DAMAGES

The Customer is responsible for all damages, except normal wear and tear. For accuracy in billing, SFCC representatives and show management should inspect all leased space prior to move-in and during move-out to determine existing conditions. You will be informed of all damages, which occur, after your event with written reports and photographs as soon as they are documented. A final walk-through will take place at the conclusion of your event.

DECORATIONS

The method and location of special installations must be approved in advance by SFCC management. Final approval will be determined after consideration of other building tenants occupying the space at the same time. It's just our way of making sure everybody has a successful, safe and cost-effective event.

Decoration guidelines include the following:

• No one may tape, nail, tack or otherwise fasten to ceilings, painted surfaces, columns, walls, finished floors or windows decorations of any kind.
• Decorations may not block doors, fire extinguishers, sprinklers, emergency equipment signage, emergency exits or lighting systems.
• Permanent installations in common spaces, such as telephone banks, information kiosks, and ATM machines may not be blocked.
• All decorating materials must be constructed of flameproof material or treated with an approved fire retardant solution. Spot testing may be performed by the Sioux Falls Fire Marshal.
• No one may use adhesive-backed decals or stickers nor may they be distributed anywhere on the premises.
• Glitter and confetti may not be used in carpeted areas of the building.
• Only SFCC personnel may move planters, lobby furniture, and other SFCC equipment in the public areas.
• Distribution of helium balloons in the SFCC is not allowed. If helium balloons become detached from a display, the labor cost to retrieve the balloons will be charged to the Customer (which helps hold down labor costs for everybody). For safety reasons, compressed gas cylinders used to inflate balloons must be properly secured to prevent toppling and removed from the hall before the guests enter.
• All pools, decorative fountains, etc. must be waterproofed and may be tested by SFCC Engineering prior to installation.
• Show management will be responsible for removal and clean up of any dirt, bark, mulch or similar materials used for decorating purposes.

FIRST AID

The SFCC recognizes that the safety, health and well being of events center guests are our top priority. To deal effectively with emergency situations and protect public safety, First Aid services may be required. The SFCC reserves the right to provide all necessary First Aid personnel. First Aid will be billed on your final settlement at prevailing rates.

EQUIPMENT INVENTORY

For your convenience, SFCC equipment such as tables, chairs, staging, etc. is available on a first-call basis as available in current inventory.

*Rates and Conditions subject to change

EVENT ESTIMATES & RESUMES

For your clarification, our Event Manager will provide an Estimate and Detailed Event Resume prior to your event. You will be asked to sign the Estimate and Event Resume, and agree to the charges prior to your event.

EVENT FLOOR PLAN APPROVAL PROCESS

We truly believe in providing the highest quality of customer service. That's why we have organized a system that makes it as easy as possible (not to mention as efficient and accurate as possible) for you to obtain approval of your floor plan.

1. One (1) copy of the proposed event floor plan must be submitted to the SFCC Event Management Department for review and approval at least 60 days prior to the first show day. The plans should be no smaller than 8 " x 11". The SFCC staff will work with you to develop your finalized floor plan.

2. After SFCC Management review and approval, the Event Management Department will forward plans to the Fire Marshal for review and approval.

3. After Fire Marshal review and approval, the Event Manager will return a stamped and approved set of plans to show management and to the official service contractor. The review process generally takes between three and four weeks.

4. Floor plans must have an official signed and stamped Approval from both SFCC Management and the Fire Marshal, and should not be published without this stamped Approval.

5. The Fire Marshal approval of a floor plan is conditional. The final approval is given after an on-site inspection by field inspectors.

6. The Fire Marshal will not accept floor plans for events at the SFCC that are directly submitted by show management. The Fire Marshal will only accept floor plans that have been approved by SFCC Management. The Fire Marshal will not meet with show management or service contractor representatives unless SFCC representatives arrange the conference.

7. If the final floor plan is different from the initially approved floor plan, it must be re-submitted, processed and approved before the first day of move-in.

8. All floor plans should clearly show the following:

• Name and date of the event
• Name of the area in use (e.g., Hall A)
• Official service contractor
• Date of initial drawing and all revisions
• Labeled location of all exits
• Dimensions of all aisle widths
• Lobby and other public access layouts
• All contractor storage areas that will be maintained as on-site storage during exhibition hours.

EVENT MANAGER

For your convenience and to assure the highest quality of service, The SFCC will assign an Event Manager to coordinate your event. Your Event Manager will provide the most professional, efficient and courteous service you have ever experienced.

Your Event Manager will:

• Contact you following execution of your license agreement.
• Be your primary SFCC liaison before, during and after your event.
• Be responsible for gathering all event information and disseminating that information to all SFCC departments.
• Generate an Estimate and Event Resume for your review and approval no later than 4 weeks prior to your event.

EVENT PERSONNEL

The Center is committed to providing first-class customer service, maximum safety and effective cost controls. So we insist that show managers, exhibitors, and service contractors be responsible for the conduct of their employees, subcontractors, and subcontractors' employees. Persons not in compliance with Center policy may be removed permanently and barred from reentry to the SFCC. This includes the following:

• Some areas of the Center are off limits to all personnel except authorized Center personnel and are marked as such. Unauthorized personnel found in restricted areas will be reported to the appropriate employer and may be subject to permanent dismissal from the SFCC.
• Profane language and disorderly conduct are not permitted at any time.
• The use of alcoholic beverages in the workplace is strictly prohibited. The use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited at all times.
• Cost of repair to any damages to the SFCC's equipment that may be caused by their employees.
• The SFCC is a smoke free environment.

To maintain security, all event personnel including show and service contractor staff, exhibitor-appointed contract staff, temporary help, exhibitors and other workers affiliated with an event must enter and leave the SFCC through the entrances and exits designated by SFCC management and show management. (Show I.D.)

EVENT-RELATED EQUIPMENT

As a courtesy to those holding the next event, each licensee is responsible to ensure the removal of any of its property, equipment, signs and props from the building at the end of the licensed period. If not, the SFCC may (and probably will) exercise the option to discard all such items.

EXHIBITOR LIST AND KITS

To get the most out of our services, an exhibitor list and sample kit should be supplied to your assigned Event Manager sixty (60) days prior to the event. The SFCC service order forms (electrical, water, drain, compressed air, and telecommunications) are available and should be included in the exhibitor kit provided to Exhibitors by Show Management.

FLOOR DRILLING

Floor drilling is prohibited. (Wall and ceiling drilling are also prohibited.)

FOG/SMOKE MACHINES

For public safety, fog/smoke machine usage is restricted to water-based chemicals. Approval must be obtained from the SFCC.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

For obvious public health reasons and quality control, food and beverage services-including breakfasts, lunches and dinners-- are provided by our exclusive catering department, Ovations. Ovations can provide banquet service, snacks, luncheons, beverage service and concessions. No outside food/beverage is allowed in the SFCC.

FOOD SAMPLES

Food and beverage samples must not be greater than 3 oz. and must be manufactured, processed or distributed by the exhibiting firm and must be related to participation in the event.

For public health reasons, restrooms, concession stands and/or facility kitchens may not be used as exhibitor clean-up areas. Costs associated with the disposal of trash, waste, grease, etc. from exhibitor sampling are the responsibility of the Client. Securing of all necessary licenses, permits, etc. is the responsibility of the exhibitor.

Exhibitors are responsible for complying with all Minnehaha County Health Department regulations regarding food sampling, storage, equipment, temperature, etc. If they are not in compliance or do not obtain the proper permits, the Health Department can shut down their booth.

FOOD SHOWS

The Client is responsible for making arrangements to provide exhibitors with food waste containers. The container should be accessible for the exhibitors to use on a daily basis.
All food waste products should be contained in plastic bags, tied and disposed in the waste container. Food waste will be dumped on a daily basis.

GUEST SERVICES

The SFCC provides an added value of highly trained staff to assist the customer with their event. Therefore, SFCC requires the use of its employees to be paid for by the Customer at the prevailing rate for the following categories: Security guards, First Aid, ticket sellers, ticket takers, ushers, and other similar categories of personnel. Determination of the number of personnel and the hours worked by the various categories shall be at the discretion of SFCC Management after consultation with the Customer. Fortunately, we already have trained employees familiar with our facility for emergencies and a high level of quality customer service.

All other persons employed by the Customer or affiliated with any event that takes place in the SFCC shall be the responsibility of the Customer. Event personnel rates are outlined on a separate rate schedule.

HANGING SIGNS

Fire safety laws demand that all electrical and neon signs must conform to national electrical codes and are required by the SFCC. The SFCC graphic, signs or advertising displays may not be blocked in any manner. During move-out following the event, all wires, hooks, screws and hanging materials used to hang signs must be removed. (See also Banners/Signage)

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS LABELING

For the safety of the public and all employees, OSHA requires that all containers of hazardous materials be labeled with the identity of the hazardous materials contained therein and appropriate hazard warnings. Exhibitors displaying or using hazardous chemicals must submit material Safety Data Sheets and manifests to the SFCC no less than (60) Days prior to move-in.

HELIUM BALLOONS

Distribution of helium balloons in the SFCC is not allowed. If helium balloons become detached from a display, the labor cost to retrieve the balloons will be charged to the Customer (which helps hold down labor costs for everybody). For safety reasons, compressed gas cylinders used to inflate balloons must be properly secured to prevent toppling and must be removed from the hall before the guests enter.

INSURANCE

For the protection of the Customer and the facility, the General Manager or his/her designee reserves the right to cancel the event upon failure of show management to provide such verification within the specified period.

As a courtesy and convenience, the SFCC does offer tenants, users and exhibitors the option of purchasing insurance through the SFCC. For more information about this helpful service, please contact the Event Manager.

KEY AND LOCK SERVICES

The SFCC provides all locks for securing leased space. As a service to our customers, the SFCC can provide the added security of custom locks for leased space, at the request of show management, for published prevailing rates, which include $50 per lock change and $100 per lost key. Contact the Event Management Department for all special door lock requests.

LASERS

For public safety reasons, only Class I lasers shall be permitted. Class II or greater are prohibited within the building.

LEAVING THE FACILITY CLEAN

We do ask you to do your part to maintain our facility. The building exhibition halls will be delivered to the Customer as specified in the License Agreement. The floor will be clean upon move-in. It is the responsibility of the Customer to return the exhibition hall to its original condition. Or, as part of our customer service, we'll be happy to do it for you, for a fee.

LIGHTING

Rent includes lighting in public concourse areas and meeting rooms during move-in, show and move-out. During move-in and move-out, fifty percent (50%) lighting will be provided at no charge in exhibition halls. One hundred percent (100%) lighting will be provided in exhibition halls during show hours beginning (60) sixty minutes prior to show. This energy conservation policy helps control our utility costs which, in turn keep our rent low.

MAIL

Exhibitor or Show Management mail should be addressed in care of the event and when applicable, booth number. As a customer service, mail will be held until the first day of the client move-in date at which time it will be delivered to the show office.

MOTORIZED VEHICLE OPERATION

For the safety of employees and exhibitors, only trained and certified personnel must operate forklifts and material handling devices. Operating vehicles and engines shall not be left unattended.
Show Management operating the equipment is responsible for damages. And to help maintain our facility, any vehicles which drip oil or other staining solutions must have drip pans or dry absorption powder under the parked vehicles and engines.

MOVE-IN & MOVE-OUT

During move-in and move-out, the exhibition hall lighting level is set at 50%. Heating or air conditioning is not provided during move-in or move-out.
Additional lights, heat or air conditioning are available at the prevailing rate. The SFCC reserves the right to maintain sole control of the dock area during dock load in and out. Security staff may be required for everyone's safety at the prevailing rate.

MOVABLE WALLS

Movable walls in the exhibition halls and meeting rooms must be installed and removed by SFCC personnel only.

NOVELTIES

The SFCC retains all rights and permissions for the sale of merchandise and novelty items sold within the facility and facility premises. Merchandise and novelty products include, but are not limited to T-shirts, programs, pictures, records, tapes and miscellaneous show promotion items. A facility merchandise fee may be applicable. All negotiations to arrange for event sale and compensation procedures are to be directed to the Event Manager.

PACKAGE INSPECTION

For your safety and security, cartons, package or other containers brought in or removed from the SFCC by show personnel, exhibitors or service contractors may be subject to inspection.

PARKING

The SFCC has over 3,000 parking spaces on the complex.

PAYMENT

As a service to our customers, cash, check, Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted for all payments.

All exhibitors must pay in full at time of orders.

All clients must pay their rental deposit according to the SFCC Deposit Schedule.
The SFCC reserves the right to request payment in advance for estimated additional costs beyond minimum rental.

PYROTECHNICS

The rules governing the use of pyrotechnics are very specific. So if you're considering adding pyrotechnics to your event, please spend a few minutes getting fully acquainted with them.
Any contractor that intends to use pyrotechnics in the facility must be a licensed pyrotechnician. A copy of this license shall be provided to the Event Management Department at least one month prior to the event date. The use of pyrotechnics within the licensed area shall be approved by the licensee who shall remain directly responsible to the SFCC for all activities as described in the License Agreement. A complete description of the pyrotechnic activity shall be prepared and submitted to the facility 30 days in advance of the event and include the following information:

Permit Requirements and Operator Qualifications

• Permit from Sioux Falls Fire Department.
• The plan for the use of pyrotechnics shall be made in writing or such other form as is approved by the Sioux Falls Fire Department.
• The plan shall provide the following:

1.    Number and types of pyrotechnic devices and materials to be used, the operator's experience with those devices and effects, and a definition of the general responsibilities of assistants.

2.   Diagram of the grounds or facilities where the production is to be held. This diagram shall show the point at which the pyrotechnic devices are to be fired, the fallout radius for each pyrotechnic device used in the performance, and the lines behind which the audience shall be restrained.

3.   Certification that the set, scenery, and rigging materials are inherently flame-retardant or have been treated to achieve flame retardancy.

4.   Certification that all materials worn by performers in the fallout area during use of pyrotechnics effects shall be inherently flame-retardant or have been treated to achieve flame retardancy.

a)       Protective materials and equipment for activity.

b)       Location and number of fire extinguishers for activity.

c)       Schedule of activities, number of certified pyrotechnic operators, and their locations.

d)       Schedule for pre-show pyrotechnic test to be conducted in the presence of SFCC management and Sioux Falls Fire Inspector.

e)       Pyrotechnic contractor shall provide a certificate of insurance to SFCC Management naming SFCC, Global Spectrum and its employees and Minnehaha County and their employees, agents and assigns as additional insured.

f)         In addition to the above requirements the contractor must be licensed by the State of South Dakota.

g)       Licensee and pyrotechnician are responsible for obtaining all licenses and permits required by applicable laws. 

Use of Pyrotechnics

• To allow the support personnel to take appropriate action, the use of warning signal lights shall be permitted to indicate the impending firing of a pyrotechnic effect, where necessary.
• Each pyrotechnic device fired during a performance shall be separated from the audience by at least 15 ft. (4.6 m) but not by less than twice the fallout radius of the device.

Exception: Where otherwise approved by the authority having jurisdiction

• Concussion mortars shall be separated from the audience by a minimum of 25 ft. (7.6 m)
• There shall be no glowing or flaming particles within 10 ft. (3 m) of the audience.
• No part, projectile, or debris from the pyrotechnic material or device shall be propelled so that it damages overhead properties, overhead equipment, or the ceiling, curtains and walls of the performance site.

RIGGING

For public safety reasons, SFCC management must approve all rigging. The SFCC reserves the right to retain consultants at the Customer's expense to review or verify rigging specifications.
Nothing may be attached to any SFCC electrical or mechanical system. This includes ducts, electrical conduit or raceways, plumbing, acoustical baffles, or sprinkler pipes. Rigging may only be attached to structural members.
All rigging in the SFCC shall be in accordance with all national, state and local safety codes, including, but not limited to, OSHA, BOCA and SFCC policy.

No rigging is allowed in the meeting rooms.

ROOM CHANGEOVERS

As one of our services to you, ballrooms, meeting rooms and exhibition halls (used for meetings and/or banquets) shall be arranged in theater, classroom, conference, and banquet or reception style one (1) time. Unplanned changes to the original set may be charged per day rental.

SAFETY/FIRE CODE REQUIREMENTS

Of course, the safety of all occupants of the SFCC is of primary concern. Any unsafe condition or activity should be immediately reported to SFCC Security and supervisory personnel of the responsible party for corrective measures.

Those provisions of the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code 1994 edition and the 2000 International Fire Code for public assembly facilities have been established as a standard for review of occupancies and events in the Sioux Falls Convention Center (SFCC). The information contained in this outline is a summary of relevant provisions contained in these Codes as well as standard operating procedures established in cooperation with the Fire Marshal of Sioux Falls. Reference copies of these codes are available in the Event Management Department.

GENERAL

1. All materials used in exhibit construction, decoration or as a temporary cover must be certified as flame retardant or a sample must be available for testing.  If there is any flame retardant question and no certificate or recognizable identification is readily apparent, the questionable material will be removed from the facility.

2. There will be no use of open flame or any open-flame device unless approved by the Sioux Falls Fire Marshal prior to the event.