PAR – 1. Common term for sealed beam spot or flood lamp with self-contained lens surfaced glass. 2. One less than bogey.
Per Diem – Per Day.
Package – Can also refer to a single-fee booth package, offered by show management. A package might include booth space, one electrical outlet, one table, two chairs, and one hour of labor.
Package Plan – Management providing furniture and/or services to exhibitors for a single fee.
Packing Case – See SHIPPING CASE, CRATE.
Packing Drawing – A visual to supplement written instruction.
Packing List – A list showing the number and kinds of items being shipped, as well as other information needed for transportation purposes.
Pad Wrap – See BLANKET WRAP.
Padded Van – Describes vehicle used for uncrated shipments.
Padding – Usually blanket protection for uncrated material.
Painters – Laborers who are responsible for sign painting and graphics. May also have other duties depending upon union jurisdiction and agreements.
Pallet – See SKID.
Pallet Wrap – Process of wrapping loose items on pallet with transparent plastic wrapping.
Panel System – A prefabricated exhibit composed of connected panels of various sizes and shapes.
Parallax – Illusion of opacity resulting from the juxtaposition of translucent or polarized surfaces. Also achieved when rows of panels or fins are spaced in such a way as to be seen through when viewed directly, but that appear to be opaque when viewed from an angle.
Particle Board – A structural panel of compressed glued wood chips.
Paste-Up – A mounted assembly of graphics prior to reproduction.
Pavilion – 1. A group presentation of different companies for the purpose of generating collected impact. 2. Temporary structure for housing exhibits.
Pedestal – A floor support for an exhibit component.
Peg Board – Trade name for perforated hardboard. Available with holes on various centers.
Pegged Off – An object mounted away from supporting surface with spacers. BETTER KNOWN AS STAND OFF.
Peninsula – An exhibit or area with aisles on three sides.
Perimeter Booth – Exhibit space located on an outside wall of an exhibit hall.
Permanent Exhibit – A product display held on a long-term basis, e.g., mart exhibit, museum exhibit, office exhibit, lobby exhibit, and the like.
Permanent Import – In case of sales, with payment of duties and VAT, or in case of free distribution, disposable or consumable usually exempted from payment of duties and VAT depending on each country. Quantity and value exempted at discretion of Customs authorities.
Permit Card – Temporary work permit card granting temporary employment rights.
Phosphorescent Paint – Radiates visibly when activated by ultraviolet light.
Photo Screen – A stencil made photographically for silk screen reproduction.
Photostats – A reproductive process employing paper negatives.
Phytosanitary Inspection Certificate – A certificate, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to satisfy import regulations of foreign countries, indicating that a US shipment has been inspected and is free from harmful pests and plant diseases.
Piano Hinge – Continuous fixed pin hinge.
Pier Demurrage – A charge assessed when the container is removed from the carrier¹s control and is not returned within the allowable free time. SEE CONTAINER DETENTION.
Pipe and Drape – Pipe material with fabric draped from it to make up side RAILS and BACKWALL of a trade show.
Pixie Tubes – Special high intensity lamps with internal circuits and filaments in shape of numerals.
Plan – A top view mechanical drawing.
Plastic Laminate – Any one of several of the melamine plastics bonded to paneling for durability and appearance.
Plating – A decorative and protective metal finish.
Plexiglas – A trade name for acrylic plastic material in common use.
Plumbers – Trades person responsible for all plumbing installation.
Plywood – Laminated wood of an odd number of sheets glued together. Often used in exhibit construction.
Podium – A reading stand for making presentations.
Point of Purchase Display (POP) – An aid to retail selling. Used to promote or identify products at their point-of-sale.
Poly – SEE VISQUEEN.
Pop - Ups – Lightweight displays normally shipped in molded plastic crates. ALSO KNOWN AS PORTABLE EXHIBITS.
Portable Exhibits – Lightweight displays normally shipped in molded plastic crates. ALSO KNOWN AS POP-UPS.
Porters – Laborers who perform sweeping, cleaning, and dusting.
Portrait – Sign where height measurement (vertical line) is greater than width measurement. OPPOSITE OF LANDSCAPE.
Positive Prints – A reproduction similar to the original. SEE UPRIGHT.
Poster Board – A stiff-weight art board usually used for printing and/or presentations.
Poster Session – An area set aside with poster boards on which presenters can mount information about their research or other projects and explain their work to those who stop. A cross between the meeting and trade show formats of presenting information.
Power of Attorney – A document that allows another person to act legally on your behalf in your absence.
Power Strip – A movable unit having multiple electrical outlets.
Prefab – Pre-built exhibit ready for installation.
Pre-finished Paneling – Factory finished panels.
Premium Pay – SEE OVERTIME (O/T)
Pre-pleated – Material permanently pleated, ready for installation.
Presenters – Trained individuals stationed in a booth to present a scripted promotional message.
Press Kit – Materials, usually contained in a folder, in which news releases, product announcements, and other materials intended for the media are distributed.
Press Release – An article intended for use by the media about a company, product, service, individual, or show.
Press Room – A room where members of the media may obtain exhibitor press kits, conduct interviews, or relax. Larger press rooms contain typewriters, computers, telephones, and fax machines for use by the press in filing their stories.
Priority Rating System – Method of assigning booth space.
Prismatic Glass (or Prismatic Plastic) – Material that is textured with a multitude of tiny facets that refract and diffuse light.
Producer, Exhibit – An individual or company that designs and/or builds exhibits. May also provide other services. ALSO KNOWN AS BUILDER.
Producer, Show – An individual or company that manages trade shows; leases exhibit facility, hires official contractors, and promotes events.
Pro Forma Invoice – An invoice provided by a supplier prior to the shipment of merchandise, informing the buyer of the kinds and quantities of goods to be sent, their value, and important specifications (weight, size, etc.).
Prohibited Cargo – Goods restricted by international convention. Also refers to drugs, weapons and ammunitions.
Pro-Number – Shipment number designated by the common carrier to a single shipment, used in all cases where the shipment must be referred. Usually assigned at once.
Proof – Any preliminary reproduction by photography, typesetting or lithography, provided by processor for approval prior to finished product.
Proposal – To put forth an idea, design or concept for consideration or acceptance.
Proscenium Arch – Theatrical expression for visible opening that frames stage. Also visible opening that frames DIORAMA.
Public Show – One where general public is invited to attend and an admission fee is usually charged.
Purchasing Agent – One who purchases goods in his/her own country on behalf of foreign importers such as government agencies and large private concerns.
Pylon – A tall exhibit structure normally used for identification.
Quad Box – Four electrical outlets in one box. ALSO KNOWN AS DOG HOUSE.
Qualifying – The act of determining an exhibit visitor's authority to purchase a product or service on display.
Quota – The quantity of goods of a specific kind that a country will permit to be imported without restriction or imposition of additional duties.
Quotation – An offer to sell goods at a stated price and under specified conditions.
RFP (Request for Proposal) – A request for a description of work to be performed, products and services to be supplied, and bids for a project.
ROI (Return-On-Investment) – Measurement of benefit an exhibiting company receives from participation of an exhibition. Broadest example formula: income minus costs equals ROI.
ROO (Return on Objectives) – Measurement of benefit an exhibiting company receives for participation at an exhibition by company pre-set objectives to show success.
RS or L – Classes the Same or Lower.
Rabbet – A saw cut used in the fabrication of wood parts.
Raceway – A metal container for electrical wires or a wood channel for rubber.
Radius Mark – Internal and external marks left on acrylic after improper or inadequate bending.
Rail – A low divider between exhibit spaces.
Raised Letters – Lettering cut out of any material and applied or mounted to a surface or background for dimensional effects.
Rank and File – The membership of a union other than officers and officials.
Rate of Exchange – The rate of currency exchange established daily as the buying rate of foreign currency by the Federal Reserve Bank. The daily rate is used only when it varies by more than 5 per cent from the quarterly rate. When applicable, the daily rate is the rate certified on the day of exportation.
Raw Film – Condition of motion picture film after printing process but before surface has been treated.
Rear Illuminated – Technique of lighting color transparency or adlux from rear.
Rear Projection – Movie, slide, or computer image presentation where the screen is between the viewer and the projector.
Recall – Requiring employee to return to work after he or she has left for the day (or night).
Reception – Stand-up social function with food and beverages.
Refraction – The change of direction of a light ray passing from one medium to another of different density.
Refurbish – To repair damage, renew surfaces, and replace graphics, as necessary, to recondition an exhibit, extending its life span.
Registration – The process of obtaining information from an event¹s participants, including name, company affiliation and address, plus any other information that is requested by show management.
Registration Area – Designated area, usually outside the exhibit hall or meeting room, where exhibitors and attendees are badged.
Regional Show – A show targeted to attendees from a specific geographical area. May be a stand-alone event, or a regional version of a national show.
Reinforced Vinyl – Covered cord, wall coverings, or upholstery materials. Vinyl laminated with fabric. Generally used for banners.
Relay – Electrical device used to interrupt or sustain flow of current. Commonly used in low-voltage systems for programmed effects.
Release Forms – Documents provided by management to permit removal of goods from exhibition during show hours. MORE COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS PROPERTY PASSES. Released Value Limit of carrier¹s liability
Remote Ballast – Removal of ballast from fluorescent fixtures to a separate or remote location, to allow for extremely limited space.
Rental Booth – Complete booth package offered to exhibitors on a rental basis.
Return – Common term applied to panel joined to background at 90-degree angle.
Reverse Prints – Dark or black field with white line art or copy.
Rheostat – A device for regulating strength of an electric current by varying the resistance. Also called a dimmer.
Rib – A framing member, usually termed in circular forms.
Rigger – 1. Responsible for machinery uncrating, unskidding, positioning, leveling, and reskidding. 2. Skilled labor responsible for attaching signs, banners, truss, and other equipment to ceiling of exhibit hall.
Right-to-Work State – A state where joining a union is not a condition of employment.
Rim Drive – A turntable operated from its edge rather than the center for heavier or off-center loads.
Riser – A platform to elevate people or product.
Room Capacity – The maximum number of people allowed in any given area.
Room Set-Up – The layout of tables, chairs, other furniture, and equipment for functions.
Rough Sketch – Quick drawing giving indications of proposed exhibit.
Round – A banquet table, usually 60 inches in diameter; also available in 66- and 72-inch diameters.
Router – A high speed cutting tool for shaping, gouging, scooping, hollowing out.,etc.
For more information, go to
Conventions.net.