7 - 10 April 2025
Prague, Czech Republic

Exhibition contract terms, conditions, and policies

Information and specifications for exhibiting and sponsoring at Optics + Optoelectronics 2025

Space assignment and payment

SPIE reserves the right to determine final placement of the CLIENT. A space may be revoked or changed by SPIE if payment is not in accordance with the payment schedule. SPIE retains the exclusive right to revise the exhibition floor plan and/or move assigned CLIENTS as necessary. SPIE is not obligated to reimburse the CLIENT for any costs stemming from relocation.


Payment schedule

A minimum 25% deposit of the total contracted amount (including VAT) must accompany contract. Contracts submitted after 10 October 2024 require 100% payment.

  • All contracted charges must be paid in full by 9 November 2024. On 10 November 2024, a 5% late fee will be added to all unpaid balances
  • On 9 December 2024, defaults in payment will result in cancellation of this contract (subject to the cancellation fee schedule)

VAT: Local VAT at 20% is due to be paid by UK exhibitors only. SPIE Events Europe Ltd.'s VAT number in the United Kingdom is GB840 296 332. If you have a VAT exemption certificate, please email a copy with your contract.

No space or sponsorship will be reserved or assigned unless appropriate payment and signed contract are received at SPIE Events Europe Ltd. Office at Alexandra Gate, Ffordd Pengam, Cardiff, CF242SA UK. Account delinquency will result in CLIENT’S inability to exhibit or sponsor at contracted exhibition as well as book space in future exhibitions. For accounts with more than one unpaid invoice, all cash received will be paid to oldest invoice first.

Payment and Fraud Statement: Please be advised that the wire transfer and banking information initially provided to you will not change. If you receive notice that SPIE has a new bank account or are sent new payment instructions, you should treat this as fraudulent. If you are in doubt of your existing instructions or wish to confirm them, please contact SPIE Customer Service by telephone at +44 29 2089 4747 (do not use email) to verify the information you have.


Cancellation/space reduction

Any cancellation, space reductions, or requests for changes of this contract must be made in writing to SPIE, subject to the following fees:

  • On or before 8 October 2024 – Eligible for full refund less a €465 administrative fee.
  • Between 9 October – 8 December 2024 – Deposit forfeited; excess of deposit paid will be refunded in full.
  • After 8 December 2024 – No refund.

In the event of cancellation or reduction of contracted space, and subject to the above schedule, SPIE shall retain the right to: resell cancelled space without rebate or allowance to the CLIENT, cancel requested affiliate space, and reduce priority points by 50%* for non-participation. Non-participation over two consecutive years results in complete loss of priority points*. (*If applicable.)


Contracted space

Contracted space must have staff and exhibit materials present at booth during open exhibition hours. Failure to do so will result in 50% loss of priority points* and a €235 fee. Late setup and early tear down of exhibition space is a public safety concern and harms both the CLIENT's and SPIE's reputation. (*if applicable.)


Corporate membership

Corporate membership pricing is valid only if the membership is in good standing and dues are fully paid prior to submission of exhibition contract and membership remains in good standing through the duration of the contracted exhibition. If the membership expires prior to or dues are not fully paid at the time of the contracted exhibition, the CLIENT pricing reverts to the nonmember rates and the contracted CLIENT will be liable for the balance due.


Dispute resolution/arbitration

Any controversy, claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this agreement, shall be settled through binding arbitration conducted in accordance with the rules of the JAMS Endispute (JAMS) in Washington State, pursuant to the law of that State for determination by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by CLIENT, one by SPIE and the third by the two selected arbitrators. Should arbitration be desired, the desiring party shall give written notice to the other requesting arbitration and simultaneously notifying JAMS of such request and requesting that JAMS provide a list of appropriately skilled arbitrators to the parties for selection. Upon receipt of such list, the parties shall select their arbitrator within twenty (20) days. The arbitrators shall be instructed to permit such limited discovery as they deem appropriate but shall be required to hear the matter within ninety (90) days of final selections and shall issue a decision thirty days (30) thereafter. In connection with any such arbitration or court proceeding to enforce an arbitration award the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. Any decision or award rendered by the arbitration as referenced above may be entered in any court in Washington State having jurisdiction thereof or in any court having jurisdiction over the party against whom judgment is sought to be enforced. 


Food and alcohol

Food and alcohol must be supplied and served by facility catering services only. CLIENTS must obtain written permission from SPIE Exhibition Management along with a signed service agreement from the facility.


Force majeure

In the event that the premises in which the Exhibition is or is to be conducted shall become, in the sole discretion of SPIE, unfit for occupancy, or in the event the holding of the Exhibition or the performance of SPIE under the Exhibit Reservation Contract (of which these Rules and Regulations are a part) are substantially or materially interfered with by virtue of any cause or causes not reasonably within the control of SPIE, said Contract and/or the Exhibition (or any part thereof) may be terminated by SPIE. SPIE shall not be responsible for delays, damage, loss, increased costs, or other unfavourable conditions arising by virtue of cause or causes not reasonably within the control of SPIE. If SPIE terminates said Contract and/or the Exhibition (or any part thereof) as aforesaid, then SPIE shall not be liable to the CLIENT other than for a prorated refund of such CLIENT’S space price payment less a proportionate share of all Exhibition expenses incurred and committed by Show Management of actual expenses, such as, but not limited to, advertising, convention center fees, etc., to the extent any monies remain after payment of such expenses and there shall be no further liability on the part of either party. For purposes hereof, the phrase “cause or causes not reasonably within the control of SPIE” shall include, but not by way of limitation: fire, casualty, flood, epidemic, pandemic, earthquake or inclement weather; explosion or accident; blockade or embargo; governmental restraints; restraints or orders of civil defence or military authorities; terrorism or threat of terrorism, act of public enemy, riot, or civil disturbance; strike, lockout, boycott, or other labour disturbance; inability to secure sufficient labour, technical, or other personnel; failure, impairment, or lack of adequate transportation facilities; inability to obtain, or condemnation, requisition, or commandeering of necessary supplies or equipment; local, state, or Federal law, ordinances, rule, order decree, or regulation, whether legislative, executive, or judicial, and whether constitutional or unconstitutional; or Acts of God.


Harassment

SPIE promotes an environment that is free of inappropriate behavior and harassment by or towards employees, members, attendees, volunteers, contractors, suppliers, or customers. Any form of harassment is unacceptable and will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. SPIE will not permit or condone any acts of retaliation against anyone who files harassment complaints or cooperates in an investigation of same. Individuals not complying with this policy may be asked to leave the event.


Insurance

Coverage is not optional. CLIENT shall, at its own expense, secure and maintain through the term of this contract, including move-in and move-out days, the insurance listed below. All such insurance shall be primary of any other valid and collectible insurance of CLIENT and shall be written on per occurrence basis. Claims made policies are not acceptable and do not constitute compliance with CLIENT’S obligations under this paragraph. Required Coverages: (A) Comprehensive General Liability Insurance with limits not less than an equivalent of $1,000,000 each occurrence, an equivalent of $2,000,000 aggregate, combined single limit for bodily injury (including death), contractual, and operation of mobile equipment, products and liquor liability (if applicable); SPIE must be listed as an additional insured, as well as any other parties as required by the facility. (B) Worker’s Compensation insurance.

Certificate of Insurance (COI); CLIENT shall provide SPIE with evidence thereof in the form of a COI from their carrier, 30 days prior to show dates. CLIENT acknowledges that SPIE has no obligations to maintain insurance on CLIENT’S behalf.


Liability

Upon approval of this contract by an authorized CLIENT representative, it is expressly understood that the CLIENT has read and agrees to abide by the SPIE liability policies. SPIE Events Europe Ltd., and all organisations and individuals who are employed by/or associated with it, in connection with this Exhibition/Sponsorship, will not assume responsibility and shall be held harmless by all CLIENTS for damage or loss resulting from fire, theft, terrorism or threat of terrorism, or any other cause whatsoever, including accident or injury to CLIENTS, their employees and agents, the public, or others. The CLIENT agrees to pay promptly for any and all damages to the exhibition building or its equipment incurred through carelessness, or otherwise, of CLIENT or its employees or agents.


Losses

SPIE is not responsible for damage to CLIENT’S property or lost shipments either inbound or outbound, nor for moving costs. Damage to inadequately packed property is CLIENT’S own responsibility. If CLIENT materials, fixtures or equipment fails to arrive, CLIENT is nevertheless responsible for the exhibit space reserved as per this contract. CLIENTS are advised to insure against these risks.


Music licensing

No copyrighted music may be played in the exhibition area (including but not limited to: background music on video or audio tape presentations) without appropriate documented permissions and/or licensing, which is the responsibility of the CLIENT to obtain as well as pay any and all associated fees.


Recordings/photos

Recording and photos of any kind is prohibited without explicit permission from on-site company representatives. Individuals not complying with this policy will be asked to surrender their recording media and to leave the exhibition hall. Refusal to comply with such request is grounds for expulsion from the event.


Security

SPIE will provide general security service on a 24-hour basis to the Exhibition area from the beginning of setup hours through the conclusion of the Exhibition. However, SPIE is not responsible for loss or damage to CLIENT’S property. CLIENTS are advised to insure against these risks.


Selling on the show floor

The Technical Exhibition is limited to organisations with products or services related to the industry served by the event. Direct sales and/or delivery of non-related, retail or consumer products are prohibited.


Transportation/setup

All transportation costs, and any other costs related to exhibit setup not explicitly offered above by SPIE, are to be paid by the CLIENT.


Sponsorship graphic due dates

When applicable, all graphics are due to SPIE by 21 February 2025. All graphics received after 21 February 2025 will be subject to a 5% rush charge for production.


Exhibiting benefits

  • All exhibitors will receive a free, basic company listing in the Optics.org Buyers Guide.
  • Each contracted tabletop exhibiting company will receive one non-author technical pass. All other contracted exhibiting companies receive two non-author technical passes.