Booth Design and Construction

Booth Design and Construction Quick Links

Floor Covering Policies

All exhibitor floor spaces must be carpeted or covered with AUA approved material (unfinished floors in booths are not allowed). Exhibits cannot extend beyond their leased dimensions into aisles, air spaces above aisles, or above other exhibit booths. It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to order carpet or floor covering; if not, carpet will be installed at the exhibitor’s expense.

Show Management shall have absolute authority to interpret, amend and enforce all Annual Meeting policies and rules regarding exhibits.

Clean Floor Policy

Due to the volume of crates at the AUA Annual Meeting, a Clean Floor Policy will be enforced for AUA2027. Any Exhibitor larger than 1,000 sq ft will be required to tag all crates for removal from the show floor by 8 p.m., on Wednesday, May 19, 2027. This rule is intended to assist our vendors in a successful opening and to provide ease of move-in for exhibitors with a later move-in time.

More information regarding our clean floor policy is available in the GES Exhibitor Service Kit.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Each Exhibitor shall have the sole responsibility for ensuring that its Exhibit Space is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any regulations under that Act. Exhibitor acknowledges and agrees that, in connection with the Show, it will be a public accommodation as defined under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"). As a public accommodation, Exhibitor agrees that in connection with the Show, Exhibitor will: (i) provide, at its expense, any auxiliary aids and services as may be necessary to ensure effective communication with Exhibitor by attendees of the Show; (ii) assure, at its expense, that displays posted at or on Exhibitor’s booth(s) are accessible to individuals with disabilities; and (iii) not discriminate or retaliate against any individual in violation of the ADA.

In-Lines

In-line booths have a maximum of three sides exposed to an aisle and are generally arranged in a series along a straight line.

The back side of in-line booths will be bordered by drape that is eight feet (8') high. The backwall height of an in-line booth may not exceed eight feet three inches (8'3") including a sign and no booth display item or feature may exceed eight feet three inches (8'3") in height.

In-line Booth Design Rules

• No exhibit materials in the front five-foot (5') portion of the booth may exceed the height of four feet (4') (see Diagram A) to maintain clear visibility from one booth into the next.
• Signs or any exhibit material hanging above in-line booths are prohibited.
• Hard wall enclosed spaces require a UL approved battery-operated smoke detector and at least one mounted 2-A 40BC fire extinguisher. Enclosed spaces over 200 square feet in size require a minimum of two (2) exit doors.
• When three or more in-line booths are used in combination as a single exhibit booth, the four-foot (4') height limitation is applied only to that portion of the exhibit booth which is ten feet (10') from an adjoining booth or aisle – see Diagram B.
• There is no longer a 2’ setback limitation for tructures and counters in all booth configurations.
• Exhibitors with in-line booths using any type of audio-visual system must submit design plans to the AUA for approval no later than Wednesday, April 14, 2027 via the Booth Design Review Form.
• Submission of booth designs for in-line and corner booths to the AUA is not mandatory if not utilizing audio-visual equipment. However, if components of your booth are unique or require special consideration, the AUA encourages you to submit a drawing, showing scaled elevation, no later than Wednesday, April 14, 2027 via the Booth Design Review Form.

If not pre-approved, the AUA reserves the right to require adjustments or alterations on-site.

Note: Regardless of the number of linear booths utilized, (e.g. 10' by 20', 10' by 30', 10' by 40', etc..) display materials should be arranged in such a manner as not to obstruct sight lines of neighboring exhibitors and located away from the edge of aisle for the safety of attendees and/or those walking in the aisles. – See Diagram B.

Corners

A corner booth is an in-line booth exposed to aisles on two sides (or three sides). All in-line booth rules (as stated above) apply to corner booths.

Endcaps & Peninsulas

These types of booth configurations are not allowed at the 2027 AUA Annual Meeting.

Islands

An island booth is defined as 20'x20' or larger with aisles on all four sides.

Island Booth Design Rules

Booth designs, showing scaled elevations from two perpendicular aisles and a plan view, with audio visual presentation plans included, must be submitted to the AUA for pre-approval via the Booth Design Review Form by Wednesday, April 14, 2027. Multi-level or Covered Booth designs must be approved no later than Wednesday, March 31, 2027, by the AUA.

NEW: The submitted design must be for the exhibitor’s AUA2027 booth and must be identified as such on the design drawings. Variances and booth design approvals from prior years are no longer valid.

Booth designs must comply with the Island Booth Design Rules, must be submitted for approval on or before the posted deadline, and must receive written approval from AUA Operations. Any exhibitor who is required to submit a booth design and has not received approval from AUA Operations for AUA2027 may be barred from load-in or installation onsite.

Any booth whose design has been approved must construct the booth in accordance with the approved design; any booth constructed onsite with an unapproved variance may (a) be required to alter their booth as installed or (b) be required to dismantle and repack their booth materials for removal, at the discretion of AUA Operations. Both consequences will also result in loss of priority points at the discretion of Show Management.  Such judgments are final and unappealable and will not be eligible for any refund of exhibit space or vendor fees. 

• Island booths are to be constructed to allow a five foot (5’) wide access path (egress) into the booth from all sides (aisles).
• Demonstration/theater areas must be set a minimum of five feet (5’) into the booth from any aisle, including seating, to prevent congestion in the The elimination of aisle congestion must also be factored into the design of video screen presentations, as attendees will not be permitted to stand in the aisles while viewing booth demonstrations. GES can provide hanging sign services that do not fall under the motor and lighting category.
• Exhibits with raised flooring in exhibit booths are required to comply with ADA regulation 303.
• The highest point of an exhibitor’s ground-supported booth display may not extend more than sixteen feet (16’) from the floor to the top of the
• Hanging signs should not exceed twenty-five feet (25’) from the floor to the top of the The AUA reserves the right to moderate line-of-sight between the top of a structure and the bottom of a sign.
• Suspended truss or rigging hardware used to support signs or lighting is not considered part of the booth and is not factored into the maximum booth
• Hard wall enclosed spaces within a booth require an UL approved battery-operated smoke detector and at least one mounted 2-A 40BC fire Enclosed spaces over 200 square feet in size require a minimum of two (2) exit doors.
• GES is the exclusive provider for hanging sign services and motorized signage (truss and motor) and lighting at the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC).
• There is no longer a 2' setback limitation for all booth configurations for structures and counters.

Island booths utilizing an area within their exhibit space to showcase medical affairs content are not exempt from these rules.

Perimeters and Perimeter Booth Design Rules

A perimeter booth is an in-line booth that backs to a facility wall, not to another booth or space within the S&T Hall.

Display height can be twelve feet (12') and extend from the rear borderline of the booth into the booth no more than five feet (5') (See Diagram C). All other in-line booth rules (as stated above) apply to perimeter booths.

Audio-Visual/Interactive Design Rules

• Exhibitors with island booths must include audio-visual plans with their island booth designs.
• Exhibitors with in-line booths using any type of audio-visual system must submit design plans to the AUA for approval no later than Wednesday, April 14, 2027.
• Exhibitors conducting demonstrations or using any type of audio-visual equipment must provide adequate seating or standing space in the booth to prevent aisle congestion (See Diagram J). Demonstrations and/or demonstration areas must be set a minimum of five feet (5’) from the edge of the booth to prevent congestion in the aisles.
• Audio equipment must be positioned to face the inside of the booth and sound must be directed into the booth. Monitors for videotapes and films, presentations or any other visual system may be used, provided they are placed at least five feet (5’) from the edge of the booth to prevent congestion in the aisles. Large video reproduction or digital information display screens should be positioned in such a way as to preclude viewing solely from aisles surrounding the booth.
• Sound volume must not exceed 55 decibels outside the booth. Show management recommends the use of headphones if this decibel limit cannot be maintained.
• If using a microphone, exhibitors are responsible for maintaining frequency emissions at the Show to within their booth. Exhibitors with equipment radiating radio frequency interference beyond the boundaries of their booth are subject to disconnection of the equipment by Show Management.
• At the discretion of the AUA, those companies determined to be in violation of the demonstration and/or audio-visual rule will be asked to reduce the sound level and/or to direct attendees within the parameters of the booth. After the first warning, if the sound level remains unchanged and/or aisle congestion persists, then electricity in the booth will be disconnected and the presentation terminated.

Retail Sales Booth Design Rules

• Any booth involved in retail sales shall submit booth designs for pre-approval by the AUA before Wednesday, April 14, 2027 via the Booth Design Review Form.
• Design plans must include vehicle staging, hanging signs, rigging components, enclosed spaces, and any audio-visual systems (theaters, video screens, audio systems, etc.) included in the booth. Design plans must be drawn to scale, indicating the scale used. All exhibit components and their dimensions must be included, including a scaled elevation drawing. Plans must clearly illustrate the exhibitor's adherence to all audio-visual, demonstration, and presentation rules and regulations, as well as the "transparency" concept. See Booth Diagrams for additional information.
• All decisions concerning booth design by Show Management will be binding upon the exhibitor and are final.
• All exhibitors should have plans to prevent congesting the aisles and disrupting neighboring exhibits. All attendees visiting booths should be inside booth boundaries at all times. Rope and stanchion to form orderly waiting lines inside exhibitor booth space are required for large gatherings and will be ordered and installed, if necessary, at the exhibitor's expense. Attendee congestion in the aisles outside a booth is an indicator of the need for a larger booth, which may be required by the AUA for the exhibitor to participate in future AUA exhibitions.
• The exhibitor and its representatives shall not congregate or solicit, trade or conduct business in the aisles of the S&T Hall, other exhibitor's exhibit space or in any other areas of the Show building, other than their leased booth space. Violators of this rule are subject to immediate removal from the Show and forfeiture of show badges.

Note: The AUA reserves the right to prohibit and/or suspend the installation of exhibits or displays without written advance booth design approval and retail sales approval (prior to Wednesday, April 14, 2027). The AUA also reserves the right to close retail booths if surrounding booths are disrupted by cash sales activity or at the discretion of AUA Show Management.

Booth Setup & Labor

Move In

A targeted move-in schedule for AUA2027 will be developed and distributed in the online Exhibitor Service Kit in November 2026. Exhibitor booth installation times (targeted and general) are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 18 through Thursday, May 20, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Installation of all exhibits must be completed by 5 p.m. Thursday, May 20.

In the event that an Exhibiting Company has not arrived on the exhibit floor by 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 20, 2027, and has not been granted pre-approval for late set-up, the AUA reserves the right to use the vacant exhibit space as it sees fit, with no obligation to issue a refund. Any exhibit materials, either in the vacant booth or on the loading dock, for that exhibit space, will be placed in storage at the exhibitor’s expense. Substitute booth space (if available) will be provided at the discretion of the AUA. The exhibitor is responsible for all fees associated with removing freight from storage property from SDCC and the Show. Such exhibitor shall not be entitled to a refund of any payment.

Show Hours

The hours of the S&T Hall are below:

NEW: Please note the new hours on Saturday, and the new closing time on Sunday.

Move Out

Dismantling and packing of exhibits will not be permitted before 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 23, 2027. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in the forfeiture of priority points earned at the Show. All exhibitors must be completely dismantled and packed, all appropriate shipping paperwork filed at the GES Service Desk and carriers called by Noon on Monday, May 24, 2027. It is the exhibitor's responsibility to arrange for exhibit material shipment, installation and return shipment. Any freight left on the exhibit floor without proper documentation after Monday, May 24, 2027, will be shipped via GES at the exhibitor's expense.

Exhibitor Services Kit

The Exhibitor Services Kit will be available online beginning in November 2026. This comprehensive manual provides you with complete information on all contractor services, registration, housing, lead retrieval, labor and more.

Contractors, Facility, and Labor

Booth Labor

GLOBAL EXPERIENCE SPECIALISTS (GES), the AUA General Services Contractor, and qualified display contractors (Exhibitor Appointed Contractors) at the SDCC will use unionized labor to install and dismantle displays and decorations. GES is the exclusive provider for rigging and hanging sign services, electrical, plumbing, and air compression services, Smart City is the exclusive provider for internet, and the San Diego Convention Center is the exclusive provider for cleaning on the Show Floor. S&T Hall labor must wear appropriate show badges or wristbands, possess company photo identification, Union identification and register through AUA security in order to enter the halls. Labor will be required to report to a specific access area of the San Diego Convention Center before work can be started. All Exhibitor Appointed Contractors must comply with the San Diego Convention Center’s contractor security regulations, as well as AUA security regulations.

For more labor information, contact GES at the GES National Service Center at 1-800-801-7648.

For security and access questions, contact Siena Manoogian at operations@AUAnet.org or 410-689-3728.

Labor Disputes – Closing of Exhibits

If the exhibitor or their Exhibitor Appointed Contractor (EAC), affiliates, agents or other contractors is the subject of a labor or similar dispute resulting in picketing or overt demonstration in or near the Show building or is involved in any way with the organizing of labor or the aggravation of labor to cause disruption to the Show, the AUA reserves the right to terminate the Contract for exhibit privileges forthwith, close the exhibit and remove the exhibitor's property from the exhibit space.

Exhibitor and Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Insurance Requirements

Insurance

Exhibitors and their agents and contractors shall, at their sole cost and expense, procure and maintain insurance to protect all parties against bodily injury and property damage claims arising from Exhibitor’s participation in the Show, including but not limited to worker’s compensation, as required by the State of California and United States statutes, and commercial general liability insurance. Such policies shall provide coverage for all risks, including earthquake, flood, and theft. Insurance carriers for this insurance shall have no less than an “A-Class VIII rating” according to A.M. Best’s rating and shall be authorized to do business in the State of California. Said insurance coverage shall be in effect from the first day of the Exhibitor Move-in Period to the last day of the Exhibitor Move-out Period. This insurance shall not be canceled prior to the termination date of insured’s contract with the AUA or until after thirty (30) days prior written notice has been given to the AUA. It is agreed that any insurance maintained by the American Urological Association (AUA), its affiliates (the American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. (AUAER) and the Urology Care Foundation, Inc. (Foundation)), Global Experience Specialists (GES), San Diego Convention Center Corporation, Inc., the City of San Diego, and San Diego Unified Port District, (and their parent company, affiliates, subsidiaries, successors and assigns), and their respective members, officers, directors, agents and employees shall apply (if at all) in excess of, and not contribute with, coverage provided by the Exhibitor or any of its agents, contractors or representatives.

The following policies are required:

• Commercial General Liability: Liability (comprehensive) policy with coverage as broad as ISO CG0001 in the occurrence form providing coverage against claims for bodily injury or death and property damage occurring in or upon or resulting from Exhibitor’s use or occupancy of the Facilities. Such insurance shall be primary and not require contribution from any of the additional insureds other insurance coverages, and shall afford immediate defense and indemnification, as named additional insureds, the American Urological Association (AUA), its affiliates (American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. (AUAER) and the Urology Care Foundation, Inc. (Foundation)), Global Experience Specialists (GES), San Diego Convention Center Corporation, Inc., the City of San Diego, and San Diego Unified Port District, (and their parent company, affiliates, subsidiaries, successors and assigns), and their respective members, officers, directors, agents and employees to the limit of not less than TWO MILLION DOLLARS ($2,000,000.00) per occurrence, or by the addition to a limit of not less than ONE MILLION DOLLARS ($1,000,000.00) policy meeting the above-stated requirements of an umbrella policy of not less than ONE MILLION DOLLARS ($1,000,000.00). And;
• Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Insurance as required by law that will protect the American Urological Association (AUA), its affiliates (American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. (AUAER) and the Urology Care Foundation, Inc. (Foundation)), Global Experience Specialists (GES), San Diego Convention Center Corporation, Inc., the City of San Diego, and San Diego Unified Port District, (and their parent company, affiliates, subsidiaries, successors and assigns), and their respective members, officers, directors, agents and employees from claims under any governing State or Federal acts. And;
• Commercial Automobile Liability: For owned vehicles other than private passenger Automobiles, Commercial Automobile Liability (providing scope of coverage equivalent to ISO policy form CA 0001) with limits of not less than ONE MILLION DOLLARS ($1,000,000.00) for bodily injury and property damage, in combined or equivalent split limits, for each single accident. Insurance shall cover liability arising out of LICENSEE’s use of vehicles in connection with this Agreement, including owned, leased, hired, and/or non-owned autos, as each may be applicable.  Exhibitor may satisfy this insurance requirement through a combination of umbrella and Automobile Liability insurance. And;
• Fire: Legal Liability of no less than $100,000
• Additional Insured: the Commercial General Liability (comprehensive) policy described above shall include the following additional insured endorsement language: “American Urological Association (AUA), its affiliates (American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. (AUAER) and the Urology Care Foundation, Inc. (Foundation)), Global Experience Specialists (GES), San Diego Convention Center Corporation, Inc., the City of San Diego, and San Diego Unified Port District, (and their parent company, affiliates, subsidiaries, successors and assigns), and their respective members, officers, directors, agents and employees of each of these above mentioned organizations and entities shall be named as Additional Insureds.”

Certificate of Insurance

NEW: Exhibitor Appointed Contractors (EAC) are required to procure and submit proof of insurance to GES through the Exhibitor Service Manual no later than Wednesday, April 14, 2027. No EAC will be allowed to work at the Show without compliant and approved insurance coverage and appropriate documentation. The specific EAC limits required by GES can be found in the Exhibitor Service Manual. No EAC will be allowed to work at the Show without approved insurance coverage and appropriate documentation. Coverage is required from the dates of move-in until move-out.

Exhibitors should also have insurance coverage for the entirety of the move in and move out of the Show. They should be able to provide proof of insurance upon request of AUA at any time. Failure to provide AUA with insurance could lead to the immediate removal of the booth from the show floor.

Exhibitors can obtain a Certificate of Insurance for their Workers’ Compensation policy from their insurance agent. International exhibitors that do not have a Workers Compensation policy are to provide a Certificate of Insurance, or similar documentation of coverage for employee injuries, to the AUA.

Indemnification

Exhibitors and their agents and contractors shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the American Urological Association (AUA), its affiliates (the American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. (AUAER) and the Urology Care Foundation, Inc. (Foundation)), Global Experience Specialists (GES), the San Diego Convention Center Corporation, Inc., the City of San Diego and San Diego Unified Port District, and their parent company, affiliates, subsidiaries, successors and assigns, and their respective members, officers, directors, agents and employees (also referred to as "INDEMNIFIED PARTIES") from and against any and all claims, demands, suits, liability, damages, loss, costs, attorneys’ fees and expenses of whatever kind or nature, which result from, arise out of, or are connected with any acts, or failures to act, of the Exhibitor, or any of its officers, agents, employees, invitees or other representatives, including, but not limited to, claims of damage or loss resulting from the breach of Show Terms, Conditions or Rules, or damage of any kind or nature arising out of or in connection with the Exhibitor’s use and/ or occupancy of Exhibit Space, and claims of damage or loss to any third party resulting from any infringement of a copyright or patent or the unauthorized use of a registered trademark or from failure to comply with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or other privacy regulations. The Exhibitor is responsible and accountable for the actions of its staff and any appointed contractor or vendor.

Waiver of Liability

NEITHER THE AMERICAN UROLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, INC.,  NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES (THE AMERICAN UROLOGICAL ASSOCIATION EDUCATION AND RESEARCH, INC., (AUAER) AND THE  UROLOGY CARE FOUNDATION, INC., (UCF)), OR THEIR MEMBERS, OFFICERS, AGENTS, OR EMPLOYEES, NOR GLOBAL EXPERIENCE SPECIALISTS (GES), NOR SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER CORPORATION, INC., NOR THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO, NOR SAND DIEGO UNIFIED PORT DISTRICT,  SHALL BE HELD LIABLE FOR, AND ALL ARE RELEASED FROM LIABILITY FOR, ANY DAMAGE, LOSS, HARM OR INJURY TO THE PERSON OR PROPERTY OF THE EXHIBITOR OR ANY OF ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVES, RESULTING FROM THEFT, FIRE,WATER, ACCIDENT OR ANY OTHER CAUSE.

The full WAIVER OF LIABILITY requirements are posted under “Insurance” in this document and in the AUA2027 Application for a Contract for Exhibit Space Terms & Conditions

Official Vendors

View AUA2027 Official Vendors

Booth Diagrams

Facility Rules & Ordering

Cleaning Services

The AUA will provide cleaning service for all aisles. Cleaning service for individual booths should be ordered through the San Diego Convention Center as the exclusive service provider for all vacuuming and porter services at the SDCC. Booths must be kept clean during exhibit hours. Debris must not be allowed to collect on the floor or display area. Exhibitors serving food and/or beverages must have adequate trash receptacles and porter/cleaning personnel to keep their activity from interfering with neighboring booths. AUA reserves the right to order cleaning services at the exhibitor's expense for a booth not in good order. Additional information will be supplied in the Exhibitor Services Kit.

Freight/Material Handling

Access to the loading docks will be controlled by GES to provide and maintain a safe and efficient move-in and move-out schedule. GES will provide and operate all material handling equipment with appropriate labor within the convention center to move freight to and from trucks to the exhibit booths. All unloading, reloading and handling of empty containers will be performed by GES labor.

Exhibitors delivering booth components with a Personally Operated Vehicle (POV) must check in at the marshaling yard to obtain a POV dock pass. Drivers will display the GES distributed POV dock pass to San Diego Convention Center security at the loading dock access check point and will be directed to their designated unloading area. GES will have equipment and personnel available to assist exhibitors to keep the loading and unloading of freight orderly and on schedule. An exhibitor may move materials that can be carried by hand, by one person on one trip, without the use of dollies, hand trucks, or other mechanical equipment.

Electricity and Plumbing

Electricity and plumbing in the Science & Technology Hall is exclusively supplied by GES at the San Diego Convention Center. Additional information for ordering these services will be supplied in the online Exhibitor Services Kit.

Exhibit Rigging and Hanging Signs

GES is the exclusive provider for motorized signage, lighting, and hanging sign services. Electrical service for hanging sign motors is not included in the rigging costs and must be ordered separately. Be sure to include overhead service when placing your electrical order.

Rigging of exhibit components, trusses, and hanging signs are only allowed above island booths.

No hanging or rigging components can exceed the outer boundaries of the exhibit booth’s perimeter or the safe loading of the facility ceiling.

Booth rigging components, including truss, lighting and signs, must conform to the rules, regulations and facility limitations of the San Diego Convention Center and the AUA.

Security

Security will be stationed in the S&T Hall from Monday, May 17 through Tuesday, May 25, to provide general security for the overall exhibit area. Security will be stationed in the Business Suite Hall from Tuesday, May 18 to Tuesday, May 25.

Exhibitors, however, are responsible for safeguarding their material and equipment against theft. The AUA, GES and the San Diego Convention Center are not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to exhibitor property.

Gratuities

GES and the SDCC request that exhibitors refrain from tipping their employees. Work rules prohibit the solicitation and/or acceptance of tips at San Diego Convention Center.

Any discourtesies or attempts to imply that service will be expedited by tipping should be reported immediately to GES or Show Management.