Space assignment and payment
SPIE reserves the right to determine final placement of the CLIENT. A space may be revoked or changed by SPIE if payment is not in accordance with the payment schedule. SPIE retains the exclusive right to revise the exhibition floor plan and/or move assigned CLIENTS as necessary. SPIE is not obligated to reimburse the exhibiting company for any costs stemming from relocation.
Payment schedule
No space or sponsorship will be reserved or assigned unless appropriate payment and signed contract are received at SPIE Headquarters at PO Box 10, Bellingham, WA 98227. Account delinquency will result in CLIENT’s inability to exhibit or sponsor at contracted exhibition as well as book space in future exhibitions. For accounts with more than one unpaid invoice, all cash received will be paid to oldest invoice first.
Payment and Fraud Statement: Please be advised that the wire transfer and banking information initially provided to you will not change. If you receive notice that SPIE has a new bank account or are sent new payment instructions, you should treat this as fraudulent. If you are in doubt of your existing instructions or wish to confirm them, please contact SPIE Customer Service by telephone at +1 360 676 3290 (do not use email) to verify the information you have.
Cancellation/space reduction
Any cancellation, space reductions, or requests for changes of this contract must be made in writing to SPIE, subject to the following fees:
In the event of cancellation or reduction of contracted space, and subject to the above schedule, SPIE shall retain the right to: resell cancelled space without rebate or allowance to the CLIENT, cancel requested affiliate space, and reduce priority points by 50%* for non-participation. Non-participation over two consecutive years results in complete loss of priority points*. (*If applicable.)
Contracted space
Contracted space must have staff and exhibit materials present at booth during open exhibition hours. Failure to do so will result in 50% loss of priority points* and a $250 fee. Late setup and early tear down of exhibition space is a public safety concern and harms both the CLIENT's and SPIE's reputation. (*if applicable)
Corporate membership
Corporate membership pricing is valid only if the membership is in good standing and dues are fully paid prior to submission of exhibition contract and membership remains in good standing through the duration of the contracted exhibition. If the membership expires prior to or dues are not fully paid at the time of the contracted exhibition, the CLIENT pricing reverts to the nonmember rates and the contracted CLIENT will be liable for the balance due SPIE.
Food and alcohol
Food and alcohol must be supplied and served by facility catering services only. CLIENTS must obtain written permission from SPIE Exhibition Management along with a signed service agreement from the facility.
Dispute resolution/arbitration
Any controversy, claim, or dispute arising out of or relating to this agreement shall be settled through binding arbitration conducted in accordance with the rules of the JAMS Endispute (JAMS) in Washington State, pursuant to the law of that State for determination by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Exhibitor, one by SPIE, and the third by the two selected arbitrators. Should arbitration be desired, the desiring party shall give written notice to the other requesting arbitration and simultaneously notifying JAMS of such request and requesting that JAMS provide a list of appropriately skilled arbitrators to the parties for selection. Upon receipt of such list, the parties shall select their arbitrator within twenty (20) days. The arbitrators shall be instructed to permit such limited discovery as they deem appropriate but shall be required to hear the matter within ninety (90) days of final selections and shall issue a decision thirty days (30) thereafter. In connection with any such arbitration or court proceeding to enforce an arbitration award the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs. Any decision or award rendered by the arbitration as referenced above may be entered in any court in Washington State having jurisdiction thereof or in any court having jurisdiction over the party against whom the judgement is sought to be enforced.
Force majeure
In the event that the premises in which the Exhibition is or is to be conducted shall become, in the sole discretion of SPIE, unfit for occupancy, or in the event the holding of the Exhibition or the performance of SPIE under the Exhibit Reservation Contract (of which these Rules and Regulations are a part) are substantially or materially interfered with by virtue of any cause or causes not reasonably within the control of SPIE, said Contract and/or the Exhibition (or any part thereof) may be terminated by SPIE. SPIE shall not be responsible for delays, damage, loss, increased costs, or other unfavorable conditions arising by virtue of cause or causes not reasonably within the control of SPIE. If SPIE terminates said Contract and/or the Exhibition (or any part thereof) as aforesaid, then SPIE shall not be liable to the CLIENT other than for a refund of such CLIENT’s space price payment less a proportionate share of all Exhibition expenses incurred and committed by Show Management of actual expenses, such as, but not limited to, advertising, convention center fees, etc., to the extent any monies remain after payment of such expenses and there shall be no further liability on the part of either party. For purposes hereof, the phrase “cause or causes not reasonably within the control of SPIE” shall include, but not by way of limitation: fire, casualty, flood, epidemic, pandemic, earthquake or inclement weather; explosion or accident; blockade or embargo; governmental restraints; restraints or orders of civil defense or military authorities; terrorism or threat of terrorism, act of public enemy, riot, or civil disturbance; strike, lockout, boycott, or other labor disturbance; inability to secure sufficient labor, technical, or other personnel; failure, impairment, or lack of adequate transportation facilities; inability to obtain, or condemnation, requisition, or commandeering of necessary supplies or equipment; local, state, or Federal law, ordinances, rule, order decree, or regulation, whether legislative, executive, or judicial, and whether constitutional or unconstitutional; or Acts of God.
Harassment
SPIE promotes an environment that is free of inappropriate behavior and harassment by or towards employees, members, attendees, volunteers, contractors, suppliers, or customers. Any form of harassment is unacceptable and will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. SPIE will not permit or condone any acts of retaliation against anyone who files harassment complaints or cooperates in an investigation of same. Individuals not complying with this policy may be asked to leave the event.
Insurance
Coverage is not optional. CLIENT shall, at its own expense, secure and maintain through the term of this contract, including move-in and move-out days, the insurance listed below. All such insurance shall be primary of any other valid and collectible insurance of CLIENT and shall be written on per occurrence basis. Claims made policies are not acceptable and do not constitute compliance with CLIENT’s obligations under this paragraph. Required Coverages: (A) Comprehensive General Liability Insurance with limits not less than $1,000,000 each occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate, combined single limit for bodily injury (including death), contractual, and operation of mobile equipment, products, and liquor liability (if applicable). SPIE must be listed as an additional insured, as well as any other parties as required by the facility. (B) Worker’s Compensation insurance.
Certificate of Insurance (COI): CLIENT shall provide SPIE with evidence thereof in the form of a COI from their carrier, 30 days prior to show dates. CLIENT acknowledges that SPIE has no obligations to maintain insurance on CLIENT’s behalf.
Liability
Upon approval of this contract by an authorized CLIENT representative, it is expressly understood that the CLIENT has read and agrees to abide by the SPIE liability policies. SPIE, and all organizations and individuals who are employed by/or associated with it, in connection with this Exhibition/Sponsorship, will not assume responsibility and shall be held harmless by all CLIENTS for damage or loss resulting from fire, theft, terrorism or threat of terrorism, or any other cause whatsoever, including accident or injury to CLIENTS, their employees and agents, the public, or others. The CLIENT agrees to pay promptly for any and all damages to the exhibition building or its equipment incurred through carelessness, or otherwise, of the CLIENT or its employees or agents.
Losses
SPIE is not responsible for damage to CLIENT’s property or lost shipments either inbound or outbound, nor for moving costs. Damage to inadequately packed property is CLIENT’s own responsibility. If CLIENT materials, fixtures or equipment fails to arrive, CLIENT is nevertheless responsible for the exhibit space reserved as per this contract. Clients are advised to insure against these risks.
Music licensing
No copyrighted music may be played in the exhibition area (including but not limited to: background music on video or audio presentations) without appropriate documented permissions and/or licensing, which is the responsibility of the CLIENT to obtain as well as pay any and all associated fees.
Recordings/photos
Recording and photos of any kind is prohibited without explicit permission from on-site company representatives. Individuals not complying with this policy will be asked to surrender their recording media and to leave the exhibition hall. Refusal to comply with such request is grounds for expulsion from the event.
Security
SPIE will provide general security service on a 24-hour basis to the Exhibition area from the beginning of setup hours through the conclusion of the Exhibition. However, SPIE is not responsible for loss or damage to CLIENT’s property. CLIENTS are advised to insure against these risks.
Selling on the show floor
The Technical Exhibition is limited to organizations with products or services related to the industry served by the event. Direct sales and/or delivery of non-related, retail or consumer products are prohibited.
Transportation/setup
All transportation costs, and any other costs related to exhibit setup not explicitly offered above by SPIE, are to be paid by the CLIENT.
Graphic due dates
When applicable, all graphics are due to SPIE by 10 January 2025. All graphics received after 10 January 2025 will be subject to a 5% rush charge for production.
Exhibiting benefits