Frequently asked questions

For shows where GES is the official services contractor, find your show and order online at https://ordering.ges.com/. 

For other shows, fax your order to 866.329.1437. If you need assistance, please contact the GES at 800.475.2098.

No, you may not perform hardwire power connections. All hardwire power connections and on-site cable installations must be done by GES to ensure safety and that all electrical codes and building rules are followed. This is for the protection of the exhibitors, attendees, facility staff and employees of all sub-contractors.

Yes, if you have one of the following:

• 1. Under carpet distribution of electrical wiring, including coaxial cable, fiber optics, twisted pair, etc. and the distribution of same from product to booth and from booth to booth.
• 2. Power run to any location across the floor.
• 3. Motor and equipment hook-ups requiring hard wiring connections.
• 4. Installation and/or repair of electrical fixtures.
• 5. Installation of electrical motors and electrical apparatus to be energized.
• 6. Outlets over 20 amps and/or with a voltage over 150 volts.

Labor is required to inspect equipment pre-wired to plug into our system.
The only location that does not require labor is at the back of the exhibitor’s booth

Starting time can be guaranteed only when labor is requested for the start of the working day at 8 AM. All exhibit labor for 8 AM starting times will be dispatched to booth space. For all other starting times, check in at the labor desk on-half (1/2) hour before time requested.

If exhibitor fails to use the workers at the time confirmed, a one (1) hour “no show” charge per worker will apply.

The minimum charge for labor is one (1) hour per worker. Labor thereafter is charged in half (1/2) hour increments.

Labor before 8:00 AM and after 3:30 PM and Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays will be at the overtime rate.

Labor cancelled without a 24 hour notice shall be charged a one (1) hour cancellation fee per worker.

Most facilities have the basic electrical framework to sustain a variety of functions. However, the power within the building is not configured or in the locations required for show use. GES provides temporary electrical distribution of that power. It is our function to safely, efficiently and economically distribute electrical services from the main distribution point to the required locations on the show floor.

We have a wide selection of lighting options available. All of our lighting comes complete with power.

• 1. 1000 watt quartz floodlights, mounted on the building ceiling beams or trusses. They are ideal for general illumination - excellent for highlighting large areas, i.e. cars, trucks, machines - coverage approximately 10 foot by 10 foot area. They provide good color correction and produce no heat in your booth.
• 2. 500 watt quartz floodlight (limited to specific venues), on 8 foot light stand or can be mounted in a low ceiling area (depending on the facility you're exhibiting in - maximum mounting height 15 feet). Excellent for general illumination - coverage approx. 8 foot by 10 foot area.
• 3. Chrome floor stands complete with 150 watt floodlights, combination of 2-3-4 or 5 lights per stand. They normally are placed in the front corner of your booth. They have swivel heads and can be adjusted to illuminate individual products or provide direct lighting on specific products. Excellent way to highlight a focal point in your booth - coverage approx. 8 foot by 10 foot area.
• 4. Chrome arm fixtures come complete with 150 watt spot or floodlights and attach to hardwall booths only. Ideal for direct lighting of your product or to accentuate signs, panels with pictures, art work, brochures, etc.
• 5. The focused beam of LEKOS can give a hard edge to the variably shaped pattern, simulating the appearance of a professional follow spot or lighting very precisely things like logo signs or specific elements of your set. They are very versatile.
• 6. Track Lighting systems allow you to configure a customized lighting scheme. These systems are great for lighting graphics and display items.

Call your GES electrical team representative to find out which type of lighting best fits your application.

We have five basic 120 volt outlets listed on the GES electrical order form.

• 2000 watt, 120 volt duplex outlet
• 1500 watt, 120 volt duplex outlet – is a standard household/office outlet
• 1000 watt, 120 volt duplex outlet
• 500 watt, 120 volt duplex outlet – is a standard outlet
• 3000 watt, 120 volt duplex outlet - call for quote

The 120 volt, 500 through 3000 watt duplex outlets have one place to plug your equipment into. Depending on which outlet you order, there will be a combined output of either 500 through 3000 watts of power.

Example: If you have 1 piece of equipment that requires 1500 watts of power to operate, you need to order a 1500 watt outlet. You can only utilize one of the plugs if the equipment requires the full 1500 watts of power to operate. It is important that you do not exceed the maximum wattage, overloading the circuit could prove to be hazardous to you and your neighbors.

Because the various power systems world-wide do not match the power system in the United States there are two main ways of preparing equipment for use in the United States. Either means may be expensive and cumbersome to implement.

In the United States the power system is 480 volts - 208 volts 3 phase / 120 volt phase to neutral. In Europe and Asia the power system is 380 volts 3 phase / 220 volts to neutral.

Because of this difference the first method of preparation would be to modify products and equipment to match the power supply that is used in the United States. This would include any motors and controllers on the equipment.

Equipment to consider renting in the United States would be lighting and food service equipment provided it is not part of the equipment produced by the client.

The second means of preparing for equipment manufactured in other counties is to rent a 480 volt to 380 volt – 220 volt European type transformer. The cost for the transformer is dependent on the amount of amperage required to run the equipment; the minimum allowed is 20 amps at 480 volts; plus the cost of renting the transformer. Additional costs that may be required; Labor, hoist equipment and the cost of running the cable from the power panel to the transformer and then to the equipment. The transformer is typically placed within the booth space and will require a five foot square space (1.5 meter by 1.5 meter)

In most cases, no. This is decided by Show Management. If power is supplied, the Exhibitor Service Kit will indicate this. Please read the manual carefully.

There are four different types of trade show booths: Inline booths, Peninsula booths, back-to-back peninsula booths and island booths. Each type of booth has its own standard method of installation. In the following diagrams, the symbol X represents the approximate location of the main drops.

Yes, you or your representative may plug up to four lights into the GES provided outlets. We will be available to assist you with any questions or problems. It is important to make certain you do not overload a circuit, please order the appropriate outlet.

Dedicated and 24 hour power will be at double the listed price. Electricity will be turned on 30 minutes prior to show open and will be turned off within approximately 30 minutes after show close each day. Order 24 hour power if you require refrigeration, computer systems, water pumps, heaters, etc.

No, our pricing is for the duration of the show. Electricity will be turned on 30 minutes prior to show open and will be turned off within approximately 30 minutes after show close each day.

You may connect multiple items to a standard 120 volt single outlet providing the wattage does not exceed 500 watts on the 500 watt outlet and 1500 watts on the 1500 watt standard outlet. You may use an approved 3-wire grounded power bar, listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (i.e. CSA) and circuit protected.

Most facilities have the basic electrical framework to sustain a variety of functions. However, the power within the building is not configured or in the locations required for show use. GES provides temporary electrical distribution of that power. It is our function to safely, efficiently and economically distribute electrical services from the main distribution point to the required locations on the show floor.

We want to get your requirements as soon as possible. The deadline date allows us to plan the process. The time prior to your shows move-in is devoted to determining how much equipment is required - order/receive material - schedule labor effectively and prepare floor layouts. Orders can still be processed after the deadline date but charged at a higher rate. So please, to save money and help us plan effectively and efficiently, place your order by the deadline date.