EXPO TOOLKIT
EXHIBITOR INFO
EXPO Show Hours
Wednesday, March 24, 2027
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday, March 25, 2027
8:00 AM – Noon
Responsibilities
- Travel and accommodations
- Arranging shipping and freight TO and FROM the event, if needed
- Booth Payment – Due March 1, 2027
- Booth Staff Name Badges
- Booth Set-Up and Take Down (Each 10′ x 10′ booth includes one covered and skirted 6′ or 8′ table, two chairs, one wastebasket and standard 110V electrical service.)
Registered exhibitors will receive access to the Horizon EXPO Solutions Exhibitor Service Center in December for additional booth furnishings and services, shipping and freight information, and other exhibitor resources.
Cancellation Policy
Any booth space(s) canceled after confirmation will cost the exhibitor one-half of the total amount until February 19, at which time the fees are non-refundable and all such space will be unconditionally released for reassignment to others. If you are experiencing any potential cancellation, please contact EXPO immediately at [email protected] or (304) 342-3976 to discuss your options.
Booth Assignments
Exhibitors are unable to select a space upon booth purchase due to restrictions at the facility. However, exhibitors have the opportunity to request their booth be located in a particular area (Main Lobby, Grand Hall, or Coliseum). EXPO will do its best to honor your request(s). If for some reason we cannot place you in your desired location, the exhibitor will be contacted to discuss the next best option. Booth numbers and maps will be announced in February. Exhibitors will receive their booth assignment by email.
Name Badges
As a reminder, admission is FREE. There is no limit to the number of people you can register. Exhibitors are asked to invite your clients, customers, and associates and encourage them to attend EXPO.
Exhibitor Move-In
Exhibitor move-in will be held Tuesday, March 23, 2027.
- Main Lobby and Coliseum exhibitors may move in from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Grand Hall exhibitors may move in from 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
No Wednesday move-in will be permitted unless approved by EXPO Show Management. Select heavy equipment exhibitors will be notified of a mandatory Monday, March 22, move-in.
The EXPO After Hours Reception will be held Tuesday from 5:30 – 8:00 PM. To prepare for the event, the Coliseum loading dock will close at 4:30 PM. Coliseum exhibitors may continue setting up inside their booths after the loading dock closes; however, all materials requiring loading dock access must be unloaded prior to 4:30 PM.
Coliseum exhibitors are strongly encouraged to complete unloading and be fully set up by 5:00 PM, as traffic in the Coliseum will increase with the start of the reception.
Heavy Equipment Move-In
Select heavy equipment exhibits will be subject to a mandatory move-in on Monday, March 22, 2027. Exhibitors will be notified in a special mailing and a time slot will be assigned. Heavy equipment MUST be removed by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 25. If items cannot be removed by that time, please contact EXPO to make arrangements. Please let us know if you have large equipment or unique exhibit items that may require an early move-in.
Exhibitor Check-In
All exhibitors must check in at the EXPO Show Office upon their arrival on Tuesday, March 23. The show office is in the Main Lobby behind the Registration Desk. We will assist you in finding your booth location and provide any pertinent information. Heavy equipment exhibitors moving in on Monday, March 22, will be able to pick up their move-in packet in the coliseum that day.
Unloading for Move-In
Exhibitors are encouraged to use one of the facility’s loading docks to bring in booth items. To access the dock map, click here.
See details below:
- If your booth is located in the COLISEUM, please bring items through the coliseum loading dock off Lee Street.
- If your booth is located in the GRAND HALL, please bring items through the Grand Hall loading dock off of Lee Street, or under the facility’s parking garage off Quarrier Street.
- If your booth is located in the MAIN LOBBY, you may carry items through the front door. Feel free to unload items at either the Grand Hall or Coliseum loading docks.
Parking
Parking is complimentary in the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center parking garage. Spaces are limited, so exhibitors and attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure parking.
Move-Out
Move-out will not be permitted prior to Noon on Thursday, March 25. All displays must be completely removed from the facility by 5:00 PM. If for any reason you must remove items on Friday, March 26, please contact EXPO to make arrangements. Exhibitors using freight or shipping services should follow the outbound shipping instructions provided by Horizon EXPO Solutions.
Shipping Booth Materials
Horizon EXPO Solutions, EXPO’s official service contractor, will provide shipping, freight and material-handling information for the 2027 show.
Registered exhibitors will receive access to the Horizon EXPO Solutions Exhibitor Service Center in December, where they can access shipping information and instructions for sending displays, equipment or other materials to the show.
Exhibitors planning to ship materials should wait for the 2027 Horizon shipping instructions before sending freight to the facility.
Additional information regarding shipping, material handling, deadlines and outbound freight procedures will be provided through Horizon.
Overnight Security
Security is provided after hours on Monday (for heavy equipment), Tuesday and Wednesday, however, exhibitors are still encouraged to place items of value out of sight or take them with you if possible during non-show hours. Exhibitors shall accept all liability (damage, loss or accident) that might ensue from any cause in connection with the transfer, installation, maintenance, display or removal of exhibits. Neither EXPO nor the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center will accept responsibility for theft or damage. Exhibitors are encouraged to insure themselves against all losses and claims.
Additional Booth Furnishings + Services
HORIZON EXPO SOLUTIONS:
EXPO has partnered with Horizon EXPO Solutions as its official service contractor for 2027. Registered exhibitors will receive access to the Horizon Exhibitor Service Center in December, where they can customize their exhibit and order additional services.
Through the portal, exhibitors may:
- Request additional standard tables and chairs at no additional charge through January 15, 2027
- Purchase carpet and upgraded furnishings, including high-top tables, bar-height chairs and other furniture
- Order additional booth accessories and services
- Access shipping and material-handling information for items being sent to the show
After January 15, additional tables and chairs will be available at Horizon’s standard exhibitor rates, and rates for some other services may increase as EXPO approaches.
Horizon EXPO Solutions will email registered exhibitors in December with login information and instructions for accessing the Exhibitor Service Center.
AUDIO/VISUAL NEEDS:
EXPO is pleased to recommend American Technology Rentals (ATR), Inc. as your rental source for trade show audio, video, and multimedia needs. ATR’s experienced, professional technicians can help you if you are having problems with your equipment or just need some help getting your technology wired up and ready. ATR offers many items such as computers, flat screens, effect lighting, speakers, projectors, screens, microphones, and much more. Call (304) 586-2804 or visit americantechrentals.com to enhance your booth space today!
CATERING NEEDS:
Any food or beverage items given away at your booth or offered during a seminar or meeting, must be provided by the exclusive in-house caterer to the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center. Add a tasteful dimension to your booth, offering customized menus and services to meet your needs, including international and regional specialties plus “home-grown” West Virginia flare. To contact the catering department, please reach out to Cindy Jones at [email protected] or 304-357-7400.
Rules & Regulations
The Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center’s rules and regulations can be viewed by clicking here. The IAEE guidlines for display rules can be viewed by clicking here.
Accommodations
EXPO has joined forces with some of the local hotels to give you the best rates. Please ask for the “EXPO” group rate when booking or mention the “West Virginia Construction + Design EXPO.” To view the list of hotels, CLICK HERE.
ARE YOU HIRING?
Looking to connect with your future workforce at EXPO? Exhibitors that are actively hiring are encouraged to participate in Workforce + Safety Day on Thursday, March 25. This dedicated event will connect employers with students, job seekers and others interested in careers in the construction and design industries. Complete the brief survey below to let us know your company is hiring and would like to participate.
PROMOTE EXPO
Find everything you need to help promote your involvement with EXPO. To effectively promote your involvement at EXPO, see below a variety of templates that you can utilize across marketing channels.
- Incorporate event details into your email signature.
- Make an announcement to your customers/clients/subscribers.
- Feature a banner image related to the conference on your website or any other digital platforms you use.
- Use social media to further spread the word using #wvexpo; share updates, insights, and excitement about the event on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
EXPO Logo
Use an official EXPO logo on your website, in email communications, or in printed materials to promote your presence at this year’s event. If you require a different format or require a customized version of the logo/artwork, contact [email protected]. Please link all logos to wvexpo.com.
News Release
Help spread the word about EXPO. Invite your contacts to exhibit, sponsor, advertise, or attend. Please link all logos and references to wvexpo.com.
NEWS RELEASE
Join us for the West Virginia Construction + Design EXPO
Charleston, West Virginia – The 48th annual West Virginia Construction + Design EXPO will take place on March 24-25, 2027, at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. This premier event is expected to attract over 4,000 attendees and feature more than 300 exhibitors, dozens of continuing education seminars, and a host of other top-tier industry activities.
EXPO serves as the ultimate gathering for professionals connected to West Virginia’s construction, engineering, and design industries. Whether you’re directly or indirectly involved in these fields, this annual event offers unparalleled opportunities to network, expand your knowledge, and discover the latest industry advancements — all under one roof.
The show hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24, and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 25. Attendees can access a full schedule of seminars — many offering free continuing education credits — and other event details on the EXPO website. Registration is free for qualified attendees at the event or online at www.wvexpo.com.
EXPO is proudly presented by the Contractors Association of West Virginia, the National Society of Professional Engineers – West Virginia Chapter, the West Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and the West Virginia Utility Contractors Association, alongside 24 co-sponsoring organizations. Over the years, EXPO has become the key meeting place for contractors, architects, engineers, suppliers, purchasing agents, public works officials, and others connected to the commercial and industrial construction sectors.
The 2027 West Virginia Construction & Design EXPO is a professional trade show, and all attendees must be registered to participate. For more information and to register, visit www.wvexpo.com.
BEWARE OF SCAMS
PHONE CALLS:
Some exhibitors have received phone calls from persons not affiliated with the show claiming to need additional information to ensure your participation. These calls are NOT legitimate. If the call does not come from EXPO Show Manager Cassidy Webb or Lauren Headley, it is not a legitimate call.
ATTENDEE LISTS:
Fraudulent companies are sending phishing emails to participants claiming to offer attendee lists. This is a common attack on conferences and trade shows. It is EXPO’S policy to NEVER sell, rent, or share attendee email contact information with any third party. No company is authorized to distribute or sell any email lists from our events. EXPO is not providing these lists or generating these messages.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS:
Be warned that unauthorized third-party organizations have contacted EXPO patrons to assist with hotel reservations via email and by phone. Please be advised that EXPO has NOT contracted a third party to assist attendees in booking reservations and these services are not affiliated in any way with EXPO. These organizations may claim to provide lower rates, but attendees who booked through these services have lost both their deposits and reservations. EXPO communicates directly with local hotels to facilitate group rates for our event.
WHAT TO DO:
If you receive an email offering to sell you a list of attendees or discounted hotel room rates, do NOT respond to it. By responding – even with a request to unsubscribe – you confirm that your email address is valid, which may increase the likelihood that you’ll be contacted again. If you are contacted by phone, simply hang up. You should always be on your guard against attempts by individuals to lure you into undesirable agreements, to sell you services that are not wanted or needed, or to fraudulently redirect funds from their intended recipient. If you find that you have fallen prey to these scams, immediately contact your credit card company.
When in doubt, call the EXPO office at (304) 342-3976.
Table of Contents
Learn more by accessing the EXPO Toolkit which contains important information for exhibitors including accommodations, schedule, how to obtain name badges, marketing templates, and more!