FAQs
Show Management
What sets CDS apart from other general service contractors?
As an independently owned and operated company, CDS empowers its employees, enabling them to assist you, your exhibitors, and your attendees at every opportunity. We are committed to our philosophy of being accommodating, flexible, and dependable. This allows us to provide an elevated, personal level of service that makes us unique in our industry.
With your headquarters in San Antonio, TX, does CDS produce events elsewhere in the country?
Since 1980, CDS has operated as a full service general service contractor - locally, regionally and nationally. To extend our national presence, we've recently established offices in Houston, TX and Orlando, FL. We have several long-term clients with whom we travel nationally through venue rotations.
Does CDS handle events other than trade shows?
Yes. We handle trade shows and expositions ranging from 30 to 2,000 booths. But we also produce many other types of corporate events, including product launches, annual meetings and marketing and promotional events.
Does CDS produce signage in-house? Do you have a graphics design department to help us develop our signage?
Yes. We have a full-scale sign production department, which can produce any quantity of signs for any size show. We also have several talented designers who can assist you with graphics creation.
Exhibitors
What services does the general service contractor provide?
As a general service contractor, we help exhibitors make the most of their participation in the show. We provide a complete exhibitor service manual with all the information exhibitors need about furnishings, carpet, shipping, material handling, graphics and signage, custom design exhibits, labor, and more.
When are exhibitor service manuals mailed or e-mailed?
They're usually sent six to eight weeks prior to the show date.
What is provided in my booth space?
Every show offers a different package option to their exhibitors. The cover letter of the exhibitor service manual outlines exactly what is included in your booth space.
What is material handling?
Material handling is a service that includes freight receiving, storage, and delivery to booth before the show. It also includes removal, storage, return of empties, and return of outbound freight to loading dock at the close of the show. General service contractors offer this service so exhibitors are assured that their freight will be received and placed in their booth in a timely fashion.
What is the difference between advance shipping to warehouse and direct shipping to show site? Is there an advantage to either one?
Advance shipping allows you to send your materials up to 30 days prior to the show date. They are stored at the CDS warehouse and transported to your booth during move-in. The advantage of advance shipping is that you have the ability to call and confirm receipt of your shipment. Plus, you get the peace of mind that goes along with knowing your materials will be delivered to the site and placed in your booth in a timely fashion.
Direct shipping involves sending your materials directly to the show site during the designated move-in times. There, the general service contractor will receive and deliver your materials to your booth.
What do I do with my materials at the close of the show?
At the close of the show, package and label all of your materials, and complete a bill of lading at the CDS service desk. If you are using the show's preferred carrier then you are free to be on your way.
If you are not using the show's preferred carrier, then you'll need to contact your carrier of choice and arrange for pickup during the designated show move-out times.