Name: Shoptalk Fall
Start: 2026-09-29
End: 2026-10-01
Location: Shoptalk Fall

Question 1

When should I arrive/depart from Shoptalk Fall 2026?

Accepted Answer

We recommend arriving Monday, September 28, 2026 and departing on Friday, October 2, 2026. Exhibitors should reference the Exhibit Hall Move-In and Move-Out schedules and plan their dates of arrival and departure accordingly. You may find you want to arrive up to two days earlier or leave later to ensure you can send back all materials.

Question 2

When will the sponsor hub be available?

Accepted Answer

The sponsor hub will be available once sponsor onboarding begins, which is approximately 8-12 weeks prior to the event.

Question 3

Where can I find a map of MCC?

Accepted Answer

Click here to view maps of the Music City Center. Click here to view a map of the Exhibit Hall For convenient navigation, an interactive map of the event spaces will become available on our mobile app in the days leading up to the event dates.

Question 4

Is there a dress code?

Accepted Answer

The Shoptalk Fall experience includes conference days and party nights. Prepare for smart-casual attire. The average high temperature during end of September is high 70 degrees fahrenheit, while the average low is upper 50 degrees, making September comfortable yet warm. While most of the sessions take place on the show floor, keep this in mind when preparing for any outdoor evening events.

Question 5

Where can we find the exhibitor manual / exhibitor kit / sponsor operations guide?

Accepted Answer

The exhibitor manual or “Sponsor Hub” can be found HERE . You can also find more details located in the sponsor onboarding email you should have received. If you have not yet received this correspondence, please reach out to your sales representative.

Question 6

Who should sign the updated paperwork?

Accepted Answer

Please contact your sales representative for more details.

Question 7

Will there be WiFi at the event?

Accepted Answer

WiFi will be available to all attendees at the event. However, this WiFi is only meant to be used for browsing the internet and/or checking email. If exhibiting, we strongly recommend ordering a dedicated hardline for your booth. The attendee WiFi is not meant to be used by Exhibitors in their booth, and you may find it too weak for activities such as demonstrations of your product. To order internet for your booth, please contact Music City Center .

Question 8

What do I do if I receive a solicitation from a third party to purchase a attendee list?

Accepted Answer

Please be aware of any solicitations from third parties for both hotel room booking and attendee list sales. We have been informed of unauthorized communications to our sponsors, attendees, and speakers by third parties for hotel room booking and attendee list sales. We have no connection to these companies or individuals, and we do NOT sell or share your contact information with sponsors or other attendees. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or to report unauthorized activities. We recommend that you do not reply to or speak with any organization claiming to sell the attendee list and do not share your credit card information.

Question 9

We would like to discuss cancelling our reservation?

Accepted Answer

Please contact your sales representative to discuss cancelling your reservation.

Question 10

Can we change our package level?

Accepted Answer

Please contact your sales representative to discuss package level options.

Question 11

Can the agreement be amended?

Accepted Answer

Please contact your sales representative for more details.

Question 12

Can multiple staff use lead retrieval?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but you must be registered for the event as an Exhibitor Representative. If you are not, you will not have access to Lead Retrieval. Please contact your sponsor logistics lead for additional questions.

Question 13

How do I apply for the Retailer and Consumer Brand registration rate?

Accepted Answer

Click here to view the Retailer and Consumer Brand registration pricing and qualification criteria. All registrations for the retailer and brand rate are subject to approval.

Question 14

How do our contractors register?

Accepted Answer

All sponsors will need to provide the contact information of their EAC with the submission of their booth rendering form. During event move in days, upon checking in at the EAC Check In Desk, all EAC staff and workers will receive a wristband. If you’d like to grant your EAC floor access during the show, they may use one of your complimentary Crew Badges. For more details, click HERE .

Question 15

How much does it cost to attend?

Accepted Answer

The current registration price is posted on our website here . Sponsors and Exhibitors have access to special rates. Please note that all ticket rates increase every few weeks.

Question 16

What is included with my sponsor ticket?

Accepted Answer

Sponsor Tickets include access to: Our Meetup networking platform All days of the event The Exhibit Hall Meals (breakfast and lunch as stated on the agenda) Sessions and networking events (excluding sessions and networking events that are private/invitation only, or specific to certain groups of attendees). Shoptalk Fall Party!

Question 17

Are there one day or Exhibit Hall-only tickets?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not offer any one day or Exhibit Hall-only tickets. Tickets provide access to all aspects of the show, including sessions, Meetup, networking events, breakfasts, lunches, receptions, exhibits, etc. that are not private, specific to a particular group of attendees, or arranged by sponsors independently. We do not offer any partial attendance rates. If you are an Exhibitor and require a crew badge for your vendor to access the Exhibit Halls, please review the Crew Badge Guidelines and fill out the form.

Question 18

Can I transfer my ticket to a colleague?

Accepted Answer

Tickets can be transferred at any time until you print your badge onsite. To transfer your ticket, please contact Shoptalk Fall registration team: registration@shoptalk.com

Question 19

What lead retrieval options are available?

Accepted Answer

There are two options available for Lead Retrieval. Option 1: Using your personal device; once a license is purchased, each team member will have unlimited usage on any device. Option 2: Renting a device; the registered team members on your lead retrieval license would use a rented device rather than a personal one. To read more, click HERE .

Question 20

When will scanners/app access be available?

Accepted Answer

Each individual given lead retrieval functionality will receive an email from Create with Connect (our registration platform) closer to the event. Please be sure to have your Lead Retrieval Invitation email open, which will provide you with your Lead Retrieval License QR code.

Question 21

What are the deadlines for booth/stand build submissions?

Accepted Answer

All documentation must be submitted by August 14, 2026 . More details on booth stand rendering submission can be found HERE .

Question 22

What are the dimensions of our space?

Accepted Answer

To locate your booth dimensions, please see our event floor plan. Once on the floor plan, you will see the dimensions of your space on either side of your space. An example has been included below: Booth 239 is 10' D x 10'W. Booth 344 is 10' D x 20' W.

Question 23

What is the price to become an Exhibitor?

Accepted Answer

Please contact our Sales Team or fill out an application form by emailing sales@shoptalk.com. If you purchase a space-only booth, the price will not include booth structures, furnishings, flooring, installation and dismantle, electrical, material handling, etc. Freeman is the official show general contractor and Music City Center is the in-house service provider for Music City Center.

Question 24

When will the floorplan be released?

Accepted Answer

Please contact your sponsor operations lead or sales rep for a link to the event floor plan. The floor plan is made available as of the year prior during onsite rebook.

Question 25

Where are the Exhibit Halls located?

Accepted Answer

The Exhibit Hall is on Level 3 of the Music City Center.

Question 26

Where can I order services and materials for my booth?

Accepted Answer

Freeman is the official show general contractor and Music City Center Exhibitor Services is the in-house service provider for Music City Center. Below is a breakdown of the services that each vendor provides. Freeman provides: booth furnishings, carpet, shipping, installation and dismantling labor services, booth cleaning, all material handling*, and audio/visual services. Orders can be placed through FreemanOnline . Music City Center Exhibitor Services provides: electrical* (may not be included with your booth), internet*, furnishing, plumbing (compressed air, water, drainage) *, rigging*, telecommunications*, catering*, and floral & plant services. Order forms can be found on the Music City Center order site. *Exclusive provider, no other vendor can be used for this service* Should you choose to source a third-party vendor to provide services and materials for your booth, you must notify us via Abraxys and ensure they do not perform any services exclusive to the above vendors.

Question 27

Where is my booth located?

Accepted Answer

You can view your booth location on the online floor plan here . If you are not sure of your booth number, please reference the email sent from your logistics lead - or just ask!

Question 28

When are Exhibit Hall move-in, open hours and move-out

Accepted Answer

Please see here .

Question 29

When can I schedule meetings to take place at my booth in the Exhibit Hall?

Accepted Answer

All meetings can only be scheduled during the Exhibit Hall open hours: Tuesday (9:30am - 6:15pm) Wednesday (8:30am - 6:30pm) and Thursday (8:30am - 4:15pm). All meeting participants must be a registered attendee with a badge to access the Exhibit Halls. Attendees registered under a non-exhibiting company will NOT be allowed entry during move-in and move-out hours and will be advised to relocate or reschedule any meetings.

Question 30

Can I bring my own food and beverage for my booth?

Accepted Answer

No, Music City Center is the exclusive provider of all food and beverage in the Exhibit Hall. This includes pre-packaged snacks, plastic water bottles, candy, etc. All catering must be ordered through Mu sic City Center . The only exception to this is if you approved to buy out with a corkage fee. You may be charged if you bring your own food and beverage without approval from Music City Center.

Question 31

Can I display balloons in my exhibit space?

Accepted Answer

No, balloons are prohibited throughout the facility. Click here to view the Exhibitor display guidelines .

Question 32

Can I bring a car or robot into my booth?

Accepted Answer

If you have a space only package, please ensure these details are covering within you both submission. If you have a turnkey package, please contact your Sponsorship Logistics Lead for vehicle and robot requirements. These items are subject to additional approvals, permits, and insurance requirements.

Question 33

Is the Exhibit Halls carpeted?

Accepted Answer

In the Exhibit Hall, only the aisles will be carpeted. Flooring for your booth IS required and is not provided for you. Carpeting can be purchased through Freeman Online .

Question 34

Where should I ship my booth materials?

Accepted Answer

To avoid delays, we strongly recommend shipping in advance to the Freeman Warehouse. Items must be delivered to the advanced warehouse beginning August 28, 2026 . Freeman also offers outbound shipping for your convenience during move-out. Please refer to the Freeman Online shipping page for material handling rates, order forms, and shipping labels. Detailed information and options can also be found on our shipping page !

Question 35

Will I be charged for material handling if I ship to the Freeman Advance Warehouse?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Material Handling is the service to move and store your freight from the freight docks to your booth. This service includes off-loading from the delivery truck; delivery to your booth; removing empty crates and boxes; storing the crates and boxes during the show and returning them after the show: and finally, delivery of the crates and boxes to your carrier. This service is provided exclusively by Freeman. It is a one-time charge for incoming and outgoing. See the Material Handling page on Freeman Online for more information, rates, and order forms.

Question 36

What can I hand-carry into the Exhibit Hall?

Accepted Answer

As an Exhibitor you may “hand carry” certain items. Hand carry is defined as small items such as packages or cartons an Exhibitor can carry. Any mechanical assistance is limited to a small dolly or assistance from the hotel bellman. The assistance of any motorized device or pallet jack is NOT permitted. When Exhibitors hand carry, they may not access designated material handling areas. Exhibitors must use the main entrance of the facility. If your freight is being delivered by a carrier, you must use Freeman to unload the freight and transport it to your booth or meeting room. You will also be charged a material handling fee. For more information on Material Handling, please visit Freeman Online .

Question 37

What are the Exhibitor Appointed Contractor (EAC) guidelines?

Accepted Answer

EACs must read and comply with all show rules and regulations as outlined in the Display Rules & Regulations , Exhibitor Terms & Conditions, and the Freeman Exhibitor Kit . EACs will be granted access to the Exhibit Halls during move-in and move-out only. Additional information will be sent to the EAC contacts submitted to Abraxys.

Question 38

Can I distribute materials outside of my booth?

Accepted Answer

No, distribution of materials outside of your booth is prohibited, including leaving material on tables or handing out brochures in the aisles or entrances of the show.

Question 39

How do I get approval for my booth?

Accepted Answer

All space-only booths must submit documentation by August 14, 2026 , to receive Permission to Exhibit . Show management keeps a level playing field across all Exhibitors and reserves the right to request changes be made AFTER Permission to Exhibit is granted should it be found at any point in time that any part of the booth will be of detriment to the experience or safety of attendees and other Exhibitors. Permission To Exhibit is granted to allow Exhibitors and their contractors to commence building on site.

Question 40

What are the height limits for my booth?

Accepted Answer

10'x10', 10'x20', and10’x30’ booths have a back wall height requirement of 8 ft high. Shared side walls cannot exceed more than 4 feet in height. 10'x10', 10'x20', and 10’x30’ Exhibitors are not permitted to have a hanging sign above their booth. No exceptions. 20’x20’ or larger ISLAND booths have a maximum height restriction of 16 ft high, measuring from the floor to the top of the booth structure or hanging sign. No exceptions. ALL booths MUST submit booth renderings by August 14, 2026 for Permission to Exhibit. Booth displays should be arranged in such a manner as not to obstruct sight lines of neighboring Exhibitors. To facilitate Exhibitor move-in, hanging signs MUST be shipped in advance to the Freeman Warehouse using the custom hanging sign labels found in the Freeman Exhibitor Kit or on our shipping page. No exceptions! Click here to view additional Display Rules & Regulations .

Question 41

Can I hang a sign above my booth?

Accepted Answer

Hanging signs are only allowed above booths that are 400 sq. ft. or larger. Hanging signs may not exceed the length of any side of your booth space or hang over the common aisle space. The top of any hanging sign may not exceed the maximum height restriction of 18 ft. No exceptions. All hanging signs in the Exhibit Hall must be rigged by Music City Center Rigging. To facilitate Exhibitor move-in, hanging signs MUST be shipped in advance to the Freeman Warehouse using the custom hanging sign labels found in the Freeman Exhibitor Kit or on our shipping page . No exceptions! Click here to view additional Display Rules & Regulations .

Question 42

Who do I contact to order labor for my hanging sign?

Accepted Answer

For all hanging signs, please contact MCC Rigging .

Question 43

I am interested in having a booth custom built or renting a booth, who should I contact?

Accepted Answer

Visit FreemanOnline ’s Exhibitor Packages page to explore turnkey options or request a custom consultation. For custom booths, you can also contact solutions@freemanco.com . If you decide to use a third-party contractor to build your booth, please fill out the required forms and information here once you have confirmed the vendor. EACs will need to submit your booth rendering for Permission To Exhibit .

Question 44

Where can I find a printer or other local vendors and services in Nashville?

Accepted Answer

There is a UPS business center located within Music City Center. Please be sure to check their hours and plan your pickup accordingly. Disclaimer: we do not guarantee the quality or reliability of any of the vendors listed. We recommend that you do your own research into any potential vendors that you are interested in doing business with. You are also responsible for ensuring that any outside vendor you hire does not perform any services which are exclusive to the show contractor, Freeman , or Music City Center .

Question 45

What are the regulations for selling products at my booth?

Accepted Answer

If you will be selling products from your booth and the product will be physically given to the buyer at your booth at the time of the sale, you will need to contact the Department of Taxation for the State of Tennessee via this link Local Sales Tax and adhere to sales tax regulations. However, if you will only be taking orders and shipping the product post-show, you will not need to contact the Department of Taxation for the State of Tennessee. It must also be approved with your Sales Representative and Sponsor Logistics Lead. We reserves the right to prohibit the sale of any product for any reason.

Question 46

Can I bring a camera crew into my booth?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may film inside your booth; however, it must be contained in your booth. Exhibitors are not allowed to film other exhibit spaces without approval. Due to fire marshal regulations, tripods, lights and elaborate set ups are NOT permitted in any public area. All camera crew personnel MUST be registered as a event attendee.

Question 47

Can I hire security for my booth?

Accepted Answer

Sponsors can hire security for their individual booths through DTA Security Services using the Special Booth Monitoring Services Order Form. Please let your Sponsorship Logistics Lead know of your arrangement.

Question 48

How do I make a hotel reservation?

Accepted Answer

Click here for hotel reservation information and to book your room in our discounted room blocks. The blocks will close on August 26, 2026 , but may sell out sooner. Rooms go fast, so we recommend you book ASAP!

Question 49

What do I do if I receive a solicitation from a third party to book a hotel room?

Accepted Answer

We have been informed that a company offering hotel reservation services for our events has contacted several of our sponsors and asked for credit card information to book rooms. We have not authorized any company to contact you. Do not reply to or speak with any organization claiming to book hotel rooms for the event, and do not share your credit card information. If you need to book hotel rooms, please book them only through our website, by contacting the hotel directly, or by utilizing services you know to be safe and legitimate.

Question 50

What is the difference between Hosted Meetings and General Meetings?

Accepted Answer

Any registered attendee can schedule general meetings with others via Meetup at no additional cost, though these meetings can occur for a variety of reasons. Hosted Meetings are typically used by sponsoring organizations for lead generation, and a specific amount must be purchased by the organization in advance. Our Hosted Program uses the same proprietary tech as Meetup to generate meaningful, mutually opted-into meetings, but specifically pairs tech buyers from retailers and brands with tech providers from our sponsor contingent, helping the former find solutions to their most pressing needs and the latter generate new business. Should you choose to buy Hosted Meetings, you will gain the ability to send requests to our Hosted Retailers & Consumer Brands. We will prioritize scheduling Hosted matches for your organization before all general matches. Interested in joining the Hosted Program? Reach out to your Sales Representative now - the scheduling process will start more than a month prior to the start of the event!

Question 51

Am I guaranteed meetings?

Accepted Answer

No Meetings are all based on a double opt-in process that takes several variables into account, such as priority, availability, and scheduling. The more selections you make and opt-ins you have, the more likely you are to have a higher number of mutual matches and meetings. Our team provides instructions and recommendations along the way to increase your chances of having a full meeting schedule. We will only schedule meetings if both parties have said “YES!” along every step of the way. Hosted Meetings that do not occur will be assessed for refund eligibility during our reconciliation process, which follows the completion of attendee meeting surveys and continues through the month following the event. Any Hosted Meetings you reject or cancel once schedules are finalized are not eligible for a refund.

Question 52

Can I manage the Meetup scheduling process for my attendees?

Accepted Answer

Completing actions on behalf of team members is not a function that can be done directly from the admin login. To do this, the admin will need to log in as each team member, separately, and assume their identity in the system. Once logged in, they can complete the stages for each team member. The most efficient way to assist team members with creating a profile, making requests, opt-ins, and viewing meetings is by being assigned as their assistant.

Question 53

Can I transfer meetings between colleagues?

Accepted Answer

No. Since meetings are based on the selection of specific individuals and availability, you cannot transfer your meetings to someone else. If you can no longer attend your meetings for any reason, including if you are no longer in your role or with your organization, please contact the team immediately.

Question 54

Where do I take my meetings? When do meetings take place?

Accepted Answer

Each meeting scheduled via Meetup will be assigned to a specific 1:1 table in our Meetup area inside the Exhibit Hall. Tables are specific to meetings, not to organizations - be prepared to move around the area to get to your various meetings. Event staff will be in the area to assist you and will confirm the attendance of all meeting participants. All meetings will be scheduled within 16 total fifteen-minute time slots, which do not conflict with any other official content. Our algorithm will determine the best timing based on both participants’ timeslot availability. When completing your profile, please be sure to uncheck any timeslots that you are unavailable to ensure the best schedule. Please check the Meetup page or agenda for the most up to date timing.

Question 55

What do I do if the participant doesn’t show up?

Accepted Answer

If a event team member has not already scanned your badge to log the no-show, please either find a team member at a Meetup Help Desk OR report the no-show in our app. Want to confirm your no-show was logged, or provide us with more context on a meeting issue? Make sure to log back in after the event to complete your feedback survey. You will be able to give individual feedback regarding each of your meetings.

Question 56

Will I get contact information for the meeting participants?

Accepted Answer

If you would like to follow up immediately, we recommend collecting contact information during your meeting. Following the event, you will be able to download the report by logging into your meetup portal.

Question 57

Can I get a list of my matches that didn’t get scheduled and their contact information?

Accepted Answer

We do not share the list of attendees whom you opted in to meeting requests from. We take our participants’ privacy very seriously. Based on information you receive as part of the Meetup scheduling process, you can’t solicit participants (including individuals you’re scheduled to meet prior to your meetings) outside of the event other than as we permit. Do not assume that requests (or opt-ins) to meet with you as part of the event indicate any interest in meeting with you outside of the event.

Question 58

Where can I find the full timeline and guidelines for Meetup?

Accepted Answer

The timeline and the full guidelines for each stage of the Meetup scheduling process can be found on the Attendee Hub here ! We’ll be following up via email with tips and reminders every step of the way!

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Registration

Exhibit Hall

Hotel Reservations

Meetup and Hosted Meetings

Email updates