49th Annual SAI Conference & Exhibits
Aug. 7, 2024
Community Choice Convention Center
833 5th Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309
If you're shipping items, use 730 3rd Ave. as the address.
Invitations to exhibit will be emailed in late February.
Exhibits are an extremely important part of our SAI Conference. We are pleased that your company can join us this year.
Below are answers to exhibitors' frequently asked questions. For additional information, please contact Megan Mertes at SAI.
Exhibit setup and hours
- Setup - Tuesday, August 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exhibitors may enter the exhibit hall as early as 6:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 7. Have your exhibit booth ready when exhibits open at 8 a.m. Wednesday.
- Exhibits open - Wednesday, August 6, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Teardown and move-out - Wednesday, August 7, after 3:30 p.m.
Exhibitor check-in and assistance
For further information upon arrival, please see the SAI exhibitor registration booth in Exhibit Hall A. This booth will be open Tuesday, August 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday, August 7 from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Entrance to the Exhibit Hall is by name badge only.
What’s included with your booth?
SAI provides an 8’ x 10’ booth with back and side curtains and one 7” x 44” identification sign with your company name.
Not included are tables, chairs, or any additional furnishings. You are welcome to bring your own booth furnishings or order them. (See “Terms, Conditions and Regulations”). Freeman is the official decorator for this year’s convention. You may use this link for the online exhibitor kit to order any furnishings. They will also email information to you no later than the last week in June. Information on shipping display materials in advance will be included in the email. If you have any questions on booth decorations or shipping, contact Freeman, 888-508-5054.
Ordering electrical, water and telephone service
The Convention Center exclusively handles all utility services. Fees for these services and request forms are included in the Freeman information packet. You may order directly online.
Loading and unloading (subject to change)
We urge exhibitors to plan enough time to load and unload. The dock is located on the west side of the Convention Center off 5th Avenue on Center Street (facility overview and map). Exhibitors are allowed to park in the dock only during unloading and loading. An attendant will monitor the dock. Please do not leave your vehicle unattended for more than 10 minutes to ensure the most efficient unloading and loading for all exhibitors.
Parking
Parking is available north of the Convention Center with entrances off the following streets: Third, Fifth and Crocker (see map). Iowa Events Center surface lots offer the closest and most convenient access to the facility and easy access to I-235 and other major routes after the event. ADA-accessible parking is available by entering the lot south of Crocker Street, next to the Convention Center.
Emergency telephone
If someone has an urgent need to reach you while you are in the Exhibit Hall, the individual may leave a message at 515-564-8000. Please indicate that you’re trying to reach an exhibitor affiliated with the SAI Conference. The message will be delivered to your booth as soon as possible.
Security
The Iowa Events Center has a 24-hour, onsite security command center that provides security over the entire complex; however, we urge you to close up and put away anything of value when you leave your booth at night.
Attracting exhibit hall traffic
Over 90 percent of the more than 1,400 registrants report that they visit the exhibits. The most successful exhibitors find that it helps to have something to attract people to their booths. Promotional giveaways, drawings for door prizes, an interactive display and a comfortable place to sit are all attention-getters.
Drawings and door prizes
You are welcome to conduct door prize drawings from your booth. It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to notify and distribute prizes to your winners.
Food and beverage samples
Exhibitors may distribute food and beverage samples upon written authorization from the Iowa Events Center. Descriptions of sample and portion size must be submitted for written approval by July 24, 2024, using this form. Handwashing stations are required for all food and beverage samples.
SAI drawing
SAI will again have a special drawing — and we need your assistance. More details to come on how the drawing will be conducted. One winning entry will be drawn at Thursday’s second General Session.
Selling and order-taking
You may sell and take orders from your exhibit booth, providing that the items sold are either (a) principal to the purpose of the show or (b) directly related to your business.
Use of SAI name and logo
Exhibitors may not sell, lease, display or otherwise utilize any goods or services bearing the name School Administrators of Iowa, SAI or any facsimile of any such name, nor may they use the logo of SAI without the prior written consent of SAI.
