Before you register, take a moment to read this important information…
| Types of Displays | Large displays are anything on your table, regardless of size, that makes it necessary for the exhibitor to stand in front of the table. These types of displays are welcome…but MUST be noted on your registration form! Because a ‘science fair type’ display and/or someone standing in front of the table blocks the view of other exhibitors, these set-ups will be placed around the edges of the room to make it easier to view. ANYONE BRINGING A LARGE DISPLAY WITHOUT PRE-REGISTERING IT MAY NOT BE ALLOWED TO USE IT! …please plan accordingly. Exhibitors standing in front of their table will be asked to move. |
| How big is my space? | Each exhibiting company receives an 8 ft by 2 1/2 ft table, covered with a white table cover. There is no area behind the table other than for seating. |
| I have lots of stuff to bring…where can I put it besides on the table? | Nowhere. Per National IFT regulations all materials must be on top of the of the table provided. This means no floor displays of any kind! |
| What about my big table-top display? | We’re happy to have it…but you MUST indicate that you are bringing it on your registration form! We put large displays (see definition above) along the edges of the room in order to maximize the visibility. This way everyone can see if a special customer is heading their way! |
| I handle two companies…how can they both best be represented? | Split tables are available for brokers and affiliated companies that need a smaller physical space. Each exhibitor receives half a table, 8 category listings, directory listing, and all the publicity given to other exhibitors under their own name! Remember… a. No more than 2 companies can split a table. b. You must order both halves of the table…we can’t sell half tables to you. |
| I’m a broker/distributor and want my name in the show material! | No problem. Brokers may order tables and place materials from more than one principal on the tables but all signage and directory listings will be under the brokerage name only. Many exhibitors combine a main table with split tables in the same area. |
| This is my one chance each year to chat with my golfing buddy. Can you put our tables together? | Sure. Every effort will be made to place affiliated companies and friends together. However, BOTH companies must request this (in case they’re not as anxious to see you as you are to see them!) |
| Why do I have to pay for sign lettering again? | Okay… Matching signs are required for all exhibitors. Here’s how the program works… a) First time exhibitors and those who did not exhibit in the past exhibiting year are required to order table sign lettering. b) The signs are designed to be left at the show for future use. We’ll store them and bring them back the next year. (That way we won’t need to charge you for new lettering and replacement of the plastic sign.) c) Changed your company name? New lettering must also be ordered by you since new lettering has to be ordered by us! |
| I know the show hours are from 1:30pm – 5pm…but how long do I REALLY have to be there? | ALL EXHIBITORS ARE EXPECTED TO BE IN PLACE DURING SHOW HOURS! Some attendees are only able to arrive later in the afternoon; some can only stay for the first hour. Arriving late (or packing up early) sends them the message that you aren’t interested in seeing them…and you could possibly miss an important contact! |
| Why are some table signs blue and some red? | General exhibitors have a blue sign with white lettering. Corporate Sponsors of the Northeast section will have RED signs with white lettering to acknowledge their help and contributions to the Student Scholarship Endowment Fund. |
| How do I get my stuff to (and from) the DCU Center? | Supplies you’ll need for the show can be sent directly TO the DCU center but can arrive no earlier than the day before the show. If you need to send things earlier, we suggest you have them directed to your hotel and held for your arrival. Please mark all packages clearly as follows: Return Address: Your Company Name and Address NEIFT Food Industry Expo May 13, 2026 Shipping Address: DCU Center 50 Foster St. Worcester, MA 01608-1398 Packages can be shipped back FROM the DCU Center after the show if you have an account with the carrier. Please be sure to bring your shipping documentation…and packing tape! Please follow this procedure: 1. Following the close of the show at 5pm, exhibitors may bring their sealed packages with completed shipping documents to the DCU Security Office. 2. Call your carrier and order a pickup (required by venue). The DCU address is: 50 Foster St. Worcester, MA 01608 (508) 755-6800 3. Please do not pre-request that any carrier pick-up prior to 5:15pm…you will not have access to the Security Office until the show is over and all exhibitors are expected to be set up until the show closes at 5pm. |
| Now…what do I wear? | This is a “business casual” show…no need for a tie. |
Show attendees and exhibitors should be prepared to follow current Covid 19 Regulations (if any). Regulations are subject to change from the date of your registration.
Read the Rules?