Exhibitor Manual

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Complimentary with all booth packages! Retailer Connect will give you an opportunity to pre-book meetings with Retailers, Wholesalers and Distributors as well as other participating exhibitors at your booth or at the Retailer Connect Meeting Rooms, using our innovative and improved GIC mobile app. Get your booth today!

Contact Joe Sawaged JSawaged@cfig.ca

Sponsored by:

Toronto Congress Centre – NORTH Building
650 Dixon Road, Toronto, M9W 1J1

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Over 6,000 FREE parking spaces with 2 major access points from either 650 Dixon Road or 1020 Martin Grove Road.

Parking Map: https://www.torontocongresscentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/tcc-basemap.pdf

Grocery Innovation Canada is operated by the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers located at the following address:

105 Gordon Baker Road #401
North York, ON   L1K 2Y4
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Rolster Taylor
Director of Sales & Operations
Rtaylor@cfig.ca
416-492-4878

Cindy Suh
Trade Show Operations Coordinator
CSuh@cfig.ca
416-990-5934

Tyson Smith
Account Representative
Tsmith@cfig.ca
416-492-1806

Joe Sawaged
Director of Sponsorship
Jsawaged@cfig.ca
416-492-1507

Attendee badges have been colour-coded so Exhibitors can more readily identify their customers.

The following colours will be used:

Attendee
Exhibitors – Blue
Press/Media – Grey
Retailers/Wholesalers – Red
Distributor/Importer/Exporter – Yellow
Suppliers & Services – Green
Restaurant/Foodservice – Green

– Exhibit Hall Décor: Your exhibit space will be framed with an 8’ back drape and 3’ side drape in the Grocery Innovations Canada – Show Colour (drape) is black with Tuxedo (black/white) Aisle Carpet.

– Material Handling: Including all equipment and labour necessary to transport your exhibit from the ramp to your booth location as quickly and efficiently as possible. This does not include blanket wrapping, unskidding or spotting your booth material. It also does not include material handling for your cold storage goods. Material requiring a forklift with a load greater than 4000 lbs. may be subject to a surcharge by the official transportation company.

– Storage: Including removal and return of empty crates & storage labels to identify each crate or box.

– Complimentary Exhibitor VIP Retail passes are available for you to invite retailers as your guests. *Please note any guest passes that are given to non-retailers will have their passes cancelled. This function is available through the registration site. (COMING SOON)

– Food Bank: Donations will be picked up following show close by the Second Harvest.  Second Harvest may also have a booth located on the trade show floor. (COMING SOON)

– Clean Up stations: There will be clean up stations located throughout the trade show floor. Please speak to a CFIG floor representative on-site for specific locations.

– Hot oil disposal: Available if needed.

– Ice: Available if needed.

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For exhibitors requiring cold storage, refrigerated or freezer space is available.

Cold storage product may be delivered during move-in hours. A company representative MUST be present to sign the product in when delivered. Show Management will not be responsible for product misplaced upon delivery in the absence of a company representative. Product delivered outside of the scheduled Cold Storage published hours will be turned away at the exhibitor’s expense.

If required space is underestimated, cost adjustments will automatically be made on-site. There will be an additional $150 labour charge for shipments that exceed the amount of space booked or if there is no company representative to sign the product into the reefer.

GIC ensures the Cold Storage area is monitored 24/7 by show security. However, if product, is lost, stolen or damaged in any way Show Management will not be held responsible for these losses.

Download Cold Storage Form

Distribution of advertising print material is not permitted outside the confines of the booth space.  Product sampling by Mascots and/or Hostess is permitted within the parameters of the booth space, so long as these individuals have Exhibitor Badges. Any deviations from this rule must be authorized in advance by Show Management. Please contact Cindy Suh csuh@cfig.ca for more information.  If audio/visual equipment is used, the sound must be subdued to such an extent as to ensure it is not a nuisance to neighboring Exhibitors.

Show Management reserves the right to refuse admission to the show building to any Visitor, Exhibitor, or Contractor who, in the opinion of Show Management, is unfit, intoxicated, or in any way creating a disruption to the show.

For security reasons, you will be required to wear your Exhibitor Badge in a prominent location when entering the building.

No Children under the age of 16 are permitted on the show floor at any time – including infants and toddlers.

All Exhibitors planning to use any type of fuel, such as gas, oil, helium gas, or propane, in their exhibits are required to advise show management in advance (on your Exhibit Design form found in Section 5).  All displays or exhibited materials must be fireproof to conform to Federal, Provincial and City Fire Laws.

Painting, nailing, drilling or screwing to the floors, walls, or any other part of the building is not permitted.  Exhibitors are also responsible for oil, grease or any general damage to the carpeted area.  Exhibitors wishing to lay any floor coverings must use a protective layer of adhesive pre-mask tape. Furthermore, Exhibitors wishing to lay any floor coverings may not glue or attach them to the building floor. In such cases, it is suggested that either building paper or other suitable protection be laid down first or authorized tape be used (only cloth-based tapes such as Polyken are acceptable). In the event that unauthorized tape is used, Exhibitors are responsible for removing the tape once the show is over. Charges will apply for all tape damage and/or adhesive removal at a rate provided by the building. Exhibitors are responsible for removing the tape once the show is over.  Charges will apply for all tape damage and/or adhesive removal at a rate provided by the facility.

*** ALL Exhibitors MUST have full floor covering in their booth that is in suitable condition ***

GIC Show Management reserves the right to rearrange exhibitors or adjust the floor plan to accommodate the best interest of the Show. The floor plan maintained by Show Management is the official floor plan. Changes may occur at any time to accommodate Show needs.

The Toronto Congress Centre (TCC) is a practicing HACCP facility adhering to the highest food safety standards. In order to uphold our HACCP accreditation, it is imperative that we monitor and control all food products being served onsite. All exhibitors who wish to dispense food or non-alcoholic beverage samples at TCC must submit the TCC Food Sample Form in advance of the Event.

TCC Guidelines:

1. TCC holds exclusivity to F & B within the facility.
2. Written approval is required by TCC if looking to distribute food and beverage samples prior to the Event.
3. Distribution of alcohol samples are not permitted without TCC’s prior written approval.  Event Management must have required permits, insurance coverage and comply with regulations set forth by the AGCO, LLBO and any other necessary authorities.
4. Event Management agrees to indemnify TCC with respect to any liability regarding sampling.
5. Exhibitor is responsible for supply and setup of equipment to warm food (i.e, heat lamps), serving equipment and/or paper products (i.e., napkins, plates, etc.), and cutlery.
6. Exhibitor’s serving equipment is not permitted in TCC’s Kitchen.
7. Costs or services associated with setup/teardown of equipment, labour, furniture, transportation, power, cleaning, etc. are the responsibility of the distributor of food and beverage samples.

Exhibit Design Form Download
Food Sampling Form Download
TTC Kitchen Prep Master Download

Each Exhibiting Company is responsible for maintaining general insurance coverage against all risk of bodily harm, death, material loss or damage occurring in rented areas as outlined in the Exhibitor Space Application.

Exhibitors must obtain a certificate proving that they are fully insured and must send a copy of your certificate to our designated representative for vetting before the show. Please send a copy to John Neo johnn@exhibitorinsurance.com and you will be advised if your certificate needs any updating. You may alternatively purchase one-time insurance through ExhibitorInsurance.Com. For more information see 

Section 5 of the Exhibitor Manual. 

NOTE:  Show Management has ensured that all Official Service Contractors meet the TCC’s insurance requirements. Exhibitors contracting the services of suppliers other than the official named service contractors are responsible for ensuring they provide appropriate insurance coverage as outlined above. Proof of such insurance coverage should be submitted to Grocery Innovations Canada.

Management shall NOT be liable for any losses or damages, whether direct, indirect, general, special, consequential or otherwise to the exhibitor, its agents and employees or visitors to its exhibit whether occasioned by Management, its officers, its agents or employees or by another exhibitor.

Booth carpet is NOT included with a standard booth space. Please make necessary arrangements to ensure your exhibit space has flooring as this is a requirement as per show management exhibit regulations. Exhibitors that do not have carpet/ full floor covering for the entirety of their booth will be barred from participating in Grocery Innovations Canada.

*Please Note Carpet/ Floor Covering for your entire booth is MANDATORY. Exhibitors can bring in their own carpet or flooring. If you would like to rent carpet, please click the link below to access the Stronco Order form.

Show Code: 519255381
Download form at www.stroncoonline.com

Vehicles or other flammable fueled engines displayed shall conform to the following requirements:

1. Fuel tanks containing fuel or which have ever contained fuel must not be more than ¼ full and the gas cap must be locked shut or otherwise secured. Caps for fuel tank fill pipes shall be of the locking type and be maintained locked. If they cannot be locked, they shall be taped shut. 
2. Garden tractors, chain saws, power plants and other gasoline powered equipment shall not contain any fuel and shall not be used for demonstrations without permission from TCC.
3. The electrical system shall be de-energized by either:
   –Removing the battery
   OR
   -Disconnecting both the battery cables and covering them with electrical tape or other similar insulating material
4. Tanks containing propane shall be maintained less than ¾ full. Vehicles may be driven in and positioned. The engine should remain running, with valve shut off. Allow engine to run until all of the fuel in the fuel line is used up. Turn ignition off. 
5. Cylinders for barbecues and/or appliances within a vehicle such as stoves, refrigerators, etc. must be empty.

Suitcasing is the act of handing out product literature or samples at a trade show without being an exhibitor. Suitcasing is not allowed inside or on the grounds of the Toronto Congress Centre. Attendees found suitcasing will forfeit their badge and be escorted off the show floor.

Your exhibit rules are included on the GIC website under the Exhibitor Manual section. Please make sure that your booth complies and direct any questions about compliance to Cindy Suh at CSuh@cfig.ca  so that we can work together. Interpretation of the rules and regulations shall rest with Show Management, and non-compliance can result in the closing of your exhibit prior to the show.

Display Rules & Regulations Manual Download 

All individuals must be wearing the appropriate safety equipment during Move-In / Move-Out as directed by the Toronto Convention Centre: ie., hard toed shoes during move-in/move-out.

The use of the following materials, processes or equipment is subject to approval from TCC Event Logistics. If any materials, processes or equipment requiring approval are to be used the Exhibitor shall submit in writing to Show Management the nature of the process or equipment and any safeguards to be used to protect the hazard. Requests will be submitted by Show Management to TCC who will review and return the request with their approval, rejection or limitations. 

1. Propane or natural gas fired equipment
2. Operation of any heater, barbecue, heat producing device, open flame device, candles or torches
3. Exhibits involving hazardous processing or materials not previously listed
4. Storage or display of ammunition and fire arms (subject to subsection 5.2 of the Ontario Fire Code and Criminal Code)
5. Pressure vessels including propane tanks
6. Fossil fuel powered equipment using flammable fluids
7. Radiation producing devices
8. Natural Christmas trees

All exhibitors are required to wear a blue Exhibitor Badge. The exhibitor badge will allow early access to the trade show floor for Move-In/ Move-Out. Each exhibitor is given 5 staff badges per 100 sq. ft. of booth space. Exhibitor badges are only to be used for the exhibiting company’s staff members. 

Grocery Innovations Canada, our Official Show Contractors and the Toronto Congress Centre are not responsible for loss due to causes or conditions beyond their control such as wars, panic, mobilization, strikes, fires, floods, acts of God, as well as other conditions preventing the Show from opening on time, continuing through its scheduled dates or opening at all.

Under such conditions, Show Management, Official Show Contractors and the Toronto Congress Centre will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by an Exhibitor in preparation for or promotion of such an exhibit.

Management has the right to make changes, amendments, and additions to the Exhibitor Terms and Conditions as it shall deem necessary to the proper conduct of the exhibition and thereupon the Exhibitor Terms and Conditions and the operations rules shall rest with Management and its decision will be final.

Management may require exhibitors to make such alterations to their displays as it deems necessary to the proper conduct of the exhibition and, on failure to comply, may order the immediate removal of the entire exhibit without compensation and at the exhibitor’s expense.

Toronto Congress Centre Security team will be responsible for 24-hour coverage of entrances, exits and the general floor area.  Exhibitors are responsible for their own booth security and should have their booth attended to at all times during Move-in/out and Show Hours.

We ask that Exhibitors take whatever precautions are necessary to protect products, valuable materials and equipment. Show Management, Official Show Contractors and the Toronto Congress Centre are not responsible for the loss of property of any kind, from either the booth location, storage or cold storage area.  Please exercise cautious security measures to protect your materials.  Steel mesh security cages can be ordered, contact Show Management for details.

The Official Show Guide details the exhibiting companies’ information for the attendee. Information includes: company name, address, phone web address and company profile, if submitted by the assigned deadline of August 23, 2023. As well, the show guide provides exhibitors the opportunity to enhance their exposure by advertising in the Official Show Guide. 

For more information on advertising opportunities in the show guide, please contact Joe Sawaged at jsawaged@cfig.ca 

Sponsorship Programs are yet another way to gain more exposure!  By sponsoring Grocery Innovations Canada, your company will benefit in year-round promotional support and on-site interaction opportunities.  Contact Joe Sawaged at jsawaged@cfig.ca for more details.

Exhibit Excellence Awards are presented to the exceptional exhibits at Grocery Innovations Canada, in four categories: Best Single, Double, Multiple and Marketed Booth. It is in the best interest of the exhibiting company to plan against the following criteria, which will be judged on-site:

• Curb Appeal
• People & Product
• Structure/Design
• Overall Impression

The New Product Showcase is a great way to get noticed and is a second location for your product on the trade show floor. Contact Rolster Taylor at  rtaylor@cfig.ca 

(Space is limited & exhibitors are selected on a first-come, first-serve basis).

Each exhibitor is given VIP Retailer Guest passes to invite Retailers/Grocery Store operators to GIC as their guest. This is a two-day trade show only pass. Retailers are considered any employee that works for a full independent or franchised retail store operating in at least four departments of the following: dry grocery, produce, meat, frozen, dairy, bakery, or deli.

If a VIP Retailer Guest Pass has been used by an attendee that does not fall within the Retail category, the pass will be changed to Service Other and updated to the correct balance.

Exhibitor materials will be shipped to the Advance Warehouse prior to the show. Lange will transport your shipment to the Toronto Congress Centre. Your shipment will be placed in your booth location before your specified move in time. For more information please contact 

Brittany Metcalfe | brittanym@langeshow.com | Direct: (289) 247-0350

Download Advance Show Receiving Order Form
Download After Show Warehouse Order Form

Exhibitors must ensure their shipment is delivered within their specific move-in time. For your move-in time please see Section 4. After your shipment has been accepted, Lange will transport your shipment to your booth location.

*Please note this does not include material handling for your cold storage goods. Material requiring a forklift with a load greater than 4000 lbs. may be subject to a surcharge by the official transportation company. 

Toronto Congress Centre-North Building should be accessed off the Martin Grove Road entrance with vehicles reporting to Marshalling Yard Trailer located at the North East Corner of the North Building.

Download Shipping Label

Exhibitors must ensure their shipment is delivered within their specific move in time. For your move in time please see Section 4. After your shipment has been accepted, Lange will transport your shipment to your booth location.

 Download Transportation Form

 *Please note this does not include material handling for your cold storage goods. Material requiring a forklift with a load greater than 4000 lbs. may be subject to a surcharge by the official transportation company. 

 Download Forklift Form

If the Exhibitor does not require a loading dock they can choose to carry their products to their booth during or anytime after their specified move-in time. Exhibitors are not permitted to arrive before their designated move-In Time. Carry-in access will be through the large overhead Door #38 located at the main Loading docks. Flat deck dollies will be made available by Lange near the loading docks and can be signed out for use. Please see Section 4 for Move-In & Move-Out information.

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA CUSTOMS CLEARANCE SERVICES FOR EXHIBITORS:

ConsultExpo Inc., has been selected as official Customs Broker for the GIC and will be pleased to assist with the customs clearance of your display material. ConsultExpo offers round-trip simple and user-friendly customs and shipping assistance. Please complete the ConsultExpo Order Form and Canada Customs Invoice prior to sending your materials to Canada and return to the undersigned Heather James heatherj@consultexpoinc.com. For your convenience, you may download their forms from https://consultexpoinc.com/forms/ or go to our web link and submit customs form information online: https://consultexpoinc.com/onlineforms/. Please note if shipping via courier you will still require customs clearance services. For personalized assistance please feel free to contact:

Heather James, Operations Manager | heatherj@consultexpoinc.com | www.consultexpoinc.com |
514-482-8886 x 3 | M: 416-561-7779 | F: 888-629-9008

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Insurance is mandatory for all exhibitors at Grocery Innovations Canada. As an exhibitor participating at the GIC Show, you must have adequate Liability Insurance with a minimum $2,000,000 limit to protect the Exhibitors, the Attending Public, the Show Organizer and Yourself. Our insurance policy does not extend coverage to any exhibits and requires you to submit a Certificate of Insurance upon receipt.

There are two(2) ways to arrange the required Insurance

OPTION #1: SINGLE EVENT INSURANCE
Grocery Innovations Canada has appointed Exhibitor Insurance.com as the recommended insurance contractor for exhibitors. Orders can be made directly online at www.exhibitorinsurance.com by clicking Order Insurance and entering Grocery Innovations Canada.

Exhibitors to Obtain Insurance 

Option #2: YOUR OWN INSURANCE

Contact your own Insurance Company, request a Certificate of Insurance with the following requirements below:

• Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers listed as an additional insured.
• Dates of the show: October 22 – October 26 (includes move-in and out dates
• Comprehensive General Liability of $2,000,000
• Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability subject to a maximum $1,000 Deductible.
• Products and Completed Operations Liability
• Contingent Employers Liability
• Broad form Property Damage
• Cross Liability clause
• Severability of Interest Clause

If using your own insurance please send a copy to John Neo – johnn@exhibitorinsurance.com 

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Download form
Download TCC Kitchen Prep-Master

Freezer & Refrigeration space is available for rent during Grocery Innovations Canada

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cfig@microspec.com

• Exclusive supplier of electrical and plumbing services
• Lighting
• Mechanical
• Sign & Banner Request
• https://e.showtechordering.com/ST-00064391
  • Take advantage of of discount pricing by ordering online by Tuesday, October 3, 2023

• Official Service Contractor for GIC2023
• Show decorator
• Furnishings
• Booth Accessories
• Graphics
• Installation and dismantling

Show Ordering Code: 519255381

www.stroncoonline.com

**The pre-show deadline rate: Friday September 29, 2023.  Exhibitors can still order items after that date but will be at a higher rate.

The online portal will close on October 16, 2023.

After that date, exhibitors can still order but will have to contact our exhibitor services team directly.  Exhibitor Services team is available Mon-Fri from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm at 800-665-2621 or via email at

exhibitorservices@stronco.com.

• Lange Security Cage Order Form 
• TCC Housekeeping Form Download
• Encore Audio Visual Order Form Download
• Encore Internet Order Form Download
• TCC Security Form Download

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