Exhibitor Rules and Regulations
Exhibitor Rules & Regulations
Advertising
The American College of Gastroenterology must approve any use of the ACG logo, ACG 2025 meeting logo, taglines, trademarks, or trade names prior to any exhibitor use. The ACG must approve the language in any advertisement which mentions the American College of Gastroenterology. Please contact Elaine McCubbin at emccubbin@gi.org for additional information.
Americans with Disabilities Act
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the ACG will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please contact ACG’s VP, Meetings & Exhibitions, Elaine McCubbin at emccubbin@gi.org, no later than August 15, 2025, to make arrangements. Exhibitors are responsible for complyin with the ADA requirements within their assigned booth space.
Assignment of Booth Space
Booth space will be assigned on a point system to establish priority as follows: 3 points for exhibiting plus 1 point for each additional 100 square feet over the initial 100 square feet up to a maximum of 6 points per year. Additional points may be earned by exhibiting at ACG Regional Courses. An exhibitor’s point standing, and the complete priority point policy are available upon request.
The College reserves the right to make variations in the established priority system and/or relocate previously assigned space. If previously assigned space is relocated, the exhibitor is given 15 days to accept the relocation or request a refund. The Management of the American College of Gastroenterology also reserves the right to alter the exhibit layout at any time.
Badge Requests
Exhibitors may request an unlimited number of Exhibit Hall passes at no charge to their company. These badges will only allow company representatives onto the trade show floor. Any exhibitor who wants to attend the scientific sessions must register for the meeting separately.
Set-up badges are available at the meeting registration prior to the Exhibit Hall opening for appointed contractors and staff entering the Exhibit Hall during set-up and dismantling times.
Balloons
Booth Design
Inline and corner spaces
Standard in-line and corner booth spaces are 10 feet wide, 10 feet deep, and 8 feet high. Side rails and counters are limited to 4 feet in height. Any obstructions in the front half of the booth cannot exceed the 4-foot height limit. The height for rear wall displays is 8 feet, which is allowed in the back half of the booth space. Corner booths are permitted to eliminate the outside draped side rail.
Island spaces
Each exhibit shall be installed as to not obstruct the view of or interfere with the exhibits of others. The visual disadvantage created by an island should be no greater than that which would be caused by an in-line space. All display material, including hanging signs, is restricted to 20’ in height and a sufficient “see-through” or “walk-through” area with at least 40% visibility per side must be provided to avoid blocking the view of adjacent exhibits. Exhibitors must leave a minimum of 6″ per side clear of structures to allow sufficient space for aisle carpeting and cleaning. Should a company’s booth be designed in such a way that neighboring spaces are obstructed, the company will be asked to redesign their booth or relocate. All associated fees will be the responsibility of the exhibitor.
All island exhibit spaces 20’ x 20’ or larger must submit a booth layout for management and Fire Marshall approval by August 15, 2025. Plans can be submitted to Elaine McCubbin, VP, Meetings & Exhibitions at emccubbin@gi.org.
Booth Relocation
The Management of the American College of Gastroenterology reserves the right to alter the Exhibit Hall layout at any time. If previously assigned space is relocated, the exhibitor is given 15 days in which to accept the relocation or request a refund.
Cancellation and Reduction Policy
Notice of cancellation or reduction must be received in writing. A service fee of 25% of the total booth cost will apply to any cancellation or space reduction. No refunds will be issued to firms canceling or reducing size if space cannot be resold or if the trade show floor does not sell out. There will be no refunds whatsoever for space canceled or reduced after March 15, 2025. Cancellations will result in a loss of priority points.
Carpeting and Furniture Requirements
Carpeting is required and is the responsibility of the exhibiting company. The exhibitor may provide carpeting or rent carpeting through the Official Decorator. At 12:00 noon on Sunday, October 26, an inspection will be made of the Exhibit Hall and exhibits that do not have carpeting will be assigned to the Official Decorator for installation and cleaning prior to opening. Charges will be billed to the exhibitor.
Exhibitors are not permitted to carpet outside their booth area without prior permission from the American College of Gastroenterology.
Furniture is not provided with the booth space and is the sole responsibility of the exhibitor.
Catering Guidelines
Exhibitors are permitted to distribute food and beverages within their booth space. All catering items must be ordered through the Phoenix Convention Center. A menu selection and order form will be included in the Official Exhibitor Service Manual. In accordance with the contract between the PCC and our exclusive food and beverage provider, the following activities are not permitted: Outside food and beverage, including deliveries. Alcoholic beverages unless served by our caterer. Ice chest/coolers containing food or beverage products. Outside individual beverages (whether single bottles or in cases), including private-labeled water bottles for distribution to attendees. Such service is available through PCC’s in-house food and beverage provider. Exceptions will be made for the following: Food used for show demonstration, covered under Food and Beverage Sampling Guidelines (see below). Individuals with special food needs due to medical reasons. Individual bottled water or other non-alcoholic drinks for personal consumption.
Food and Beverage Sampling: Sampling of food and beverages is allowed with prior written authorization from the PCC exclusive food and beverage provider and within the general guidelines below.
Items dispensed are limited to products manufactured, processed, or distributed by exhibitor in the trade show. Items may be sampled only and cannot be sold. Beverages are limited to a maximum four (4) ounce container and three (3) fluid ounces of product. Food items are limited to 1”x1” bite-size portions. Food and/or beverage items used as traffic promoters [i.e. popcorn, coffee, bar service] must be purchased from the Phoenix Convention Center’s in-house food and beverage provider. The vendor distributing sample items must have a valid Maricopa County Temporary Food Service Establishment permit issued by the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department. A copy of the permit must be submitted to Phoenix Convention Center in-house food and beverage division no less than seven (7) days prior to the event. Alcoholic beverage sampling will be strictly monitored in accordance with Arizona Liquor Commission regulations.
Conduct of Exhibits
Interviews, demonstrations and the distribution of literature or samples must be made within the booth area assigned to the exhibitor. Canvassing or distributing of advertising matter outside the exhibitor’s own booth will not be permitted. Electrical or other mechanical apparatus must be muffled so noise does not interfere with other exhibitors. Use of microphones, television or other sound aspects of displays, compressed air, gases, or other similar media must be confined to the booth area, may not interfere with other exhibitors and are subject to being prohibited by Management, which shall have absolute discretion in its judgment on such matters. Character of the exhibits is subject to approval of the College.
ACG reserves the right to determine the acceptability of applications for exhibit space. The products or services to be exhibited must be of professional or educational interest and related to the field of gastroenterology. The right is reserved to refuse applications if there are concerns about a company or product not meeting standards required or expected, as well as the right to curtail exhibits or parts of an exhibit that reflect against the character of the meeting. The Management of the American College of Gastroenterology reserves the right to remove at any time any exhibit deemed undesirable without refund. Management’s decision must be accepted as final in any disagreement between exhibitors.
Exhibit Services / EAC Requirements
The College and Exhibit Management (including exhibit managers, decorators, etc.) make every effort to accommodate exhibitors who prefer to use the services of subcontractors with whom the exhibitor contracts or assigns certain duties. However, it is the Exhibit Management’s responsibility to ensure that the Exhibit Hall opens on time and that all regulations are observed. Therefore, the exhibitor acknowledges and assigns to the Exhibit Management the right and discretion to undertake any activities or services, on behalf of the exhibitor and at the exhibitor’s expense, which the Exhibit Management believes are needed to meet these requirements, if those activities or services have not been timely provided by the exhibitor or by any subcontractor designated by the exhibitor.
Exhibitor agrees to be financially responsible for any debts incurred either by himself, by his subcontractor(s), or by Exhibit Management on his behalf, both generally and under the specific circumstances noted above. The exhibitor specifically agrees to indemnify the College, exhibition management and their agents and to hold them harmless in any dispute over fees. If a subcontractor fails to make payment to the College, Exhibit Management, or any agent of either for any costs incurred on the exhibitor’s behalf, for whatever reason—including bankruptcy of the subcontractor, or payment dispute—exhibitor agrees that such fees are his direct responsibility. Nothing included above shall constitute an obligation upon the College, or Exhibit Management or their agents to arrange for or otherwise provide any activities and services normally the obligation of the exhibitor, and not specifically provided for elsewhere in this Agreement.
Exhibitor designated contractors must carry their own insurance to cover exhibit material against damage and loss, as well as public liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence and $1 million aggregate against injury to the person and property of others. A certificate of insurance naming the American College of Gastroenterology, Freeman Decorating and the Phoenix Convention Center as additional insured must be received at least 30 days prior to the Exhibit Hall opening.
Exhibitor Service Kit
A complete Official Exhibitor Service Kit from the Official Decorator will be available in July 2025. A link to the Kit will be available on the ACG 2025 meeting website and will be emailed to each exhibitor.
FDA Guidelines
The FDA imposes rules and regulations on some of the products exhibited at healthcare meetings. It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to understand and follow the FDA rules and regulations. Specific information may be obtained from the FDA.
Fire Regulations
All materials used in the Exhibit Hall must be flame proofed and fire resistant to conform to the local fire ordinances and in accordance with regulations established by the local Fire Department. Crepe paper or corrugated paper, flame proofed or otherwise, will not be permitted. Excelsior or other paper is not to be used in crating merchandise.
Display racks, signs, spotlights, and special equipment must be approved before usage, and all displays are subject to inspection by the Fire Prevention Bureau. Any exhibits or parts thereof found not to be fireproof may be dismantled.
All aisles and exits must always be kept clear, and fire stations and fire extinguisher equipment are not to be covered or obstructed.
Hospitality Suites
Only those companies participating in the commercial exhibit program will be allowed to conduct hospitality suites in Phoenix. Suites are limited to hospitality and may not be used to display products or services. These hospitality suites may not be open or advertised to be open at times that conflict with official functions of the College such as scientific sessions or College sponsored social functions (including exhibits).
Independence of ACG CME Education in Accordance with ACCME Requirements
Accredited continuing education must protect learners from commercial bias and marketing. ACG and the exhibiting company agree to the following conditions, as well as all requirements of ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education:
- ACG must not share the names or contact information of learners with any ineligible company or its agents without the explicit consent of the individual learner.
- ACG is responsible for ensuring that education is separate from marketing by ineligible companies*—including advertising, sales, exhibits, and promotion—and from nonaccredited education offered in conjunction with accredited continuing education.
- Arrangements to allow ineligible companies to market or exhibit in association with accredited education must not:
- Influence any decisions related to the planning, delivery, and evaluation of the education.
- Interfere with the presentation of the education.
- Be a condition of the provision of financial or in-kind support from ineligible companies for the education.
- ACG must ensure that learners can easily distinguish between accredited education and other activities.
- Live continuing education activities: Marketing, exhibits, and nonaccredited education developed by or with influence from an ineligible company or with planners or faculty with unmitigated financial relationships must not occur in the educational space within 30 minutes before or after an accredited education activity. Activities that are part of the event but are not accredited for continuing education must be clearly labeled and communicated as such.
- Print, online, or digital continuing education activities: Learners must not be presented with marketing while engaged in the accredited education activity. Learners must be able to engage with the accredited education without having to click through, watch, listen to, or be presented with product promotion or product-specific advertisement.
- Information distributed about accredited education that does not include educational content, such as schedules and logistical information, may include marketing by or for an ineligible company.
- Ineligible companies may not provide access to, or distribute, accredited education to learners.
*Ineligible companies (formerly, “commercial interests”) are those whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
Interpretation
All matters and questions not specifically covered by these Rules and Regulations are subject to the decision of the American College of Gastroenterology. Exhibitors agree to comply with all subsequent reasonable rules adopted or changed by the College. Any changes will be provided to exhibitors in writing.
Liability and Insurance
Exhibitor assumes entire responsibility and hereby agrees to protect, indemnify, defend and hold the American College of Gastroenterology, and their employees and agents harmless against all claims or fines and attorney’s fees arising out of or caused by Exhibitor’s installation, removal, maintenance, occupancy or use of the exhibition premises or a part thereof, excluding any such liability caused by the sole negligence of the American College of Gastroenterology, Phoenix Convention Center, their employees and agents.
In addition, Exhibitor acknowledges that the American College of Gastroenterology and the Phoenix Convention Center do not maintain insurance covering Exhibitor’s property and that it is the sole responsibility of the Exhibitor to obtain business interruption and property loss/damage insurance covering such losses by the Exhibitor.
Labor
Labor must be used in accordance with local union requirements in the erection and dismantling of exhibits. Exhibitors utilizing firms other than the Official Decorator are requested to notify the American College of Gastroenterology in writing with the name of the contractor. Those exhibitors will be required to present a Certificate of Insurance from such outside contractors to protect the American College of Gastroenterology against disputes arising from services not performed. The exhibitor agrees that if outside contractors do not perform labor services in a reasonable period of time, the Official Contractor will provide for labor services and the exhibitor will be invoiced accordingly.
Exhibitor designated contractors must carry their own insurance to cover exhibit material against damage and loss, as well as public liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence and $1 million aggregate against injury to the person and property of others. A Certificate of Insurance naming the American College of Gastroenterology as additional insured must be received at least 30 days prior to the Exhibit Hall opening.
Lead Retrieval
Lead retrieval services are available at ACG 2025. Information will be included in the Official Exhibitor Service Kit and at acgmeetings.gi.org.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Companies that have merged with or purchased another company may use the priority points from either company, whichever is higher, but may not combine the priority point totals. The ACG must be notified by both companies that the acquisition or merger is complete. Request for transfer of points must also be submitted in writing to the ACG by the parent company.
Out of Home Advertising
TriStar is the required agency through which ACG exhibitors and non-exhibiting industry supporters must reserve out-of-home advertising opportunities. No other vendor may be used. Sponsors who book out of home advertisements outside of TriStar may lose priority points and the opportunity to participate in official ACG convention sponsorships. For more information, please contact ACG at emccubbin@gi.org or kthorne@gi.org for details on out of home advertising.
Non-Exhibitors
Firms or organizations not assigned space in the Exhibit Hall will not be permitted to solicit business within the Exhibit Hall or elsewhere in the Phoenix Convention Center. Exhibitors are requested to inform the College of their knowledge of any such occurrence.
Official Drayage Contractor
Freeman has been designated as the official drayage contractor. The official contractor is responsible for maintaining all in and out traffic schedules at the show site and handling the move-in and move-out of all exhibitors’ materials and equipment. Freeman maintains control and always has priority at the loading areas.
Official General Service Contractor
General questions regarding any services should be directed to:
FREEMAN
Phone/Text: (888) 508-5054
Payment & Restrictions
Exhibit space at the Phoenix Convention Center is priced as follows:
- 10’ x 10’ Linear Booth: $3,600
- Corner Booth: $3,800
- Island Booth Space: $42.00/sq. ft.
Full payment must accompany your application. A service fee of 25% of the total booth cost will apply to any cancellation or space reduction. No refunds will be issued to firms canceling or reducing booth size if space cannot be resold. There will be no refunds whatsoever for space canceled or reduced after March 15, 2025.
Photography and Videotaping
Exhibitors, Attendees, Guests and Media are strictly prohibited from taking still photography, video or audio recording of the Exhibit Hall or any educational session or event of the meeting for publication, rebroadcast or placement on a non-ACG website or print publication without prior written permission from the ACG. Still photography is permitted only for personal, non-commercial purposes, including social media. For more information, contact Elaine McCubbin at emccubbin@gi.org. Media should contact ACG at mediaonly@gi.org.
Prizes and Lotteries
Prizes and lotteries are permitted at the ACG Annual Scientific Meeting provided they remain professional in nature. Written permission from the ACG is required. The exhibitor is responsible for any permits, occupational licenses, and city/state sales taxes, if applicable. The ACG reserves the right to restrict activities that it deems inappropriate or unprofessional.
Protection of the Convention Center
Exhibitors will be held liable for any damage caused to the Phoenix Convention Center property and no material or matter of any kind shall be posted on, tacked, nailed, screwed, or otherwise attached to columns, walls, floors or other parts or portions of the facilities or furnishings. Whatever may be necessary to properly protect the building, equipment or furniture will be installed at the expense of the exhibitor. If any controversy arises as to the need or propriety, the Convention Center will be the final judge thereof and their decision shall be binding on all parties concerned.
Sales and Order Taking
The purpose of the exhibits is to further the education of meeting attendees through product and service displays and demonstrations related to the field of gastroenterology. Sales and order taking are permitted if transactions are conducted in a manner consistent with the professional nature of the meeting. The ACG reserves the right to restrict sales activities that it deems inappropriate, unprofessional, or unrelated to the field of gastroenterology. All exhibitors who conduct sales during an event are responsible for obtaining the appropriate business license(s) and for paying all applicable Provincial (PST) and Federal Sales Taxes (GST).
Security
Security shall be furnished by Management to be on duty in the Exhibit Hall when exhibits are closed, but the safekeeping of the exhibitor’s property shall remain the responsibility of the exhibitor. Exhibitors should not leave valuable materials or equipment on the exhibit floor outside the hours when exhibits are open. If security is required in your booth during or after normal show hours, you may contract directly with ACG’s security contractor for that service. Information and order forms will be included in the Official Exhibitor Services Kit. The American College of Gastroenterology will assume no responsibility for any losses sustained by exhibitors. Complete information regarding drayage will be forwarded with the Official Exhibitor Information Kit after confirmation of space assignment.
Set-Up/Dismantle Details
Installation of Exhibits
Friday, October 24
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, October 25
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, October 26
8:00 am – 12:00 noon
All exhibit crates must be empty and tagged for storage no later than 2:00 pm on Saturday, October 25. All large display crates must be removed from the exhibit floor by 5:00 pm on Saturday, October 25, for the service contractor to have access to install the aisle carpet.
All installation must be completed by 12:00 noon on Sunday, October 26. Display space not claimed and occupied by 12:00 noon on Sunday, October 26, may be canceled or reassigned without notification or refund.
Dismantling of Exhibits
Tuesday, October 28
4:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Wednesday, October 29
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Exhibits must not be dismantled or be in the process of being removed before 4:30 pm on Tuesday, October 28. Exhibitors dismantling before this time may lose earned priority points. All exhibit materials must be removed from the exhibit areas by 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 29. If the exhibitor fails to remove their materials from the exhibit area in a timely fashion, the exhibitor shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the American College of Gastroenterology from and against any and all fees or expenses the College must pay to Phoenix Convention Center as a result of late removal.
Shipping Information
Advance Warehouse Shipments
Ship early, prepay all transportation charges. Collect shipments will not be accepted.
- Freeman will accept crated, boxed, or skidded materials beginning September 25, 2025, at the address below. All shipments must be accompanied with a Certified Weight Ticket. “Full Load” trailers without a Certified Weight Ticket may be refused and sent to obtain requested documents.
- Freeman does not accept uncrated freight (loose, pad-wrapped material and/or unpalletized machinery), COD shipments, hazardous materials, freight requiring refrigerated or frozen storage, a single piece of freight weighing more than 5,000 pounds or a single piece of freight beyond the dimensions of 108′ H x 93′ W.
- The warehouse will receive shipments Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 2:30 PM Pacific Time.
Advance warehouse shipments should be labeled and consigned as follows:
Exhibitor Name/Booth Number
2025 ACG Annual Scientific Meeting
2800 S Gilbert Rd., Ste 103
C/O Freeman
Chandler, AZ 85286, USA
All shipments should be securely packed and fully prepaid. Bills of lading, showing the number of pieces, description and weight should be forwarded to the drayage agent when shipment is made. Each exhibitor agrees to ship his material at their own risk and expense. If its services are used, the drayage contractor will store the shipments without charge for 30 days prior to the installation of the exhibit.
The loading area at the Phoenix Convention Center will be under the supervision of FREEMAN. Direct shipments should be labeled and consigned as follows, and delivery may begin on Friday, October 24, 2025:
Exhibitor Name/Booth Number
2025 ACG Annual Scientific Meeting
Phoenix Convention Center
100 N 3rd Street
C/O Freeman
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Signs
A uniformly lettered, two-line decorative sign, 11” x 17”, indicating the company name and booth number, will be furnished, and properly located at the top of the back of each inline and corner booth. Additional signs for display purposes may be ordered from the Official Decorator.
Island booths, 400 square feet and larger, are permitted to hang signs from the ceiling, however, they may not exceed the 20’ height limitation as measured from the top of the sign to the floor. Inline and corner booths are not permitted to have hanging signs over their booth space.
Staffing
Each exhibit must be fully operational and staffed during the open exhibit hours. All participants affiliated with exhibits must be registered. Exhibitors utilizing firms other than the Official Decorator must obtain exhibitor set-up badges for non-booth personnel to use during set-up and teardown on:
Friday, October 24
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, October 25
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, October 26
8:00 am – 12:00 noon
Tuesday, October 28
4:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Wednesday, October 29
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Everyone must have either an ACG Exhibitor Badge or an Exhibitor Set-up Badge during set-up and teardown. Badges are not to be issued to representatives of leasing companies, financial institutions, publishers, suppliers, vendors, or others who wish to gain admittance for the purpose of making contact other than in your exhibit. An exhibitor may not register any other person eligible for paid registration.
Subletting Space
The subletting, assignment, or apportionment of the whole or of any part of his space by any exhibitor is prohibited. No exhibitor may permit any other party to exhibit in his space any goods other than those manufactured or handled by the contract exhibitor, nor permit the solicitation of business by others within his space.
Surveys
Surveys must be conducted within the confines of the exhibit booth space. Exhibit personnel are prohibited from leaving the booth to encourage attendees to complete a survey.
Transportation
ACG prohibits companies from providing attendee transportation. If you have any questions, please contact Elaine McCubbin at emccubbin@gi.org.
Violations
Exhibitors who violate any provision of the official rules and regulations may face penalties commensurate to the severity of the violations. This may include, but is not limited to, loss of priority points, immediate closing of the exhibit without refund and exclusion from future ACG meetings.
Weight Limitations
The weight limit on the floor of the Exhibit Hall is 350 lbs. per net square foot.