Event Planning Glossary Of Terms

The following event planning glossary is a compilation of words, phrases and objects often used and associated with the 
Event Planning Industry.


Word
Definition
A/V
Audiovisual equipment including screens, projectors and sound amplifiers.
Admission
The amount show producers charge attendees to go to a show.
Agricultural Exhibit Buildings
Part of the Alliant Energy Center campus, this site includes nine buildings with over 800 modern horse stalls and an exercise corral.
Alliant Energy Center
This name is used only to refer to the entire campus, which covers more than 164 acres and includes five primary venue sites.
Arena
Part of the Alliant Energy Center campus, this facility can be used for performances, consumer shows, trade shows and banquets. The Arena building is an outstanding facility for horse shows with an 85' x 215' show ring.
Atrium
The space in Exhibition Hall located between Mendota rooms 1-4 and 5-8.
Attendees
People at a show who are not affiliated with producing the event. This does not include planners or exhibitors.
Booth Furnishings
Items available to rent for exhibit booths during shows. This includes electrical hook-ups, carpet, internet and more.
Booth Package
Selected booth furnishings based on a per booth price.
Capacity
The number of people that will fit in a given space.
Classroom Setup
Setup for a meeting room – all chairs face forward with a table in front of them.
Coliseum
Common referral to Veterans Memorial Coliseum at the Alliant Energy Center.
Coliseum Box Office
Located in the West lobby of the Coliseum, the Box Office sells tickets to certain events. A list of events currently on sale at the Box Office is found on the “tickets” page of the guest section of the Alliant Energy Center website.
Consumer Show
Industry term for expo, which is open to the public. Consumer shows cover a variety of interests.
Convention
A private show for members of a specific group or industry.
Dane County Coliseum
Reference to Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Dane County Expo Center
Former name of the Alliant Energy Center of Dane County.
Dock
Common term for the area which exhibitors load or unload exhibit materials to and from the hall.
Doors/ Door Times
Refers to the time doors open prior to the start of a show or event for the general public.
Egress
The time allotted by The Center for shows, including exhibitors, to dismantle their booths and exit the facility after the show has closed.
EOS
Event Operations Supervisors – These workers are in charge of making sure each show or event runs smoothly and address any problems that arise.
Equine Event
Another name for a horse show.
Event Coordinator
Center staff person in charge of arranging all details of an event weeks prior to its start.
Exhibition Hall
Part of the Alliant Energy Center campus, this is a 255,000-square-foot trade show and convention facility. It has up to 100,000 square feet of unobstructed exhibit space and 14 meeting rooms. With our portable seating risers, Exhibition Hall is also a concert venue for up to 4,500 people.
Exhibitors
Companies and organizations who pay to have their goods and services displayed in an exhibit booth during a show.
Expo Center
Incorrect naming reference to Exhibition Hall.
Exposition Hall
Incorrect naming reference to Exhibition Hall.
Family Show
Performances and shows appropriate for families and children of all ages.
Forum
Former meeting and conference facility at Alliant Energy Center.
General Admission
Seating is administered the day of the event based on a first-come, first-served basis after the assigned door opening time.
Hall
General term for the large exhibit space. Exhibition Hall includes four hall areas: A, B, C and D that can be separated or combined.
Hotel Connector
Climate-controlled walkway located at the end of the Exhibition Hall lobby that leads directly to the Clarion Suites Hotel.
Ingress
The time allotted by event producers exhibitors to set up their booths and get ready before the show opens to the public.
Lake Rooms
Group of meeting rooms on the second floor of Exhibition Hall. Rooms include Monona, Wingra, Waubesa and Kegonsa.
Lounge
Open area on second floor of Exhibition Hall that overlooks the lobby.
Madison Ticket Agency
The company that sells tickets to events at the Coliseum Box Office.
Main Gate
The main entrance gate for the Alliant Energy Center is located on Rimrock Road. Other gates are opened in circumstances of large or multiple events.
Pipe and Drape
The colored drapery décor separating exhibit booths or blocking off areas of the show floor. 
Request for Proposal
Documentation by event planners that describes space and date inquiries. Event planners review the requests and propose dates and prices based on the customer’s needs. Abbreviated as RFP.
Reserved Seating
Tickets purchased for specific seats during a show. Seat assignments are based on location price levels and date of purchase.
Rounds Setup
Setup for a meeting room – chairs are placed evenly among round tables.
Show Office
Space designated for show producers to house equipment and staff needed to conduct the show.
Skirting
Décor for an exhibit booth that covers the front and both sides of a table.
Square Setup
Setup for a meeting room – long tables are placed adjoining in a square with chairs around them.
Theater Setup
Setup for a meeting room – chairs are placed in rows facing one direction. Tables are only at the front of the room for presenters.
Trade Show
A show for members of a specific group or industry.
Venue
An industry term for a facility rented for concerts, conventions, conferences, trade shows and special events.
Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Part of the Alliant Energy Center campus, this is an entertainment facility. It hosts a variety of shows such as professional sports events, horse shows, concerts and stage performances. The facility also provides
trade show space for up to 360 exhibit booths.
Willow Island
Part of the Alliant Energy Center campus, this 29-acre nature area includes two ponds and an isthmus for outdoor events including corporate picnics, festivals and musical entertainment.