RULES & REGULATIONS
Thank you for exhibiting at the Sun Shading Expo, we look forward to seeing you in Orlando!
With the very specific local regulations in Orlando, Show Management has compiled the following overview of commonly applicable rules for exhibitors. Please note that this does not include all regulations and exhibitors are expected to ensure their company, personnel, and booth are compliant with all event and local rules and regulations. All rules and regulations can be found at Freeman Online.
Start with the basics -
Ensure compliance with all show and venue guidelines.
Provider: Orange County Convention Center
What exhibitors can/can’t do:
Exhibitors must order all electrical services through Orange County Convention Center for all electrical work including but not limited to:
- Distribution of electrical under flooring
- Distribution of electrical overhead and/or throughout the booth structure (ex: mounting monitors and lights, connection or hard wiring of all exhibitor equipment, installation of electrical headers and/or light boxes)
- Labor needed to connect machines to high voltage power
Provider: Sodexo Live!
What exhibitors can/can’t do:
Sodexo Live! is the exclusive caterer for the Orange County Convention Center. Outside food of any kind will not be permitted.
Provider: Freeman
What exhibitors can/can’t do:
Freeman currently has 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, may be rendered by the Union. Labor can be ordered in advance by ordering online or at show site, at the service desk.
Provider: SmartCity Networks
What exhibitors can/can’t do:
SmartCity Networks (Technology Services) is the exclusive provider for client and exhibitor voice, data, internet, cable TV, and networking services.
Additional details: Internet, Data, Voice, Television, and Networking Services
Provider: Freeman
What exhibitors can/can’t do:
Exhibitors may move material that is hand carriable by one person in one trip, without the use of dollies, hand trucks or other mechanical equipment. If material exceeds these limits, the exhibitor must hire Freeman labor to complete it.
Additional details: Material Handling
Provider: Orange County Convention Center
What exhibitors can/can’t do:
Exhibitors are prohibited from making service connections and removing material and equipment at the close of the show. Electricity or electrical labor to connect and operate any plumbing apparatus is not included. All electrical requirements must be ordered separately.
Provider: Orange County Convention Center
What exhibitors can/can’t do:
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is the exclusive rigging service provider. All overhead hanging must be assembled, installed, and removed by the OCCC. If an exhibitor orders rigging without the proper labor to assemble the sign, the OCCC may place the required labor order on the exhibitor’s behalf and invoice the exhibitor directly.
EXHIBITOR SERVICES
Orange County Convention Center
800-345-9898
888-508-5054
Exhibitors are responsible for ensuring their booth display complies with all exhibit dimension regulations.

Provider: NO Exclusive Provider
What exhibitors can/can’t do:
All booths are required to have carpeting or floor covering. Booths without approved floor covering will be carpeted by the exhibit service contractor at the expense of the exhibitor.
While exhibitors are NOT required to order flooring through Freeman, they may do so at the following link.
If your company plans to use a contractor other than an official contractor, please complete this form by October 1, 2025. Failure to do so will result in the inability of the contractor to serve your exhibit.
All EACs must be signatory with Local Union 831.
Provider: Rainprotection
Exhibitors are responsible for providing sufficient insurance protection. All companies must submit a certificate of insurance (COI) with adequate coverage to Rainprotection.
Sun Shading Expo North America 2026 will have a zero-tolerance suitcasing policy.
Sun Shading Expo North America’s Zero-Tolerance Suitcasing Policy
Sun Shading Expo North America is dedicated to the success of our exhibitors. As such, Sun Shading Expo North America 2026 will have a zero-tolerance suitcasing policy. Any non-exhibiting attendee who is observed to be soliciting business as a supplier will be in violation of Show Management’s anti-suitcasing policy and will be asked to leave immediately and subject to additional penalties at the discretion of Show Management.
What is Suitcasing?
Suitcasing is when non-exhibiting companies solicit business at a Sun Shading Expo North America-affiliated location. This includes, but is not limited to, the show floor, public spaces, events, restaurants, and hotels. While all attendees are invited, any non-exhibiting attendee who is observed to be soliciting business as a supplier will be in violation of Show Management’s anti-suitcasing policy.
Soliciting in the Exposition
Suitcasing is strictly prohibited at Sun Shading Expo North America. Suitcasing is when non-exhibiting companies solicit business at a Sun Shading Expo North America-affiliated location. This includes, but not limited to, the show floor, public spaces, events, restaurants, and hotels. Any non-exhibiting attendee who is observed to be soliciting business as a supplier or distributor will be in violation of Messe Stuttgart, Inc.’s anti-suitcasing policy. Violators are subject to penalty at the discretion of Messe Stuttgart, Inc., including immediate expulsion and financial penalty.
Non-Exhibiting Supplier/Distributor Registration
Companies or individuals who provide products or services to the interior and/or exterior sun shading industry and choose not to exhibit are required to register as a Non-Exhibiting Supplier Attendee.
Non-exhibiting suppliers or distributors may attend the event for educational and networking purposes only and are strictly prohibited from engaging in any form of sales, solicitation, order writing, or marketing activities on the show floor, in meeting spaces, or within any official event venues.
Show management reserves the right to determine whether a company or individual qualifies as a non-exhibiting supplier.
Admittance and Removal
At Messe Stuttgart, Inc.’s sole discretion, without refund, we reserve the right to refuse admittance to or expel from the event anyone that we determine is behaving in a manner that could be disruptive to the event or any other participant.
To protect the integrity of Sun Shading Expo and its exhibitors, show management reserves the right to verify attendee credentials at any time. Attendees may be required to present a valid government-issued photo ID along with a business card or other proof of company/academic affiliation. Attendees who are unable or unwilling to provide such verification, or who are found to be misrepresenting their business purpose, may be removed from the event without refund and may be prohibited from future participation.
Why it’s Important?
Show Management’s anti-suitcasing policy is in place to protect the financial investment made by exhibitors. Sun Shading Expo North America exhibitors are paying for access to the attendee audience and therefore we will not allow non-exhibiting companies to take attendees’ time and business away from our legitimate exhibiting customers.
What Sun Shading Expo North America Show Management Will Do?
Show Management will take preventative measures before Expo and respond to all suitcasing complaints onsite. Any attendee who is observed to be suitcasing will be asked to leave immediately and subject to penalty, including loss of the company’s exhibiting priority points. Please report any suspected suitcasers to Sun Shading Expo North America’s Show Management at [email protected].
EXHIBITOR Hours
Exhibitor Move-In
Sunday, November 1, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday, November 2, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Exhibit Hall Hours
Tuesday, November 5, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday, November 4, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday, November 5, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Exhibitor Move-Out
Thursday, November 5, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Friday, November 8, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

