SHOW RULES & REGULATIONS

Shows often appear to have a lot of rules and regulations. The reason is to provide a fair and level “playing field” on the show floor for all exhibitors. In this section we will highlight some of the very important rules that pertain to the Toronto International Boat Show. It is necessary that all exhibitors adhere to these guidelines to avoid problems and conflicts on site. Thank you for your co-operation.

Please note that the reverse side of your exhibit space contract outlines the Boat Show Terms, Rules and Regulations (copy enclosed). Also the section titled “Regulations and Display Guidelines” is also a binding part of your space agreement. Please read these guidelines.

SMOKING

Smoking is not permitted within the Direct Energy Centre or inside any buildings within Exhibition Place. The City of Toronto By-Law #406-79 prohibits smoking within any of the buildings at Exhibition Place. Persons found smoking are subject to the maximum penalty of $5,000.

PRODUCTS EXHIBITED

All products exhibited must be for marine use. A sampling of non-marine product representing a company’s other divisions may be approved by show management in advance. Other products will be limited to one item from each non-marine category, and may not exceed 20% of the exhibit space.

Exhibit contents are limited to those products identified and approved on the show contract, and approved by the manufacturer.

Exhibitors may show marine products which they manufacture, distribute or retail. Where other related products are required for demonstration purposes, exhibitors must secure permission in writing from Show Management.

Engines mounted on boats are permitted, but engines on stands in exhibits of non-engine manufacturers are prohibited. Exhibit sponsors may not advertise in their associate’s booths.

80% of each exhibitor’s boats must be from the current model year (2008) and up to 20% maximum may be from the prior model year (2007). All boats displayed must be new.

Motorized Vehicles

Motorized vehicles (cars, trucks, SUV’s, ATV’s) are not permitted in the boat show exhibits without the Show Manager’s written approval.

ENGINE OPERATION IN BUILDINGS

The Direct Energy Centre does not permit the operation of engines or display vehicles of any type inside the facility, unless permit approval has been received from the Direct Energy Centre. Permits will not be issued for Halls A,B,C,D.

FUEL TANKS/BATTERIES

No fuel may be stored in portable containers. Brand new boats from the factory, that have yet to be filled with fuel, should be left empty. Boats that have been previously filled with fuel, should either be purged or should have tanks ¾ filled with a lockable fuel tank/cover. All fuel tanks must have locking gas caps or be taped closed. Batteries must be disconnected from ignition systems.

RETAIL SELLING (Cash and Carry)

Cash and carry retailing is limited to those exhibitors who have exhibit space in the designated retail areas: East Annex (Hall E), IndustryBuilding (Hall G) and North Extension. Over-the-counter retail selling (cash and carry) is not permitted in the Main Hall (Halls A, B, C, D and Heritage Court) with the exception of publications and logo’d merchandise matching approved brands on display (ie: boats, engines). This rule will be strictly enforced.

STAFFING EXHIBITS

Exhibitors are required to maintain staff in their exhibits at ALL times during the hours of the show. The buying public is on the floor until the last minute of the show and expects exhibitors to be present. Security is an added problem when exhibits are not manned.

LATECOMERS/NO SHOWS

Any space not claimed and occupied or for which special arrangements have not been made prior to 10:00 am Friday, January 11, 2008 may be resold or re-assigned by Show Management, without obligation on the part of the Toronto International Boat Show or NMMA Canada for any refund whatsoever. PLEASE CONTACT US ON-SITE IF YOU HAVE A LAST MINUTE EMERGENCY!!!! If you cannot move into your display prior to 7pm on Thursday, January 10, 2008, please call Show Management and make special arrangements (905) 951-0009 or at the Show Office during move-in at (416) 263-3185.

SUBLETTING

No exhibitor may sublet any portion of his allocated exhibit space to another supplier or dealer without the expressed written consent of show management.

PAYMENT OF ACCOUNT

Full and final payment for exhibit space must be made prior to October 5, 2007. If a participant does not meet his/her financial obligations, the organizers will be entitled to not proceed with the allocation of space or not make space available, without prejudice to the organizers’ claim for full payments of amounts due.

INSURANCE

Neither NMMA Canada, The Toronto International Boat Show, Exhibition Place nor any show contractor can be responsible for the loss or damage to any property of the exhibitor before, during or after the show, including theft. As per the back of the contracts, exhibitor’s are required to have a Commercial General Liability Insurance Policy with a per occurrence limit of not less than $1,000,000. The National Marine Manufacturers Association and the Direct Energy Centre must be listed as additional insureds and a copy of this insurance certificate must be received by show management prior to move-in. We also recommend that you contact your insurance company and secure, for a nominal fee, an all risk rider for merchandise and equipment from the point of shipment to the return. Unfortunately theft at Exhibition Place does happen. Be prepared, be insured.

All exhibitors are required to forward a copy of their insurance certificate to NMMA prior to move-in (fax # 905-951-0018) and also have a copy of their insurance certificate in their own possession on-site.

PROJECTION AND SOUND EQUIPMENT

Audio Visual equipment must be kept at sound levels which do not interfere with other exhibitors. Large screen audio visual presentations must be designed and regulated such that the viewing audience is contained within the confines of the rented exhibit space only. All large screen A/V presentations must be approved in advance by Show Management and require union labour (IATSE).

SIGNS

HAND DRAWN SIGNS ARE NOT PERMITTED. All signs must be professionally produced. Exhibitors are permitted to display signs representing their products only in those areas for which they have contracted space. See Display Guidelines document for specific sizes and restrictions.

Signs can be ordered in advance from:Dave Tomlinson

Tomlinson’s Signs Inc.

51 George Street East

Lindsay, ON K9V 1W6

Ph: 705-878-5674 Fx: 705-340-5056

FLOOR COVERINGS

All exhibit areas are required to have floor coverings (carpet, tiles, plastic, etc…). All floor covering are to be installed without trip hazards (such as lumps, loose edges, raised edges, etc.). Edges need to be secured using approved carpet tape (see below).

As much as possible, cables should be placed under highly visible cable mats/runners or secured overhead. Where cables are placed on top of floors/carpet or under carpets the trip hazard needs to be highlighted so that they may be seen and secured in place. Large cables should have ramps in place and single steps, change in floor level or low level protruding display parts should be highlighted using signage or bright coloured tape.

CARPET TAPE

Use of guaranteed residue-free double-sided carpet tape must be used to ensure your company does not incur cleaning charges. Scapa (residue-free approved tape) can be obtained from Pillar Tapes at a cost ranging from $8 - $24 - call Laurie at 416-665-4646. Approved tape will also be sold by GES on-site during all move-in days – their on-site office is located in the Royal Winter Fair Lobby.

AISLE SPACE

Aisle space may not be used for exhibit purposes, or for general solicitation of business. Distribution of literature or other exhibit material is forbidden outside the immediate exhibit area.

BOX TRAILERS

Box trailers are not permitted within exhibit spaces without written approval from Show Management prior to show opening. Approval may be granted subject to location, size and use of trailer.

HELIUM BALLOONS

No helium filled balloons are allowed in the show, only air filled can be used. Exceptions will be made if submitted in advance to the Show Manager and plans are approved in writing. Approvals may be granted to companies accepting costs to remove any balloons released into the ceilings.

GRATUITIES/TIPPING

TIPPING IS FORBIDDEN; any solicitation of tips should be reported to Show Management immediately. Please do not offer gratuities for “favoured treatment”, this benefits no one and is unfair to your fellow exhibitors.

FIRE PREVENTION

All exhibits must conform to the Ontario Fire Marshall’s regulations with regards to fire proofing. For information, contact: Toronto Fire Prevention Bureau, City Hall, Toronto, (416) 338-9350. There are many companies that provide fireproofing services listed in the Yellow Pages.

All exhibitors are strongly advised to have a minimum of one hand-held fire extinguisher in their exhibit. It is mandatory that all indoor tents/structures have a fire extinguisher available for easy access.

All tents/structures/boats over 200 sq. ft. are required to have fire extinguishers while tents over 800 sq.ft are also required to have smoke alarms and a Life Safety Evaluation and trained security guard on duty during show hours.

All exhibitors with a fire hose cabinet located within their space are required to leave a minimum 3’ clearance in front of the cabinet for easy access.

FOOD & BEVERAGE SAMPLING

Any exhibitor planning to conduct food or beverage sampling in their exhibit must first notify and receive written approval from Show Management and Centerplate prior to December 28, 2007.

GIVEAWAYS, DRAWS & PROMOTIONS

Exhibitors are encouraged to offer promotional prizes as a means to encourage sales of displayed products or services. Programs of this nature must be “free entry” or offered as “added value” in conjunction with an immediate product or service purchase. Entrants must be able to enter the contest without purchasing an admission ticket to the Toronto International Boat Show, in order to comply with Ontario Lottery Laws.

Raffles and contests requiring a “payment to win” or for “fundraising” purposes are not permitted without the expressed written permission of Show Management.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY CODE REQUIREMENTS

i)the Electrical Safety Code, Ontario Regulations 794/80, requires that all electrical equipment must be approved before it may lawfully be advertised, displayed, offered for sale, sold, or otherwise disposed or used in the Province of Ontario.

ii)It is therefore the responsibility of each exhibitor to ensure that all electrical equipment in, on, or about his or her booth comply with the above regulation. This includes electrical merchandise, extension cords, lighting and display equipment.

iii)Electrical equipment for which approval is sought shall be submitted to the Canadian Standards Association, 5060 Spectrum Way, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 5N6, 1-800-463-6727 or The approval of this Association is acceptable to all electrical inspection authorities in Canada. You are referred to them for details of procedure.

iv)One of the fundamental requirements for Canadian Standards Association certification is that appropriate approval markings (C.S.A. monogram or label) appear on each devise. If such markings are missing, the device must be considered unapproved and therefore, subject to special inspection and possible removal from the exhibit.

v)If you wish to display, offer for sale, or use any electrical equipment which is not now certified by Canadian Standards Association, it is first necessary to submit the equipment to the Electrical Safety Authority.

vi)Should any of this equipment not conform, it is recommended that you require temporary “permission to show” while the necessary electrical approval certification is being sought.

Please contact: ELECTRICAL SAFETY AUTHORITY

Phone: 1-877-372-7233

vii)Failure to comply could result in the equipment being refused connection to the electrical supply, and/or ordered removed from the exhibit.

PORTABLE LIGHTING

Clamps on portable spotlights shall be protected from metal to metal contact by having electrical insulating pads or wrappings permanently attached to the clamps. Spotlights on a free standing structure (i.e. pole) must be either secured to a structure or placed out of the way in the booth in such a way to prevent it from being bumped or knocked over.

CRADLES

All cradles must be freshly painted or skirted in time for show opening to present an acceptable appearance to the trade and public. Skirting is available from GES Canada.

BLOCKING

CINDER BLOCKS OR ANY OTHER MODULAR BLOCKING WILL NOT BE ALLOWED due to their tendency to break, shatter or crumble when stacked unbounded. Boats may be displayed on Styrofoam blocks with advanced Show Management approval. Otherwise the following guideline will apply:

  1. Boats that require blocking shall be blocked using wood.
  2. Blocking shall be done on a surface that will safely bear the weight of the boat, in addition to the loads that can reasonably be expected to be on the boat at any one time during the duration of the show.

3.Where blocking is more than two tiers high, it shall be cribbed or crossed.

4.Where only one or two tiers of blocking is used, the height of the blocking shall not exceed the total width of the base of the blocks being used.

SAFETY AND STRUCTURAL CONCERNS

All exhibit displays in the Toronto Boat Show are subject to the approval of the City of Toronto, Urban Planning and Development Services and the Department of Buildings and Inspections. This is mandatory and exceptions cannot be made. The city’s building inspector for the show has zero tolerance when applying the building code. If you have not followed the code in the past and have had no issues on-site, please do not assume this will be the case for the 2008 show – all exhibits will be carefully reviewed and the code will be enforced.

To avoid individual exhibitors requiring to apply for their own building permits with the City of Toronto each year, the Toronto Boat Show has a general permit for the show floor and designates safety engineers (RCM Technologies) to inspect all exhibits during construction and once they are set-up. All exhibits must comply with the safety guidelines. Any exhibit not conforming may be denied public access, or be required to have adjustments made on-site.

Due to the nature of Boat Shows there are several safety and booth configuration concerns which regularly repeat themselves at each year’s show. By addressing these issues prior to the show, when planning your exhibit, you can save your organization valuable time on-site (you will not spend your time fixing any infractions required by the designated safety inspector). Please read through the following list which outlines the most common of such infractions. If you have any questions or concerns about your display that is not listed please feel free to contact us.

PLATFORMS

  • Platforms are required to be rated for an occupant load of 100 lb per square foot (psf).
  • Guards are required on all platforms higher than 23 5/8”.
  • Guard shall be able to withstand a minimum horizontal load, applied inward or outward, at the top of 50 lb/ft or 225 lb point load, whichever produces the maximum load effect.
  • Guard height must be at least 42” (3’6”)
  • Guards must be vertically spaced with a maximum of 4” between vertical pickets. Guards may also be solid, plexy glass, glass (safety glass of laminated or tempered type) and other continuous materials providing the backup structure is strong enough to act as a guard(with a horizontal load rating as stated above)anddoes not facilitate climbing (i.e. horizontal rungs, large netting, etc. are not permitted.)
  • Guards shall be continuous from 4” through 3’-6”(42”). See diagram below.
  • No rope or piano wire permitted as guards
  • Combustible materials (i.e. cardboard, paper, paint, resins, etc.) may not be stored under platforms

Prefabricated Platform/Docks/Decking Systems:

Manufacturers’ information/technical specifications for the platform/docks/decking systems shall be READILY AVAILABLE on-site. Prefabricated systems should be designed for an occupant load for 100 lb per square foot (psf).

Additional provisions would apply for platforms higher than 10 m (32 ft. 10 in.). Please refer to the Ontario Building Code. Larger platforms of this height would require a building permit. Two story or greater platforms also require a building permit.

STAIRS

  • All stairs/steps over 8” require a hand rail.
  • At least one handrail is required on every section of stairs.
  • Where the stair width is 43” or greater, 2 handrails are required.
  • A third handrail is required in the middle of the stairs when stair width exceeds 7’2”.
  • Handrails need to be between 31”-38” high.
  • Handrails shall extend 1’ at both the top and bottom of the stairs
  • The guidelines for platform guards also apply for stairs. No horizontal guards/rungs are permitted. Vertical pickets, with a maximum of 4” spacing, or a solid structure are required.
  • Handrails and their supports shall be designed to withstand a concentrated load of 200 lbs and a uniform load of not less than 47 lb/ft
  • Both the tread and rise of the stairs must be consistent from step to step. The treads must be between 10”-14” wide and the rise 4 7/8” – 7 7/8” high

RAMPS

The following criteria apply to any platform ramps:

  • Minimum width of ramp is 2 ft 10 in. between handrails
  • The maximum gradient of ramp is 1 in 12 (Barrier free)
  • Ramps require a level area at the top and bottom of at least 4’11” long by at least the same width as the ramp. Ramp length between the two level areas must not exceed 29’6”
  • Handrails are required on both sides of the ramp and need to be 31” – 38” high and must extend 1’ at both the top and bottom of the ramp. A third intermediate handrail is required on ramps more than 7’2” wide.
  • The guidelines for platform guards also apply for ramps. No horizontal guards/rungs are permitted. Vertical pickets, with a maximum of 4” spacing, or a solid structure are required.
  • Handrails and their supports shall be designed to withstand a concentrated load of 200 lbs and a uniform load of not less than 47 lb/ft
  • Guards are required on both sides unless ramp is against a wall
  • The guidelines for guards on ramps are the same as for platform guards.
  • Ramps shall be provided with a curb at least 2” high on any side of ramp.
  • Ramps shall have either a colour contrast or a distinctive pattern to demarcate the beginning and end of a ramp.


BUILDING PERMITS