Exhibitor FAQs
Q What is space only?
Q What is shell scheme?
Q How do the electrics, air and water supplies get to a stand?
Q How high can stands be built?
Q Can exhibitors build their own stand?
Q Who is the MTA?
Q Who owns the MTA?
Q Who is the AEO?
Q Who is AEC?
Q How long has MACH been running?
Q Are electrics included?
Q Who cleans the stands at night?
Q Do Exhibitors have to pay for parking?
Q What is included in the free lifting package?
Q Are there any setback regulations?
Q Can we bring our own furniture and floral displays?
Q When can we start setting up our stands/exhibits?
Q What are the break down dates?
Q Is there sufficient time to commission / de-commission exhibits?
Q Does the NEC own / organise MACH?
Q How many invites will be given to exhibitors?
Q What support is the organiser able to give inexperienced / 1st time exhibitors?
Q Are there any training days planned?
What is space only?
A: The term space only is used to describe the stand option where you rent just the floor space and arrange for your own stand (including floor coverings) to be constructed. Space only stands do come with the full marketing support offered to all exhibitors at MACH as well as stand cleaning & free exhibit lifting.
What is shell scheme?
A: The term Shell Scheme is the stand option were the organiser arranges for a basic stand to be constructed for you, this includes the floor space plus walling, basic electrics, fascia, name board and carpet.
How do the electrics, air and water supplies get to a stand?
A: The floorplan is designed so that each block of stands falls over service ducts that run north to south throughout the halls at 6m intervals; these are used for all utility supplies from fibre optics to compressed air.
How high can stands be built?
A: Space only stands can be built up to 4m with any standfitting, towers, banners, graphics, etc. Shell scheme exhibitors are requested to keep displays to within the height of the stand (normally 2.5m). There is however no restriction on the height of actual machines (not replicas) displayed on either space only or shell scheme stands.
Can exhibitors build their own stand?
A: There is no reason why an exhibitor cannot build their own stand, but all materials and building practices must be consistent with the strict safety regulations demanded by the MTA.
Who is the MTA?
A: The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) is the leading UK trade association representing the engineering and allied sectors that lead the world in manufacturing technologies. We represent UK companies and their associates who drive UK manufacturing technology innovation and quality.
Who owns the MTA?
A: As a trade association the members own the MTA, which supports MACH’s claim to be run for the industry by the industry. An active Exhibition Committee representing all types of MTA members and MACH exhibitors closely manages management policy and show direction.
Who is the AEO?
A: The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) is the UK trade body for exhibition organisers and includes all the other industry sectors (venues, service suppliers & contractors). More details can be found at www.aeo.org.uk.
Who is AEC?
A: The Association of Exhibition Contractors (AEC) represents the myriad of stand design and construction companies vying to assist space only exhibitors with their stands. AEC offers a bond, which ensures that should a AEC company get into any difficulty and be unable to build / finish a client’s stand AEC will step in and guarantee the stand is delivered.
How long has MACH been running?
A: MACH has been running since 1912 and remains the UK’s largest manufacturing event.
Are electrics included?
A: Basic power and lighting is provided for shell scheme stands only. Space only exhibitors must use the appointed electrical contractors for the show to provide and install all the exhibit power and stand lighting. Details of the appointed contractors can be found in the online manual which is accessed through the Exhibitor Zone.
Who cleans the stands at night?
A: All stands are cleaned at night by ISS, the NEC’s appointed cleaning contractor; exhibitors are responsible for the cleaning of exhibits and machinery, although a free swarf removal service operates each evening.
Do Exhibitors have to pay for parking?
A: Each stand is allocated with sufficient car park passes to ensure that no stand staff should need to pay the £8 daily parking fee.
What is included in the free lifting package?
A: Part of the inclusive package offered to space only exhibitors is the free lifting of all and any exhibits from the exhibitors transport onto the stand and return again after the show. Not included is the lifting of any stand or display material or the re-location or assembly of exhibits.
Are there any setback regulations?
A: Operating face(s) of machines must be set back at least 0.5m from the edge of the stand and moveable arms (e.g. control panel or pendant) on the operating face should also be set back 0.5m. Operators must be able to work and carry out demonstrations within the perimeter of the stand and not in the aisle.
Can we bring our own furniture and floral displays?
A: Modern furniture and floral displays used in the office environment should be of the same high standard of materials and fire retardant standards as expected within an exhibition. Therefore provided furniture and floral displays are of today’s standards, yes exhibitors can bring their own, but remember someone has to take it all home on the Friday night of breakdown!
When can we start setting up our stands/exhibits?
A: There are three key start dates that exhibitors need to be aware of. The lifting contractor will start the unloading of exhibits from 7 a.m. on 11th April . Stand contractors can start building space only stands from 12 p.m. on 12th April. Shell scheme exhibitors can expect their stands to be ready to be dressed from 12 noon on 15th April. All stands should be ready and complete by 10 p.m. on Sunday 15th April.
Is there sufficient time to commission / de-commission exhibits?
A: .Machines can be comissioned during build up. Decomissioning takes place on Friday 20th June for two hours after the close of the show.
Does the NEC own / organise MACH?
A: No. The NEC is only the host landlord for the exhibition, renting the halls to the MTA. MACH’s management, policies and objectives are all under the control of the MTA.
How many invites will be given to exhibitors?
A: In addition to unlimited complimentary invites, each exhibitor enjoys the full support of the MTA’s very extensive marketing activities. all exhibitors will receive correspondence stickers, promotional posters, use of the advance registrations database, etc to ensure each participant at MACH has every opportunity to steal the show.
What support is the organiser able to give inexperienced / 1st time exhibitors?
A: The MTA is committed to assisting first time exhibitors. All exhibitors are welcome to contact the MACH Exhibition team with any questions.
Are there any training days planned?
A: The MTA will organise an exhibitors meeting / seminar in November 2011. There will also be a stand-holders training day which will take place approximately three weeks before the show, aimed at improving the results and professionalism of all MACH stand staff.
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