Exhibitor FAQ

2025 Exhibitor Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL EXHIBIT information

What are the important deadlines I need be aware of?

Exhibitors can login to the MapYourShow Exhibitor Resource Center for a complete Checklist of items and upcoming Deadlines.  

Where can I find the expo hall schedule?

A complete move-in move-out schedule can be found in your MapYourShow Exhibitor Resource Center (ERC)

What comes included with my booth?
  • Inline 10x10 and 10x20 Booths include 8'h x 10’w backwall drape, 3' high side rail drape, a 7"h x 44"w company name sign.
  • Basic eBooth listing which includes an online/mobile app profile with description, company name, Logo upload for web and mobile app, website URL and booth number, and 3 online product & service categories to select (upgrades available).
  • Flooring and/or carpet is required Additional items such as furniture, carpet, labor, box and crate storage, shipping and other services can be ordered through our general contractor, Shepard Exposition Services.
How many free badges come with my booth package and what access do they provide?

All booths include 6 complimentary Exhibitor Staff Badges for each 100 square feet of booth space. The allotment is:

  • (1) Premium Exhibitor Full Conference Pass
  • (5) Exhibitor Staff Networking Passes

Premium Exhibitor Badge includes access to:

  • All conference sessions, Keynote & General Sessions and education held in the expo hall
  • Early admission to the Expo Hall
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Happy Hour, Refreshment Breaks
  • Access to the Mobile App

Exhibitor Networking Staff Badges include access to:

  • Early admission to the Expo Hall
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Happy Hour, & Refreshment Breaks
  • Educational sessions offered in both the National Comp Theater and Industry Theater in the expo hall
  • Access to the Mobile App

Please refer the Badge Ethics section in the Official Rules & Regulations available in the MapYourShow Exhibitor Resource Center for additional details.

Do I need to provide floor covering for my booth?

All booths are required to have floor covering. If floor covering is not in place two hours before the event opening, TI will arrange installation at the Exhibitor’s expense. Exhibitors have the option to rent carpet through our general contractor Shepard Exposition Services or bring your own. National Comp provides carpet for the show aisles.

When will the Exhibitor Service Kit be available?

The Shepard Exhibitor Services Kit will be available approximately 90 days out from show. Exhibitors will receive an invitation email directly from Shepard with login information. An SSO link will also be accessible from your MapYourShow Exhibitor Resources Center (ERC).

What is the difference between the MapYourShow Exhibitor Resource Center (ERC) and the Cvent Exhibitor Registration Portal? Why do I need to access both?

Both platforms serve distinct and essential purposes in managing your exhibitor experience:

Cvent Exhibitor Registration Portal

  • Used for exhibitor and staff registration
  • Purchase and manage Lead Capture Services
  • Access and manage your Mobile App company listing
  • Exhibitor registration confirmation emails contain a secure link to book your hotel accommodations in the official National Comp room block. Booking through this link ensures safe reservations and protects our vendor community from credit card fraudsters and housing scams often associated with unauthorized third-party vendors known as housing pirates
  • Information from this portal is used to populate the Mobile App

MapYourShow Exhibitor Resource Center (ERC)

  • Serves as the event’s Point-of-Sale (POS) system
  • Manage your booth and company information
  • Access and pay invoices
  • Update your company listing for the MapYourShow Floorplan and Online Exhibitor directory
  • Access the Shepard Exhibitor Services Kit, the Cvent portal login, and other exhibitor resources

Why you need both:
To ensure full visibility and access across all exhibitor platforms, you must update your information in both systems. The ERC feeds the online floorplan and directory, while Cvent powers registration, lead capture, hotel booking, and the event mobile app.

Where can I find Exhibitor Appointed Contractor (EAC) and Certificate of Insurance (COI) information?

Exhibitors using an appointed contractor to set up their booth must submit a completed EAC Notification Form and a valid Certificate of Insurance to Shepard no less than thirty (30) days prior to the show. Admission to the show floor will be denied if a Certificate of Insurance is not on file.

  • Exhibitor Appointed Contractor (EAC) Form is for Exhibitors using a third-party vendor to setup their exhibit space (booth rental, labor, etc.)
  • Certificate of Insurance (COI) - Exhibitors are required to carry appropriate full coverage liability insurance if using an appointed contractor to setup their exhibit space
Where can I find a copy of the Official Rules & Regulations, Exhibit Space Contract Terms & Conditions and information on the National Comp Outboard Policy?

All these items are available for download in your secure MapYourShow Exhibitor Resource Center (ERC)

Shipping vs. Material Handling: What's the Difference?

In the world of events, "shipping" and "material handling" are two separate, but interconnected services that ensure your materials or freight reach your booth. While often confused, these services have two distinct processes with different responsibilities and cost models.

These services work in tandem: shipping gets your materials to the event premises, and material handling takes over from the loading dock to your booth and back. Understanding this relationship is key to smooth event logistics and accurate budgeting. Let's break them down --

Shipping

Shipping refers to the transportation of your materials from their origin (e.g., your office or warehouse) to the event location. Shipping is separate from Material Handling.

  • Involves the pickup of your freight and its delivery to either the advanced warehouse or directly to the show site
  • Falls under the exhibitor’s responsibility to arrange and shipping services are typically billed separately from other event services
  • Is available through Shepard Logistics Services providing exhibitors with exclusive benefits and discounts

Shipping Carriers:

  • Exhibitors are free to use any carrier of their choice, using Shepard Logistics is not a requirement.

Material Handling

Material handling is the management of your freight within the event facility, to and from your booth location.  Including the following: unloading and delivery of exhibit freight to the exhibitor’s booth on the show floor, storage of empty containers, return to booth for packing, and the loading back onto the exhibitor’s outbound carrier. This is an automatic, all-inclusive service and is billing is based on weight. This service, whether used completely or in are part, are billed as a package.

Material Handling Services:

Are a standard event procedure that must be ordered in advance to ensure the efficient handling of your items upon arrival. Costs are typically based on the weight of your freight and is exclusively managed by Shepard at the event site and includes:

  • Unloading your freight at the receiving dock
  • Transporting your items to your booth
  • Removing and storing empty containers during the event
  • Returning empty containers to your booth after the event
  • Moving your freight back to the loading dock
  • Loading your items for return shipping
  • Unloading your freight at the receiving dock
  • Transporting your items to your booth
  • Removing and storing empty containers during the event
  • Returning empty containers to your booth after the event
  • Moving your freight back to the loading dock
  • Loading your items for return shipping

Cost-Saving Tip: Consolidate your shipments to minimize charges. Each separate arrival incurs a minimum charge, so pack items together on pallets when possible.

For more information, Shepard Exposition Services has prepared this Shipping vs Material Handling video.

What are the height restrictions for my booth?

Height restrictions are based on the type of booth you have purchased. In-line exhibits may not exceed 8’ in height, and any structures over 42” in height must be positioned within 4’ of the booth’s back wall. Hanging signs are not permitted over in-line booths.

Please refer to the 2025 Exhibit Construction Guidelines located in the Shepard ExhibitorPro Portal or contact the Shepard Customer Service Team directly at [email protected]

How do I ship to the advance warehouse?

Please visit the Shepard ExhibitorPro Portal for answers to Shipping and Material Handling.

What paperwork should exhibitors have on show site?

We suggest bringing a copy of your order confirmations if you ordered online or copies of your paperwork if you sent your orders in by mail or fax. Also, bring copies of what items you have shipped, how it was shipped, and any tracking numbers provided by your carrier. You will also want to bring the information for outbound shipping after the event including your carrier and return address to be shipped.

Tell me about the National Comp Mobile App

The mobile app will be released approximately 4 weeks prior to the event; notice via email will be sent from Cvent to all registrants and will include instructions for setting up your profile.

What features are available in the Cvent mobile app?

  • The Cvent mobile app offers features for personalized event experiences for both attendees and exhibitors, including agenda building and messaging. Attendees can access exhibitor profiles, schedule appointments, and view content like videos, product images, links and floor plans. The app integrates with the broader Cvent platform to provide a seamless experience for all National Comp attendees.

Attendee Engagement & Networking

  • Personalized Agendas: Attendees can create their own schedules and add sessions to their personal agenda. 
  • Messaging & Connections:  Attendees & Exhibitors can send one-on-one messages, form groups, and manage connection requests to network with National Comp community attending the event. 
  • Appointments:  Users can schedule meetings and appointments with other attendees or exhibitors directly within the app. 

Content & Information Access

  • Event Information: Access event schedules, speaker bios, and exhibitor profiles all in one place. 
  • Maps: Navigate the event floor plan, session rooms and theater locations

Live Event Interaction

  • Push Notifications & Announcements: Receive important event updates and last-minute agenda changes directly through the app. 

The National Comp Mobile App can be used to customize your event schedule, connect with attendees, speakers, and exhibitors, download session materials, and receive important event reminders. Plus, at the conclusion of the conference, you’ll be able to download your “Certificate of Attendance”, which is required to obtain CPE credits.  

 

Is there a Pre-Show Attendee List?

The Pre-Show Attendee list is made available to contracted exhibitors with accounts in good standing and contains company names, attendee names and titles only.  Postal mailing addresses, email and phone numbers are not included; however, exhibitors can access additional contact information using the networking function in the Cvent Mobile App or by scanning badges via a Lead Capture Service license.

What additional sponsorship opportunities are available?

Please contact Nancy Calabrese at [email protected] for any sales related questions.

Booth Set-Up & TEAR-DOWN

Can I set-up my own booth?

Exhibitors are allowed to set up their own exhibit display if one person can accomplish without the use of hand tools.  Exhibitors are not permitted to use tools of any type (screwdrivers, hammers, electric drills, power saws, etc.) on booths of any size.  When union labor is required, you may provide your company personnel to work along with a union installer on a one-to-one basis. All company working personnel must have proof of employment with the said exhibiting company.

What is the POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) policy?

Exhibitors driving POVs may hand-carry their own materials into the exhibit facility; however, the use or rental of dollies, flat trucks, and other mechanical equipment is not permitted. The following information applies to exhibitors who wish to hand-carry their own materials in their personal vehicle, i.e., car, pickup truck, minivan, or sport utility vehicle.

Please Note: A POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) is any vehicle primarily designed to transport passengers, not cargo or freight. Examples include pick-ups, passenger vans, taxis, limos, etc. Anything larger is considered a Company Vehicle. Exhibitors are not allowed to unload Company Vehicles themselves.

A Company Vehicle is a vehicle designed to transport freight. Examples include towing trailers of any size, box trucks, U-Haul trucks, semi-trucks, etc. A Company Vehicle is anything larger than a passenger van or designed for freight transportation.

Important to note: There is a Material Handling charge for the unloading of these vehicles. Please refer to the Material Handling section of the Shepard ExhibitorPro Services Kit for applicable rates.

When do I need to be sure to vacate my booth space?

Please refer to Shepard Show Information page located in the Shepard ExhibitorPro Portal for the date and time your exhibit space needs to be cleared. Also refer to Shepard Quick Facts for the time that your shipments need to be cleared by your outbound carrier.

Will there be security to watch my booth items during move-in and move-out?

Perimeter security is provided at access points only. Never leave personal items of value in your booth.

If you have valuable items in your shipment, it is strongly recommended that you wait for your carrier to arrive or hire a security guard for the move-out period to monitor your booth during move-out.

We also advise that you do not label boxes with information about their contents (e.g., “plasma screen,” “computer equipment”), if they contain valuable materials.

Do I need to stay to supervise the movement of my items out of my booth space?

It is important to make sure your outbound paperwork is completed and turned into the Shepard Service Desk located in the Expo Hall at the Exhibitor Service Center before you leave. Never leave your paperwork on your booth materials. If you have something valuable in your shipment, it is advised that you wait for your carrier to load out before leaving or hire a security guard.

SHEPARD EXPOSITION SERVICES RESOURCES

How do I access the Shepard ExhibitorPro Navigation Guide?
How do I get in touch with Shepard Customer Support?

If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to Shepard Exhibitor Services team directly via email at [email protected] or by phone 866-366-7428.

Shipping vs. Material Handling: What's the Difference?

In the world of events, "shipping" and "material handling" are two separate, but interconnected services that ensure your materials or freight reach your booth. While often confused, these services have two distinct processes with different responsibilities and cost models.

These services work in tandem: shipping gets your materials to the event premises, and material handling takes over from the loading dock to your booth and back. Understanding this relationship is key to smooth event logistics and accurate budgeting. Let's break them down --

Shipping

Shipping refers to the transportation of your materials from their origin (e.g., your office or warehouse) to the event location. Shipping is separate from Material Handling.

  • Involves the pickup of your freight and its delivery to either the advanced warehouse or directly to the show site
  • Falls under the exhibitor’s responsibility to arrange and shipping services are typically billed separately from other event services
  • Is available through Shepard Logistics Services providing exhibitors with exclusive benefits and discounts

Shipping Carriers:

  • Exhibitors are free to use any carrier of their choice, using Shepard Logistics is not a requirement.

Material Handling

Material handling is the management of your freight within the event facility, to and from your booth location.  Including the following: unloading and delivery of exhibit freight to the exhibitor’s booth on the show floor, storage of empty containers, return to booth for packing, and the loading back onto the exhibitor’s outbound carrier. This is an automatic, all-inclusive service and is billing is based on weight. This service, whether used completely or in are part, are billed as a package.

Material Handling Services:

Are a standard event procedure that must be ordered in advance to ensure the efficient handling of your items upon arrival. Costs are typically based on the weight of your freight and is exclusively managed by Shepard at the event site and includes:

  • Unloading your freight at the receiving dock
  • Transporting your items to your booth
  • Removing and storing empty containers during the event
  • Returning empty containers to your booth after the event
  • Moving your freight back to the loading dock
  • Loading your items for return shipping
  • Unloading your freight at the receiving dock
  • Transporting your items to your booth
  • Removing and storing empty containers during the event
  • Returning empty containers to your booth after the event
  • Moving your freight back to the loading dock
  • Loading your items for return shipping

Cost-Saving Tip: Consolidate your shipments to minimize charges. Each separate arrival incurs a minimum charge, so pack items together on pallets when possible.

For more information, Shepard Exposition Services has prepared this Shipping vs Material Handling video.

EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION & HOTEL ACCESS

Exhibitor Registration & Hotel Room Block Access
I’m an Exhibitor, how do I book my hotel accommodations?

Your exhibitor registration confirmation email will contain a secure link to book your hotel accommodations within the official National Comp room block.

Booking through this link ensures safe reservations and protects you from credit card fraud and housing scams often associated with unauthorized third-party vendors known as housing pirates. We strongly recommend booking early, as rooms in the official room block sell out quickly.

*Avoid Hotel ScamsOnly book through the official registration link in your Cvent Exhibitor Registration Confirmation email.

I'm having issues registering my booth staff in Cvent. What should I do?

The browser is saving the information and recognizing the previous registrant.  If you are the administrator for your company registering multiple people, once you complete a registration, please try the following –

  • Log out and then log back into the portal to register the next person. 
  • Use Chrome in Incognito mode when registering your team, this essentially keeps the system from recognizing you as the previous registration.
  • Clear the cookies/cache between registrations. 

Another option to complete registrations is to utilize the Share Sign-up Link feature.  This allows you to share the registration link to your team. If you go in this direction, we recommend giving your team a deadline so you can check their status in the portal.

Here is a link for Step-by-Step Instructions. If additional guidance regarding registration is still needed, please email our customer service team at [email protected]

LEAD CAPTURE

What is Lead Capture? 

Lead Capture is a service that allows you to collect attendee contact information in real-time on your personal phone, tablet or computer. For more details visit Lead Capture at National Comp.

Do I need a Lead Capture License?

Yes, you will need to secure licensing for each individual device you will be using to scan badges.

How do I order Lead Capture Services?

You will need to log into your Cvent Exhibitor Registration Portal to order lead capture licenses to your individual staff members. The primary point of contact listed as the booth administrator for your company will receive an invitation via email with access the Cvent Exhibitor Registration Portal to register your team. During the exhibitor staff registration process you will be able to order Lead Capture Services. 

If you have already registered your staff but forgot to order Lead Capture Services at that time, then you will simply need to ‘Modify’ an existing registration and then add Lead Capture Services to that individual registration.

  • Login to your Cvent Exhibitor Registration Portal.
  • Identify the name of the registrant you wish to add the Lead Capture License to. You will need the original email address used for the registration and the confirmation number.
  • Once you can view the registered staff member you wish to add the Lead Capture License to, click on the Modify Button
  • Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Next
  • At the top of the next page select “Add Item
  • From there you will be able to add-on the Lead Capture license to that particular registration. 

HOSPITALITY EVENTS

Can I host a private event?
  • Hosting Events: Exhibitors are welcome to host parties and special events outside of show hours. Written approval for hosting a private event is required. These gatherings offer additional opportunities for engagement. Exhibitors are encouraged to feature the “National Comp Supporter” badge on marketing materials, invitations, and signage. If you wish to hold an event outside of the official posted hours of the event, please email [email protected]with your meeting space request. 
  • Prohibited Activities: It is prohibited during show hours to promote or conduct any activity off the show floor that competes with National Comp’s official conference program or networking events. Exhibitors are strongly advised not to co-host activities with companies that are not Official Exhibitors or Sponsors.

Please refer to our Housing & Hospitality section of the Official Rules & Regulations available for download in the MapYourShow Exhibitor Resource Center  for complete details.

What is Outboarding?

Outboarding refers to the practice of hosting unsanctioned events alongside an existing exhibition or conference to capitalize on its audience without the approval of the event organizer.

National Comp Position Statement: We are committed to working with industry partners to support their strategic goals within the workers’ compensation sector. A variety of Sponsorship and Exhibitor opportunities are available to ensure companies can participate in an official and ethical capacity. National Comp reserves the right to protect the integrity of the event and may impose penalties on companies or individuals found violating this policy.

What are the Outboard Policy Guidelines for National Comp?

  • Prohibited Activities: During show hours, it is strictly prohibited to promote or conduct any activity that competes with National Comp’s official conference program or networking events. To avoid penalty exhibitors are strongly advised against co-hosting activities with entities that are not Official National Comp exhibitors or sponsors.
  • Hosting Events: Official exhibitors are invited to host parties and special events outside of show hours, creating additional opportunities for engagement. To enhance their marketing, invitations, and signage, exhibitors are encouraged to proudly feature the “National Comp Supporter” badge.
  • Reporting Violations: We ask all stakeholders (Exhibitors, Sponsors, and Attendees) to decline invitations from Outboard Companies for unsanctioned events that conflict with National Comp activities and to report violations to National Comp.
  • Click here to review the National Comp Outboard Policy.

EXHIBITOR LISTINGS

How do I update my Exhibitor Listing for Online and the Mobile App?

You will need to update your company information in both MapYourShow and Cvent to ensure that attendees have the most complete information about you,

To complete your company profile as it appears online and please follow the instructions below for MapYourShow:

Updating Company Information for MapYourShow:

  • Login to your MapYourShow Exhibitor Resource Center. If you are logging into the ERC for the first time enter in your email address, an email will be sent for you to continue setting up your account.
  • In the email you will be asked to Confirm your Email Address and setup a password.
  • If you already have a login but forgot your password, click on the "forgot password" button to help you retrieve your password.  Otherwise, log in to your ERC using your credentials.
  • Once logged in to the ERC, you can check your purchase and payment history, view the Exhibitor Checklist for any outstanding items that need to be completed, download additional exhibitor resources and update your company profile.  Make sure to provide up-to-date information about your company so attendees can contact you.
  • Once your company profile information has been updated in the ERC it will reflect on the MapYourShow interactive Floorplan and the Exhibitor Directory

Updating Your Company Information for the Cvent Mobile App:

  • The primary point of contact listed as the booth administrator for your company will receive an invitation via email with access to the Cvent Exhibitor Registration Portal
  • Open the email and click on the provided link to log in.
  • Once logged in, you will be able to update your Company Profile.
  • Make sure to provide accurate and comprehensive information about your company within the event app powered by Cvent.

Please note - it is essential to update information in both the MapYourShow Exhibitor Resource Center (ERC) and the Cvent Exhibitor Registration Portal to ensure that attendees have the most complete and up-to-date information about your company during the conference.

Please contact [email protected] to request to have the initial Cvent Registration Invitation Email resent or for any additional questions regarding the Cvent Mobile App.

EXHIBITOR MARKETING TOOLS

What marketing tools are available for exhibitors?

The Exhibitor Marketing Toolkit will be available 90 days out from show and will be accessible through your MapYourShow Exhibitor Resource Center . Exhibitors can download an array of Official National Comp marketing materials including the National Comp Brand Guidelines, Show & Speaker Logos, and Supporter Badges in various colors.