Event Rules and Regulations

Age Requirement

Individuals under the age of 18 (including infants) will not be permitted on the exhibit floor during move-in or move-out, regardless of affiliation or circumstances.

Alcoholic Beverages & Outside Food

Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the exhibit hall at any time, except when provided by IPC during the Show Floor Reception.  Outside food is also not allowed in the exhibit hall at any time during move-in, show days and move-out.

Animals

Animals, other than guide, signal or service animals (as defined in State and Local law), are allowed at the Facility only for exhibits, demonstrations, and/or entertainment. Proper permits must be obtained from Orange County Animal Control and permits must be made available for inspection by the ACC. All sanitary needs for permitted animals will be the sole responsibility of the Exhibitor. Sanitary needs for guide, signal, or service animals are the responsibility of the Guest. Orange County Animal Care may be contacted at 714-935-6848.

Badges

Admission will be by official event badge only. 

Code of Conduct

We believe our community should be truly open for everyone. As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, or religion.  And as such, all attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, instructors, attendees, volunteers, media, show contractors and staff are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner before, during and after the event  when communicating with each other to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

  • Be considerate, respectful, and courteous to others.
  • Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory or harassing behavior, materials and speech.
  • Refrain from wearing clothing that is not suitable for a professional work environment, that is provocative, or otherwise potentially offensive.

Unacceptable behavior & materials include, but are not limited to:

  • Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning materials or conduct by any attendees of the event and related event activities.
  • Physical, written, verbal or other abuse, intimidation, threats, annoyance, harassment, stalking, pushing, shoving or use of any physical force whatsoever against any person.  
  • Any boisterous, lewd or offensive behavior or language, including but not limited to using sexually explicit or offensive language, materials or conduct, or any language, behavior or content that contains profanity, obscene gestures, or racial, religious or ethnic slurs.
  • Horseplay, Roughhousing or any other behavior deemed unsafe. 
  • Failure to obey any rules or regulations of the Venue.
  • Falsely identifying yourself by wearing an event badge other than your own.
  • Suitcasing or solicitating event attendees without having a booth at the event.
  • Unethical, illegal or disruptive conduct such as tampering with another party’s exhibit or engaging in corporate espionage.
  • Taking photos of another exhibitor’s booth, products or display without permission.

Consequences of unacceptable behavior
Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.  If any event participant engages in unacceptable behavior, IPC may take any action they deem appropriate, including expulsion from the event without warning or refund.

Unacceptable behavior by exhibitors or exhibitor personnel will also be subject to the following: 

  • Company will be moved to the end of the space selection process for the following year’s event (regardless of the lottery number drawn).
  • Company may be barred from exhibiting altogether for the following year’s event.

All determinations of appropriate or inappropriate behavior are in IPC’s sole discretion and the decision(s) of the IPC representatives on-site will be final.

What to do if you witness or are subjected to unacceptable behavior
All such actions should be reported to IPC Show Management immediately.  All reports will remain completely confidential.

In any emergency situation please call the authorities immediately via the venue’s house phones

Hospitality Policy

For over 60 years, IPC has been consistent in its policy requesting that no one conduct or sponsor hospitality suites at IPC events. Any function that is not part of the “official program” is prohibited. The prohibited functions may include but are not limited to: banquets, breakfasts, luncheons, parties, hospitality suites, meetings, seminars, technical programs, sporting events, social functions or any other program during the event, from the first meeting to the close of the event.

IPC official hotels are obligated, under the IPC contract, to notify IPC of any requests for function space at their property during the IPC APEX EXPO event. They will require an authorization letter from IPC Show Management in accordance with the IPC Hospitality Policy. 

Exhibitor Meetings and Exhibitor Networking Functions must receive prior authorization from IPC Show Management. Authorization for your Meeting or Exhibitor Networking Function must be obtained by completing the Meeting Authorization Form. Occasionally, more information is needed in order to process the authorization, which may cause a delay.

IPC's Media Accreditation Policy

Media accreditation is strictly reserved for members of the professional press (print, photo, radio, television, film, news agencies and online/digital media) who represent a bona fide media organization.

Sales, advertising, public relations and market research staff, business analysts, publishers and technical consultants are not eligible for press credentials.

IPC requires proof of applicant's professional status, including titled business card, publication, and applicant's name listed in an editorial capacity.

Trade and Business Publications
Editorial staff must provide a business card with an editorial title and a current issue's masthead listing their name.

Freelance Writers / Authors
Persons requesting freelance credentials must provide an original letter of assignment and two bylined articles published within the last six months. Those who freelance occasionally and are employed by non-news organizations are not eligible for media credentials. Authors must be under current contract and provide an original letter from their publisher. Freelance authors receiving credentials without subsequent publication will be denied press credentials at IPC's discretion.

Digital Media
Newsmakers from professional digital media/news agencies are admitted at IPC's discretion and must provide proof of direct editorial coverage of the industry or related technology to be considered for eligibility.

Editorial press are invited to apply for press credentials for IPC APEX EXPO. We require proof of applicant's professional status, including titled business card, publication, and applicant's name listed in an editorial capacity. For further information and to apply for a press pass, please contact:

Sandy Gentry
Marketing Communications Director
Phone: +1 847-597-2871
E-mail: SandyGentry@ipc.org

Merchandise Leaving the Show Floor

A business card will be required at the point of exit for any material being removed from the exhibit floor, other than material covered by a bill of lading.

Motorized Vehicles, Scooters and Carts

Recreational motorized/mechanical vehicles and scooters are not allowed within the facility. For safety reasons, motorized carts including Segways, are not allowed in any public areas including the lobby. ADA needs will be accommodated.

Photography and Video Recording

Photography and video recording of any exhibit are not permitted unless authorized by the exhibitor. Show Management, the official show photographer, and accredited members of the news media are exempt from this rule. 

Smoking

The ACC is a non-smoking Facility which includes vaping. Smoking and vaping are not permitted in the courtyards between the exhibit halls, outside on ACC North/Katella Terrace balconies or east balconies located on the 2nd and 3rd Levels.

Suitcasing Policy

IPC does not permit solicitation from non-exhibiting companies. Any individual that is observed participating in activities to solicit or sell products to event attendees or exhibitors without having a booth at the event (which is known as suitcasing) will be asked to leave immediately and will be banned from attending or exhibiting at IPC APEX EXPO for one year for the first offense and five years for the second offense. Please report suitcasing activities to IPC Show Management immediately.