Exhibitors may install and dismantle their own exhibit and lay their own carpet in their own exhibit area as long as the booth size is 250 sq ft or less and the following conditions are met: 

    1. No tools are used in the assembly or dismantle; 
    2. Individuals performing the work must be full time employees of the exhibiting company and carry identification to verify this fact.

Exhibitors are allowed to unpack and repack their own products (if in cartons, not crates) and are allowed to do technical work on their machines, such as balancing, programming, cleaning of machines, etc. 

Exhibitors may “hand carry” or use nothing larger than a two wheel baggage cart (rubber or plastic wheels only) to move their items. 

Exhibitors may move a “pop-up” display (equal or less than 25' in length) capable of being carried by hand by one person. The individuals moving the items must be full time employees of the exhibiting company and must carry identification to verify this fact. 


Installation & Operation

Booth displays must be completed one hour prior to the Show opening. 

Booths and displays (including products) must remain intact until the Show’s official end date and time. Penalties may be imposed for early dismantling of a booth or display. 

Sound Levels

Sound levels of presentations should be kept within the confines of the booth area and must not interfere with neighboring exhibits. Displays found to be objectionable due to noise level will result in the closure of the Exhibitor’s Booth. 

Playing music is prohibited, unless that is the product you are selling. 

Video & Photography

Exhibitors are only permitted to photograph or video their own booth. Only credentialed media are permitted to photograph & video record all areas of the show. 

Celebrities

If you plan to have a guest celebrity in your Booth, please contact Michele Hilton by email at [email protected] to make the appropriate arrangements. 

Games, Prizes & Drawings

Exhibitors may not conduct contests, sweepstakes or games of chance at the Fancy Food Show venue. 

Personal Mobility Devices

Personal mobility devices, with or without motors, (such as hoverboards, skateboards, uni-wheels, etc.) are prohibited on the Show floor. 

Accessibility devices, like wheelchairs and motorized scooters are permitted on the Show floor and available for rent onsite. 

The Javits Center team wants your experience at their facility to be as enjoyable and trouble-free as possible. The rules and guidelines were developed to ensure both the smooth operation of Javits Center events and the safety of all exhibitors and attendees. If you have questions, call the Javits Center at (212) 216-2090, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST. 
 https://www.javitscenter.com/plan/policies 

Union Jurisdiction at Javits Convention Center

There are three major unions that have jurisdiction over trade shows. The following should help guide you in conforming to union jurisdictions and its adherence to them when required. 

Teamster union: 

Teamsters handle freight at the exhibit hall. They unload trucks or vehicles and deliver materials to and from booths. They also provide rigging of machinery, moving services and spot machinery in your booth. The normal rigging crew consists of two men and a forklift. Customarily, this service must be ordered in advance at exhibitor’s expense. 

Carpenter union: 

Carpenters handle the erection and dismantling of display and exhibit booths. This also includes all display work. Carpenters uncrate and re-crate machinery or equipment and install and remove all draping and floor covering. 

Electrical union: 

Electricians handle all electrical work, which includes supply power lines to your booth, connecting equipment to outlets and install signs or headers that are lighted, unless they are permanently a part of the exhibit backwall.

What can exhibitors do without union personnel? 

Contrary to popular belief, exhibitors are allowed to do some work within the privacy of their own booths. Exhibitors may install and dismantle their own exhibit and lay their own carpet in their own exhibit area as long as the booth size is 250 sq ft or less and the following conditions are met: 

  1. No tools are used in the assembly or dismantle;  
  2. Individuals performing the work must be full time employees of the exhibiting company and carry identification to verify this fact. 

Exhibitors are allowed to unpack and repack their own products (if in cartons, not crates) and are allowed to do technical work on their machines, such as balancing, programming, cleaning of machines, etc. 

Exhibitors may “hand carry” or use nothing larger than a two wheel baggage cart (rubber or plastic wheels only) to move their items. 

Exhibitors may move a “pop-up” display (equal or less than 25' in length) capable of being carried by hand by one person. The individuals moving the items must be full time employees of the exhibiting company and must carry identification to verify this fact. 

When unsafe set-up or dismantle conditions exist, the Javits Center may elect to suspend the exceptions listed above and Javits exhibit building labor will complete the set up at the exhibitor’s expense. 

Flameproofing

Table coverings as well as all booth equipment must be a non-flammable material. All decorative materials must be fire-resistant and in accord with the standard established by the New York Fire Department. Affidavits attesting to flameproof compliance with New York City Fire Department Regulations must be submitted when requested. 

Products containing cannabinoid HEMP (including CBD) or THC

The Javits Center is issuing the following guidelines for products containing cannabinoid hemp (including CBD), or THC in any natural or synthetic form: 

  1. Products containing cannabinoid hemp (including CBD), or THC (natural or synthetic) may not be distributed or sold at the Javits Center, including the provision of free samples or gifts; 
  2. Only products with THC less than .3%, such as cannabinoid hemp products, may be displayed; 
  3. Cannabinoid hemp products must also comply with New York State law, which requires, among other things, that: 
  4. Such products are clearly distinguished from non-cannabinoid-hemp products; and 
  5. The promoter has a New York Cannabinoid Hemp Retail License. 
  6. Any exhibitor, vendor or event producer displaying products shall be solely responsible for ensuring their conduct and products are compliant with all laws, including, but not limited to, those promulgated by the particular trade show, and any New York State labeling and packaging requirements. Accordingly, no participant may rely on this guidance as a basis for any violation.