Card swap 1
San Gabriel 2026

Event Participation Manual

Latest Update: 10/01/2026

Applies to all Participating Vendors & Sponsors

Thank you for being a valued part of IMPULSE UNIVERSE and supporting our events. We couldn’t do it without partners like you! Please take a moment to review our GENERAL and REGIONAL POLICIES for this year's events. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime at the contact emails below:

Collectors Expo - help@collectorsexpo.com

We will do our best to get back to your questions as quickly as possible

Please be courteous and follow our general policies, venue rules, and all applicable laws. As organizers, your safety and security are our top priorities. We work closely with venue management, public health officials, and law enforcement to ensure a safe event. These policies apply to all participants, including exhibitors, attendees, guests, press, and staff. Please take a moment to review the following procedures.

REGIONAL POLICIES - SAN GABRIEL

Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel

Dates: october 3rd & 4th 2026

EVEnt Hours: 10 AM - 5 PM

VENDOR Parking Address:

Underground parking garage: 303 E Valley Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91776

Vendor schedule:

GENERAL SETUP - DATES / LOAD-IN HOURS

Date: October 3rd, 2026 (Saturday) & October 4th, 2026 (Sunday)

Time: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

  • Vendors must enter through the underground parking garage elevators

  • MUST hand cart from parking garage (no vehicle access directly to the ballroom floors)

EVENT DAY 1

Date: October 3rd, 2026 (Saturday)

Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Earliest Venue Access is 8:00 AM)

EVENT DAY 2

Date: October 4th, 2026 (Sunday)

Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Earliest Venue Access is 8:00 AM)

Strike / Load Out Hours:

Date: October 4th, 2026 (Sunday)

Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Selling Last Call is 4:45 PM)

Vendor check-in protocol:

Vendor wristbands are required during pre-event hours access to the venue before event hours. Vendor wristbands must be picked up upon check-in at the event check-in table (In front of Grand Ballroom Hallway).

  • Table Assignments will be provided upon check-in.

  • REMINDER: Please make sure to have vendor credentials to gain entry on event days during non-event hours.

Vendor PARKING:

Vendor Parking Address:

Set up:

  • All vendors must park in the underground parking garage and enter through the garage elevators directly to the hotel lobby.

  • Vendors will not be allowed to load in through the hotel front lobby entrance doors.

General Parking Information:

  • Self Parking is $10 per car.

  • Oversized Vehicle Parking is $25 per car.

  • Please pay for parking at the front desk.

  • No overnight parking is allowed.

  • Vendors will not be provided complimentary parking, as parking is operated by the venue (Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel).

  • Vendors are responsible for hand carting their merchandise and displays from the parking garage to their booths.

Vendor Load OUT:

Vendor Load Out Procedure:

  • Vendors shall remove all exhibits and inventory by 6:00 PM on Sunday.

Venue Specific Policies:

Access to Venue:

  • Earliest Vendor Access Allowed into the Event Venue is 8AM Each Day. Vendors must have proper credentials to access Event Venue on event days. Credentials can be picked up from the check-in desk during set up hours. Entrance Doors to the Grand Imperial Ballroom will be locked after 7 PM Each Day.

Food & Beverage Policy:

  • Outside food and drinks are not allowed in the Grand Imperial Ballroom and Ballroom Lobby and may incur a penalty fee.

  • Food and drinks purchased inside the Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel Hotel (e.g. Starbucks) are allowed.

California Seller’s Permit:

  • It is your responsibility as a vendor to have a valid seller’s permit issued by the California State Board of Equalization when making any on-site sales of taxable goods or services. Failure to comply may result in fines from the government.

CARD SWAP Deliverables

Standard Table Space

  • 5.5’ x 2’ Table

  • 2x Chairs

  • 1x Table Linen (Black)

VENDOR SPACE EXAMPLE

General Policies

TERMS, CONDITIONS AND GENERAL PARTICIPATION POLICIES (updated Feb. 10th, 2026)

I. Admissions, Ticketing & Access

  • Compliance: Vendors and Sponsors agree to abide by all terms, conditions, and show regulations under this signed contract, including the Vendor's Manual and final regulations from the event venue.

  • Vencor Credentials: Vendor wristbands may be issued for identification purposes to access event grounds prior to event hours. Wristbands, if issued are non-transferable, they may not be sold or used as prizes or giveaways. Vendors must wear wristbands at all times during move in and event days.

  • Prohibited Subleasing: All event participants are strictly prohibited from sub-leasing or reassignment of any booth space, tables, or sponsorship placements.

  • Right of Refusal & Eviction: The Organizer reserves the right to refuse admission or evict any participant without refund for behavior causing a nuisance, injury, or for public safety and overcrowding reasons.

II. Booth Presentation & Quality Control

  • Presentation Quality Control: The Organizer reserves the right to approve the contents/character of all displays and may prohibit or expel merchandise/signage that is deemed unprofessional or does not fit the character of the show.

  • Booth Content & Programming: More than 50% of booth products, services, or promotions must align with the specific theme of the participating event (e.g., Card Swap must feature 50%+ Trading Card Game related goods).

  • Signage & Branding: All signage is subject to approval. Unless explicitly approved in writing, participants are prohibited from using Organizer logos, brand partners, or language endorsing their booth as the "official" or "preferred" product of the event.

  • Decoration & Fire Safety: Booths must follow Fire Department approved floor plans. No displays may exceed 8’ in height without structural engineering diagrams (wet seal approved) submitted to City Building & Safety. All decorative materials (walls, plants, etc.) must be US-certified fire retardant.

  • Solicitation & Booth Confines: Solicitation and flyer distribution are restricted to the immediate area around the contracted booth space. Marketing materials are prohibited in common areas (restrooms, entrances, etc.).

III. Operational Rules & Conduct

  • Event Participation & Attendance Penalty: Participants must be physically present for the duration of both event days. No booth dismantlement is allowed before closing. A penalty of up to $5,000 will be strictly enforced for non-compliance.

  • Professional Code of Conduct: Staff must maintain a professional, family-friendly environment. Harassment, discriminatory language, and sexually suggestive attire (including "booth babe" marketing) are prohibited. Aggressive "barking" to lure attendees is not permitted.

  • Amplified Sound: Audio systems must not exceed 60 decibels within the booth space or cause a disturbance to neighbors. Failure to adhere to noise warnings may result in immediate expulsion.

  • Booth Upkeep: Participants must maintain their booth in a clean and orderly state. Abandoned goods or excessive trash will be disposed of at the participant's expense.

  • Prohibited Merchandise: Bootleg, gray market, unlicensed products, and reproductions are strictly forbidden. Violators and associates will be removed from the grounds without refund.

  • Product Safety: All goods must comply with federal/state safety standards (CPSC/FDA); recalled items are strictly prohibited.

  • Power & Equipment: No portable electrical generators are permitted. All power must be sourced through the authorized event electrical provider.

  • Prohibited Substances: Smoking/vaping is allowed only in designated areas. Open alcoholic containers are prohibited except in specifically designated areas in compliance with venue policy.

  • Gambling: No games for money, gambling devices, or lotteries are permitted unless the vendor is a certified legal gambling entity with prior Organizer approval.

  • Food & Beverage Restrictions: No outside food & beverage is allowed.

IV. Logistics & Venue Rules

  • Self-Transportation & Setup: Participants are responsible for the delivery and removal of their own goods. The Organizer does not provide unloading labor, forklifts, pallet jacks, or support staff.

  • Immediate Load-Out: All merchandise and displays must be cleared by 11:00 PM on the second show day. No moving out is allowed on the following Monday. Leftover items will incur a moving/disposal fee.

  • Vehicle Towing: Vehicles improperly parked or lacking visible, untampered pre-paid parking passes will be towed at the owner’s expense without notice.

  • Space Assignment & Relocation: The Organizer reserves the right to assign, reassign, or change layouts as required by the Fire Marshal, City Planning, or in the best interest of the event.

  • Food Vendor Compliance: Food vendors (including food manufacturers, sponsors, and retailers) must comply with venue F&B Catering Restrictions, Local County Health Codes, pass inspections, and submit health applications 45 days prior to the event.

V. Financial Terms & Deadlines

  • Outstanding Balances: Booths with unpaid balances 90 days prior to the event will be released to other vendors.

  • Refund Policy: All payments are non-refundable and cannot be used for future credit.

  • Late Fees: Past due balances incur a 6% monthly finance charge; accounts sent to collections will incur a 25% surcharge.

  • Local Tax Compliance: Participants are solely responsible for the collection and payment of all local or state taxes based on their sales activity.

  • Policy Changes: Standard Terms and Conditions are subject to change without notice.

 VI. Legal, Insurance & Liability

  • Insurance Requirement: Vendors and Sponsors must provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming Event Organizer as an additional insured. Industry standard minimums are $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate.

  • Exhibitor Appointed Contractors (EAC): Vendors using third-party contractors for booth construction must ensure said contractors provide a COI to the Organizer 30 days prior to the event.

  • Indemnification (Hold Harmless): Participants agree to indemnify and hold the Organizer and Venue harmless against all liability/claims arising from participation, including loss caused by active negligence (excepting sole negligence or willful misconduct).

  • Waiver of Claims: Vendors waive claims against the Organizer for losses covered by the vendor’s own insurance policies. Vendors are solely responsible for valuables and any loss/damage to their own goods.

  • Limitation of Liability: In the event of an Organizer error, liability is strictly limited to a refund of the booth or sponsor fee paid. The Organizer is not a party to transactions between vendors and attendees.

  • Force Majeure & Continuity: In the event of natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics, government mandates, or acts of God, all monies paid are non-refundable. The Organizer reserves the right to reassign space or transition to a virtual platform if capacity is restricted by mandates.

  • Non-Endorsement: The Organizer does not endorse any vendor merchandise, views, or actions. Participants are independent business entities.

  • Media & Data Privacy: The Organizer reserves the right to use photo/video likeness of booths and staff for marketing. Vendors collecting data must comply with CCPA/privacy laws and are solely responsible for data security.

  • Health & Medical: Participants should follow CDC guidance regarding health symptoms. The Organizer will staff trained medical personnel on-site; in emergencies, contact the nearest Information Booth.

  • Legal Fees: In any dispute regarding these terms, the Organizer is entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the table and linens included in my booth package?

  • Yes, one table and one table linen (black) will be provided for this event.

How do I enter the show grounds if I need to unload goods?

  • Vehicles must enter and park in the venue’s underground parking garage. Once parked, vendors must hand cart their merchandise to the parking garage elevators to the Main Lobby.

What are the rules for using the loading zone?

  • There will be no dedicated loading zone. All vendor loading and unloading must be done through the parking garage. Loading at the hotel lobby front entrance is not permitted.

Can I request help with the unloading of goods from my vehicle to my booth?

  • Vendors are responsible for the delivery and removal of their own goods. No forklifts, pallet jacks, dollies or any equipment will be available on site from the show organizer.

Will the show organizer help transport goods to the show grounds?

  • Materials handling will not be provided for this event.

Can I resell or sublease my booth space?

  • Vendors are strictly prohibited from reselling or sub-leasing any booth or table space. Any Vendors caught reselling or sub-leasing any booth or table spaces may be blacklisted and prohibited from participating at any future events.

When I move out, when can I move my vehicle near the buildings?

  • All vendor loading and unloading must be done through the parking garage. Loading at the hotel lobby front entrance is not permitted.

Can I leave my valuable possessions at my booth overnight?

  • The Grand Imperial Ballroom doors will be locked down after event hours but it is not advisable to leave any valuable merchandise behind. Event organizers are NOT RESPONSIBLE for any lost or stolen items.

How do I get my vendor credentials?

  • Vendor credentials are to be picked up at the vendor check-in desk located in front entrance of the Grand Imperial Ballroom Lobby.

Can I purchase extra exhibitor credentials?

  • No. We do not offer additional exhibitor credentials for sale for this event.

Are there any restrictions on booth displays or decorations?

  • Yes. Booth displays may not be higher than 8 feet. Any displays exceeding this height require structural engineering diagrams to be submitted for approval to the City's Building & Safety department. Additionally, all decorative materials (walls, banners, etc.) must be certified as fire-retardant in the United States, and proof of this certification will be inspected by the Fire Marshal.

I need an additional table or chairs for my booth, who should I contact?

  • Additional tables and chairs outside of our standard package offerings are not provided.

Is overnight parking permitted?

  • No. Overnight parking is strictly prohibited in any of the venue's parking garages.

What happens if I improperly park my vehicle?

  • Vehicles parked improperly on venue grounds, or those with tampered/duplicated parking passes, will be towed at the owner's expense without prior notice.

When can I start moving out of my booth?

  • Load-out may only begin after the event officially ends at 5:00 PM on Sunday. All exhibits and inventory must be removed from the venue by 6:00 PM on Sunday. No moving out is allowed on the following day.

Do I have to display my seller’s permit in a public place at all times?

  • Per government regulations, all vendors conducting selling operations are required to have a copy of their seller’s permits displayed in a public place at all times. During the event, tax personnel will go on their inspection rounds.

Can I use the aisles outside of my booth for displaying my goods?

  • No. According to the City of Los Angeles Fire Department regulations, no goods or merchandise of any sort are to be placed along the aisles at all times, as this may impede the Fire Department passage in case of emergencies.

What if I need to leave my booth before the event ends?

  • You are required to be physically present and maintain your booth for the duration of both event days. No booth dismantlement or early departure is allowed before the official closing of the event.

TO THE VENDORS WHO MADE IT THIS FAR

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