The Total Store Expo is an exhibit-based trade show. All Associate/Supplier participants must purchase a booth to attend. Qualified retailers operating four or more retail locations may receive complimentary registration; others should contact NACDS for paid options.

The Exhibit Hall is open only to fully paid registrants. Invoicing is not available after January 1, 2027. Booth fees include one complimentary registration per 100 square feet purchased. No one under 21 may enter the Exhibit Floor without NACDS approval. NACDS reserves the right to limit attendance per exhibiting company and has final authority on participant qualification.

By registering, attendees consent to their contact information being shared online with other registrants, NACDS, and approved parties acting on behalf of NACDS.

Spouse/Partner Registration

Complimentary Spouse/Partner registration includes official receptions, the Extravaganza, and Business Programs, but does not include Exhibit Hall access. Spouses/Partners assisting in booths must purchase a full registration badge.

Individual Cancellation and Substitutions

Cancellations must be submitted by April 9, 2027, to receive a refund minus a $350 administrative fee. Cancellations after that date are non-refundable, and no-shows forfeit all fees and unused complimentary badges. Exhibitor booth cancellations must be submitted separately in writing.

Substitutions must be submitted by August 6, 2027, to replace one company representative with another from the same company without penalty. All cancellations and substitutions must be submitted in writing using forms available on the TSE website.

PROCEDURES:
All individual cancellations and substitutions must be submitted in writing. Cancellation and Substitution Forms are available on the TSE website at http://tse.nacds.org/register.

NACDS has designated MCI USA as the official housing provider for the NACDS Total Store Expo and has secured a block of rooms at various hotels throughout San Diego.

Once registered, you will receive a Registration Confirmation email containing a link to the official housing provider site to make your hotel reservation. Once your reservation is complete, you will receive a hotel confirmation email from MCI USA. This email will include your acknowledgment number, booking details, and a link to modify or cancel your reservation, if needed.  After July 12, 2027, registrants will need to contact the hotel directly in order to change a reservation.

Hotel Cancellation Policy:

All NACDS Total Store Expo official hotels require a first and last night’s deposit, which may be charged to the credit card provided as early as July 12, 2027. No refunds will be available for changes or cancellations made after this date.

Suite Accommodations:

A limited number of suites are available at the official NACDS Total Store Expo hotels. Suites can be reserved for exhibiting companies ONLY. Companies using suites may not schedule activities that conflict with any official NACDS function. All attendees must comply with this policy.

Neither Exhibitors nor Non-Exhibitors shall distribute to conference attendees printed matter, samples, souvenirs, and the like, except from within rented booth space. Special distribution of such material elsewhere, such as room drops, must be approved in advance by NACDS.

In the interest of the success of the entire convention and exposition, attendees and exhibitors agree not to extend invitations, call meetings, or otherwise encourage absence of Retailers or Exhibitors, participating in Meet the Market, or from the convention or Exhibit Hall during the official hours of the convention and exposition.

To protect the intellectual property of presenters and allow for the open exchange of ideas, attendees are strictly prohibited from photographing, recording or streaming any session, speaker, or presentation without explicit, written permission from NACDS and the presenter. Additionally, attendees may not record or stream discussions taking place between or amongst attendees. This prohibition includes arranging for others to make such recordings.

• Attendees are permitted to photograph themselves and others in common spaces for personal use.

• As used in this policy, “recording” refers to the use of any device to film, tape or otherwise take, in any format or medium, audio, video or visual images of another individual, including, without restriction, in-person or via phone, videoconference, or social media platform. “Attendees” includes all individuals who are present at Total Store Expo, including bystanders, participants and presenters.
• By attending Total Store Expo, you grant NACDS the right to capture photographs, film, and video recordings of you. You acknowledge that these images and recordings may be used for educational, promotional, or other lawful purposes in print, digital, or broadcast media, without compensation.

Definition: NACDS defines manufacturer agents, brokers, and sales/marketing companies as individuals or entities that are not full-time employees and are paid by more than one company to support sales, marketing, or management efforts. These companies do not own or bill for products for resale or operations. NACDS has final authority on qualification for this registration category.

Manufacturer Agents Policy:

NACDS recognizes the important role these representatives and companies play for chain and associate members.

Registration Procedure

Participation is available through four options:

1. Purchase a booth: Exhibiting companies receive full show privileges, including Meet the Market, and badges will show the company’s name.
2. NACDS member company: Member companies may register without a booth for $3,200. Badges will show the company’s name, but Meet the Market is not included.
3. NACDS member discount: Member companies that attended the NACDS Total Store Expo in the same calendar year may register at the Associate Member rate of $2,000.
4. Non-exhibiting attendee: Attendees may register under an exhibiting company they represent. Badges will show the exhibiting company’s name, and Meet the Market is not included. Attendees must register as paid registrants and may not use the exhibiting company’s complimentary badge allotment.

Booth assignments are made at the time of purchase based on requested booth size and the exhibitor’s ranking in the 2026 NACDS AMPS Report.

NACDS members may purchase and select booth space during the rebooking period from September 15, 2026, to November 20, 2026. After that, remaining booth space will be available to NACDS members and non-member companies.

The exhibit hall has an open floor plan, and NACDS does not guarantee separation between competing companies.

Booth space applications must be submitted online or by completing the Booth Space Application PDF. All required information must be provided, and the application must be signed by someone authorized to act on behalf of the exhibitor. NACDS reserves the right to reject any application.

Booth spaces selected during the rebooking period may be released for resale after seven days if the completed application is not received. NACDS does not guarantee that the originally selected booth location will remain available after a booth hold is released.

Private Meeting Spaces on the Exhibit Hall Floor are available only to retailers or exhibitors who purchase a 10’x20’ booth or larger. Each 13’x13’ space includes 10’ sound-insulating walls, carpet, a conference table, six chairs, a locking door, and an exterior company name/room number sign provided by NACDS.

Additional items such as electricity, audiovisual equipment, furnishings, catering, roofing, lighting, and ventilation may be purchased through official vendors listed in the Exhibitor Service Manual.

Private Meeting Space may be reserved online when purchasing booth space or by contacting NACDS at exhibits@nacds.org or 703-837-4320. All required information must be completed and signed by an authorized representative. NACDS reserves the right to reject any application.

Booth payments must be made according to the required schedule. Applications submitted on or after February 28, 2027, must include full payment by check or credit card. Failure to submit payment with the application does not cancel the contract once NACDS receives the booth application.

Payment schedule:

• Contracts received before December 1, 2026:
  • 25% due 30 days after contract receipt.
  • 75% due 60 days after contract receipt.
• Contracts received December 2, 2026, through February 28, 2027:
  • 100% due 30 days after submitting the booth contract.
• Contracts received on or after March 1, 2027:
  • Payment is due upon receipt of the booth contract.

Booth space is not considered purchased until full payment is received. Website access may be limited until payment is complete. If payment is not received on time, NACDS may resell the booth space, cancel the unpaid contract, or move the exhibitor to another available booth.

All booth cancellations and requests to downgrade booth or meeting space must be submitted in writing to the NACDS Exhibits Department using the Booth Cancellation Form or a written letter. Requests may be emailed to exhibits@NACDS.org. For written cancellations or downgrades received between September 15, 2026, and February 28, 2027, cancellations will be refunded minus a 25% administrative fee based on the contracted booth or meeting space price. Downgrades will be refunded the cost difference, minus a 25% administrative fee on that difference.

Cancellations or downgrades received on or after March 1, 2027, are non-refundable. Exhibitors who do not attend forfeit the full booth fee.

When a booth is canceled, all complimentary and paid registrations will also be canceled. Paid registrations are subject to the individual cancellation and refund policy.

Moving into a shared booth more than seven days after contracting the original booth will be treated as a booth downgrade and may result in applicable fees. NACDS may invoice the exhibitor for any unpaid cancellation or downgrade fees, and unpaid balances may affect participation in future NACDS events.

If a booth is downgraded, complimentary registration allotments will be reduced based on the new booth size. Exhibitors may need to pay for registrations that were previously complimentary. NACDS may also relocate downgraded booths to a more suitable location in the exhibit hall.

Exhibits may not be dismantled or packed before 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 16, 2027.

Standard booth equipment includes back and sidewall draping, carpet, a booth number carpet sign, and a company name/booth number ID sign for in-line booths only. All other furnishings, including electricity, are the exhibitor’s responsibility.

Exhibitors must provide or purchase carpet that fully covers their booth floor. Additional equipment and services, such as tables, chairs, electrical, and internet, may be ordered through the official service providers.

NACDS may require booth changes at the exhibitor’s expense if the booth is deemed inappropriate.

• INLINE BOOTHS
  Inline booth spaces are 10 feet deep regardless of length.
  • • Displays may not exceed 10 feet in height, and only the back half of the booth may use the full height.
    • The front half may not exceed 4 feet. All graphics, branding, products, and booth materials must remain within the contracted booth space and face inward. (See following diagram).
    • Booth drapes must remain in place unless replacement drapes are purchased through the official contractor.

• ISLAND BOOTHS
  • Island booths are 20’x20’ or larger and may exceed standard height limits, subject to facility restrictions and NACDS approval.
    • Island booths on main aisles must face the main aisle. Solid walls must include branding, graphics, or signage, with at least 50% graphic coverage on each side.
    • Multi-level booths, covered booths, hanging signs, overhead structures, and structures over 16 feet require advance written approval from NACDS.
    • Certain booth designs may also require engineer-stamped drawings, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinklers, and Fire Marshal approval.
    • Special approvals are not valid without written confirmation from NACDS.
    • All booths are subject to NACDS safety and appearance review. NACDS may require changes at the exhibitor’s expense if a booth is unsafe, unfinished, unattractive, disruptive, or outside show standards. Exhibitors must keep booths clean, finished, and properly maintained, with no visible storage boxes, crates, exposed wiring, or unfinished walls.
• ALL BOOTHS
  • Aesthetics & Safety: All booths are subject to both safety and aesthetic review. NACDS reserves the right, at its discretion, to require changes at the Exhibitor’s expense.
  • Alcohol service or sampling may be restricted to approved dates and times and must follow convention center and legal requirements.
  • SODEXO LIVE! holds the exclusive rights to all food and beverage within the San Diego Convention Center.  Click here to view sampling rules and fill out the waiver.
  • NACDS permits exhibitors to conduct business relating to such products in a manner consistent with controlled substances, where order taking is permitted however sales and sampling are prohibited. Under the San Diego Municipal Code (SDMC), no marijuana (means all parts of the Cannabis sativa L., whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture or preparation of the plant, it seeds or resin) or marijuana products (means cannabis that has undergone a process whereby the plant material has been transformed into a concentrate, including but not limited to, concentrated cannabis, or an edible or topical product containing cannabis or concentrated cannabis and other ingredients) can be sold or distributed unless they are sold from a licensed marijuana outlet.  CBD oil is regulated under the SDMC because it is made from a portion of the cannabis plant.
  • Cash-and-carry sales are not allowed at the Total Store Expo.
  • Exhibitors must maintain a clean, safe, and professional booth appearance that does not detract from neighboring booths. Exposed wiring, duct tape, unfinished framing, visible storage boxes, crates, or product containers are not allowed.
  • Exhibitors are responsible for vacuuming, maintaining, and keeping their booth space in good order throughout the show. Displays exceeding the 8-foot rear drape height in inline booths, or any island booth displays, must have finished back walls. Unfinished walls or sides may be covered by the General Contractor at the exhibitor’s expense.
  • End-of-aisle booths must have a finished outside edge. If unfinished, the General Service Contractor may install a 3’x8’ drape for a fee.
  • Before the Exhibit Hall opens, NACDS may require booth cleaning or visual improvements to meet show standards, at the exhibitor’s expense. If a violation is found, NACDS may require changes with or without the exhibitor’s prior approval.
  • NACDS may also require booth changes at any time if a safety hazard exists. Boxes and crates may not be stored behind displays. In serious safety situations, such as faulty wiring, NACDS may shut down the booth until the issue is corrected.
  • Exhibitors hosting celebrities must notify NACDS, register them properly, and provide security or crowd control if needed.
  • Maximum Occupancy and Sharing of Booth Spaces: One company is permitted per 10’×10′ booth space, except jointly owned companies and wholly owned subsidiaries (Manufacturer’s Agents purchasing an island space are also exempt). Partner companies may not share booth space. Any approved co-exhibitor must maintain active NACDS membership.
  • On-Site Relocation of Booth Space: Exhibitors may relocate to an available booth space, subject to NACDS approval and feasibility, during move-in hours or after exhibit hall closing. All relocation and setup costs are the exhibitor’s responsibility.
  • “Attendance Draw” Display Items: Written NACDS approval is required for booth features that may disrupt attendees or neighboring exhibitors, including but not limited to arcade or sports games, flashing lights, and sound systems. NACDS reserves the right to require modification or removal of unapproved items at the exhibitor’s expense.

NACDS strongly encourages exhibitors to obtain booth and product insurance. Please refer to the liability provisions in these Rules & Regulations.

NACDS has appointed Freeman as the official General Service Contractor for Total Store Expo. Material handling rates and services are outlined in the Exhibitor Service Manual.

Exhibitors are responsible for reviewing the Exhibitor Service Manual prior to the Expo and should direct logistics and service questions to Freeman.

Shipping: Advance shipments must be sent to Freeman’s advance warehouse by the published deadline. Late shipments may incur additional charges. Refer to the Exhibitor Service Manual for shipping instructions, rates, deadlines, and addresses.

The Exhibitor Service Manual and Booth Logistics information will be available on the Total Store Expo website in Spring 2027 (https://tse.nacds.org/exhibitor-resources/).

Freeman contact information and exhibitor support resources will be provided in the manual. Freeman’s exhibitor support team may be reached year-round by phone at 888-508-5054. Prior to its release, only limited information may be available from Freeman.

Exhibitors agree to comply with all union regulations applicable to the convention or conference facility, city, and state in which the convention or conference is being held.

No items may be attached to walls, floors, columns, or other facility surfaces without approval from NACDS and the venue. Exhibit installation and dismantling must take place only in designated areas and comply with venue and show management instructions.

In accordance with Fire Marshal regulations, no materials may be stored behind booths. Product samples and giveaway materials must be stored within the booth or in approved rental storage areas. NACDS reserves the right to remove improperly stored materials at the exhibitor’s expense.

NACDS provides 24-hour perimeter security for the Exhibit Hall but assumes no responsibility for loss or theft. Exhibitors are encouraged to secure all valuables. Booth security and secure storage services are available for hire; details will be provided in the Exhibitor Service Manual.

Daily opening of show: Exhibitors may enter the Exhibit Hall one hour before scheduled opening. Exhibitors may not enter another exhibitor’s booth without the exhibitor’s presence and invitation.

Daily closing of show:  All exhibitors must exit the Exhibit Hall within 30 minutes of the scheduled closing time.

Exhibitors remain responsible for the full booth rental fee if contracted space is not occupied. Booths unoccupied by 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 14, 2027, may be reassigned or otherwise used by NACDS at its discretion.

NACDS reserves the right to establish and modify Exhibit Hall access hours and admission requirements as deemed necessary.

Registration, Appearance & Conduct: All personnel must be fully registered and may not share badges. Removal of any items from an exhibitor booth or private meeting space without consent is prohibited and considered theft. Booth activities must remain within contracted space, and business activities should be limited to exhibit hours. All personnel are expected to maintain appropriate conduct and meet NACDS standards.

At the conclusion of the conference, product samples may only be exchanged with mutual permission. Demonstrators must comply with the same conduct standards as exhibitor representatives and may only accept samples from their employing company.

Dress Code: Business casual attire is required for Exhibit Hall access at all times (long slacks, collared shirts, and casual shoes; no jeans, sneakers, or sandals).

Conference Conclusion- Last Day: Sample exchanges at the end of the event are permitted only with mutual consent. Exhibitors are responsible for ensuring their demonstrators adhere to these rules.

All exhibits must be confined to the official exhibit area designated by NACDS. Exhibitors and non-exhibitors may not display products, equipment, services, or related media in private suites or rooms. Booth space may not be shared or used by other companies, and exhibitors may only display products they manufacture or normally sell. All business activities must remain within contracted space, and products must be manufactured by NACDS members or subject to applicable non-member fees.

Product samples may be distributed from within booths, but sales of samples are prohibited.

Show Management Authority: NACDS has sole discretion to address complaints related to any rule violations, including issues such as noise, audiovisual use, odors, or demonstrations, and may require immediate modification or cessation of activities without recourse.

Photographing, filming, or videotaping other exhibitors’ booths without permission is strictly prohibited.

If a conference or convention is canceled or relocated due to circumstances within NACDS’ control, NACDS’ liability is limited to a pro rata refund of fees paid, less legitimate expenses incurred (including advertising, administrative, and related costs). If cancellation or relocation occurs due to force majeure or other circumstances beyond NACDS’ control, NACDS shall have no liability.

NACDS reserves the right to remove exhibitor property from the hotel or Exhibit Hall if the event is canceled or relocated, or if the exhibitor violates any agreement conditions. This may be done without prior notice or hearing.

The following constitute a violation of this agreement: (A) use of display equipment, products, or services that differ materially from the Booth Space Application or for which required fees or membership have not been paid; (B) violation of applicable laws, regulations, safety codes, or union agreements; (C) failure to comply with these Rules and Regulations; and (D) failure to remove property following cancellation or relocation of the conference or convention.

NACDS assumes no responsibility for the safety or protection of exhibitors, their representatives, or their property against theft, loss, or damage. Any security provided is voluntary and does not create liability. Exhibitors are responsible for securing portable items.

Exhibitors agree to indemnify and hold NACDS harmless from any claims arising from their activities or exhibits.

NACDS is not liable for failure to provide exhibit space due to causes beyond its control, including fire, acts of God, strikes, legal authority, or other force majeure events. In such cases, refunds will be issued on a pro rata basis, less legitimate expenses.

If an exhibitor violates any condition of this agreement, NACDS may, in addition to other legal or contractual remedies, take one or both of the following actions: (A) require removal of the exhibit and personnel at the exhibitor’s expense, with no refund of fees; and/or (B) refuse to enter into future booth space agreements with the exhibitor or related entities.

All exhibiting companies securing space at the member booth rate must complete the Associate Membership Application and pay the appropriate dues amount within 45 days of booth contract receipt. Booth personnel will not be allowed access to the exhibit floor until all outstanding membership dues are paid in full. Any outstanding membership dues will prevent booth occupancy onsite at the Total Store Expo.

Companies exhibiting as a non-member may only occupy a 10×10 sized space and must pay all non-member rates for exhibit space and individual registrations.

All members renewing their membership will receive a dues invoice in the fourth quarter for the next calendar year that must be paid by January 1, 2026, in order to retain member pricing on exhibit space.