BIO International Convention Exhibit Display Guidelines

(As of February, 2007. Subject to Change)

Linear Booth

Definition: One or more standard booths in a straight line.
Exhibit fixtures, components, and identification signs will be permitted to a maximum height of 8'3" (2.5m). All display fixtures over 4' (1.22m) in height and placed within 10 lineal feet (3.05m) of an adjoining exhibit must be confined to that area of the exhibitor's space that is at least 5' (1.52m) from the aisle line. Note: When three or more linear booths are used in combination as a single exhibit space, the 4' (1.22m) height limitation is applied only to that portion of the exhibit space which is within 10' (3.5m) of an adjoining booth.

Corner Booth

Definition: A linear booth exposed to aisles on two sides.
Exhibit fixtures, components and identification signs will be permitted to a maximum height of 8'3" (2.5m). All display fixtures over 4' (1.22m) in height and placed within 10 lineal feet (3.05m) of an adjoining exhibit must be confined to that area of the exhibitor's space that is at least 5' (1.52m) from the aisle line.

Perimeter Wall Booth

Definition: One or more standard booths in a straight line along a perimeter wall.
Exhibit fixtures, components, and identification signs will be permitted to a maximum height of 12’ (3.66m), as long as the booth sign does not interfere with other exhibitor sight lines. All display fixtures over 4' (1.22m) in height and placed within 10 lineal feet (3.05m) of an adjoining exhibit, must be confined to that area of the exhibitor's space that is at least 5’ (1.52m) from the aisle line.

Peninsula Booth

Definition: 20'×20' booth or larger with aisles on three sides. Peninsula booths can either back up to two linear booths or to another peninsula booth.
Exhibit fixtures, components, and identification signs will be permitted to a maximum height of 16' (4.88m), provided written approval is received from Show Management at least 60 days prior to the show. All display fixtures over 4' (1.22m) in height and placed within 10 lineal feet (3.05m) of an adjoining exhibit in a standard booth must be confined to that area of the exhibitor's space which is at least 5' (1.52m) from the aisle line. 

End-Cap Booth

Definition: a space exposed to aisles on three sides and composed of two booths. 
End-cap Booths are generally 10’ deep by 20’ wide. The maximum height of 8’ is allowed only in the rear half of the booth space and within 5’ of the two side aisles, with a 4’ height restriction imposed on all materials in the remaining space forward to the aisle.

Island Booths

Definition: 20’x20’ booth or larger with aisles on all four sides.
Exhibit fixtures and components will be permitted to a maximum height of 16' (4.88m). Banners and identifications signs will be allowed to a maximum height of 18’ (5.49m), provided written approval is received from Show Management at least 60 days prior to the show. Because an island booth is automatically separated by the width of an aisle from all neighboring exhibits, full use of the purchased space is permitted.

Split-Island Booth

Definition: A peninsula booth which shares a common backwall with another peninsula booth.
Exhibit fixtures and components will be permitted to a maximum height of 16' (4.88m). Banners and identifications signs will be allowed to a maximum height of 18’ (5.49m), provided written approval is received from Show Management at least 60 days prior to the show. Because a split-island booth is automatically separated by the width of an aisle from all neighboring exhibits, full use of the purchased space is permitted.

Pavilion Arches

Arches for corridor style pavilions will be allowed to a maximum height of 12’ (3.66m) and must comply with associated booth guidelines.  The base of the arch should not be lower than 7' from the floor within 5' (1.52m) of any aisle. Arch supports should be no wider than 3'' for any booth configuration that has sightline restrictions. Arches must be contained within the booth space and not in the aisles.

Hanging Signs & Graphics

Hanging signs and graphics may be suspended or tethered above peninsula, perimeter, or island booths. Whether suspended from above or supported from below, signs should comply with all ordinary use-of-space requirements (for example, the highest point of any sign should not exceed the maximum allowable height for the booth type). Hanging signs and graphics should be set back 10' (3.5m) from adjacent booths. Approval for the use of hanging signs & graphics must be received from Show Management at least 60 days prior to installation.

Towers

A tower is a free standing exhibit component separate from the main exhibit fixture that is used for identification and display purposes only. Towers will be permitted to a height and depth that correspond to the height and depth regulations for the appropriate exhibit configuration of which they are a part. Towers must be placed at least 3' (.9m) from the aisle line to avoid blocking the sight line from the aisle to the neighboring booths.

Canopies and Ceilings

Canopies, including ceilings, umbrellas, and canopy frames, can be either decorative or functional. Canopies for linear or perimeter booths should comply with corresponding guidelines (see linear and perimeter booth guidelines above).  The base of the canopy should not be lower than 7' from the floor within 5' (1.52m) of any aisle. Canopy supports should be no wider than 3'' for any booth configuration that has sightline restrictions, such as linear booths. Canopies and ceilings may not be used in the aisle space between corridor style pavilions.

*Limitations specific to all exhibits located in the exhibition halls in the BCEC:

Exhibits – Double-Decker Booths and/or with a Roof

All Double–Decker exhibits are subject to applicable state and city building codes and are subject to inspection by state/city officials and the Authority. Smoke detectors must be installed on the first floor of the exhibit and every subsequent enclosed level. Exhibit fire sprinkler systems are required of any exhibit that has a roof, or any other covering, that would impede the effective use of the facilities sprinkler system. A 20 lbs. BC fire extinguisher must be visible on every level of the exhibit. Any exhibit that is deemed a hazard by the MCCA must be removed from the facility.

* Fire Safety Limitations specific to all exhibits located in the exhibition halls in the BCEC:

• Any home or house constructed within the halls shall be protected by a complete automatic sprinkler system.
• Single-level exhibit booths greater than 300 square feet (27.9 sq. m.) and covered with a ceiling shall be protected by sprinklers.
• Sprinklers shall be provided throughout each level of multilevel exhibit booths, including the uppermost level, in the uppermost level is covered by a ceiling.
• Any decorations used must meet the requirements contained within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Fire Prevention regulations. Decorations include curtains, draperies, blinds, scenery, and banners, among many other items.  These decorations must have flame retardant treatment applied