TRADER POLICY

EXHIBITOR / TRADER TERMS & CONDITIONS

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) apply to all exhibitors, traders, vendors, artists, and their staff (“Exhibitor”) participating in any event operated by GeekExpoAustralia (“the Organiser”).

By submitting an application, making payment, or occupying a booth space, the Exhibitor agrees to be legally bound by these Terms.

FINAL MASTER VERSION
Effective Date: Jan 2026
Issued by: GeekExpoAustralia Pty Ltd (“GeekExpoAustralia”, “the Organiser”, “we”, “us”, or “our”)

1. DEFINITIONS & INTERPRETATION

1.1 Definitions

In these Terms & Conditions, unless the context otherwise requires:

“Booth” means the allocated exhibitor space, table, stall, artist alley space, vendor location, activation area, or other licensed event space assigned by the Organiser.

“Event” means any exhibition, convention, market, expo, festival, pop culture event, artist alley, collectibles fair, or related activation operated, managed, or promoted by GeekExpoAustralia Pty Ltd.

“Exhibitor” means any trader, artist, vendor, creator, sponsor, organisation, company, contractor, guest seller, or individual approved to participate in the Event.

“Products” means all merchandise, goods, artworks, signage, displays, promotional materials, fixtures, fittings, furniture, technology, equipment, stock, decorations, props, or materials brought into the Event by the Exhibitor.

“Venue” means the physical premises where the Event is conducted.

“Exhibitor Personnel” means employees, volunteers, agents, contractors, assistants, representatives, family members, or any person acting on behalf of the Exhibitor.

1.2 Interpretation

(a) Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation.
(b) Singular words include plural meanings and vice versa.
(c) References to legislation include amendments, replacements, or successor legislation.
(d) Any right exercisable by the Organiser in its discretion may be exercised reasonably and in the interests of event safety, operations, brand integrity, and attendee experience.

2. PRODUCTS, BOOTHS & SPACE USE

2.1 Space Allocation

Exhibitors are strictly limited to occupying only the Booth space allocated by the Organiser.

All Products, displays, furniture, promotional materials, signage, storage containers, and associated equipment must remain wholly within the boundaries of the allocated Booth at all times.

No item may:

  • protrude into walkways;
  • obstruct neighbouring exhibitors;
  • impede emergency access;
  • interfere with visibility, accessibility, or attendee movement; or
  • create safety risks.

The Organiser reserves the right to require the immediate adjustment, reduction, repositioning, or removal of any item that breaches this clause.

2.2 Booth Presentation

Exhibitors must maintain a professional, clean, safe, and visually appropriate presentation of their Booth.

The Organiser reserves the right to require changes to displays that are unsafe, offensive, misleading, disruptive, inappropriate for a family-friendly environment, or inconsistent with the Event’s standards.

2.3 Approved Products Only

Exhibitors may only display, promote, or sell products approved as part of their application.

The Organiser may prohibit any product category, merchandise, or activity not disclosed during the application process.

2.4 Exhibitor Passes

The Organiser may issue Exhibitor access passes for approved personnel.

Exhibitor passes:

  • are non-transferable;
  • remain the property of the Organiser;
  • may be revoked at any time for misconduct or breach of these Terms; and
  • permit access only during approved Event, bump-in, and bump-out periods.

2.5 Early Pack Down Prohibited

No Exhibitor may dismantle, remove stock, pack down, or vacate their Booth before the official closing time without prior written approval from the Organiser.

Unauthorised early pack-down may result in:

  • removal from the Event;
  • exclusion from future Events;
  • forfeiture of future application rights; and/or
  • penalties deemed appropriate by the Organiser.

2.6 Photography & Recording

Exhibitors may take reasonable photographs or video of their own Booth for personal or promotional use.

Commercial filming, professional photography, influencer content, livestreaming, media interviews, or organised content capture requires prior written approval from the Organiser.

The Organiser reserves the right to prohibit recording where it interferes with attendee privacy, event operations, intellectual property, or commercial arrangements.

3. BOOTH REALLOCATION & FLOORPLAN CHANGES

3.1 Right to Relocate Booths

The Organiser reserves the right to amend floorplans, Booth allocations, layouts, access points, and traffic flow arrangements where reasonably required for:

  • operational efficiency;
  • safety compliance;
  • crowd management;
  • sponsor obligations;
  • venue requirements;
  • emergency access; or
  • Event improvements.

3.2 Relocation Requests

Where practical, the Organiser will attempt to consult with affected Exhibitors prior to relocation.

Relocation does not constitute breach of contract where substantially similar space is provided.

3.3 Major Relocation

Where a relocation materially and substantially reduces the Exhibitor’s commercial positioning or contracted footprint, the Exhibitor may submit a written objection within seven (7) days of notice.

If a reasonable resolution cannot be achieved, the Organiser may, at its discretion:

(a) maintain relocation;
(b) provide alternate placement; or
(c) cancel participation and refund fees paid as the Exhibitor’s sole remedy.

The Organiser shall not be liable for consequential loss, lost profits, reputational harm, travel costs, staffing costs, or business interruption arising from relocation.

4. ELECTRICITY & POWER

4.1 Electrical Compliance

All electrical equipment used at the Event must comply with:

  • applicable Work Health & Safety legislation;
  • venue requirements;
  • electrical safety regulations; and
  • applicable Australian Standards, including current test-and-tag requirements.

This includes:

  • lighting;
  • extension leads;
  • power boards;
  • chargers;
  • appliances;
  • EFTPOS systems;
  • display electronics; and
  • powered equipment.

4.2 Testing & Tagging

Where required by law or Venue policy, electrical equipment must be tested and tagged by a qualified technician before bump-in.

The Organiser may inspect electrical equipment at any time.

4.3 Unsafe Equipment

The Organiser may prohibit use of any equipment that is:

  • unsafe;
  • overloaded;
  • untagged;
  • damaged;
  • hazardous; or
  • otherwise non-compliant.

Unsafe equipment may be disconnected or removed immediately without liability.

4.4 Power Interruptions

The Organiser provides no warranty regarding uninterrupted electricity supply and accepts no liability for outages, surges, failures, venue disruptions, or consequential losses.

Exhibitors are responsible for ensuring their own power needs are suitable.

5. CLEANLINESS, WASTE & VENUE CONDITION

5.1 Booth Cleanliness

Exhibitors must maintain their Booth in a clean, tidy, hygienic, and safe condition throughout the Event.

5.2 Waste Removal

Exhibitors are solely responsible for disposing of rubbish, packaging, stock waste, food waste, promotional material, and unwanted items generated by their Booth.

Common area cleaning provided by the Organiser does not include Booth cleaning.

5.3 Venue Damage

Exhibitors must not:

  • paint;
  • drill;
  • nail;
  • screw;
  • affix permanent materials;
  • damage walls, flooring, fixtures, or ceilings.

Any damage caused by the Exhibitor or Exhibitor Personnel must be paid for by the Exhibitor upon demand.

5.4 Uncollected Property

Any property left behind after bump-out deadlines may, without liability:

  • be removed;
  • stored;
  • disposed of; or
  • treated as abandoned.

All associated costs are recoverable from the Exhibitor as a debt.

6. PAYMENT TERMS

6.1 Payment Obligations

All invoices must be paid by the due date specified by the Organiser.

Failure to pay may result in cancellation of participation.

6.2 Late Payments

Where payment is overdue, the Organiser may impose a reasonable administration fee reflecting actual recovery costs and reserves the right to pursue debt recovery.

The Exhibitor is liable for all reasonable recovery costs, including legal expenses.

6.3 Credit Card Processing Fees

Payments made by card may incur processing fees disclosed at checkout.

Such fees are non-refundable where charged by payment providers.

6.4 No Payment = No Access

The Organiser may refuse access, setup, or trading rights where any amount remains unpaid.

Booths may be reassigned without releasing the Exhibitor from outstanding payment obligations.

7. CANCELLATION, REFUNDS & TERMINATION

7.1 Exhibitor Cancellation Schedule

If an Exhibitor cancels participation, the following cancellation fees apply:

Notice PeriodCancellation Fee
More than 28 daysNo fee / Full refund
21–28 days25% payable
14–21 days50% payable
7–14 days75% payable
Less than 7 days100% payable

These fees reflect a reasonable estimate of administrative, marketing, floorplan, and vacancy losses.

7.2 Failure to Pay

Failure to pay invoices by due dates may result in immediate cancellation without refund.

7.3 Breach by Exhibitor

The Organiser may terminate participation immediately for:

  • breach of these Terms;
  • unsafe conduct;
  • counterfeit sales;
  • prohibited products;
  • harassment;
  • aggressive conduct;
  • misconduct;
  • reputational harm to the Event; or
  • failure to follow lawful directions.

No refund is payable where termination results from Exhibitor breach.

8. RESTRICTED MATERIALS & CONTENT POLICY

8.1 Family-Friendly Environment

GeekExpoAustralia maintains a strict family-friendly environment. All Exhibitors must ensure their Booth, Products, displays, and conduct are appropriate for all ages unless explicitly approved otherwise in writing.

Adult-oriented material may only be sold where permitted by law and must be:

  • discreetly packaged or covered;
  • not openly displayed;
  • inaccessible to minors; and
  • subject to strict age verification at point of sale.

8.2 Prohibited Content

The following is strictly prohibited at all Events:

  • illegal or obscene material;
  • content prohibited under Australian law;
  • any material promoting violence, exploitation, or illegal activity;
  • counterfeit or stolen goods; and
  • any items the Organiser reasonably considers inappropriate for a family environment.

Immediate removal and/or expulsion may apply for breach.

8.3 Adult Content & Media

The display, playback, projection, or public presentation of adult video content, explicit animations, or pornographic media is strictly prohibited.

Non-compliance may result in immediate removal from the Event without refund.

8.4 Counterfeit, Bootleg & Unlicensed Goods

The sale or distribution of counterfeit, bootleg, or unlicensed merchandise is strictly prohibited.

This includes unauthorised use of:

  • copyrighted characters;
  • trademarks;
  • branded designs; or
  • media IP.

Exhibitors must be able to verify licensing upon request.

8.5 AI-Generated, Mass-Produced & Resold Goods

To protect original creators and maintain event integrity, the following are prohibited unless explicitly approved:

  • AI-generated artworks presented as original creator works;
  • mass-produced or wholesale goods not designed or created by the Exhibitor;
  • drop-shipped items; and
  • resold commercial stock from platforms including (without limitation) AliExpress, Temu, Alibaba, or similar.

Only original works, independent designs, or legitimately commissioned creator goods are permitted.

8.6 Enforcement

The Organiser may inspect all Booths and goods at any time.

Breach may result in:

  • immediate removal of items;
  • suspension of trading;
  • expulsion from the Event; and
  • forfeiture of all fees paid.

9. WEAPON & PROP POLICY

9.1 Prohibited Items

The following are strictly prohibited:

  • firearms (real, replica, deactivated, or imitation);
  • knives and live blades;
  • BB guns, airsoft guns, or projectile devices;
  • martial arts weapons (e.g. nunchaku, shuriken);
  • metal spikes, dangerous sharp implements; and
  • any item classified as a prohibited or restricted weapon under applicable Australian law.

9.2 Cosplay Props & Replicas

Cosplay props and replica items may be permitted only if:

  • they are blunt, safe, and non-functional;
  • they do not resemble functional weapons in a way that creates safety risk or alarm;
  • they are peace-bonded or secured where required; and
  • they comply with venue rules.

9.3 Safe Handling Requirements

Any permitted prop or replica must not:

  • be brandished;
  • be used in a threatening manner;
  • have exposed sharp edges; or
  • pose risk to attendees.

9.4 Safety Officer Authority

The Event Safety Officer has full authority to:

  • approve or reject items;
  • require modification or removal;
  • enforce compliance immediately; and
  • determine safety suitability.

Their decision is final on-site.

9.5 Enforcement

Failure to comply may result in:

  • confiscation or removal of items;
  • expulsion from the Event;
  • banning from future Events; and
  • notification to relevant authorities if required.

10. STATUTORY COMPLIANCE

10.1 Legal Compliance

Exhibitors must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including:

  • Work Health & Safety legislation;
  • consumer law;
  • intellectual property law;
  • local council regulations;
  • fire safety requirements;
  • public health regulations; and
  • venue-specific rules.

10.2 Permits & Licensing

Exhibitors are solely responsible for obtaining any required licences or approvals for:

  • raffles;
  • competitions;
  • food handling;
  • alcohol-related activity (if ever approved in writing);
  • fundraising activities; and
  • regulated goods or services.

10.3 No Illegal Activity

No Exhibitor may conduct any unlawful activity at the Event.

10.4 Indemnity

The Exhibitor indemnifies GeekExpoAustralia against all claims, losses, liabilities, fines, penalties, costs, and damages arising from:

  • breach of law;
  • regulatory non-compliance; or
  • unlawful conduct by the Exhibitor or its personnel.

11. INSURANCE & INDEMNITY

11.1 Exhibitor Insurance Requirements

Exhibitors must maintain, at their own expense:

  • public liability insurance of not less than AUD $20 million per occurrence; and
  • any additional insurance required by law or venue.

The Organiser may request proof of insurance at any time.

11.2 Property Risk

All Exhibitor property is brought to the Event at the Exhibitor’s sole risk.

GeekExpoAustralia accepts no responsibility for:

  • loss;
  • theft;
  • damage;
  • destruction; or
  • deterioration of goods or equipment.

11.3 Workers Compensation

Where required by law, Exhibitors must maintain workers compensation insurance for all staff and contractors.

11.4 Indemnity

The Exhibitor indemnifies GeekExpoAustralia, its directors, employees, contractors, and agents against all claims arising from:

  • Booth operations;
  • Exhibitor conduct;
  • breach of these Terms; or
  • negligence or unlawful acts.

This indemnity survives termination of participation.

2. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY & FORCE MAJEURE

12.1 Force Majeure

GeekExpoAustralia is not liable for any failure or delay caused by events beyond reasonable control, including:

  • natural disasters;
  • fire or flood;
  • pandemic or epidemic;
  • war or civil unrest;
  • strikes or labour disputes;
  • venue unavailability;
  • utility failure; or
  • government restrictions.

12.2 Exclusion of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, GeekExpoAustralia is not liable for:

  • loss of profit;
  • loss of revenue;
  • loss of opportunity;
  • reputational damage;
  • indirect or consequential loss; or
  • business interruption.

12.3 No Refund for External Disruption

No refunds are payable where the Event is disrupted, postponed, or cancelled due to Force Majeure events.

12.4 Third Parties

The Organiser is not responsible for failures of third-party providers including venues, contractors, utilities, or suppliers.

13. CODE OF CONDUCT

13.1 Expected Behaviour

All Exhibitors must behave professionally, respectfully, and lawfully.

13.2 Prohibited Conduct

The following is prohibited:

  • harassment or discrimination;
  • abusive or threatening behaviour;
  • aggressive sales tactics;
  • intoxication or disorderly conduct; and
  • any behaviour that disrupts the Event.

13.3 Enforcement

The Organiser may:

  • issue warnings;
  • restrict trading;
  • remove individuals; or
  • expel Exhibitors immediately.

No refund applies where removal occurs due to misconduct.

14. IP, MEDIA & PROMOTION

14.1 Intellectual Property Compliance

Exhibitors are solely responsible for ensuring their products do not infringe any intellectual property rights.

14.2 Indemnity for IP Claims

Exhibitors indemnify GeekExpoAustralia against all claims arising from IP infringement.

14.3 Media Rights

By participating, Exhibitors grant GeekExpoAustralia a perpetual, royalty-free licence to:

  • photograph;
  • film;
  • record; and
  • publish content featuring Booths, Products, and personnel for promotional purposes.

14.4 Opt-Out

Exhibitors may request exclusion from media capture in writing prior to the Event, subject to operational feasibility.

15. HEALTH, SAFETY & VENUE COMPLIANCE

15.1 General Safety Obligations

Exhibitors must ensure their Booth, conduct, and operations do not create risks to health or safety.

This includes maintaining:

  • clear access to emergency exits;
  • unobstructed walkways;
  • stable and secure displays;
  • safe electrical setups;
  • proper storage of goods; and
  • hygienic conditions (where applicable).

15.2 Compliance with Directions

Exhibitors must comply immediately with all lawful directions issued by:

  • the Organiser;
  • venue management;
  • security personnel; and
  • emergency services.

15.3 Hazardous Situations

The Organiser may immediately shut down or restrict any Booth or activity considered unsafe.

No compensation is payable for safety-related shutdowns.

16. SIGNAGE, PROMOTION & BOOTH CONDUCT

16.1 Booth Boundaries

All signage, displays, lighting, and promotional materials must remain strictly within allocated Booth space.

16.2 Distribution of Materials

Flyers, samples, or promotional materials must not be distributed outside the Booth without prior written approval.

16.3 Interference Prohibited

Exhibitors must not:

  • obstruct aisles;
  • block visibility of other Exhibitors; or
  • interfere with Event signage or sponsor placements.

16.4 Removal Rights

The Organiser may remove any signage or material that breaches these rules without notice.

17. NOISE, MUSIC & DISTURBANCE

17.1 Noise Restrictions

Exhibitors must ensure noise levels remain reasonable and do not disrupt:

  • neighbouring Exhibitors;
  • panels or stage programming; or
  • general attendee experience.

17.2 Amplified Sound

Use of microphones, speakers, amplified sound, or audiovisual playback is prohibited unless approved in writing.

17.3 Enforcement

The Organiser may:

  • reduce volume;
  • disable equipment; or
  • require immediate cessation of noise sources.

18. SECURITY, LOSS & RISK

18.1 No Liability for Loss

GeekExpoAustralia accepts no responsibility for:

  • theft;
  • loss;
  • damage; or
  • disappearance of Exhibitor goods or personal property.

18.2 Security Measures

Security presence does not constitute custody or safekeeping of Exhibitor property.

18.3 Exhibitor Responsibility

Exhibitors are solely responsible for securing their own goods at all times, including during:

  • bump-in;
  • trading hours; and
  • bump-out.

19. BUMP-IN / BUMP-OUT PROCEDURES

19.1 Compliance Required

Exhibitors must strictly adhere to all bump-in and bump-out schedules issued by the Organiser.

19.2 Delays

Failure to comply with scheduled times may result in:

  • penalties;
  • additional venue charges; or
  • restrictions on future participation.

19.3 Abandoned Goods

Any items not removed within the required timeframe may be:

  • removed;
  • stored; or
  • disposed of at the Exhibitor’s cost.

20. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

20.1 Good Faith Resolution

The parties agree to attempt to resolve disputes in good faith through direct negotiation.

20.2 Mediation

If unresolved, disputes may be referred to mediation before escalation to legal proceedings.

20.3 Jurisdiction

Depending on Event location, governing law applies as follows:

  • New South Wales Events: laws of New South Wales, Australia
  • ACT Events: laws of the Australian Capital Territory, Australia
  • Other States: laws of the relevant Australian State or Territory where the Event is held

20.4 Forum

The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts within the applicable jurisdiction.

21. GENERAL LEGAL TERMS

21.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede all prior discussions or representations.

21.2 Variation

The Organiser may amend these Terms where reasonably required for operational, legal, or safety reasons.

21.3 Severability

If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the Terms shall continue in full force.

21.4 No Waiver

Failure by the Organiser to enforce any provision does not constitute waiver of that provision.

21.5 Assignment

Exhibitors may not assign or transfer their rights without written consent of the Organiser.

22. FINAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

By applying for, paying for, or participating in any GeekExpoAustralia Event, the Exhibitor acknowledges and agrees that:

  • they have read and understood these Terms;
  • they accept all risks associated with participation;
  • they agree to comply with all Event rules and directions; and
  • they understand that breach may result in removal without refund.

END OF TERMS & CONDITIONS

GeekExpoAustralia Pty Ltd
Exhibitor Agreement – Final Master Version

 

FAQ

When applications are available, click the APPLY NOW button above. Complete the application form and submit payment. Your participation in the show is not guaranteed until show management has approved your application and you have received an acceptance email.

Any requests for specific booth locations need to be clearly indicated on your application. We do our best to accommodate requests, but we cannot provide a guarantee.

No, we do not provide elements like power or internet. 

Most, if not all, the venues we use have parking facilities that Exhibitors can use. Details of these facilities will be sent to you in your information packet prior to the show, along with details on cost (if any) and how/where you can collect parking passes. Please note that some venues have size/overnight restrictions. In the event your vehicle falls into a restricted category, you will need to arrange your own parking.

You can collect your passes from the Exhibitor Services Desk. The location of this desk will be sent to you in an information packet prior to the show. You can purchase additional passes in advance or at this desk, too.

All Exhibitors will be informed of the dates and times for set-up and set-down in information packets sent out prior to the show. At some larger venues, you will be assigned a specific date and time for when you can begin setting up your booth. If you require additional time/early access, please contact our Exhibitor Team at info@geek.events. We try to accommodate requests; however, we cannot provide guarantees.

Approximately 2 weeks prior to the start of the show.

For all exhibitor-related inquiries, please get in touch with our team at info@geek.events

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledge their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.

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