the exhibit hall.
How do I order rentals, electrical, telephone, etc?
All rentals, electrical, telephone, internet access, material handling and union labor will be coordinated through the Conference’s official decorating company. The decorating company will send you an exhibitor kit directly once booths have been assigned, usually via email.
Please contact the decorating company directly for inquiries regarding rentals and move-in/move-out assistance.
How do I ship things to the show?
You will be given specific instructions from the decorating company on how to ship to and from the show. Additional material handling fees will apply.
Why do I need to check in during move-in?
Event management requires all exhibitors to check in during move-in hours, the day before the event. You will receive a welcome packet with Conference schedule information. You will also receive your lanyards and badge holders for your event passes.
Exhibitors who fail to check during move-in are considered no-shows, and their booth space reverts back to the Conference to be filled by another interested party.
What if I need to cancel my booth?
Cancellations received in writing by August 21, 2008 will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be given after that date. You can send written cancellation to:
Pennsylvania Governor’s Conference for Women
PO Box 236
Carlisle, PA 17013
(215) 689-4230 fax
exhibitors@pagovernorsconferenceforwomen.org
Who is Universal Odyssey?
Universal Odyssey, Inc. is the event management company that has been hired to organize the Exhibit Hall and attendee registration for the Conference.
Contact information for the exhibit show management is:
Pennsylvania Governor’s Conference for Women
Exhibit Hall Management
PO Box 236
Carlisle, PA 17013
exhibitors@pagovernorsconferenceforwomen.org
(866) 433-0692
(215) 689-4230 fax
How do I register to attend the Conference?
You will receive one Conference pass to attend the keynote luncheon and all sessions with your booth package. You will also automatically receive 3 exhibit hall only passes with your booth. These passes will not allow you to enter the general session or breakout sessions.
These passes are completely transferable. Show management will not require the names of your booth staff or guests.
To register for additional Conference passes go to www.pagovernorsonferenceforwomen.org.
Can I share a booth?
You may invite another vendor to display information in your booth, however, they will not receive any recognition in the Conference program, on the website, or signage. All booth sharing must be approved, in advance, by show management. In addition, you must include a full description or photos of their exhibit along with your initial application.
Are there dedicated exhibit hours?
The hall is open throughout the entire Conference and maintains a constant flow of traffic during concurrent sessions as well as breaks. There will also be dedicated exhibit hall time, where attendees are directed to the area specifically. A schedule will be posted online.
Can I serve food/beverages at my booth?
All food, alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages, and concessions are operated and controlled exclusively by the Convention Center. Exhibitors who would like to offer samples at their booths must inform exhibit show management at the time of their application, with a description of the products to be samples as well as a description of the packaging. Only authorized samples are permitted to be distributed. Exhibitors must comply with all convention center and health department rules and regulations. Any fees or permits required will be the sole responsibility of the exhibitor. Exhibitors are not permitted to distribute candy or any other food items from their booth without the express consent of exhibit show management and the Convention Center.
