Connect Regulations and Requirements

1. Connect Management reserves the right to remove any item, product, display, exhibitor personnel or exhibitor booth that management deems inappropriate. Refunds are not applicable.

2. Connect Management reserves the right to make required changes to show floor plan at any time, including moving booth locations due to unforeseen circumstances. This does not happen often, and Management endeavours to minimize any disruptions to exhibitors.

3. Exhibitor booths are confirmed once a 25% deposit is paid. With booths in high demand, we cannot confirm booths without a deposit. Please see Dates & Deadlines for more details. Please note that booths specific to the pet industry will be given priority over those that are not. Exhibit booths must be staffed and fully operational during published show hours. Please respect Connect attendees by being set up and ready no later than 30 mins prior to show opening and kindly refrain from tearing down before closing time.

4. Exhibitor badges are mandatory for access to the exhibit hall via the designated Exhibitor Entrance. Badges are included with the purchase of a booth; however, additional badges can be obtained at the time of registration. Please see “Included in your booth space” for more details.

5. As exhibitors you are welcome to use your own booth furnishings or rent from Boneyard Event Services. Rentals are available to purchase through their link. Please contact us at [email protected] if you require assistance.

6. Pets are welcome in booth space! Kindly download a copy of the Pet Waiver and submit to Exhibitor Registration when you arrive. Pets must be in accordance with the City of Niagara Falls By- Law, please see list in Appendix A.

7. Exhibitor Liability Insurance in the amount of $2,000,000 is mandatory. Policies should commence Move in Day and end at 11:59pm on Move Out Day. Please name the Canadian Pet Expo PO Box 149, Millgrove, ON L0R 1V0 and Niagara Falls Convention Centre, 6815 Stanley Ave, Niagara, ON L2G 3Y9as additionally insured. Don’t have your own business policy? You can quickly obtain a very cost-effective policy online at https://duuo.ca/event-insurance/

8. Promotional materials may not be distributed outside your exhibit space. Aisle space is sacred land, secured for the attendees. Inventory, solicitation and/or booth extensions are not permitted in the aisle space. Please respect your booth space.

9. Exhibitors who have ordered booth electrical connection will have access to hydro. This is audited by both Connect Management and the official show provider and is strictly enforced. Electrical connection is available via Niagara Falls Convention Center until the designated deadline. Any requests after this deadline will be subject to the last-minute connection fee.

10. Exhibits that include sound/audio/visual displays must ensure the noise level and lights resulting from the display does not disrupt the activities of neighboring exhibitors. Connect management reserves the right to lower all sound equipment and make lighting adjustments as necessary.

11. Our venue, Niagara Falls Convention Centre, has excellent ambient lighting; however, if you choose to add extra lighting to your booth, please direct it to the inner confines of the booth space. Lighting should not project onto other exhibits or show aisles.

12. The sale, sampling, or distribution of food for consumption on the premises must be approved by Connect Management and licences or permits are required by The Niagara Falls Convention Centre. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to obtain such approvals and/or permits from the venue.

13. All exposed parts of displays must be finished so they do not present an unsightly appearance when viewed from adjoining booths or aisles. Side walls taller than the 3’ high side drape of exhibit booths may not come out past 5’ from back drape to not obstruct visibility of surrounding booths. 

14. Signs in booths will not be permitted to extend above the 8’ high back drape. Signs in island showcases will not be permitted to extend more than 16’ above the floor. In order to maintain a positive and professional image for the pet enthusiasts at the show, hand drawn signs of any nature are not encouraged.

15. Exhibit space should be kept in good order with storage boxes placed under tables or in designated storage areas.

16. The use of helium balloons is not permitted by the facility.

17. Fire regulations prohibit the use of sterno, or any open flame including candles.

18. Cooking or food warming devices are prohibited on the Connect floor and in booth spaces.

19. Electrical wiring and displays must conform to the National Electrical Code safety rules.

20. Any display vehicles must have less than ¼ tank of gas, at least one battery cable disconnected from each set of batteries, and the gas tank sealed or locked. A set of keys must be given to Connect Management. All display vehicles are subject to a Vehicle Inspection completed by Connect Management.

21. No alcohol is permitted on the exhibit floor at any time.

22. The use of nails, screws or any material that can mark floors, walls or ceiling of exhibit hall is prohibited.

23. The only tape exhibitors are allowed to use for securing carpet or material to the floor is double - sided cloth tape.

24. Please do not pin, pierce, or affix anything to drapes. Any damages will result in an invoice for repair or replacement.

25. It is expressly understood and agreed by the Exhibitor that no claim of any kind against Show management for loss, damage, theft, or destruction of goods or exhibit; nor any injury that may occur to himself or his employees while at the show.

26. The exhibitor shall be solely responsible to his own agents and employees and to all third persons, including invitees and the public for all claims, liabilities, actions, costs, damages, and expenses arising out of or relating to the custody, possession, operation, maintenance or control of leased space or exhibit. The exhibitor is held responsible for agents and employees performing on show stages. Exhibitor does indemnify and hold harmless Show Management against any and all claims as may be asserted against it.

-Presence on our website

-Presence on our social media

-Access to our Exhibitor meetup, Connect Live and Connect Lunch

-Your booth space draped in black

- Back wall 10’ wide x 8’ high (multiplied by the number of booth spaces rented)

-100 square feet of space

Badges can be picked up at exhibitor registration on setup days.

4 show badges for yourself and crew for each booth booked. 2

additional badges are included for each additional space booked

thereafter.

To add or make changes to your badge needs go to: https://reg.unityeventsolutions.com/se/CONNECT052225/EXHD

- Tuesday May 20: Vendor Setup 1pm-10pm (Schedule to change)

- Wednesday May21: Vendor Setup 7am-7pm (Schedule to change)

Connect Exhibitor Meet up 7pm-11pm

- Thursday May 22: Show hours 9am-5pm

Connect Live 7pm-11pm

- Friday May23: Show hours 9am-4pm

Tear down can begin after carpet is removed.

Connect Lunch open 11:30am-1:30pm

You can find the Connect Spring 2025 Sponsorship Guide here:

https://heyzine.com/flip-book/096f272c7f.html#page/1

Offer greater exposure for your brand.

Drive attendees to your booth location.

Provide memorable elements of their attendance at Connect.

Most importantly share with the attendees your brand's commitment to the growth of their business and the industry as a whole here in Canada at Connect.

This all equates to an ROI that's unmatchable at any other Canadian show.

Exhibitor Ordering Information

PLACING YOUR ORDER

Whatever your exhibiting needs, BES Inc. has the products and services to give you a professional appearance and

increased visibility. Click the link below to see all they offer.

Boneyard event services

Boneyard Event Services

BES is here to make your exhibiting experience as easy and seamless as possible. Leading up to the show

they may periodically touch base with you to make sure all your exhibiting needs are taken care of.

Our Exhibitor Services team is available Mon-Fri from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm at 833-237-7469 or email them at [email protected]

-StageVision will handle all your needs of Banner Hanging and Audio visual equipment.

-Click the link below to see the form for A/V services.

A/V Services

-Banner Hanging services please contact them directly [email protected].

-The Niagara Falls Convention Centre will be looking after you for electrical, janitorial services, food and beverage as well as internet.

-They have set up an online store for you to purchase these things, log into the online store Click Here ·

-Email Exhibitor Services at [email protected] if you have any issues at all

Move in:

Tuesday, May 20 from 1 pm to 10 pm (subject to change)

Wednesday, May 21 from 7am to 7pm (subject to change)

Move out:

Friday, May 23 from 5pm-11pm (Subject to change)

After carpet is pulled from show floor

Loading Docks: TBD

Exhibitor Doors: North West Entrance.

Please report to Exhibitor Registration upon arrival.

Badges are mandatory for the move in process and the duration of the show, worn at all times.

Please note that there is no move in on Thursday, May 22. Exhibitor entrance will be open at 7 am for final carry in of small items only. Loading doors/docks will not be available.

Set up must be complete and ready for inspection no later than 8:15 am, Thursday, May 22.

Click here to see hotel and transportation information.

https://www.connectpetexpo.ca/hotels-and-travel

Dates, Deadlines & Payment Information

The exhibitor is responsible for the full cost of their booth space upon receiving the invoice. Any request by the exhibitor to terminate their booking must be received by Connect in writing. If a termination notice in writing is received, the following will apply: 

1. If notice is received by Connect 60 days or more prior to the first day of move in the exhibitor will be responsible for payment of 25% of the total contracted booth space fees. 

2. If notice is received by Connect between 35 and 59 days prior to the first day of move in, the exhibitor will be responsible for payments of 50% of the total contracted booth space. 

3. If notice is received by Connect 34 days or less prior to the first day of move in, the exhibitor will be responsible for payment of 100% of the total contracted booth space fees. Under no circumstances will the amount of any refund to the exhibitor exceed the amount of the booth space fees paid up until the written notice of termination. Termination of the booth booking will disentitle the exhibitor (or applicant) to any rights or claims against the booth space, or Connect. The exhibitor will remain responsible for paying their booth fees, except as noted above. 

All monies retained will be deemed a reasonable estimate of the damages incurred by Connect for administrative and other related costs arising out of the termination. Payments requiring refunds for reasons discussed and agreed upon with Connect Management and the Exhibitor within 14 days of Connect will be issued within 7-10 days upon completion of the Expo. Show Management will make note of the discussed refund and why a refund is being issued. Payments for all services requested from Connect by the exhibitor must be processed in full before the move-in date.