Your Complete Guide to Shipping for SupplySide Global

bottle of pills, fruits and herbs

SupplySide Global: Navigating Trade Show Shipping Like a Pro

Participating in SupplySide Global is a thrilling opportunity to highlight your health, wellness, or nutraceutical brand in front of thousands of industry leaders and potential buyers. While crafting your booth and preparing your messaging are important steps, shipping your trade show materials to and from SupplySide Global is a logistical feat that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor or attending for the first time, understanding how SupplySide Global shipping logistics work is key to a stress-free and successful event.

Key Players in SupplySide Global Shipping

Before your boxes are packed, it’s important to know the main organizations involved in the trade show shipping process:

General Contractor

GES (Global Experience Specialists) typically serves as the general contractor for SupplySide Global. As the official service provider, GES handles event logistics, including freight handling, on-site services, and material management. While you can ship directly through GES, many exhibitors opt to use third-party trade show shipping experts like Diversified Transportation Services (DTS) for customized logistics support.

Venue

SupplySide Global takes place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. This is where your freight will be delivered, either to the advance warehouse or directly to the show floor, depending on your shipping method.

Trade Show Shipping Companies

Trade show shipping companies, such as DTS, offer specialized logistics solutions tailored for events like SupplySide Global. They manage everything from freight pickup to on-site delivery, including return shipments after the show. Partnering with a company that understands trade show timelines and protocols can prevent delays.

Essential Pre-Show Shipping Tasks

To ensure your booth materials arrive intact and on time, keep these critical pre-show tasks in mind:

Packaging & Freight Prep

Proper packaging is essential to withstand the rigors of trade show transport. Use durable crates or pallets and reinforce all boxes. Label clearly, secure all small items, and cushion fragile displays.

Don’t forget your “last-minute must-haves” kit:

  • Packing tape & gun
  • Hook-and-loop fasteners
  • Two-sided tape
  • Box cutter
  • Shrink wrap
  • Scissors
  • Permanent markers
  • Stapler & staples

Labeling Your Shipment

Accurate labeling is a must for trade show success. Each piece of freight should include:

  • Delivery address (advance warehouse or direct-to-show)
  • Booth number
  • Exhibiting company name
  • Target move-in date
  • Number of pieces
  • Contact information

You can generate shipping labels via the GES exhibitor portal or request custom labels from DTS if you're shipping with them.

Pro tip: Always remove outdated labels to avoid confusion, and apply new ones to multiple sides of each package.

Find Key Shipping Info in the Exhibitor Manual

The SupplySide Global Exhibitor Manual, accessible via the GES website, is your go-to guide for all logistical details. It typically includes:

  • Advance warehouse & direct-to-show addresses
  • Key shipping and receiving dates
  • Material handling instructions
  • Target move-in/out schedules
  • Label templates and instructions

Advance Warehouse vs Direct-to-Show: What’s the Difference?

Both methods have advantages, depending on your timeline and logistics strategy.

Advance Warehouse

Shipping to the advance warehouse means your freight arrives early—usually up to 30 days before the show. Materials are stored safely and delivered to your booth before your scheduled move-in time. It’s ideal for exhibitors who want peace of mind and extra time for setup.

Direct-to-Show

If your shipment is tight on time or you have last-minute changes, direct-to-show shipping sends your freight directly to Mandalay Bay on the official move-in date. While it's a quicker option, it comes with risks like waiting in a marshalling yard or delays during peak delivery times.

How a Trade Show Shipping Partner Like DTS Can Help

From freight quotes to move-out paperwork, a trade show shipping company such as Diversified Transportation Services simplifies the entire process. Their team will:

  • Coordinate inbound & outbound transportation
  • Monitor shipment tracking
  • Handle on-site delivery scheduling
  • Offer responsive, concierge-level customer service

Need help shipping to SupplySide Global?
Get a custom trade show shipping quote today from Diversified Transportation Services. We’re here to make sure your SupplySide Global experience is smooth, professional, and worry-free.

Check out our Guide to Trade Show Shipping for a complete walkthrough of timelines, best practices, and industry tips.

Call us at (310) 521-1200 or click below to request your personalized SupplySide Global shipping quote.

What Can DTS Do For You?

Whether you're a company looking to improve one facet of your supply chain, your entire supply chain, or simply looking for a transportation and logistics consultation, we can help.

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