Planning for a trade show abroad often feels like learning a new language — and sometimes, it literally is. From service orders to shipping paperwork, terms familiar in the U.S. often mean something different overseas. Misunderstanding these words can cause delays, budget overruns, or even missed deadlines.
Therefore, knowing international trade show terminology in advance helps you communicate clearly, avoid confusion, and keep projects on schedule.
U.S. vs. International Vocabulary
Booth vs. Stand
- U.S.: Exhibit Booth
- International: Exhibit Stand
Tip: Don’t be confused when European partners reference your “stand.” They mean the same thing as a booth.
Drayage vs. Material Handling
- U.S.: Drayage
- International: Material Handling or Freight Handling
Tip: In the U.S., organizers often charge high drayage fees by weight. In contrast, Europe usually bundles handling into turnkey packages.
Bill of Lading vs. Delivery Order
- U.S.: Bill of Lading (BOL)
- International: Delivery Order
Tip: Both documents describe what shippers send and receivers accept, but the terminology changes by region.
Measurement and Weight Differences
- Weight: Pounds (lbs) in the U.S. vs. Kilograms (kg) abroad.
- Length: Feet/inches vs. Meters/centimeters.
Tip: Use digital converters or mobile apps to prevent costly errors when ordering carpet, signage, or booth structures.
In addition, remember that shipping paperwork must match the unit of measure used by the receiving country.
Services and Labor
I&D vs. Assembly/Disassembly
- U.S.: I&D (Install & Dismantle)
- International: Assembly/Disassembly
Tip: In Europe, organizers often include labor in turnkey packages. By contrast, in the U.S., separate union crews handle each step and bill hourly.
Marshalling Yard vs. Truck Staging Area
- U.S.: Marshalling Yard
- International: Truck Staging Area
Tip: U.S. venues usually require structured freight check-ins, while some overseas locations handle deliveries less formally.
Quick Reference Glossary Table
| U.S. Term | International Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Exhibit Booth | Exhibit Stand | Common in Europe and Asia |
| Drayage | Material Handling | Bundled abroad, billed separately in the U.S. |
| Bill of Lading | Delivery Order | Shipping documentation |
| I&D | Assembly/Disassembly | Labor terminology |
| Marshalling Yard | Truck Staging Area | Freight terminology |
| Skid (U.S.) | Pallet | More common outside the U.S. |
As a result, learning these terms saves time and ensures smoother coordination with international vendors.
Conclusion
Exhibitors who understand the right terminology can avoid costly misunderstandings when preparing for global shows. For example, knowing the difference between drayage and material handling helps you budget correctly, while understanding “stand” vs. “booth” prevents miscommunication with European contractors.
At Absolute Exhibits, our multilingual staff works daily with clients to translate not only language but also the terminology of international exhibiting. This ensures every detail is managed correctly from start to finish.
Overall, mastering international trade show terminology makes global exhibiting more professional and far less stressful. For a complete preparation guide, see The Complete Guide to Preparing for International Trade Shows.
