Safety & Liability Rules & Regulations

Americans with Disabilities Act

  1. Under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), an individual with a disability is a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity.
  2. In accordance with ADA, the Center provides ramp access, restroom facilities, Braille elevator buttons, phone and fire alarms for the deaf and hard of hearing, patrons with disabilities, and wheelchairs.
  3. A limited number of wheelchairs are available at the Central Security Office, located on the first floor at the north end of the building, at no charge on a first come-first served basis. A valid driver’s license is required to obtain the use of a wheelchair.

Animals

  1. It is prohibited to have live animals in the Center without proper written permission. Contact your Event Manager for rules and regulations.
  2. Service animals are permitted in the Center. The Americans with Disabilities Act defines service animals as those that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other animals whether wild or domestically trained or untrained are not service animals.

Damages

  1. Prior to the first move-in day, the Engineering Department will schedule a facility inspection to verify the condition of the Center.
  2. At the conclusion of the event move-out, a final inspection will identify and specify any damages resulting from the event.
  3. Notify your Event Manager of any damage that occurs through out the course of the show. The Center will document any damages with a damage report and a photograph when applicable.
  4. The cost of repair of damages is the Licensee's responsibility and the Center will make all repairs.

Drones/Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Drones, Unmanned Aircrafts (UAs) and Remotely Operated Aircrafts (ROAs) are all terms occasionally used to identify unmanned aircrafts and are individually and collectively referred to in this policy as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The Center may permit the operation of UAVs inside of the Center, provided that the Licensee complies with the terms and conditions set forth by the Center. Contact your Event Manager for more information.

Event Services Estimate

  1. An Event Services Estimate will be issued to the Licensee 30 days prior to the event.
  2. One hundred percent of the estimated event services fees are due and payable at least 14 days prior to the use of the facility. See the Event Planning Checklist on page six for all deadlines.

Exhibit and RegistrationFloorPlan Approval

  1. Detailed floor plans are required for exhibit and registration areas and any other special activities located in the exhibit hall, meeting rooms, ballroom or public areas.
  2. Two months prior to the final sale, lease or assignment of any exhibits pace, Licensee shall submit three copies of proposed floor plan, drawn to scale, to the Center for City of Fort Lauderdale Fire Department review and approval. Upon approval, the Center will forward the approved copy to Licensee.
  3. Any necessary changes in proposed floor plan will be forwarded to Licensee by the Center, and Licensee must submit revised floor plan.
  4. The proposed floor plan submitted for approval must include the following:
    a) Show title, contracted dates, draftsman's company name and address, Service Contractor name and address.
    b) Booth configurations drawn to scale, including base dimensions, heights and locations.
    c) Aisle locations and dimensions.
    d) Dimensions of all fixtures including, but not limited to, stages, risers, registration areas, lounge areas, entertainment areas, etc.
    e) All exits and primary entrances.
    f) All permanent and temporary concession and novelty stands.
    g) All fire safety devices including extinguishers and alarm stations.
    h) Dimensions of all service desks including space allocations for service desks operated by the Center.
    i) Dimensions of Service Contractor storage areas or "bone yards". j) Distinction between pipe, drape and wall.
  5. A copy of the final approved floor plan is to be displayed in the Service Contractors’ service area office.
  6. The decisions of the Fire Marshal of the City of Fort Lauderdale are final.

Exhibit Hall and Loading Dock Regulations

  1. No vehicles will be allowed in dock areas, exhibit halls, etc. without proper identification.
  2. “No parking” and “tow away” zones and other restricted areas will be strictly enforced. Vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense.
  3. Move-in and move-out through the front of the building must be approved in writing by the Center prior to event move-in.
  4. Scheduling of dock and storage are as, etc. must be approved by the Center.
  5. Individuals exhibiting behavior indicative of intoxication or use of a "mood altering" substance will be expelled from the Center premises.
  6. Motorized vehicles and equipment (i.e. carts, forklifts, scooters, etc.) and other moveable equipment (i.e. dollies, pallet jacks, etc.) are not permitted on any lobby, pre-function, meeting room or ballroom space without prior approval of the Center.
  7. Vehicles are to be operated in a safe and prudent manner. Any actions including speeding, erratic driving, etc. deemed unsafe by the Center are not tolerated. Failure to adhere to Center policies will be grounds for ejection from the premises and suspension of work privileges.
  8. No refueling of vehicles is permitted with in 50 feet of the Center.
  9. At no time may exit doors be blocked or obstructed with freight, equipment, display material or trash.
  10. Unless prior approval is granted, no one under the age of 16 is allowed on the exhibit floor/loading dock during move-in and move-out.
  11. Dock utilization schedules must be submitted to the Center one week prior to move-in/move-out (altering proposed schedules may require the Center to reallocate specific dock space to different events).

Food and Beverage

  1. All food, beverages, and concessions are operated and controlled exclusively by the Center’s Food and Beverage Department, SAVOR Fort Lauderdale.
  2. Any and all exhibitors offering food or beverage sampling must have written approval from SAVOR Fort Lauderdale. Upon approval, the exhibitor will then adhere to the following:
    a) An exhibitor and/or association member must occupy approved booths at all times.
    b) Items dispensed are limited to products manufactured, processed or distributed by exhibiting firm and must be directly related to participation in event.
    c) Food items must be administered and limited to “sampling” or “bite” size portions. The maximum sample size is 4oz. for beverages and 3oz. for food samples.
    d) Beverage items must be distributed in containers no greater than four ounces, and no more than three ounces of product may be distributed per container.
    e) Food and/or beverage items used as traffic promoters (i.e. popcorn, coffee, bar service, etc.) must be purchased from SAVOR Fort Lauderdale.
    f) The Center’s restrooms, concession stands, and/or kitchens may not be used as clean up areas.
    g) Space utilized for storage, preparation, etc. of product must be approved in writing by the Center.
    h) Securing of all necessary licenses, permits, etc. is the responsibility of Licensee.
    i) Costs associated with the disposal of trash, waste, etc. from exhibit or food and beverage sampling are the responsibility of Licensee and/or exhibitor.
    j) Alcoholic beverages may not be brought into the Center without prior written permission from SAVOR Fort Lauderdale. Center may prohibit the consumption of alcoholic beverages at any time.

Freight Deliveries

  1. Freight deliveries to the Center must occur on designated move-in/move-out days, be addressed to the attention of the Service Contractor and reference the name of the event.
  2. The Center will not accept freight deliveries for Licensee, Service Contractors, and/or exhibitors.
  3. The Center will not assume responsibility or liability for freight left on the premises following the conclusion of move-in/move-out. Freight left in the Center will be disposed of at Licensee's expense.
  4. The Center will not accept C.O.D. shipments or responsibility for costs associated with freight delivery/pick-up.
  5. Licensee is responsible for informing all parties of Center's freight policies.

General Fire Code Regulations

The Fort Lauderdale Fire Department mandates a strict adherence to the NFPALife Safety Code. The decision of the Fire Marshal of the City of Fort Lauderdale is final.

  1. Licensees, Service Contractors, exhibitors and all other parties must comply with all Federal, State, Municipal and Center mandated fire codes, which apply to public assembly facilities.
  2. The following materials are prohibited without written consent of the Center, including, but not limited to: electrical cooking equipment; open flame devices; welding, cutting or brazing equipment; ammunition; radioactive devices; pressure vessels; exhibits involving hazardous processing and materials; fireworks or pyrotechnics; blasting agents or explosives; flammable cryogenic gasses; aerosol cans with flammable propellants; gas operated cooking equipment; and portable heating equipment.
  3. The Center may request in writing: specifications, descriptions, etc. of any and all equipment, processes, operations, etc. from Licensee, Service Contractors, exhibitors, etc. and reserves the right to submit such information to the Fire Department for approval.
  4. Exterior exhibit hall doors and loading dock doors are not to be propped open. Automatic closing devices are not to be tampered with.
  5. A Fire Watch is mandatory when smoke and/or hazardous machines are used inside the Center. The Licensee is responsible for all fees for staffing a Fire Watch and should coordinate with your Event Manager prior to the event.
    Flame Test:
    1. All bunting, table coverings, drapes, signs, banners and like materials must be flame resistant and are subject to inspection and flame testing byFireMarshal.
    Materials that cannot be treated with flame retardant may not be used.
    2. Flame retardant materials shall not ignite and spread over the surface when exposed to open flame.
    3. Compressed flammable gas, flammable or combustible liquids, hazardous chemicals or materials and Class II or greater laser, blasting agents, and explosives are prohibited within the Center.
    4. Liquid Propane is not permitted inside the facility except when used as fuel to propel a vehicle in to the facility. In his case, the tanks must be removed immediately after placement.
    5. Oil cloth, tarpaper, nylon, plastic cloths and certain other plastic materials cannot be made flame retardant and their use is prohibited. 6. All electrical equipment must conform to the National Electrical Code and be UL approved.

    Open Flame Devices:
    1. Cooking and/or warming devices shall be isolated from the public. Place the device a minimum of four feet back from the front of the booth, or provide a barrier between the cooking/warming device and the public.
    2. Individual cooking/warming devices shall not exceed 228 sq. in. of surface area.
    3. A minimum of two feet shall be kept between cooking devices.
    4. The surface that holds the cooking device shall be made of non-combustible material.
    5. Combustible materials shall be kept two feet away from cooking device.
    6. An extinguisher and lid or an approved automatic extinguishing system shall be required of any booth utilizing cooking or warming devices.

    Storage:
    1. Crate storage is prohibited in the Center without the prior written approval of event services. Crate storage is the responsibility of the Licensee.
    2. Crates stored in interior storage rooms may not be stacked with in three feet of sprinkler heads and a 10-foot radius must be maintained around all access/egress doors. Crates may not be stored in any occupied hall/room.
    3. Exit signage, fire extinguisher, fire alarms, pull stations and related firefighting equipment may not be hidden, obstructed or blocked.
    4. All emergency exits, hallways and aisles leading from the building are to be kept clear and unobstructed.

    Vehicles:
    1. Any vehicle displayed in a show must have the battery cables disconnected. The gas tank must be taped shut or have a lockable gas cap and may contain no more than a quarter tank of fuel.
    2. At no time during show hours are vehicles to be moved.
    3. Any vehicles, material, equipment, etc. in fire lanes or blocking exits, etc. will be removed at Licensee's expense.

Insurance

  1. All Licensees and their Service Contractors are required to provide a current Certificate of Insurance. Specific requirements are referenced in the license agreement.
  2. Certificate(s) must be furnished to the Center’s event services 30 days prior to the first move-in day of the event.
  3. A sample copy of an acceptable insurance certificate is located in the Certificate of Insurance Information (seeSectionVI).
  4. General and Excess Liability coverage may be available to Licensees through the Center for some events. Your Event Manager needs to be notified when utilizing this plan.

Layout and Set-Up of Exhibits

  1. Aisle dimensions/locations are subject to Fire Marshal approval. Aisles must be a minimum of 10 feet wide.
  2. Whenever direct access to a fire extinguisher is blocked, the exhibitor blocking access must be notified of the location of the fire extinguisher, and a temporary sign must be hung above the exhibit indicating the extinguisher's location.
  3. No exhibit booth, registration table or related material may be placed within 20 feet of the main entrance and exit.
  4. Doors and fire exits, including doors in partition walls, or access to any exit can not be blocked or impinged upon by pipe, drape, exhibits or other fixtures.
  5. Exhibitor service desks cannot be located in lobbies or pre-function areas.
  6. Literature and other items cannot be stored in booths beyond what could be reasonably used in one day. Additional material must be stored in closed containers and kept in a neat and organized manner in a designated storage area.
  7. Clear access must be maintained to all Center services (i.e. restrooms, concession stands, utility rooms, etc.)
  8. Carpet runners or show carpet installed over Center's permanent carpet is prohibited without the prior written approval of Center.
  9. When using permanently carpeted areas as exhibit space, the Service Contractor is required to lay plastic or plywood over the permanent carpet before bringing freight or material-handling equipment into the area. In taking protective measures, it will prevent damage caused by direct contact with lifts, pallet jacks and/or such equipment. Any damages will be at the cost of the Licensee.
  10. Holes may not be drilled, cored or punched into any part of the Center or exterior premises.

    Signage and Decorations
    1. Signs, decorations and related materials may not be taped, tacked, stapled, nailed, etc. to painted surfaces, columns, fabrics, ceiling or decorative walls in the Center.
    2. Center permanent signs, banners, etc. may not be blocked in any manner.
    3. Temporary signs may not be attached in any manner to permanent Center signage.
    4. Banners are allowed in the Center, although there are restrictions as to what, where, when and how the banners may be hung.
    a. No banner larger than 3'x6' can be hung in the Center without prior written approval.
    b. Under no condition will signs or banners be taped, hung or otherwise attached to the Center's glass curtain wall.
    c. Center staff or union labor will be required to hang banners for a fee.
    d. No exterior banners are permitted. City Ordinance restricts any signage to be hung outside of theCenter. e. Consult your Event Manager with the details of every banner to be hung.
    5. Adhesive backed decals and stickers may not be distributed in the Center. Any costs incurred by the Center for the removal of these items will be charged to Licensee.
    6. The use of helium balloons is prohibited. Costs associated with violation of this policy are the responsibility of theLicensee.

    Tape
    1. The Center requires the use of Sure tape PC628 Gaffer’s Tape or approved equal.
    2. Licensee and Service Contractors are responsible for the removal of all tape and residue marks from the exhibition hall(s), concourse and meeting room floors.
    3. The use of high residue tape is prohibited on terrazzo floors and carpeted areas.
    4. Tape or residue left on any surface will be removed by the Center and the cost for the removal will be billed to Licensee.

Lighting and Air Conditioning

  1. Fifty percent “work lights” will be provided at no charge in exhibit halls during move-in and move-out.
  2. One hundred percent “show lights” will be provided one hour prior to show opening.  
  3. Lighting requests outside these parameters will be charged at the prevailing hourly rate.
  4. Air conditioning is provided complimentary during show hours beginning one hour prior to show opening.
  5. Air conditioning is not provided on move-in and move-out days. A Licensee requesting air conditioning during non-show periods will be charged an hourly fee.

Moveable Air Walls

  1. The moveable air walls in the exhibition halls, ballrooms, and meeting rooms are to be handled by Center personnel only.
  2. A fee will be incurred for multiple moves or adjustments.

Smoking Policy

In accordance with the Florida Clean Air Act, the mandate from Broward County and the Center’s LEED® Certification, the Center is a “smokefreefacility.” Smoking is prohibited at all times in the exhibition hall, ballrooms, restrooms and meeting rooms. This policy includes cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, pipes, vape/vapor machines or devices, etc. Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas situated 25 feet from the building.

Additional Rules and Regulations

  1. Use of Center equipment, supplies and other materials is limited to Center personnel unless approved in writing.
  2. Only center personnel must perform the movement of Center’s furniture, fixtures and equipment.
  3. Passenger elevators and all escalators are to be used by the general public and should not be used for any freight or equipment movement.
  4. Use of glitter and confetti is not permitted in the Center without the prior written approval. Costs associated with the clean-up of glitter, confetti and related materials are the Licensee's responsibility.
  5. All floor load capacities should be strictly observed. Any variations should be approved in writing by the Center.
  6. The sale or distribution of novelty merchandise is prohibited without prior written approval of the Center. All distributed materials, whether for sale or at no cost, must be distributed from locations approved by the Center.
  7. Center office telephones are reserved exclusively for Center operations. Center numbers may not be published as official show or convention number.
  8. All facility utilities are property of the Center and it is prohibited to access, tamper or otherwise utilize said utilities without prior written approval. Costs for repairs, damages, etc. resulting from unauthorized use of utilities are Licensee's responsibility.
  9. No soliciting is permitted in the Center or on Center premises.
  10. Any and all unsafe conditions or activities will be terminated immediately. The Center will remove disruptive parties as it deems necessary.
  11. All electrical cords should be taped down immediately after placement. Only lay-flat electrical cords are permitted in the Convention Center. Romex and non-metallic sheathed wires are prohibited.
  12. Concealed weapons or firearms defined under Florida Statutes are prohibited inside the Center. Contact your Event Manager for details.

Circumstances and operations not covered in these rules and regulations will be subject to interpretation, stipulations and decisions deemed necessary and appropriate by the Center.