AG CONNECT Expo Information

After many questions were asked during our Atlanta Fall Convention about the upcoming AG CONNECT show in Orlando, FL, Jan. 13-15, 2010, we have decided the best way to get your questions answered is to go straight to the source. We have worked with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) to get answers to your questions from the meeting in Atlanta.

What Is Included In The
Full Exhibitor Package Plan?

1. Unloading and reloading of all crated shipments from all trucks
2. Delivery of Machinery and crates to exhibit stands from marshaling area(s) and pick up same machinery and crates at close of show
3. Removal of all cleating and blocking on inbound shipments, including materials where required
4. Handling of inbound and outbound shipments of exhibit materials to the Orange County Convention Center or any other exhibit areas used for the show
5. Operators for self-propelled equipment and planking where required
6. Spotting of exhibitor’s machinery or products for the initial installation only as the equipment is delivered to the exhibitor’s stand, and provided an exhibitor representative is present during the initial placement
7. Exhibit crate removal, storage and return to exhibit stand at the close of the show
8. General cleaning of all exhibits, including vacuuming or sweeping the carpet/floor and emptying wastebaskets before opening each show day
9. One pre-show attendee mailing list including attendees’ names and mailing addresses.

This package plan is included in the space rate for exhibitors that paid the $15 or $17 rates. Exhibitors that paid the $12 rate will have to pay material handling charges if they need things moved into their booths.

Can I Put My Own Equipment Together?

Full time employees of the exhibiting company may put their own equipment together.

Where Can I Put Together My Equipment?

Arrangements with Orange County Convention Center are being made for some outdoor space to be made available where large equipment can be put together.

Can I Drive Or Bring
My Own Equipment In?

Depends on what is required to bring the assembled equipment into the hall. If it needs to be towed, Freeman will tow it. (This is part of the package plan). If it needs to be driven, the exhibitor will drive it to the dock basin and then Freeman personnel will “spot” (assist with maneuvering) the equipment into the booth space. (Also included in package plan) Freeman will drive the vehicle if it is an ordinary car or truck that does not require any special skills to operate. If it is a piece of equipment that requires special skills to operate, Freeman personnel will assist the exhibitor in navigating thru the aisles. (Also part of package plan)

How Much Is Parking @
The Convention Center?

The Orange County Convention Center accepts cash, traveler’s checks, American Express, MasterCard and Visa.

• A $11.00 parking fee will apply to passenger vehicles.
• A $22.00 parking fee will apply to oversized vehicles.
• After 5 p.m., discounted parking rates apply.

After paying the daily parking charge, exhibitors with appropriate show credentials and their original receipt for that day's parking have unlimited in and out parking access within each 12-hour day should spaces be available.

Union Jurisdictions for Orlando, FL

To assist you in planning for your participation in this upcoming exposition, we are certain you will appreciate knowing in advance that union labor may be required for certain aspects of your exhibit handling.

To help you understand the jurisdiction the various unions have, we ask that you read the following information.

Exhibit Installation and Dismantling:

Currently we have an agreement with the Local IATSE Union to provide labor for display erection and dismantling. Full time employees of the exhibiting companies, however, may set their own exhibits without assistance from this local. Any labor services that may be required beyond what your regular full time employees can provide, must be rendered by the Union. Labor can be ordered in advance by returning the Display Labor form, or at showsite, at the service desk. Proof of full time employment status may be requested by the Union Steward of any personnel working in your booth.

Material Handling:

Exhibitors may hand-carry their own materials into the exhibit facility. The use or rental of dollies, flat trucks and other mechanical equipment, however, is not permitted. Freeman will control access to the loading docks in order to provide for a safe and orderly move in/out. Only full time employees of the exhibiting company will be allowed to hand-carry items. Unloading or reloading at the dock of any and all contracted carriers will be handled by Freeman.

Tipping:

Freeman requests that exhibitors do not tip their employees. They are paid at an excellent wage scale denoting a professional status, and we feel that tipping is not necessary. This applies to all employees. Any request for such should be brought to the attention of a Freeman representative at the service desk or correspondence may be directed to the attention of the General Manager at the local office address.

Safety:

Standing on chairs, tables, or other rental furniture is prohibited. This furniture is not engineered to support your standing weight. Freeman cannot be responsible for injuries or falls caused by the improper use of this furniture. If assistance is required in assembling your booth, please order labor on the Display Labor order form and the necessary ladders and tools will be provided.

For more information about AG CONNECT, please go to agconnect.com, or for info on the FEMA Pavilion please visit farmequip.org/farm_shows/ag_connect.