January 22-24, 2027
Cabarrus Arena
2027 Exhibitor Kit
This page will be updated periodically throughout the year prior to the 2027 show - check regularly for updates.
Everything you need to "know before you show."
Please take some time to read this important information. Click on any button to go directly to that topic.
2027 Exhibitor Kit PDF version - Click Here
SHOW MANAGEMENT
Marketplace Events
2000 Auburn Dr. Ste 200
Beachwood, OH 44122
Tel: 612-225-2334
| Dan DeJaeger | Show Manager | Email: DanD@mpeshows.com | Tel: 651.373.6884 |
| Bruce Evans | Show Manager | Email: brucee@mpeshows.com | Tel: 612-209-4593 |
| Tasha Textor | Exhibit Sales | Email: TashaT@mpeshows.com | Tel: 515.244.1459 |
| Autumn Pennington | Operations Manager | Email: AutumnP@mpeshows.com | Tel: 612-225-2334 |
SHOW FACILITY
The Greater Charlotte Home & Landscape Show is held at the:
Cabarrus Arena
4751 NC-49
Concord, NC 28025
Kahla Peeler, Event Coordinator
UTILITIES
Electricity, Internet, Water, etc. is ordered through Marketplace Events. see UTILITIES.
GEMS
| Jill Zinkus | Phone: 214.388.5722 | Email: jill@gemsevents.com |
SHOW HOURS
| Friday | January 22, 2027 | 12:00pm - 7:00pm |
| Saturday | January 23, 2027 | 10:00am - 7:00pm |
| Sunday | January 24, 2027 | 11:00am - 5:00pm |
| Exhibitors may enter the show one hour before opening. | ||
EXHIBITOR FORMS & IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Electric/water/gas -Click Here
- Food & Beverage Form Request -Click Here
- Exhibitor Insurance - Click Here
ACCOUNT BALANCES - Final payment for exhibit space must be made byDecember 15, 2026. Show management reserves the right to refuse entry to any exhibitor whose account has not been paid in full. Badges & complimentary tickets will not be available until the account has been paid in full.
Rules for all participants:
FLOORING REGULATIONS:
- Visqueen and plywood must be placed on the floor before laying bricks, patios, mulch, etc. Do not drill holes, paint, nail, glue, or affix flooring to the Cabarrus Arena flooring. Any damage to the Cabarrus Arena flooring will be repaired at the exhibitor's expense.
- Anything that is taped to the floor must be taped with Gaffer’s tape, double-sided carpet tape, or tape obtainable from the show decorator. NO DUCT TAPE OR OTHER TAPE ALLOWED!
Animals/Pets: Service animals are allowed inside the building during event hours. Personal pets are not allowed.
Smoking Regulations: No smoking is permitted inside Cabarrus Arena
Alcohol
No alcohol may be consumed on show site other than during designated times and locations and/or on posted signage by the venue management. Alcohol consumption is strictly forbidden during al move-in and move-out hours. Additionally, the use or distribution of illegal drugs is strictly forbidden. Any persons, including exhibitors, service providers, employees, attendees, or anyone else working at or attending the show that does not comply with this policy will be removed from the show and credentials (where applicable) revoked.
Politics
Marketplace Events (MPE) does not permit political candidates, political parties, or other groups promoting issues or ballot initiatives to participate as exhibitors or sponsors. In addition, the display or sale of any products or services, including the dissemination of informational material, that is political/partisan in nature or that can be interpreted to promote, incite, or glorify hatred, violence, racial, sexual, or religious intolerance, are prohibited. MPE maintains these policies to ensure a welcoming environment for all attendees and exhibitors.
Booth Guidelines, Regulations, and Tips
Our top priority is to produce a quality event. Two important aspects to doing this are maintaining the visual integrity of the show and creating an atmosphere where all exhibitors can do business. The following Rules and Regulations help us to maintain these aspects.
Booth Design and Construction
Exhibit booths will have an 8' draped back wall. On each side, a draped side rail will extend from the back of the booth to the front of the booth at a height of 3’. Drape and aisle carpet color are both BLACK. Exhibitors are allowed to build their booth to the maximum height of 8 feet. This includes back wall and sidewalls. One 7” x 44” identification sign will be issued to each exhibitor. Your sign will read exactly as your booth was contracted.
SIGNS: Sign height may not exceed 8’ (top of sign). Exhibitors wishing to hang signs over the 8’ height limit are subject to a $500 sponsorship fee which will include the hanging of the sign. If sign needs be hung, exhibitor is required to have sign onsite and ready first thing Tuesday 6morning, as that is when rigging is scheduled. Your sign will be lowered and returned to you on Monday of move out. Music City Center will not schedule any rigging that hasn’t been approved by show management. If you plan to have a sign or banner within your booth space and it will go above the 8’ pipe and drape, you are still required to pay the $500 sponsorship fee. And sign may be ONE sided only. Signs with writing or logos on both sides are NOT permitted. Feather flag signs of any kind must stay within booth space and cannot go above the 8’ pipe and drape.
TENTS: Tents are not allowed unless approved by show management.
TABLE COVERINGS: It is mandatory that all tables are properly skirted. Skirting must go from the edge of the table to the floor on all VISIBLE sides. All skirting must be pressed and neat. Use of plastic tablecloths, sheets, shower curtains or any type of “makeshift” tablecloths are not permitted. We strictly enforce this and will skirt all incorrectly skirted tables at the exhibitor’s expense.
FLOORING: Flooring is not included in the cost of your exhibit booth.
- It is mandatory that all exhibit booths have floor covering that covers 100% of the booth’s square footage. Carpeting, Astroturf, hardwood, tile, vinyl flooring etc., may be used.
- Visqueen and plywood must be placed on the floor before laying bricks, patios, mulch, etc. Do not drill holes, paint, nail, glue, or affix flooring to the Music City Center flooring. Any damage to the Music City Center flooring will be repaired at the exhibitor's expense.
- Anything that is taped to the floor must be taped with Gaffer’s tape, double-sided carpet tape, or tape obtainable from decorator. NO DUCT TAPE OR OTHER TAPE ALLOWED!
STAFFING YOUR BOOTH: All exhibitors are expected to be in their booths during all published show hours, as we do receive consumer complaints about un-manned displays. Our visitors pay an entrance fee and expect to be able to do business with our exhibitors at any time during show hours.
FIRE REGULATIONS: • See Fire, Safety & Security
TABLES: Professionally skirted tables with floor-length skirting that is pleated or gathered. No paper or plastic. Fine furniture is acceptable without skirting. Tables requiring wiping from selling food or beverages may also be acceptable without skirting. Card tables and old metal folding chairs detract from your booth and from the Show. Nice furnishings improve your business image and your exhibit.
VEHICLES IN EXHIBITS: If you plan on having a vehicle in your booth as part of your display, please contact Show Management for approval and move-in instructions. If approved by show management: • All vehicles must have a locking gas cap or gas cap sealed with tape and no more than 1/4 tank of gas in the vehicle in accordance with Tennessee State Fire Marshal. • A set of keys must be left with Show Management for the duration of the show. • All vehicle batteries must be disconnected, and cables taped.
DEMONSTRATIONS AND HANDOUTS: Exhibitors demonstrating products and/or distributing marketing materials, product samples or souvenirs are not permitted to do outside the confines of their rented exhibit area. Working in the aisle is strictly prohibited and will be enforced by show management.
SALE OF MERCHANDISE AT THE SHOW: All Exhibitors are reminded that to sell products "cash and carry" during the show, you must comply with all rules and regulations of Marketplace Events. Exhibitors are responsible for obtaining any such permits as required. Only merchandise approved by the show may be sold. No food or drinks may be sold without the approval of Music City Center. Local Sales tax is 9.5%.
MICROPHONE, AUDIO EQUIPMENT AND MUSIC: Use of microphones, audio equipment and musical instruments is permitted, however, sound levels must be kept at a volume that management deems reasonable. Violators will receive one warning. If there are more problems with volume, Show Management reserves the right to prohibit the exhibitor from using sound equipment for the remainder of the show.
MUSIC, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND OTHER COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS: Each exhibitor is responsible for obtaining all necessary licenses and permits to use music, photographs or other copyrighted material in the exhibitor’s booth or display. No exhibitor will be permitted to play, broadcast or have performed any music or use any other copyrighted material, such as photographs or other artistic works, without first presenting to Marketplace Events proof that the exhibitor has, or does not need, a license to use such music or copyrighted material. Marketplace Events reserves the right to remove from the exhibit all or any part of any booth or display which incorporates music, photographs or other copyrighted material and for which the exhibitor fails to produce proof that the exhibitor holds all required licenses. The exhibitor shall remain liable for all claims, causes of action, suits, damages, liability, expenses and costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, arising from or out of any violation of infringement (or claimed violation or infringement) by exhibitor, exhibitor's age or employees of any patent, copyright or trade secret rights or privileges
First-Time Exhibitor Helpful Information and Tips
CLICK HERE for best practices and tips as a new exhibitor with us! We can't wait to meet you in person.
DECORATOR SERVICES
Booth Furnishings: rental of tables, chairs, booth carpeting, tape for flooring, forklifts, signs, labor, etc.
Show Decorator - GEMS
GEMS is excited to be named the service decorator for the show. Our services include material handling for all freight, forklift service, labor for installation and dismantling, standard and custom furniture rental, carpet and booth cleaning.
Exhibitors are responsible for flooring (required for all booths.) You may supply your own tables and chairs or rent from the show decorator. An advanced purchase discount is offered.
| Jill Zinkus | Email: jill@gemsevents.com | Phone: 214.388.5722 |
The decorator’s office will be open during move-in, show, and move-out. Order what you need well in advance of the show to ensure availability of all needed items and to take advantage of the decorator’s discounted rates. You may call or email to order. Please order directly with them.
You should have received a separate email containing your log in credentials from orders@gemevents.com If you have not received your login information, please be sure to check your junk/spam folder and if you still don't see it, please email jill@gemsevents.com.
Utilities (Electric/Water)
Please complete the form- Utilities Order Form
- Utilities orders will be processed and a payment link sent within the next 1-2 business days after the form is submitted - no orders will be marked complete until payment is received.
- Deadline for advanced pricing is 10 business days before first day of move in. Any orders received after January 9, 2027 will incur a surcharge of $30 plus tax.
Fire, Safety & Security
FIRE REGULATIONS:
- All material used in the construction and decoration of an exhibit must be flame retardant. This includes scenery, backdrops, drapes, table, and dust covers.
- No hazardous material will be permitted in an exhibit.
- A smoke detector with audible alarm and a visible 2A10BC fire extinguisher are required for every unit that has any covering over their booth, regardless of size. Operation of smoke detectors must be verified after installation.
- No vehicles or other apparatus, which has a fuel tank, will be permitted as a display without written permission from show management.
- No smoking is permitted inside Cabarrus Arena
- NO helium, propane or gas containers are allowed in Cabarrus Arena. Helium filled balloons are not allowed to be given out to visitors.
- THE FIRE MARSHALL OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE ANY FINAL DECISION REGARDING THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS.
- NOTE: ALL OF THE ABOVE REGULATIONS ARE REQUIRED UNDER THE FIRE CODES OF THE STATE OF NC
SECURITY
Show Management provides 24 hour security each day during show days. However, neither Show Management nor the Cabarrus Arena is responsible for lost, damaged or stolen articles. We encourage you to take all valuables with you when the show closes each evening. A tarp/sheet covering your booth after show hours goes a long way in securing your belongings.
Most thefts happen during move-in, move-out and within 30 minutes of show closing. Staff your booth accordingly and when the show does close, wait for the attendees to clear out. Report anything of a suspicious nature to Show Management and/or Security. Leads can be followed up to avoid incidents of theft.
Food and Beverage - Sales and Sampling
- Any vendors sampling food & beverage items must also apply for the appropriate licenses/permits from the Cabarrus County Health Alliance. Exhibitors should contact the CHA at 704-920-1000 or www.cabarrushealth.org no later than 30 days before the event to apply.
INSURANCE
The insurance clause is #5 on the Terms and Conditions page of all booth space contracts. For easy reference, exhibitors are required to have:
- Comprehensive General Liability and All Risk Property Insurance
- Coverage must be from the start of move-in to the end of move-out
- Coverage of at least $1,000,000 for each separate occurrence
- Name Marketplace Events LLC and the venue as additional insured
- Provide a copy of the certificate of insurance to MPE upon request
Our shows have all been set up so exhibitors can apply using this link, at Risk-Strategies, Inc. (formerly was Buttine Insurance)
- Exhibitors will have to pick the show from a drop-down list that includes shows other than just those run by MPE.
- Marketplace Events is not selling this insurance and does not profit from it in any way. This is simply a resource for those exhibitors who don't already have the required insurance coverage per their contracts. They do not have to purchase this.
If you have more questions about this insurance you can contact:
Kendra Reilly Monahan
212.867.3642
kmonahan@risk-strategies.com
Additional Insurance Information:
Marketplace Events, the Greater Charlotte Home + Landscape Show and/or the Cabarrus Arena will NOT be responsible for injury to persons nor the loss or damage of products, exhibits, equipment or decorations by fire, accident, theft, or any other cause while in the show building or its environs. As agreed in the contract, exhibitors agree to indemnity and hold harmless Show Management and the Cabarrus Arena against any and all complaints, suits, or liabilities arising out of acts of the exhibitor or his/her representatives, or out of acts within the exhibitor's booth area. Verify with your insurance company if you're uncertain about your coverage. Exhibitors are responsible for damage they cause to the Cabarrus Arena including walls and floors and for labor charges to remove stains or adhesives from the walls or floors. Exhibitors will be billed for such damage with the dollar amount of the damage determined by Cabarrus Arena.
Show Management is insured against public liability and property damage claims arising out of the conduct of the show. This insurance does not cover exhibitors’ property, which is placed on display at the exhibitor’s risk. Every reasonable precaution will be taken to protect exhibitors’ properties but Show Management nor Cabarrus Arena accept responsibility for any losses due to fire, theft, robbery, damage, accident or other causes.Ensure you are adequately insured.
MOVE-IN | MOVE-OUT DAYS AND HOURS
ALL ACCOUNTS MUST BE PAID IN FULL BEFORE YOU MOVE-IN. All exhibitors may move in on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday. Wednesday morning move-in is for bulk exhibitors or by appointment with Show Management approval only.
For safety reasons, no one under the age of 16 is permitted in the halls during move-in/out.
Scheduled Move-In Dates/Time
| Wednesday, January 20, 2027 | 11am-2pm | Bulk Space Exhibitors (20’x20’ or larger) |
| Wednesday, January 20, 2027 | 2pm-6:00pm | All exhibitors may move in |
| Thursday, January 21, 2027 | 8am-7:00pm | All exhibitors may move in (roll up doors shut at 5pm, All vehicles off floor at 5pm on Thursday |
| Friday, January 22, 2027 | 8am-10am | All exhibitors may move in (no vehicles on show floor) |
YOU MUST BE COMPLETELY SET UP BY 12:00PM ON FRIDAY.
General Move-Out Dates/Time
| Sunday January 24, 2027 | 5:01pm - 9:00pm |
| Monday January 25, 2027 | 8:00am - Noon |
YOU MAY BEGIN BREAKING DOWN YOUR BOOTH IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE CLOSE OF THE SHOW; HOWEVER, DRIVE-ON ACCESS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED UNTIL ALL CARPET HAS BEEN ROLLED UP.
You may use your own carts, hand trucks, dollies, etc.
Dismantling your booth prior to show close at 5:00pm on Sunday is strictly prohibited. Your cooperation is appreciated.
EXHIBITOR BADGES
Exhibitor badges are NOT mailed out prior to the show. Badges can be picked up in the Show Office (located before the concessions in main hall – look for signs). Plastic badge holders are provided. Exhibitor badges are required to identify you as an authorized exhibitor. Exhibitors will not be allowed access to the show floor during show days without a badge. Six (6) exhibitor badges are provided for each 100 square feet of space purchased, with a maximum allotment of 24 badges per company. If you have different staff members working your booth on different days, you are encouraged to drop off your badge each night in the Show Office so that your company does not run out of badges during the show.
EXHIBITOR ENTRANCES DURING SHOW HOURS
- During show hours, exhibitors may use the main entrances to the Cabarrus Arena. An exhibitor badge will be required to enter the show floor. The main entrance is for attendees and gets very crowded prior to opening each morning. You will not be allowed to bring in exhibit supplies through this entrance, including hand-carried items.
EXHIBITOR BADGES MAY NOT BE USED AS ADMISSION TICKETS FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS
Each exhibitor will receive 20 complimentary tickets. These will be mailed out approximately three weeks prior to the show. Exhibitors with 400 sq. ft. or more will also be emailed 40 electronic tickets to distribute. Tickets will only be mailed out if your account has been settled in full.
Please contact your show managers, Bruce Evans and Dan DeJaeger for additional tickets: brucee@mpeshows.com, dand@mpeshows.com.
You can also request a customized PROMO CODE valid for unique discount to distribute via email or on social media. Ex: Use promo code AAA Homes for $4 off!
COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE SHOW.
Use your tickets to invite potential customers to the show, as a thank you to good customers or for friends and family.
PARKING
Exhibitor parking is free at the Cabarrus Arena. Exhibitors should park in the lot between the Event Center and warehouse (see picture below). It can fit oversize vehicles and is an open-air lot behind and to the side of the exhibit buildings. There is no cost to park. During move-in, you may park your large commercial trucks and trailers in the front parking lot but we ask that you do not park these vehicles where attendees need to park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during show hours.
SHIPPING INFORMATION
GEMS charges a drayage fee for handling any materials delivered to the Cabarrus Arena. Deliveries without company name and booth number will be declined. Contact GEMS if you are sending shipments ahead of your arrival. Marketplace Events and the Cabarrus Arena are not authorized to accept your shipment.
Delivery address:
Cabarrus Arena & Events Center c/o GEMS
Company Name & Booth # Home & Landscape Show 4
751 US HWY 49
North Concord, NC, 28025
*ALL DELIVERIES COMING TO THE CABARRUS ARENA FOR YOUR COMPANY MUST BE PICKED UP THE SAME DAY AS DELIVERED!
Shipments arriving at show site before the designated move-in date will be refused, rerouted, or held by the facility. Exhibitors are responsible for all related charges incurred at show site and by GEMS. Shipping prior to move in could delay your shipment to your booth. Please follow the outlined shipping guidelines.
Marketing Opportunities
Please contact Show Management to take advantage of our many affordable marketing opportunities that will maximize your investment in the show and drive traffic to your booth. Sponsorship Opportunities are also available; please reach out to our show managers Bruce Evans and Dan DeJaeger for more information: 612-209-4593, brucee@MPEshows.com, dand@MPEshows.com
HAVE A NEW/INNOVATIVE PRODUCT? BE PART OF THE NEW PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT!
Please contact the show team if you are introducing a new product at the show. Your product will be highlighted on the show website, with a small sign at the show, and pitched to the media. This is a great way for added exposure for your business. Complete the submission form - Click Here
ENHANCE YOUR COMPANY’S ONLINE EXHIBITOR LISTING
Maximize your business’s exposure and attract more customers by upgrading your exhibitor listing. As an exhibitor, you have a basic listing live on the website, and now you can Enhance It! This is included in the contracted space cost and is no additional charge.
Within 24 hours, you will receive an automated email providing a link to elevate your listing. This link gives you the flexibility to make updates and changes to your listing as frequently as you like until one day after the show ends. Your listing will stay active for as long as you participate in the show.
If you have any questions regarding the online exhibitor listing or if you do not receive the email with the link, please email our digital coordinator at JenK@mpeshows.com.
For any assistance with your listing, please consult the FAQ section.
We believe this opportunity will greatly benefit your business and we are excited to assist in maximizing your presence at the show. Learn more about the benefits of creating your enhanced listing. - Go from Basic to Enhanced!
Digital Marketing Kit
#LetsGetSocial
Share your show pics or your home reno projects with us.
Hashtags: #CLTHomeShow #CharlotteHomeShows
Including assets mentioning your participation in the show either through your existing email marketing efforts or by adding a small banner to your website is a great, free way to invite potential customers to meet you face-to-face on our show floor.
The 2027 Digital Marketing Kit (which includes social assets, and other digital marketing materials). - COMING SOON
Facebook Event Reminder:
In efforts to protect potential joint customers from fraudulent events and scammers, we request that you do not create your own Facebook Event. This helps us manage ticket sales for the event, and ensures that our team are available to support both exhibitors and potential attendees with any questions, comments, or concerns that they have. Please feel free to reach out to your show manager or show marketing manager with your companies’ Facebook page and we can add you as a co-host to the official event.
Facebook Event for 2027 - COMING SOON
SCAM ALERT FOR EXHIBITORS
There have been a number of spam emails offering our attendee lists. These are scams and the senders are unauthorized to use the Marketplace Events’ name. These scammers are attempting to receive monies from exhibiting companies without providing anything in return. These emails are not approved by Marketplace Events, and Marketplace Events would never ask for bank information or other sensitive information over email.
CLICK HERE for more information.
As per our privacy policy, Marketplace Events is a permission-based email sender. We do not share, rent, or sell any email lists.
LOCAL HOTEL INFORMATION
Below are hotel options in the area of the show venue.
Hampton Inn & Suites Concord Charlotte
9850 Weddington Road Ext.
Concord, NC 28027
Phone: 704-979-5600 | Website | Facebook
Comfort Inn & Suites Kannapolis
Concord 3033 Cloverleaf Parkway
Kannapolis, NC, 28083
Phone: (980) 680-6613 | Website
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charlotte
Concord-I-85 7772
Gateway Lane NW
Concord, NC 28027
Phone: 844-209-0788 | website