Exhibitor Credentials, Be My Guest Tickets and Certificate of Insurance
Exhibitor Credentials FAQ Be My Guest Tickets FAQ
NMMA’s SHOW CREDENTIALS ARE NOW DIGITAL!
For your safety NMMA has transitioned to a new contactless digital MOBILE EXHIBITOR CREDENTIAL. We will also be following the latest CDC, state and local guidelines to ensure your safety, as well as the safety of our staff and guests. As guidance comes in from officials, we’ll continue to update and monitor our practices to ensure the best boat show experience possible.
If you have not done so, please order your credentials for the DISCOVER BOATING®CHICAGO BOAT SHOW® by visiting your Exhibitor Portal.
- Each exhibitor is required to submit a current version of their Certificate of Insurance as part of the contract requirements. You will not have access to order Digital Credentials and Be My Guest Tickets until your COI has been uploaded in the Exhibitor Portal.
- Online credential registration continues throughout the show.
- Credential allotment is determined by your company’s total square footage of contracted exhibit space.
- When your contracted space balance is paid in full. Credentials will be emailed 2 weeks prior to show opening.
If you have any questions, please contact us at chicagocredentials@nmma.org or call us at (312) 946-6228.
New Security Protocols
To ensure security of our EXHIBITORS you will be required to show your mobile exhibitor credential on your mobile device each day/time you enter the show—however, you will not need to present any other form of photo ID. This process will streamline your entry to the show and:
- Ensure only authorized personnel have access to the show outside of show hours
- Protect exhibitor's products and displays
Be My Guest Tickets—Invite Your Best Customers and Prospects to the Show
Redeemed Electronic Be My Guest tickets are billed at 50% ($7.50) off the general admission price.
How to order:
- Pay a $50.00 non-refundable deposit via credit card and order as many tickets as you like:
- A minimum order of 10 tickets is required with your deposit
- Orders of 9 tickets or fewer are paid in full at the time of checkout and are not refundable
- Customize your e-tickets. Bold your Company Name—FREE. At an additional cost:
- Include a company logo
- Add text to your e-ticket—25 words or less (i.e. Visit us in space A1)
- Add your brand logo to the footer
- Attach a preferred e-ticket (Your company campaign/flyer, etc.)
- Upload a spreadsheet of your customer base for emailing
- Email customers whenever you want in a few easy steps
- To send multiple tickets to your customers at one time, input the quantity you wish to send. They will receive one email with multiple PDF files attached.
- Order tickets for other NMMA Shows you are exhibiting in without logging out
- Your credit card will be charged for the total redeemed tickets, less your deposit, within 30 days of the show's closing date
- New orders originating on site will be charged a $50 non-refundable deposit
- The ability to order and send e-tickets and will call tickets is open throughout the show
If you have any questions, please contact us at chicagotickets@nmma.org or (312) 946-6228.
Certificate of Insurance
All exhibitors are required to submit a certificate of insurance prior to setup onsite. All certificates of insurance must be uploaded to the exhibitor portal. CLICK HERE for sample certificate of insurance to provide to your insurance agent. Policy effective and expiration dates must be inclusive of the show dates of 01/03/2024-01/17/2024, including move-in and move-out. If your company name is different from the Named Insured on the policy, be sure your company name and relationship to the Named Insured such as affiliate or subsidiary is indicated on the COI. Further documentation may be requested in these cases.
To purchase insurance, please CLICK HERE.
EXHIBITOR DIGITAL MOBILE CREDENTIALS FAQ
How do we register for our Digital Mobile Credential?
Please use the link sent to you in the previous communication or log in to your Exhibitor Portal.
Where do we get our Credentials?
We are no longer providing hardstock credentials to any NMMA Boat & Sportshow. All credentials are now mobile, please log in to your Exhibitor Portal to access the registration platform. You will not be able to register for your credentials until you have either submitted your COI/purchased insurance. Your digital credential will be emailed to you 2 weeks prior to the show if you are paid in full.
Are Credentials sent to Exhibiting Staff individually?
Yes, for security purposes you will be expected to show your digital credential on your mobile device everyday upon entering the show this is the reason for a unique email address(es) provided during the registration process.
How many do we get?
Your credential allotment is dependent on the size of your space(s). Credential allotment is cumulative. See allotments below.
199 Sq. Ft. or less = 6 Credentials
200 – 399 Sq. Ft. = 10 Credentials
400 – 2000 Sq. Ft. = 15 Credentials
2001 – 3500 Sq. Ft. = 20 Credentials
3501 – 5000 Sq. Ft. = 25 Credentials
5001 – 7500 Sq. Ft. = 30 Credentials
7501 Sq. Ft. + = 40 Credentials
What if I misplace or delete my email with my credential by accident?
Email your Show Administrator to have it resent.
Is there a cost to have my credential resent?
There is no cost to have your credentials resent.
Do I register my dealers using my allotment?
No. Please complete and return your co-exhibitor form. Your dealers will receive their own link and allotment to register for credentials.
Do I have to show my digital credential on my mobile device upon entering and leaving?
To ensure the security of our EXHIBITORS you will be required to show your mobile exhibitor credential on your mobile device each day/time you enter the show—however, you will not need to present any other form of photo ID. This process will streamline your entry to the show and ensure only authorized personnel have access to the show outside of show hours protecting exhibitor's products and displays.
You do not have to show your digital credential when you exit the show.
Do I have to show an ID when entering the show?
Your digital access credential with your uploaded photo is all you’ll need to enter the show. We encourage you to provide name tags for you and your staff working the show.
The Credential site asks for an email and some of my staff do not have emails, can I just use my email address for all credentials?
No. To ensure the security of our EXHIBITORS you will be required to show your mobile exhibitor badge on your mobile device each day/time you enter the show—however, you will not need to present any other form of photo ID. This process will streamline your entry to the show and ensure only authorized personnel have access to the show outside of show hours protecting exhibitor's products and displays
If I input everyone’s email address will they receive a lot of emails throughout the year?
No. We do not share email addresses with outside companies. Emails will not be saved for future shows.
If I ordered credentials for John Doe and he can’t make the show, how can I change the name?
Please proceed to the registration office for assistance or contact your show team in advance of the show to request any known changes
If we swap out volunteers/employees on various days to work the show, how do we handle that?
We will adjust the allotment for those complimentary booths that use volunteers for staffing. All volunteers will need a unique email address to receive a credential.
If I have an NMMA Trade credential do I have to register for a show’s specific exhibitor credential?
No. The NMMA Trade credential allows entry into to all NMMA produced consumer shows 2 hours prior to show opening – same as an exhibitor credential.
How do we order tickets?
Please use the link that was sent in the previous communication or access your Exhibitor Portal.
Do we get free tickets with our space?
No. MRAA Marine Industry Certified Dealers get 50 comp tickets for being a certified dealer.
How much are they?
Be My Guest E-tickets are 50% off the general admission show ticket, hard stock tickets are no longer available.
Do we have to leave a deposit?
Yes. The card that is used for the deposit is saved and charged after the show for tickets scanned minus the deposit.
How much is the deposit? Is it refundable?
The deposit is $50 and non-refundable. It is applied to your balance.
Can I use an American Express to leave a deposit/pay for my tickets?
No. We do not accept American Express. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
What if I want to buy less than 10 tickets? Do I still have to leave a deposit?
If you want to buy less than 10 tickets, you can without leaving a deposit. You pay for them outright and they are not refundable if they are not used.
What if we order 25 tickets but only use 5?
You only get charged for what is scanned at the gate.
Do I get charged for all the tickets ordered?
No. You only get charged for what is scanned at the gate.
Why can’t we pay by check?
Your credit card we have on file is automatically charged after the show.
Can my dealers order tickets too?
Yes, they receive their own link to order tickets. They must be registered as a co-exhibitor.
Can they be switched for someone else to use?
Once an electronic Be My Guest Ticket is sent it cannot be sent to someone else.
Are the tickets good for any day?
Yes, tickets are good for any one day of the show.
Can I use one ticket all weekend (multiuse)?
No, tickets are valid for one day only and cannot be resold.
Do I receive the e-tickets or are they sent directly to my customers?
No, they are sent directly to your customer.
If I add an e-ticket customization for my first order, if I order more tickets, do I have to add the customization again?
No. Once you add a customization to your initial order, it will automatically be added to any additional orders.
Can I send multiple tickets to one person?
Yes. When sending e-tickets you are prompted for the number of tickets to send to your customer. The maximum amount to send is 20 at a time.
Can e-tickets be sent throughout the show?
Yes, the site is live.
How does my customer know who is sending them the e-ticket?
Your company name is in the email that contains the e-tickets as well as on the e-tickets themselves.
Do you have to print the e-tickets?
No. The tickets can be scanned from your mobile device.
Can the e-tickets be resent if the customer cannot find the email?
Yes, please contact the Registration Department or the Show Administrator.
Can I receive a report of tickets used at the show?
Yes. You can request a spreadsheet that will tell you the type of ticket redeemed, when it was redeemed and the redemption cost.