Exhibitor Frequently asked questions

Q: Why is JCK moving to Mandalay Bay?
A: We are moving because our customers wanted us to move. Our annual exhibitor research showed growing dissatisfaction with the Sands’ infrastructure, amenities, hall design and service levels. Retailer research confirmed Las Vegas as the overwhelming choice of location for JCK and the current date pattern as optimal. As a result, the JCK team worked hard to provide an option, or choice, to our exhibitors. This summer, more than 80 individuals and organizational representatives, including both domestic and key international customers, speaking on behalf of more than 500 exhibiting companies toured Mandalay Bay and reviewed the option to move. That group expressed strong support (92% in favor) for the move. In turn, Mandalay Bay was able to meet our requirements for service levels, date patterns and customer value. We are delighted to be able to answer our customers’ request for increased value and an improved experience with this move.

Q: Will this move cost me more money than if the show stayed at the Sands?
A: No, the move is designed to provide a better business environment, an enhanced experience and less “hassle” at a cost that is the same or lower than it would be at the Sands under our existing agreements. How are we doing this?

JCK is holding its rates flat through 2011 – they will be the same at Mandalay Bay in 2011 as they were at the Sands in 2009. Our costs to serve you will be rising, but your cost to join us will remain the same.
We will continue the pre-paid drayage program we are launching in 2010 to provide a minimum 10% discount on drayage costs.
Our general contractor has agreed to provide service at rates that are below comparable standard market rates at Mandalay Bay in 2011.
The logistics are much improved at Mandalay Bay, including 26 loading docks, electrical service in the floor, and better ambient lighting in the halls. These are just a few advantages that you will experience – but we believe the overall effect will be a better product and a better experience at the same or lower cost as the Sands in 2011.

Q: Why is a 20% deposit on 2011 required now?
A: You aren’t required to make a 20% deposit on JCK 2011 unless you want to secure a position in the priority selection process and be included in the original floor plan design. It’s up to each exhibitor to decide what’s best for them, but we are focused on providing our exhibitors a fair opportunity to enhance their JCK experience. If you choose to reserve a place in the priority selection process, we have made important changes in the deposit process for the 2010 and 2011 events:

We have changed the payment schedule for JCK 2010 to accommodate the 2011 deposit. The first deposit for JCK 2010 is just 10%.
We are extending payment terms and significantly reducing payment amounts in December 2010 and February 2011 to be sensitive to your cash flow needs. You will see a first step toward that goal in this year’s slightly lowered payments for December ’09 and February ‘10.
The deposit itself is necessary to create a fair process in drawing the floor plan. Exhibitors gain priority position in the selection process based on when 2011 contracts are returned. We expect a rapid and large signup. We will develop an entirely new floor plan with those customers’ business needs in mind. That’s a big opportunity for exhibitors, but it requires confidence that the space request is a sincere commitment because the entire plan will revolve around customers who sign up now.
We aren’t asking for anything we aren’t doing ourselves. We are required to pay a 25% deposit to Mandalay Bay at contract signing – something we gladly do to ensure you have an exciting new JCK Las Vegas experience in 2011.

Q: How will space be assigned? Can I upgrade booth space?
A: The floor plan at Mandalay Bay will be an entirely new design and it will be based on meeting the needs of our attending buyers who have been clear in their desire for easier navigation, logical product groupings and a more productive use of time on the floor. In essence, we will be creating a dynamic new “retail” environment for business. Exhibitors will be provided an opportunity to choose locations in appropriate areas of the venue on the basis of priority position which is determined by tenure and timing on 2011 contract signing. After the initial 30 day opportunity to sign up for 2011, only timing of contract receipt will be considered and any priority based on tenure will expire. Upgrade requests are included in the 2011 contract package and will be considered as appropriate for the floor plan.

Q: Will participation in 2010 affect my ability to participate in 2011?
A: An exhibitor needs to participate in the 2010 event in order to secure a place in the priority selection process. Of course, we will be happy to consider space requests from exhibitors who aren’t in the 2010 JCK event, but they won’t be included in the 2011 floor plan design and requests will be considered on the basis of available space.

Q: Why do I need to commit to 2011 so early?
A: We expect extreme demand for space at Mandalay Bay and many exhibitors are eager to step up and gain a new footing at JCK Las Vegas for years to come. It is only fair to provide first chance at that opportunity to the exhibitors who remain committed to the event now.

Q: Will LUXURY by JCK be a seven-day show with one set up and one tear down?
A: Yes. LUXURY by JCK will be located in the expansive and elegant ballroom at Mandalay Bay. The Luxury model will continue for the first three days and then the ballroom will open to the larger JCK Las Vegas event on the fourth day. This represents an opportunity for many of our customers to save significant dollars and reduce time spent changing locations. For most it will be “lower cost, less hassle.”