Moving into and out of a show can be one of the most challenging parts of exhibiting at a tradeshow, but it doesn't have to be. It is our goal to give you all the information you need in advance so that you have no surprises as you prepare for GATS. Due to recent security changes at the facility, the GATS move-in and move-out procedures have changed.

The Convention Center is a unionized facility, so GATS has contracted Freeman to ensure that everyone can set-up and tear-down safely and efficiently. Any required forms you submit will help Freeman establish and keep order onsite. All costs associated with booth services are clearly indicated on the forms.

To ensure that you have the smoothest moving process possible, please follow the guidelines below.


 

MOVING IN 

  • Exhibitor Move-In happens at designated times that GATS will adhere to strictly. Please refer to Freeman's *Target Move-In Floorplan to determine your booth's time.
    • Mon, Aug 19, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Target Move-In Only*
    • Tue, Aug 20, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Target Move-In Only*
    • Tue, Aug 20, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Target Move-In Only*
    • Wed, Aug 21, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Thu, Aug 22, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • All vehicles & heavy equipment MUST be moved-in on Mon, Aug 19. This is the only exception to the Target Move-In Schedule. Submit a Mobile Units Form to drive a vehicle onto the show floor.
  • For access to the loading dock, first proceed to the marshalling yard to get a dock pass. To maintain order, direct access to the dock will not be permitted without a dock pass obtained from the marshalling yard.
  • There is limited parking on the dock. You will be asked to wait at the marshalling yard and when space is available, the attendant will direct you to the dock.
  • The marshalling yard will be open during all move-in hours listed above.
  • After unloading at your designated time, you may stay to set up your booth. Return access to the Convention Center will not be available after 5:00 PM each day.
  • GATS will open at 11:00 AM on Thu, Aug 22. Booth set-up must be completed by this time.
  • For more information and helpful hints son pre-show procedures and move-in, please go to Pre-Show FAQ.

Unloading from a Personal Vehicle

  • If you have a personal vehicle (POV) and want to unload at the dock, you can do so if you have a Hand Carry Pass  and can hand carry your items to the booth. 
  • Due to the Convention Center being a unionized facility, anything that cannot be hand-carried from your vehicle must be moved by Freeman. Freeman has a POV Cart Service that will unload and deliver your booth materials and return them to your vehicle at the loading dock after the show. 
  • While parked in the dock, Exhibitor staff must work as team of at least two people and one person must remain with the vehicle at all times.
  • To ensure a smooth move in process fill out the hand carry pass prior to arriving at the Freeman Marshaling Yard. 
  • Submit the Hand Carry Pass to the Freeman check in area at the marshaling yard and you will be assigned a time and directed to the Hand Carry unloading area at the convention center. Space will be based on a first come first served basis. In order to gain access to the Hand Carry Unloading area you will need to have the form stamped by a Freeman Representative at the marshaling yard.
  • Parking in the Hand Carry Unloading area is limited to 1 hour from the time the vehicle enters the area. Vehicles left beyond 1 hour will be ticketed and may be towed at the owner's expense per the KBHCC Security Rules.
  • While parked in the dock, Exhibitor Staff must work as a team of at least two people and one person must remain with the vehicle at all times.
  • Only vehicles that qualify will be allowed in the Hand Carry Unloading area. 

 

 

 

 

Unloading from a Truck or Carrier 

  • Your vehicle will be weighed upon entering the marshaling yard. 
  • Once your truck is unloaded, it will be weighed again. Material handling charges are based on the difference in weight.   
  • To save time onsite, please fill out this Materials Handling Form in advance and send it back to Freeman.

 


 

MOVING OUT 

  • GATS will close at 4:00 PM on Sat, Aug 24. To ensure everyone has a good experience at GATS, you may begin packing up your booth no earlier than 4:00 PM. Please adhere to this rule. Violators will be fined per your terms and conditions
  • Exhibitors may start lining up at the marshaling yard beginning at noon on Saturday, however you will not have access to the dock until the show closes at 4:00 PM and all Pride & Polish show trucks have exited and aisle carpet is removed. This is usually one hour after the show closes.
  • Move-Out Times:
    • Sat, Aug 24, 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Sun, Aug 25, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • All exhibitor materials must be removed from the exhibit facility by Sunday, August 25 at 2:00 PM. To ensure all materials are removed from the exhibit facility by this deadline, please have all carriers check-in by Sunday, August 25 at 10:00 AM.
  • For more information and helpful hints on post-show procedures and move-out, please go to Post-Show FAQ.

Loading Personal Vehicles 

  • Per the instructions above, you will again need to visit the marshaling yard for a dock pass to enter the loading dock. Direct access to the dock will not be permitted without a dock pass obtained from the marshaling yard.
  • If you are using the POV Cart Service, your vehicle will be loaded for you at the dock.
  • If you are not using POV Cart Service, you will be given a certain number of minutes to load once you arrive at the dock. Because of this, it is in your best interest to make certain your booth is ready to be loaded before you arrive at the dock.
  • Do you have a small number of boxes that you would like to ship rather than take with you? Use the Freeman Small Package Economy Shipping. NOTE: UPS and FEDEX will not pick up from the show floor. If you prefer to ship through them visit the Freeman service desk for special arrangements. 

Loading a Truck or Carrier 

  • Fill out an Outbound Shipping Form prior to the show's end and your shipping labels will be brought to your booth the morning of the last day of the show.
  • Your crates will not be delivered to your booth until all Pride & Polish trucks have exited and aisle carpet has been removed.
  • Your carrier or truck needs to check in at the marshalling yard to receive access to the dock. 
  • Do you have a small number of boxes that you would like to ship rather than take with you? Use the Freeman Small Package Economy Shipping. NOTE: UPS and FEDEX will not pick up from the show floor. If you prefer to ship through them visit the Freeman service desk for special arrangements. 

 


 

If you still have questions on the move-in or move-out procedures, contact Freeman directly at (214) 634-1463. We are here to help.

 

Header