Rules & regulations

Alcohol is not to be sampled or sold to anyone under the age of 18 years old.
Please complete the health and safety form if you intend to sample alcohol.  

There must be a personal licence holder present on your stand. If this is not possible the personal licence holder must provide a letter of authorisation for those providing the samples.  
Also see Food and Drink Sampling  

All articles for human consumption, whether for eating or drinking within the exhibition hall must be supplied from the official caterers. To order additional catering please click here.

See Food Safety  

The sale of Food or Drink from Exhibition stands for consumption onsite is not permitted. Food, drink or confectionery may be sampled (free of charge) in small quantities. 

See Alcohol, Cooking/Food Sampling Catering 

All hospitality or customer entertainment on Manchester Central premises must take place on your stand, in enclosed areas do not open to the public. Any food and beverages consumed must be obtained from Manchester Central or their agents.

To order any hospitality you can do so through the online portal here.

Washing Facilities 

It is the responsibility of each exhibitor or concessionaire to assess the extent of their operation and ensure that adequate, suitable and sufficient washing facilities are provided in conjunction with their operation. 

The washing facilities required are determined by factors such as the public health and food safety risks posed by the operation, the scale of the operation, types of food, equipment used, types of serving container (disposable/reusable) etc. 

Where the sharing of facilities is proposed, exhibitors/concessionaires must liaise with each other and the organisers prior to the event, in order to ensure that the overall provision of facilities adequately services all exhibitors/concessionaires when operating at maximum capacity. 

Where a hand wash sink is required, it should be dedicated solely for hand washing, easily accessible at all times and unobstructed. Hand-washing facilities should not be further than 3 metres from any preparation area (in Scotland, hand washing facilities must be within the preparation area). It is recommended that facilities for hand washing, food washing and equipment washing (where appropriate) are labelled as such with a suitable notice affixed adjacent to each facility, to ensure that each one is used exclusively for its intended purpose. 

The following guidance indicates the washing facility standards required for each category of food operation. 

Manchester Central provides a full suite of menu and hospitality options to suit your event. For further information on catering, please contact your catering sales executive. The venue have recently launched an online ordering platform to allow exhibitors to order catering directly.

Manchester Central regulations do not permit Exhibitor’s using their own staff or any other non-approved persons to carry out any plumbing or connections to the main utilities within the Exhibition Hall. If you require water supply/waste facility, please contact Manchester Central  T: +44 (0)161 827 8746  E:[email protected]

Also see Health & Safety and Food Safety. 

Due to the nature of the show there will be no exhibitor rigging of banners permitted.

Also see Rigging  

Cord carpet will be provided.

If you are employing a stand contractor to build or work on your stand, please ensure you forward onto them a copy of this manual. 

Care must be taken to avoid damage to any part of the hall or to the stands. Should any damage or disfigurement occur, the exhibitor shall be charged for the damage. Please note that this includes staining or other damage to the carpet. 

Under no circumstances are exhibitor’s own staff or any other non-approved persons permitted to carry out electrical installation work within the exhibition hall. All work is to be carried out by the official contractor, GES (contact details can be found on the Contractors Contact Page).  

All stands are supplied with spot lights depending on the size of the stand.

All stands are supplied with a 500w power socket.  If you require power point(s) for either single or 3 phase electricity or ANY OTHER electrical supply apart from the items included in your stand package this must be ordered in advance.  

Please complete the electrical order form in the contractor forms section of the online manual.  

All equipment & practices must comply with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.  

Please Note the following: –  

• Any fittings connected to circuits previously completed, and any electrical appliances brought to the show will be subject to testing by the appointed electrical contractor. The electrical contractor has the right to disconnect any equipment that they feel is either dangerous, in faulty condition, liable to cause danger, installed without their authority or consent, connected to or ancillary to any equipment installed or maintained by them.  
• Exhibitors’ equipment must conform to all current electrical and safety standards otherwise it will be disconnected.  
• Exhibitors are warned that under no circumstances can 13-amp adaptors be used, nor extension leads in excess of 1.5 meters.  
• The venue will switch off all power 30 minutes after show has closed. Therefore, exhibitors with fridges etc must order 24-hour power supply.  

For further enquiries please contact the supplier. 

The name of any contractor (other than an official contractor) proposed to be employed by an exhibitor for the carrying out of permitted work within the exhibition hall in connection with stand fittings or space only stand construction, must be notified to the organiser for badges to be supplied. 

Contractors 

• Contractor badges are only valid during build-up and pull-out periods. 
• Contractor badges can be collected on arrival from security officials posted on the doors. 

All materials used in the construction of stands, features and displays, including signs and
fascia’s, shall be:

• Of a suitable nature and quality for the purposes and conditions of their intended use
  Adequately prepared and fixed in order adequately to perform the functions for which they are designed
• Compliant with the British Standard relevant to the particular material or item and
  ultimately, non-combustible, inherently non-flammable or durably flameproof in
  accordance with BS 476-Part 7
•  Water-based, where applicable, e.g. adhesives, paint and fillers

All display materials must be made from fire proofed materials to the satisfaction of the Authorities and Regulations; as a brief guide to the main points please note the following: –

Decorative Materials 

• Decorative materials used for stand dressing must be flame proofed or purchased already treated
  by use of the appropriate chemical.
• Untreated wallpaper and similar thin surface finishes, not exceeding 1mm in thickness, may be
  accepted, provided they are firmly fixed.
• Artificial plants and flowers are combustible and give off toxic fumes. Therefore, they must not be
  used for stand dressing. Silk-type flowers are acceptable, providing they are fireproof or have been
  treated and marked as such.

  Fabrics 

• Drapes, curtains, hangings etc. must be inherently or durably flame-proofed. Otherwise they may
  be treated with a proprietary flame retardant. Test certificates must be available for inspection for
  any materials intended to be used.

Paints

• Only Water-based paint can be used onsite.

Plastics 

• All plastics including the use of artificial plants (dried flowers are permitted) and vision panels must conform to BS 476-Part 7, Class 1 Marked
• Perspex must not be used but Lexan & Macralon are OK. 

Timber 

• Timber under 25mm thick much be impregnated to Class 1 standard. Tested materials should have BS 476-Part 7,Class 1 Marked
• Boards, Plywood, Chipboard etc must be treated if under 18mm thick. the exception to this is MDF due to its density.
• MDF and Chipboard must not be machined onsite due to the the hazardous dust produced.

General Fire Safety 

• Gangways – No exhibits, stand dressing, tables or chairs etc are to be allowed to encroach into the gangways.  
• Naked flames – will not be allowed within the Exhibition Hall.  
• Inflammable substances – Explosives or inflammable substances may not be exhibited or brought into the Exhibition Hall.  Neon Lighting is permitted but a fireman’s switch much be installed on the stand.

 The venue Fire Safety Officer will carry out an inspection before the opening of the event to ensure all fire exits and gangways are clear. Venue Fire Officers will patrol during the event. We would remind exhibitors that the Local Authority has the right to remove any fitting or material which contravenes these regulations and ultimately to close down a stand. Exhibitors should draw the attention of their contractors to this requirement. An exhibitor committing a breach of any of the above provisions will be liable for all claims, loss and damage thereby caused and will indemnify the organiser and the owner in respect thereof. 

Fire extinguishers will be placed around the show floor by Manchester Central Fire Officers, these are for emergency use only and should not be moved or tampered with. The venue fire officers will issue fire blankets to exhibitors/stands as they see fit according to risk. If given a fire blanket for the stand theexhibitor is responsible for it throughout the show and for its return at the end of show when they are collected. For further guidance and enquiries please contact Manchester Central Fire Officers.  

Stands will have cord carpet, and this cannot be removed. Carpet may not be laid directly to the hall floor unless the appropriate tape is used. 

Also see ‘Stands’ and ‘Damage to Exhibition’. 

Floors/utility ducts

Manchester Central has underground ducts and the floors above these have a point loading of 12 tonnes per sqm. Exhibitors building larger stands should take note of the above. Please note when designing the layout of your stand, that the ducts providing utilities (gas and water) are not continuous and can consequently have a bearing on placement of sinks, waste etc within your stand. We advise you to check your stand layout with Manchester Central beforehand to iron out any potential problems. 

Exhibitors must ensure that their stand meets an acceptable standard. Any stand that, in the organisers opinion, does not meet that requirement must be brought up to the required standard with the exhibitor concerned and be liable for any costs incurred in the process. The organiser may, at the expense of the exhibitor, remove or alter anything in, on or forming part of any stand or display if, in their opinion, this is necessary to comply with the rules & regulations, or if it is desirable to do so in the interest of the exhibition. 

Exhibitors are responsible for the complete removal from the exhibition hall of all exhibits, (i.e. goods and materials used by them, together with all waste and rubbish) in accordance with the directions of the organiser. Should any exhibitor fail to remove any of the foregoing within the time stipulated then the organiser shall be entitled to remove and dispose of such materials without liability to the exhibitor, who shall be liable for and indemnify the organiser in respect of all costs and expenses incurred and the exhibitor shall also indemnify the organiser in respect of any claim or liability suffered or incurred by the organiser for failure to give possession or any part of the exhibition hall to the owner on the due date. The organiser reserves the right to specify the time at which individual stands and exhibits shall be removed. Notwithstanding instructions issued specifically for the closing night of the exhibition, the security of exhibits, stands, furniture and all property of the exhibitors at all times including the demolition period is wholly the responsibility of the exhibitor and the organiser will not be responsible for any loss or damage suffered or incurred. 

Exhibitors must breakdown, pack up and remove your goods before 6PM on the last day of the show. PLEASE NOTE that ALL goods, stands and other items MUST be collected and removed from the premises when our tenancy finishes. Failure to do so will incur removal costs and disposal or storage costs for which the exhibitor will be wholly responsible. If you are using a courier to collect your goods, please make sure that they are aware of this deadline. We would strongly recommend waiting on your stand with your possessions until handed directly to the courier. 

See Access, Rubbish Removal & Security  

Due to the nature of this event exhibitor rigging will not be permitted.

See Stands, also Banners  

All stands are required to submit a risk assessment based on activities while exhibitors are on their stand. This includes time for setting up as well as for show open. This is to be completed by exhibitors, not stand contractors. A template for this can be found in the Health & Safety Form under Compulsory Forms.  

Also see Stands  

The show contractor is GES. 

For extra stand requirements please complete relevant from in the Stand info and Optional forms section of the manual and return to relevant contractor by the deadline date.

For additional stand information please click here.

If exhibitors wish to use any special effects (e.g. lasers, smoke machines, pyrotechnics) then a special application must be made to the organisers 4 weeks before the event. It is imperative that we are aware of any plans in order for us to apply for the necessary licenses. The exhibitor is wholly responsible for costs incurred for special licenses and any other related fees.  

All stands MUST be fully completed by close of build up. Please refer to the show timetable A fee of £500 will be charged to any exhibitor whose stand is not ready in time. No stand may be worked on whilst the exhibition is open. If a stand is not completed within the specified period, the organisers reserve the right to terminate the contract, without refund of charges which remain outstanding which shall be payable in full. The exhibitor shall cease to have any right or entitlement to its stand if it is not staffed and ready for admission of visitors half an hour prior to show opening.  

It is essential to the success of the exhibition that all stands are staffed, opened promptly and remain open throughout the opening hours of the exhibition. 

This will be switched off at 22:00 on pre-open night – all exhibitors with fridges and freezers etc or equipment regarding 24-hour power will need to order and pay for this supply from GES. 

Any exhibitors wishing to place vehicles or mobile units on their stand MUST apply in writing to the organisers at least 6 weeks before the show.    There specific venue rules pertaining to vehicle exhibits and for more information please contact [email protected]

Please refer to the show timetable for specific access times.

Please read the event timetable show timetable carefully as these may now differ from previous years. We may be asking you to start your build up later, dependent on the area of the hall that you are in, or in some cases we may need you to arrive earlier, to take the pressure off the last day of build that is usually the busiest. 

Please make sure to pre-order all of the services that you will require (electrical, furniture, stand extras, internet, etc) prior to coming onsite.

During build-up and breakdown of your event, all personnel must wear hi-vis (high visibility). Personnel not wearing hi-vis will not be permitted to work in the event area. Hi-vis vests are available for sale to individuals.

All goods must be packed up and removed by 6pm after the show has closed. Failure to do so will incur removal costs and disposal or storage costs for which the exhibitor will be wholly responsible. The organiser cannot be held responsible for goods uncollected within this time. No exhibitor is permitted to build up or pull out outside the specified times. Breakdown will not commence until after show close and the hall is clear of visitors. 

During build-up and breakdown of your event, all personnel must wear hi-vis (high visibility). Personnel not wearing hi-vis will not be permitted to work in the event area.
Hi-vis vests are available for sale to individuals.

The Site Rules for the event will be issued prior to the show in your exhibitor bulletin. It is your responsibility to communicate these rules to all your staff, contractors and suppliers in line with CDM regulations. 

The organiser reserves the right to refuse to admit or to expel from the exhibition hall, any person at any time not withstanding that person’s possession of any official badge or pass. The organiser will issue official badges of admission and no other form of admission badge or pass will be valid. 

There is a 24-hour NCP car park directly below Manchester Central. It has 720 spaces including 18 disabled parking bays and three electric vehicle charging points. There is direct access to Manchester Central by lift, stairs and escalator. Please note that Manchester Central NCP has a 1.98 m height limit.

Manchester Central NCP

Lower Mosley Street

Manchester

M2 3GX

Manchester Central NCP is the closest car park to the venue and we have negotiated a discounted rate for our exhibitor/delegates.  Parking needs to be pre-booked using the link below min of 24hours in advance of the arrival date using the promo code MCEXHIB16 which will allow for up to 24hours parking for £16.

www.ncp.co.uk/find-a-car-park/car-parks/manchester-central/

Please note this discount code is valid for NCP Manchester Central only and is not transferrable to other NCP locations.

Deliveries / courier details

It is vital that all exhibitors and couriers are aware that deliveries can only be accepted within the hall open hours specified in the show timetable

A representative of the company will need to accept delivery on the stand. The organisers cannot be held responsible for chilled or frozen deliveries. The exhibitor or their representative needs to be onsite to accept delivery. Alternatively, the appointed Show Freight Company will be able to do this for you and put your goods into appropriate storage, but you MUST arrange this directly with them. 

  For additional information please click here

PLEASE NOTE – All consignments of organic products imported from countries outside the EU, excluding the European Economic Area and Switzerland, must be accompanied by an electronic certificate of inspection (COI). This certificate can be issued by several Control Union Certifications offices worldwide – further details on the new legislation and compliance can be found here:  

https://certifications.controlunion.com/en/news-media/news/traces-system-will-be-applicable-from-19-october-2017-for-organic-import-into-the-european-union 

Exhibitor badges are valid throughout the whole period of the show. In the interests of security, it is always imperative that exhibitors and contractors wear identity badges during the show, including build-up and breakdown. Security will check the badges of EVERYONE wishing to enter the show floor and will not admit anyone without a valid pass. 

Contractor badges are only valid during build-up and pull-out periods. Contractors will need to pre-register before coming on site. Badges will be ready to collect on site.  

A full range of AV equipment for video, lighting and sound is available from Sterling Events. Please contact the supplier for details [email protected] or call +44161 436 4444. 

Or click here to complete the AV form.

Exhibitors are responsible for the provision and use of waste bins on their own stands. Some recycling facilities will be provided – please recycle goods wherever possible if you can. Gangways, aisles and public areas will be cleaned daily by the venue, and an Official Contractor provided by the organiser will undertake to empty waste bins and if required early vacuum the floor of the stand once a day. Any black bags of rubbish placed in the aisles (after show hours) by Exhibitors will be removed. Exhibitors are reminded to make sure no items or materials are left onsite after the show. 

For any exhibitors importing goods for the show, we recommend that they use our appointed freight services company, GES Logistics (contact details can be found on the Useful Contact Page) who can arrange all necessary Customs and Excise papers on your behalf. See Freight Services.

Under no circumstances are exhibitor’s own staff or any other non-approved persons permitted to carry out electrical installation work within the exhibition hall. All work is to be carried out by the official contractor, GES (contact details can be found on the Contractors Contact Page) . If you require power point(s) for either single or 3 phase electricity or ANY OTHER electrical supply please complete the Electrical Order Form in the Stand info and Optional order section of the online manual and send directly to the contractor. All equipment & practices must comply with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Please note the following: –

• Any fittings connected to circuits previously completed, and any electrical appliances brought to the show will be subject to testing by the appointed electrical contractor. The electrical contractor has the right to disconnect any equipment that they feel is either dangerous, in faulty condition, liable to cause danger, installed without their authority or consent, connected to or ancillary to any equipment installed or maintained by them.
• Exhibitors’ equipment must conform to all current electrical and safety standards otherwise it will be disconnected.
• Exhibitors are warned that under no circumstances can 13-amp adaptors be used, nor extension leads in excess of 1.5 meters.

• Manchester Central will switch off all power 30 minutes after show has closed. Therefore, exhibitors with fridges etc must order 24-hour power supply.

For further enquiries please contact the supplier. Click here for link to electrical order form. 

The organiser will seek to ensure the supply of all the services mentioned in this manual, but where the supply of such services is not within its reasonable control, the organiser shall not incur any liability to any exhibitor for any losses, costs or damage if any such service shall wholly or partially fail or cease to be available, nor shall the exhibitor be entitled to any rebate or allowance in respect of charges due or paid under the contract.

Floral decorations can considerably improve the appearance of a stand. If you buy your own plants, you can take them home at the end of the show. Please note: Artificial and cellulose plants are not permitted due to the Fire Safety Regulations. However, dried flowers, fresh flowers and flame-proofed silks are permitted

For transporting your goods either across the UK or from overseas we have appointed the services of GES Logistics. If you wish to use their services, please contact them directly, their details can be found on the Useful Contact Details Page of this manual.

This year’s furniture supplier will be GES Furnishings. Their catalogue is available to view here. To order your furniture, please contact GES Furnishing on Tel: +44 (0) 2476 380 180  Email: [email protected]. It is important to keep a record of your order in case you need to contact them on-site.

Gas run appliances (including free-standing units) must be run off mains gas, which can be provided on all stands. Regulations specify that all gas connections must be made by their Official Contractor, Manchester Central Gas appliances must be situated well away from any combustible materials. Gas burners or similar open flames shall be mounted on suitable non-combustible bases e.g. 2” stone slabs which must be not less than 2’ 6” above floor level If you require gas, please contact Manchester Central Tel: 0161 834 2700  Email: [email protected] . This must be returned to the supplier 4 weeks before the event. To be completed by all Exhibitors wishing to use any apparatus or appliances run on gas. If you intend to cook, prepare or sample any sort of food or drink on your stand you must contact the operations team [email protected] PLEASE NOTE THAT MANCHESTER CENTRAL DO NOT PERMIT THE USE OF LPG OR OTHER FLAMMABLE GASES WITHIN THE EXHIBITION HALL

See Helium and Cooking/Food & Drink Sampling, Bottled Gas, Food & Safety, Helium Gas/Balloons and Water & Waste

Internet access can be provided for your own stand. To order please click here.

You can order the majority of your exhibiting requirements via the Stand Info & Optional Forms section of the manual. 

See also Useful Contacts .

Stand photography will be available at the show. If you wish to employ the services of the Official Show Photographer please contact Becky Webb [email protected]

Due to the nature of the event rigging will not be permitted.

If you require water supply/ waste facility, please contact the venue here [email protected].