Demonstrations and Presentations

Demonstration areas may not be set on the aisle line of the exhibit; space must be left within the exhibit area to absorb the spectators. Should the spectators interfere with the normal traffic flow in the aisle or overflow into neighboring exhibits, the presentation must be limited or eliminated. SfN reserves the right to subsequently deny future approval of a demonstration/presentation to an exhibiting company found in violation of these guidelines. Exhibitors are responsible for the safety (structural, fire, etc.) of their booths.

For a full list of Prohibited Practices, please visit the Prohibited Practices section of the Exhibitor Prospectus.

The use of open audio systems is discouraged. Requests to use an open audio system must be approved by Exhibit Management, and the exhibitor must agree to discontinue its use if the sound level is deemed to be objectionable to registrants or adjacent exhibitors. Noisy electrical or mechanical apparatus interfering with other exhibitors is prohibited.

SfN expects exhibitors to use prudent judgment when live models are used. Professional dignity and discretion should be observed at all times. The use of minors as models is prohibited. Models contracted to assist with demonstrations in an exhibitor’s booth may not wear tight fitting, revealing, or other inappropriate garments.

All medical devices or pharmaceuticals exhibited must have fulfilled all applicable FDA regulations.

SfN recommends that all pharmaceutical companies exhibiting adhere to the updated PhRMA Code.

Exhibitors demonstrating or displaying lasers must comply with the Laser Guidelines.

Exhibitors assume sole responsibility for operating all lasers or other hazardous optical sources in their exhibit in full compliance with applicable health and safety codes so that no safety hazard is presented to meeting attendees, to other exhibitors or to themselves. The following guidelines are provided as an aid for specifying these responsibilities.

Safety Manager

Each exhibit operating lasers or other hazardous optical sources shall have one knowledgeable individual who is designated safety manager and who is responsible for providing reasonable safety training and surveillance within the exhibit throughout the entire meeting.

Except for the limited use of live marine animals, McCormick Place and the Society strictly prohibit the use of live or dead animals in the Center’s exhibit halls and meeting rooms. Approval for exhibits that include the use of live marine animals to further the educational intent of the display must be requested upon submission of application for exhibit space. Upon approval by the Society, exhibitors must obtain further approval from McCormick Place Convention Center.

The request should set forth the specific purpose, scope, and use of the display. The convention center will respond to each exhibitor’s request. If the exhibitor’s request is approved and during the event the convention center or the Society determines that the use of the live marine animals is in any way improper or distasteful, the use shall be immediately discontinued by the exhibitor or meeting room instructor.