The IPC Difference
Guiding Principles: Fair - Focused - Cost-Effective
IPC Printed Circuits Expo and APEX were founded on the principles of being cost-effective, focused, and fair to all exhibitors. The Trade Show Committees are actively involved in setting policies to maximize the benefits and value to exhibitors and attendees. Adherence to these principles has created "unique show rules" which are further defined below. While unique in the trade show industry, these rules have helped all exhibitors minimize costs and maximize their return on investment. This is the industry's own - and only - organized event specifically designed to be cost-effective, focused and fair.
All show rules - rules created and approved by the Exhibitor Trade Show Subcommittee - are enforced uniformly among all exhibitors-again, we make no distinction between your size, your revenue or how long you've been a part of the show. Everyone must follow the same rules.
Hospitality Policy - Updated for 2008!
For 50 years, IPC has been consistent in its policy requesting that no one conduct or sponsor hospitality suites at IPC events. In order to facilitate networking, IPC has designated Wednesday, April 2, 2008 after 6:00 pm as a time when exhibitor networking functions may be held. To be considered a networking function, the event must be by “invitation only” and may not take place in a hotel suite or meeting room. Any other function that is not part of the “official program” is prohibited. The prohibited functions may include but are not limited to: banquets, breakfasts, luncheons, parties, hospitality suites, meetings, seminars, technical programs, sporting events, social functions or any other program during the event, from the first meeting to the close of the event. Meetings and networking functions must receive prior authorization from IPC Show Management.
The practice of prohibiting hospitality suites evolved in an effort to direct industry resources toward improving technology and developing new innovations. This policy was put into effect to preserve the education, technological and standards development focus of IPC meetings. Members of IPC and the tradeshow committees support this policy and are actively involved in its enforcement. Our members know that the industry is best served when product superiority and ingenuity drive business decisions.
Equipment Density Rule (waived for 2008)
The IPC Printed Circuits Expo and APEX Trade Show Committees ruled in favor of waiving the Equipment Density Rule for 2008. This decision was based on the current economic situation, along with all the costs associated with shipping and installing enough equipment to comply with the rule.
The maximum booth size for exhibitors is 800 square feet. Exceptions will be granted up to a maximum of 1500 square feet for IPC Printed Circuits Expo and 5000 square feet for APEX for companies whose primary business is equipment sales (over 51% of sales volume) and who require a larger area to accommodate their equipment.
These exceptions are made with the clear understanding that a maximum of 20% of the floor space for IPC Printed Circuits Expo and 10% of the floor space for APEX of any booth exceeding the maximum square feet will be occupied by the equipment on display. The term "equipment on display" means the physical dimensions of equipment excluding, but not limited to, such things as working space, safety space, or space required to access equipment. All exhibitors occupying booths larger than the maximum are required to submit plan views of their space indicating placement of all display fixtures and equipment.
For companies with booths larger than the maximum, freight will be delivered to booths only upon receipt of display plans approved by Show Management. Those companies found to be in violation of the density requirements on-site will have their exhibit space reduced to the point that the exhibit is within compliance, at their cost and in addition, may be limited to a booth size of 800 square feet in the following year's event and may also have their exhibit space limited in future expositions. Exhibitors in violation and whose space is reduced on-site will not be entitled to receive a refund on the amount of exhibit space reduced.
Suitcasing Policy
IPC does not permit solicitation from non-exhibiting companies. Any individual that is observed participating in activities to solicit or sell products/services to event attendees or exhibitors without having a booth at the event, which is known as suitcasing, will be asked to leave immediately. The individual violator and the company they represent will both be informed of this violation in verbal and written form. Additional penalties may apply.
Lottery-based Space Selection
IPC prides itself on treating all exhibitors fairly and equally well. Space at IPC Printed Circuits Expo, APEX and the Designers Summit is selected in lottery order. Each company has exactly the same chance of drawing the No. 1 lottery position.