2. Booth assignments – Assignment of space is dependent on a number of criteria, including the order in which contracts are received, product type, and number of requested booths. If none of an exhibitor’s choices is available, space that is most similar to that exhibitor’s choice in location, price, and competitive situation will be assigned. Applications will not be processed without the required deposit. Applications by telephone will not be accepted. No exhibitor will be permitted to erect a display until space rental is paid in full. NCSS reserves the right to alter exhibitor’s assigned location at any time at its sole discretion in the best interest of the exhibit.

3. Contract for space – This application for exhibit space and a minimum deposit of 25% of the cost of total space if submitted by June 30, 2012 or 50% if submitted by September 1, 2012 together constitute a contract for the right to use the space. All balances due must be paid by September 21, 2012. Full payment is required for space applied for after September 1, 2012. Any space not occupied by 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 15, 2012, may be forfeited by the contracting exhibitor and such space may be sold, reassigned, or used by NCSS without refund of rental fee, unless prior arrangements for delayed occupancy have been made with NCSS.

4. Cancellations/refunds – All notifications of cancellation must be made to NCSS in writing. For cancellations received by August 17, 2012, the booth deposit will be refunded, less a $150 service fee per booth. No refunds will be given on booth space canceled after August 17, 2012. Upon cancellation, exhibitor loses all rights to space. NCSS reserves the right to reassign that space to another exhibitor.

5. Exhibit set-up date – Exhibitors shall set up their exhibits on Thursday, November 15, 2012, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. EST. It is the duty and responsibility of each exhibitor to install the exhibit before the opening of the exhibition and to dismantle the exhibit immediately after the close of the exhibition.

6. Exhibit dismantle date – Exhibitors shall dismantle their exhibit after 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, November 17, 2012. Exhibits may not be dismantled or removed before 5:00 p.m. Saturday, November 17, 2012. Exhibits must be dismantled by 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 18, 2012. Failure to observe this rule will jeopardize the exhibitor’s space assignment and the right to exhibit at future NCSS exhibitions.

7. Staffing of booth – Exhibits must be open and staffed for business during hours when Exhibit Facility is open to attendees.

8. Arrangement of exhibits – The standard equipment provided the exhibitor by NCSS will consist of an eight-foot cloth back wall and two three-foot side dividers. Display materials must be arranged so as not to obstruct sight lines of neighboring exhibitors. The maximum height of 8´ is allowed only in the rear half of the booth space, with a 4´ height restriction imposed on all materials in the remaining space forward to the aisle. When three or more standard booths are used as a single exhibit space, the 4´height limitation applies only to that portion of exhibit space which is within 10´ of an adjoining booth.
No construction or built-up exhibit shall exceed the overall height of the back wall unless approved by NCSS.

9. Shipping and storage – The Washington State Convention Center will not accept direct shipment of any kind. All shipments of displays and product materials must be sent to Freeman. Shipping instructions will be included in the Exhibitor Service information available at www.freemanco.com in the late summer.

10. Personnel assistance – All work involved with setting up and dismantling exhibits must be performed by authorized personnel. Instructions for ordering labor will be included in the Exhibitor Service information available at www.freemanco.com in the late summer.

11. Special regulations – (a) Reassignment or subletting of all or any part of booth space is prohibited. (b) Solicitation and distribution of printed advertising must be confined to booth space only. Aisles must be kept clear at all times. (c) Operation of any objectionable sound devices will not be allowed. (d) Nothing shall be posted on, or tacked, nailed, taped, screwed, or otherwise attached to columns, walls, floors, or other parts of the building or furniture. (e) Distribution of helium-filled balloons or adhesive-backed stickers or decals is prohibited. (f) Food and beverage for distribution must be supplied and prepared by the designated catering company.

12. Sound restrictions – Sound-producing or amplifying devices that project sound must be tuned so as not to exceed 85dbs. NCSS reserves the right to determine at what point sound constitutes interference with other Exhibitors. Public address announcements are prohibited.

13. Liability – Exhibitor agrees to surrender the space occupied by it in the same condition as it existed at the start of occupation, absent normal wear and tear. Exhibitor assumes entire responsibility and hereby agrees to protect, indemnify and hold National Council for the Social Studies and the Washington State Convention Center and their agents and employees (hereinafter collectively called Indemnities) forever harmless for any liability, claims or loss, including damages or charges imposed for violations of any law or ordinance, whether occasioned by the negligence of the Exhibitor, those holding under the Exhibitor or by the negligence, but not the sole negligence, of NCSS. Further, the Exhibitor shall, at all times, protect, indemnify, save, and hold harmless the Indemnities against and from any and all losses, cost, damages, liability, or expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising from or out of or by reason of accident or bodily injury or other occurrences to any person or persons, including the Exhibitor, its agents, employees, or business invitees, which arise from or out of or by reason of said Exhibitor’s installation, removal, maintenance, occupancy, and use of the exhibition premises, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center or any part thereof. Exhibitor shall be fully responsible to pay for all damages to property owned by the Washington State Convention Center, its owners, or manager which results from any act of omission of the Exhibitor. In addition, Exhibitor acknowledges that neither the Washington State Convention Center nor any of the other Indemnities maintain insurance covering such losses by Exhibitor. Exhibitor hereby waives all claims that arise or may arise in its favor against any or all of the indemnities for all loss or damage covered by Exhibitor’s valid and collectible insurance, regardless of whether such insurance is actually collected.

14. Nonflammable materials – All materials including muslin, velvet, silkeen, or other cloth drape or banner used in the exhibit hall must be nonflammable or conform to the fire regulations of the City of Seattle. Materials not conforming to such regulations will be removed immediately at the exhibitor’s expense. The exhibitor agrees to accept full responsibility for compliance with city regulations in the provision and maintenance of adequate safety devices and conditions for the operation of machinery and equipment under city codes. Fire hose cabinets and extinguishers must be left accessible and in full view at all times.

15. Circulation and solicitation – Distributing of marketing materials and souvenirs must be restricted to the Exhibitor’s booth. Canvassing or distribution of marketing materials or souvenirs in any location other than the Exhibitor’s booth is prohibited.

16. Unions – Exhibitor shall abide by all agreements made by, between and among NCSS, the Washington State Convention Center and any unions or other labor groups having jurisdiction at the Exhibit. All work involved with setting up and dismantling exhibits must be performed by authorized personnel.

17. Regulations and contract – All of the above rules and regulations are construed as part of all space contracts along with the information in Exhibitor Prospectus. NCSS reserves the right to interpret them and make final decisions on all points not covered by the aforementioned rules and regulations.

18. Insurance – NCSS shall not be liable for loss or damage of any article of equipment or property of Exhibitor which exhibitor may suffer during installation or removal or during the exhibit itself due to robbery, fire, accident, or any other destructive cause. Insurance, if desired, must be placed by the Exhibitor.

19. Sales – Exhibitors are permitted to make direct sales on the exhibit floor. Obtaining the appropriate licensing or permits as required by law, collecting and remitting sales taxes and any other legal business requirements are solely the responsibility of the Exhibitor.

20. Carpet – NCSS requires the Exhibitor to cover the entire floor of their booth with carpet or another NCSS-approved floor covering. Carpeting is available for rental through Freeman or Exhibitors may bring their own floor covering. Any booth not carpeted by 5:00 pm on Thursday, November 15, 2012, will be done by Freeman at the Exhibitor’s expense.

21. Author signings - Exhibitors must notify NCSS and receive permission for any author signings scheduled in their booths. NCSS reserves the right to schedule all keynote and featured speakers and panelists for signings at the NCSS Bookstore.
22. Other policies and restrictions – Please consult the Washington State Convention Center website, for a full list of exhibitor rules and regulations. Upon request, NCSS can provide this information.