Exhibitor Q&A

Booth Basics

What is included with a standard booth?

A standard booth is 10 feet by 10 feet and includes an 8-foot-high rear drape, 3-foot-high side drapes, one standard 8-foot black-skirted table and two standard chairs.

What is not included?

Electricity, carpet, specialty-height tables and chairs, and other special equipment or services are not included. These items must be ordered separately. The Sanford PREMIER Center will not have carpet available for Expo 2027.

What are the booth height and sightline rules?

The front 3 feet of all exhibits may not exceed 3 feet in height. Displays, products, furniture and signage must be arranged so neighboring exhibitors remain visible and aisles remain open.

Are there rules for lighting and signage?

Yes. Lights must be directed up or down and may not shine across an aisle into a neighboring booth. Signage and exhibit materials must remain within the assigned exhibit space and may not obstruct aisles, neighboring booths or required access areas.

Staffing & Professional Expectations

Does my booth need to be staffed the entire time?

Yes. Booths must have a company representative present during all published trade show hours. Exhibitors should schedule adequate staff coverage for breaks, meals and educational sessions so the booth is not abandoned or left unattended for an extended period.

What does CPDE expect from booth representatives?

Representatives should be knowledgeable about the company’s products or services, maintain a professional booth appearance and engage attendees respectfully. The exhibiting company is responsible for the actions of its employees, representatives and contractors onsite.

Can I begin packing before the show closes?

No. Packing materials, taking down signage, removing products or otherwise giving the appearance that the booth has closed early is considered early teardown and is not permitted before the official show close.

When can I tear down my booth?

Booth teardown may begin no earlier than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 25. CPDE currently states that exhibitors who take down their exhibit before 3:00 p.m. will lose their space for the following year.

What if I have a flight, long drive or staffing issue?

Travel schedules and staffing limitations should be planned around published Expo hours. If an extraordinary circumstance arises, contact CPDE management before leaving or dismantling the booth. Approval should not be assumed.

Move-In & Move-Out

When is large-equipment move-in?

Large-equipment booth move-in is Monday, March 22, by appointment, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The 2027 large-equipment move-in schedule will be released in February. New exhibitors with large equipment should coordinate with CPDE if they are not already on the schedule.

When do all other exhibitors move in?

All other exhibitors may move in Tuesday, March 23, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Forklifts and other equipment will be available, but items moving through the aisles on Tuesday cannot be more than 9 feet wide.

Are there special rules for vehicles displayed indoors?

Yes. Moving vehicles parked in the exhibit halls must have no more than 5 gallons of fuel or one-quarter tank, whichever is less, and the battery must be disconnected once the vehicle is in place. Propane tanks are not allowed inside the facilities.

When must my booth be completely removed?

Convention Center and Arena booths must be removed by 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 25. Equipment must be removed from Sanford Center Parking Lot 1 by end of day on Friday, March 26.

Shipping & Services

Where do I ship exhibit materials?

Ship materials to: Denny Sanford PREMIER Center Complex, 1201 N. West Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Materials may arrive no more than one week before move-in. Label every crate or package with “Central Plains Dairy Expo,” your company name and your booth number.

How do I handle outbound shipping?

Complete the shipping paperwork required by your carrier, move boxes or crates to the Convention Center dock or coordinate movement with the forklift lead, and contact your shipper directly to request pickup.

Can I purchase lead retrieval?

Yes. CPDE partners with Cvent for Lead Capture. Exhibitors may purchase lead retrieval licenses to scan and track attendee leads during the Expo.

How do staff members get name badges?

Exhibitor staff must register for name badges using the exhibitor staff badge process. Staff badge registration only provides an event name badge; it does not register a company for exhibit space.

Participation & Compliance

Does registering staff automatically reserve a booth?

No. Staff name badge registration and booth registration are separate. Companies interested in becoming a new exhibitor should contact CPDE regarding booth eligibility and the exhibitor wait list.

What happens if my company does not follow booth rules?

CPDE management may require immediate correction of a booth or conduct issue. Depending on the nature or severity of a violation, consequences may include loss of booth-selection priority, loss of future opportunities or denial of future exhibit participation. Early teardown is specifically subject to the consequences stated in CPDE exhibitor rules.

Who is responsible for making sure our team knows the rules?

The exhibiting company is responsible for ensuring that all employees, representatives, contractors and other booth personnel understand and follow CPDE exhibitor requirements.

Where should I check for final instructions?

Use CentralPlainsDairy.com and official CPDE exhibitor communications for the latest move-in schedules, service ordering information, forms, deadlines, parking information and policy updates. Exhibitors are responsible for reviewing communications sent before the Expo.