Balloons & Inflatables

Balloons are allowed within the exhibitions. However, exhibitors have to sign a waiver in case the balloons get into the roof; exhibitors will be charged for all costs arising from riggers intervention.

Children

No person under the age of 16 years can be admitted to the halls during build up or breakdown. This regulation also covers exhibitors children and is necessary to comply with safety regulations. During the show open days children are allowed into the hall, provided an adult accompanies them. Baby changing facilities are available throughout the venue.

Competitions

Any exhibitor wishing to hold competitions on their stand must submit full details to the Organisers and obtain written consent prior to the commencement of the tenancy period. Please also refer to Items of Special Risk in this section. All competitions must also be covered by a suitable and sufficient Risk Assessment.

Completion of the Tenancy

Exhibitors/contractors must have completely vacated the venue by the end of the breakdown period, which is 20:00 on Saturday 10th October 2026. Any exhibitors/contractors present after this time will have late tenancy fees passed directly on to them.

Dilapidations

The Exhibitor will be responsible for any damage caused to the fabric of the building or other property belonging to the venue, and will be charged for the replacement and/or repair.

Distribution of Literature

Distributing material, such as printed leaflets, cards, circulars or articles, is prohibited unless from your own stand. This includes the gangways surrounding your stand, you will be asked to cease this activity by a member of our H&S team onsite.

Equality Act 2010

Exhibitors are responsible for ensuring that the design and construction of their stands provides for increased access for disabled people. This is not only about physical access to the stands for wheel-chair users but also includes access to products and written information for people with visual impairments and access to the same standard of service for all other disabilities. However, it is important to take account of health and safety legislation which has primacy over the disability regulations.

For more information and industry best practice guidelines, please visit: https://www.aev.org.uk/resources/e-guide

Filming, Televising and Recording

Full details of any filming or recording for television, radio etc. must be submitted to the Organisers in advance of the event. Only handheld, battery-operated equipment is allowed in the hall during the open hours of the exhibition. The siting of cameras, cable runs or other equipment in the aisles is not permitted. Equipment must not be left unattended. Filming of the exterior, interior and contents of the venue will be allowed in so far as it will not be detrimental to, or bring into disrepute, the venue or the event.

Floor Loadings and Base Plates

Stand structures, equipment and vehicles must not exceed the venue loading limits and where appropriate base plates must be provided.

Gangways & Aisles

During the build-up and breakdown periods, emergency gangways will be in operation and must always remain completely clear.

During the open period under no circumstances must any part of a stand, furniture, or exhibits project beyond the boundary of the stand, except for the Organisers shell scheme fingerboard, which will project into the gangways. Doors or windows must not open outwards onto gangways. All doors must have vision panels. Exhibitors should not engage in any activity or employ any person or device that, in the opinion of the Organisers, tends to create unreasonable congestion in the gangways.

Height Restrictions

The height limit is a maximum of 4 metres for all stands. Please contact Ops Squad on admin@opss-quad.co.uk for more details. Should an exception be made and build agreed over 4 metres in height, full structural calculations must be provided and a fee for structural inspection will be charged back to the exhibitor.

Late Working

Late working is not permitted at the SEND 2026.

Licences

Licenses may be required. Live or recorded music is NOT permitted on exhibitors stands. If you are in any doubt, please contact the Operations Team.

Notification of Own Contractor

It is requested that all Space Only stand exhibitors notify the Organisers of their appointed contractors as soon as possible. Please note that exhibitors are responsible for undertaking a suitable and sufficient risk assessment with their contractors, specifically for the show. When briefing your contractor, please ensure that they are aware of the stand building regulations specific to this show – please forward this manual to all relevant personnel.

Risk Assessment & Method Statement

All exhibitors must return a compulsory Health & Safety Declaration and Stand Activity Form found in the Order Forms section. Please send your completed and signed copy to: operationsteam@markallengroup.com. All exhibitors must also ensure that their Risk Assessment covers the entire duration of the event (build-up, the open period and breakdown). Space only exhibitors must also ensure that the company responsible for building and dismantling their stand send a copy of their Risk Assessment and Method Statement when submitting stand plans. Please refer to the Health & Safety section of this manual for further guidelines.

Security

Whilst the organisers will implement comprehensive security cover throughout our tenancy, they cannot accept responsibility for injury, loss or damage or any consequential losses which may befall your personnel or their property. The following precautions will help reduce the risk of theft from your stand: 1. Be especially vigilant during the build-up and break down periods. 2. Ensure that your stand is manned well before the show opens and until all visitors have left at the close. 3. Secure items of value, particularly personal effects, mobile phones, handbags, briefcases, and laptop computers. These items are particular targets for petty thieves and should be kept secure. 4. At night lock away items of value or, if possible, take them with you. 5. Utilise the secure store for overnight safe keeping of items of value. Please report any theft or suspicious incident to the Organisers or a member of the security team immediately.

Special Effects

Strobe lighting, smoke machines, pyrotechnics, laser pointers, ultraviolet lights, high power projectors, real flame effects and firearms are not permitted.

Unusual Exhibits / Activities / Demos

If you are doing anything out of the ordinary on your stand, it is important that you notify the Organisers to make sure that all necessary permissions are sought from the venue, Local Authority, or any other parties. This includes any public participation.