Exhibiting Overview
Rules, Policies, & Pre-Event Information
If you’re exhibiting at an upcoming event, please review the guidelines below and the Exhibitor Planning Guide provided by your show organizer. These resources outline important requirements, safety rules, and building policies that apply to all exhibitors.
Before your event, be sure to:
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Begin planning your booth well in advance
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Review the Exhibitor’s Planning Guide sent after registration
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Familiarize yourself with convention center policies and rules
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Book hotel accommodations early
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Confirm licensing, permits, and compliance needs
Keep Your Booth Safe & Compliant
Rules & Regulations
These policies outline what exhibitors can bring, how booths must be arranged, and which safety rules apply during setup and teardown. Please read each section carefully as part of your event preparation.
Storage Space
The Three Rivers Convention Center storage space is limited; therefore, the facility cannot receive goods prior to move-in or store them past the contracted move-out time. Goods arriving prior to the authorized move-in times will be refused and required to return at the scheduled move-in time.
Alterations, Defacement, or Damage of Premises
Each licensee shall accept the premises in the condition they find them and shall return the premises in the same condition at the conclusion of the period of the Use Agreement. No alterations or changes to the property are allowed without the prior approval of the General Manager. Alterations include but are not limited to movement of interior plants, movement of equipment, and relocation of furniture.
No Smoking
By law, smoking and vaping are prohibited at all times in the Three Rivers Convention Center and within 25 feet of any entrance or air intake.
Animals
With the exception of service animals and animals participating in contracted events such as dog or cat shows, animals are not allowed in the Convention Center without prior written approval from the Event Manager.
ADA Compliance
The Three Rivers Convention Center is ADA compliant, including a ramp that is available to access stages. The ramp will not be installed unless requested. There is no charge to install the ramp.
Donations
No collections or donations, whether for charity or otherwise, shall be made, attempted, or announced without written approval of the Convention Center's General Manager.
Booth Activity
Painting of any kind within the Three Rivers Convention Center is prohibited. Exhibitors may not glue, tape, nail, or in any way affix to any interior or exterior surface of the Three Rivers Convention Center.
Food Sampling
- A full list of exhibitor booth food and beverage services—everything from nuts and coffee to finger food, sandwiches, and heavy hors d’oeuvres—is exclusively available from the Convention Center. This service can be a great advantage to exhibitors.
- Any exhibitor interested in distributing their own food or beverage must be the manufacturer of said product or be exhibiting in a food or beverage-related show. Only “bite size” samples of no more than two (2) ounces of food or beverage may be distributed by exhibitors. Exhibitors cannot participate in cash sales of said product during the show.
- Any products that are sold for off-premise consumption must be packaged to discourage on-premise consumption.
- All persons dispensing products must have proper food handling permits for the city of Kennewick and state of Washington.
Helium Balloons
Helium balloons are prohibited unless a helium waiver has been signed by the contracted client and is on file with the Event Manager. This waiver acknowledges that bringing in helium balloons may result in additional retrieval, removal, and cleaning charges. The responsibility for all charges incurred in relation to helium balloons will be the clients. The Convention Center reserves the right to be the sole provider of retrieval, removal, and cleaning services.
Aisle Ways & Exits
Aisle ways and exits must remain clear and cannot be obstructed in any way during show hours. Please do not throw trash generated during show hours into the aisles.
Basic Rules
Basic rules for load-in and load-out:
- STRICTLY ENFORCED: For safety, children under 16 are not permitted on the event floor during move-in and move-out.
- No consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- No horseplay, practical jokes, throwing objects, or display of unsafe objects.
- No use or possession of illegal or controlled substances.
- No speeding or reckless use of vehicles, carts, or equipment.
- Proper footwear must be worn at all time.
Shipments & Deliveries
- Deliveries will be accepted 3 business days prior to your event. Deliveries before this must be approved by your Event Manager and may be charged a storage and handling fee.
- All packages should include Attn: EVENT NAME.
- The Exhibitor is responsible for packaging shipments, making arrangements with carriers, and applying proper labels for any shipments leaving the convention center.
- Any palletized shipments that require use of pallet jack or forklift may acquire additional labor charges.
Loading & Unloading
Loading in and loading out must be done through the designated loading docks assigned to the show. Loading in and loading out through the Convention Center lobby is strictly limited to hand-carried items only and must be approved in advance. Materials that require the use of a wheeled apparatus must go through the dock area. Loading docks are for loading and unloading only. All unauthorized vehicles left in the loading area will be towed away at the owner’s expense.
More about loading and unloading →
Carts
Limited carts are available for exhibitor use on a first come, first served basis. It is best to bring your own cart. Use by Convention Center staff precludes use by exhibitors.
Vehicles
Exhibitor-owned or leased vehicles are NOT allowed to drive onto the exhibit floor to unload or load without prior approval from show management. Access to the exhibit floor for tractor-trailer trucks, cranes, etc., must be arranged in advance through show management. No vehicles with studded tires will be allowed inside the building.
Storage Space
The Three Rivers Convention Center storage space is limited; therefore, the facility cannot receive goods prior to move-in or store them past the contracted move-out time. Goods arriving prior to the authorized move-in times will be refused and required to return at the scheduled move-in time. All freight must be handled through the general service contractor who will deliver it to the facility during the approved move-in time.
Event Support
How We Support Exhibitors During the Event
The Three Rivers Convention Center provides several services that may be available for exhibitors during planning, setup, and event hours. These services help maintain the flow of the event, ensure compliance with building policies, and support exhibitors while they operate within the venue.
Event Management
An assigned Event Manager assists with planning, policies, staff coordination, and billing, and remains on site for the duration of the event.
Room Setup Support
Convention Center staff assist event organizers with room configuration and setup needs as outlined in the event arrangements.
Audio Visual & Technical Services
On-site technology staff provide AV assistance as required by the event’s contracted services.
Electrical & Communications
Electrical and telecom services may be available for events. Availability and specifications are based on the event’s arrangements.
Equipment Rental
Event organizers may arrange for tables, chairs, and other equipment rentals as part of their event plans.
Food & Beverage Service
Catering and concessions are provided exclusively by the Convention Center per building policy.
Custodial Support
Custodial services are provided according to the event’s schedule and requirements.
Wheelchair Access
Wheelchair-accessible routes and facility features are available throughout the building.
Contact Venue Staff
Questions About Our Exhibitor Guidelines?
Our team can answer questions about booth rules, facility requirements, or move-in procedures.