Space-only General Regulations         

Exhibitors are responsible for all actions of any contractors they employ to work for them at the show. Any damage caused by contractors will be charged directly back to the employing exhibitor. Likewise, we hold exhibitors responsible for any misconduct by their employed contractors while at the show. 

BANNERS, RIGGING & DROP WIRES – Rigging for banners and other suspended items is permitted only subject to approval of stand plans. The maximum height for the topside of a banner/suspended item is 8m. See: Rigging. 

A COMPLEX STRUCTURE is any form of construction of any height, which may require input from a structural engineer. Examples of complex structures: structures over 4m in height, viewing/service platforms, suspended or raised walkways/ramps, sound/lighting towers, platforms and stages over 0.6m in height.

For complex structures, we need at least 2 sets of structural drawings including plan views and elevations. These should include calculations, specifications and method statement. Complex structures are also subject to a certification fee. 

All Space-only sites should clearly display their stand number or stand name. 

See: Space-only Stands Plans, Complex Stands

DOORS – Any door should not open immediately over or onto a step or steps - a 1000mm landing should be provided between the door and the first step. The minimum door width for accessibility is 800mm. Doors should be recessed where they open onto public space (i.e. doors must not open directly onto gangways). Doors must have a vision panel with a zone of visibility spanning from 500mm to 1500mm above the floor. The exception to this is doors to small storerooms, where a small panel may suffice. 

DRAPES, CURTAINS, HANGINGS – Drapes, hanging curtains and temporary decorations must be maintained flame-retardant and test certificates must be available for inspection for any materials used. Any non-flame-retardant drapes may be removed by the fire officer. They should be secured a minimum of 75mm clear of the floor.  

GLAZING – Any uninterrupted large areas of clear glazing, especially glazed doors, should be indicated to be apparent (for example with warning stripes, dots or logos) to ensure that people do not injure themselves by inadvertently walking into the glass. All glazing used in the construction of stands must consist of safety glass (laminated or tempered) a minimum of 6mm thick. 

LOCKED AREAS ON STANDS - If the electrics mains (or any other mains) for your stand block are in a locked area of your stand, you must ensure that access can be gained throughout the exhibition, both for the benefit of stands around you, and for health and safety reasons. You should leave a key safely with the Organisers’ Office on-site to do so. 

MODULAR OR ‘POP UP’ DISPLAYS - (unless expressly designed to do so) cannot be used as the only stand construction on a Space-only site. Appropriate walling must be ordered to separate the stand from its neighbour(s) and to give an acceptable level of dressing. The back side of dividing walls must be dressed appropriately so as not to spoil the aesthetic of the neighbouring stand/s. 

For NON-COMPLEX STRUCTURES we need at least two copies of the plan showing the dimensions and positions of walling, features, major/working exhibits and demonstration areas. Photographs are not acceptable. See: Simple Stands. All Space-only sites should clearly display their stand number or stand name. 

PARTITIONS (DIVIDING WALLS)- On dividing sites, Space-only exhibitors must supply, erect and decorate walls facing onto their stand areas and gangways. Space-only exhibitors must supply their own walling and must not use the backs of walls provided by other exhibitors. The reverse side of dividing walls above 2.5m must be finished in white, or to an otherwise acceptable standard, by the exhibitor who had them erected. In addition, any construction which backs onto a gangway must be appropriately dressed to the full height of any construction or display.

PERMISSION TO BUILD – All stand plans are subject to review pre-show. You will either be given Permission to Build, or the plans will be referred back to you to be revised in line with regulations and the like. You must not assume Permission to Build until it has been confirmed in writing, whether you have used the same stand design in the past or not, or whether it has been approved in previous years. For more on this, see: Stand Plans. 

PLATFORMS - Where platforms are used, a ramp must be incorporated so that customers can be served on the stand and not from the gangway. Where multi-levels are used without ramped access, customers must be offered the same service at ground level. 

Platforms must not exceed 100mm in height (one step) and consideration must be given to accessibility for people with disabilities. The distance between supporting timbers of platforms constructed from battens (25mm thick minimum) and sheet materials (plywood or MDF, 18mm minimum), must not exceed 400mm from centre to centre. Platform corners must be splayed, rounded or angled to prevent sharp corners and tripping hazards. Where a beveled edge is applied to the perimeter of a platform, it must be conspicuous. 

RAMPS – Any stand with a platform (particularly ones over 100mm high) should have a ramp that is readily apparent, or the approach signposted. The slope of any ramp should be uniform and no steeper than 1:12 gradient. Ramps should have a minimum, unobstructed width of 1.5m; it’s surface must be slip resistant, especially when wet and of a colour that contrasts with the landings. A landing at least 1.2m long and clear of any door swings or other obstructions must be provided at the foot and head of the ramp. Intermediate landings must be at least 1.5m long and clear of any door swings or other obstructions. Handrails must be provided on both sides of a ramp which has a gradient steeper than 1:20. Where the change in level is no greater than 300mm, a ramp should be provided instead of a single step. Where the change in level is 300mm or more, 2 or more clearly signposted steps should be provided in addition to the ramp. A kerb at least 100mm high, which contrasts visually with the ramp or landing, must be provided on the open side of any ramp or landing, in addition to any guarding required. Any stand necessitating a ramp should cover it in their Risk Assessment. 

SPACE-ONLY STAND SIGN-OFFS – All Space-only stands will require stand sign-off pre-open of the event. A representative of your stand contractor will be required to complete and submit a certificate of stand completion, certifying that the construction of the stand and materials used are in accordance with agreed plans and comply with all current Health and Safety legislation, and rules and regulations of the Venue, the show and the Local Authority. See: Stand Plans.

STAND HEIGHT LIMITS - The maximum height a stand can be built to is 6m; anything over 4m is considered complex and special approvals are necessary – for further details, you should submit your plans to ops.vpexpo@fourplusmedia.com. 

The maximum height for banners and other rigged items is 8m (to the topside). Double-decker stands are not permitted. See: Height Restrictions. 

WALLING – Long runs of walling facing another stand are not permitted without approval from the Organisers. A full-height wall (that is: any wall or structure over 1.2m high placed either on or within 2m or the perimeter) cannot exceed 30% of the overall length of any side. This rule forms part of the terms and conditions of your stand booking. See: Walling Ruling. 

In general, the Organisers will not allow you to block an aisle with walling. The spirit of this regulation is to ensure exhibitors are always facing onto some activity.