Exhibitor Manual

① BOOTH ARRANGEMENT

➔ TURNKEY BOOTHS – 100 and 200 sq ft sold by SIAL Canada

OPTION A: 10’x10’ (3Mx3M) Modular package booth with counter and stool:

• Grey aluminum structure
• 8′ high white rigid panels
• Grey carpet
• Identification sign (white background, black lettering) 2Mx40cm high
• 2 shelves
• 1 light rail with 3 spotlights
• 1 trash bin
• 1 white counter 1Mx0.5Mx1M
• 1 grey fabric stool
• 1 1500-watt electrical outlet
• Assembly and disassembly

OPTION B: 10’x20’ (3Mx6M) Modular package booth with counters and stools:

• Grey aluminum structure
• 8′ high white rigid panels
• Grey carpet
• 2 Identification signs (white background, black lettering) 2Mx40cm
• 4 shelves
• 2 light rails with 3 spotlights
• 2 trash bins
• 2 white counters 1Mx0.5Mx1M
• 2 grey fabric stools
• 1 1500-watt electrical outlet
• Assembly and disassembly

> GES Ordering Portal: Customize your booth (graphics, showcases, etc.) and order additional furniture and shelves by clicking here

Your contact at GES for turnkey booths : Caterina Screnci / cscrenci@ges.com

> Palais des congrès Ordering Portal: Order your internet access and cleaning package by clicking here
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➔ CUSTOM BOOTH AND ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES

1- You have reserved a custom booth through our official decorator G.E.S.

Place all your orders via the GES Ordering Portal by clicking here.

Your contact at GES for custom booths : customexhibits@ges.com / (514) 367-4848 / 1-877-399-3976

> Palais des congrès Ordering Portal: Order your electricity, plumbing, compressed air, banner hanging, internet, and cleaning package by clicking here

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2- Custom Booth by Your Own Decorator

Please carefully read the section on the arrangement regulations below.

Rigid separation walls and flooring are mandatory.

To maintain the salon’s aesthetics, exhibitors who do not have rigid walls or who use a portable booth such as an umbrella or half-moon style and/or do not completely conceal the rear and sides of the booth must arrange for the rental of the GES masking package or any other satisfactory solution.

The current “Architectural Guidelines” must be sent to your decorator. It outlines the presentation and booth arrangement standards established to ensure the salon’s proper conduct and optimal visitor comfort.

The design of the custom booth by your own decorator must be sent for approval before April 19, 2026 to the Logistics Operations Service, with PLANÉ Solutions Logistiques: logistique@planesolutions.ca

> Palais des congrès Ordering Portal: Order your electricity, plumbing, compressed air, internet access, signage installations, and cleaning package by clicking here

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② LOGISTICS AND SERVICES

➔ DECORATION, HANDLING, STORAGE, FORKLIFTS (GES ORDERING PORTAL)

• Decoration:

Customize your booth (graphics, showcases, etc.) and order additional furniture and shelves through the GES Ordering Portal by clicking here

• Handling:

This service is exclusive to GES Canada, the official decorator of SIAL Canada trade shows.

Exhibitors are permitted to unload their own freight, providing a representative of the company is present to receive it at the time of shipment delivery. Exhibitors must be able to unload their shipment without the use of a forklift. Note: The use of forklifts, electrical pallet trucks, electric “jiggers”, and manual pump trucks is exclusive to the show contractor (GES). Exhibitors are ONLY permitted to use THEIR OWN 2-wheel or 4-wheel dollies. The Show Contractor (GES) and the venue (Palais des congrès) will not supply pump-trucks or forklifts for exhibitor use.

For the sake of efficiency at the loading dock and to maintain a smooth move-in schedule for all, exhibiting company’s personnel are permitted to a maximum of 1 trip, a maximum of 2 pallets and 20 minutes parking at the loading dock. ALL MATERIAL HANDLING OF ANY LARGER VOLUMES AND/OR REQUIRING A FORKLIFT MUST BE PERFORMED BY GES CANADA.

Order your merchandise handling service through GES by clicking here

• Storage:

The storage of empty crates is mandatory. GES will provide labels to be placed on your boxes when they are ready for storage. All storage requests must be made in advance: click here

Please note that storage is included for all exhibitors who have booked a handling service. No valuable items should be left in the stored crates. Neither SIAL Canada nor GES can be held responsible for theft.

Reminder: The City’s fire department expressly prohibits the storage of empty boxes or crates inside or behind the booth.

• Forklifts:

Order your forklift through the GES Ordering Portal by clicking here

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➔ ELECTRICITY, PLUMBING, COMPRESSED AIR, BANNER HANGING, INTERNET, CLEANING (PALAIS DES CONGRÈS ORDERING PORTAL)

These services are exclusive to the Palais des congrès. Place all your orders through the Palais des congrès Ordering Portal by clicking here.

Important:for all services ordered from the Palais des congrès that require precise positioning of the service in the stand (wired internet, electricity, plumbing, banner hanging, etc.), plans must be sent to the Palais des congrès at the time the order is placed: techno@congresmtl.com. If the exhibitor does not provide a plan, the Palais des congrès will not be able to complete their order.

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➔ TRANSPORATION, CUSTOMS AND ADVANCE WAREHOUSE

Importing food products and other items into Canada must comply with the import requirements of various government agencies. To facilitate these procedures, SIAL Canada strongly advises its exhibitors to use their official customs broker and carrier: North American Logistics Services Inc. It is essential to contact NALSI as soon as possible to determine the deadlines.

• If you wish to make an agreement with North American Logistics Services Inc. (NALSI), the official carrier and customs broker of SIAL Canada:Click here to order transport and/or customs services

• If you are using your own carrier and customs broker and only wish to store with NALSI:Click here to order storage services

Deadline for warehouse receipt: April 17, 2026

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➔ GOODS RECEPTION ON SITE

• Shipped goods must include the following information: SIAL Canada 2026 / Shipper’s Name / Exhibitor’s Name / Booth Number / Name and Contact Information of the Responsible Party / Customs or not
• Receipt of goods on-site starting from Monday, April 27.
• Perishable food products must be delivered only on Tuesday, April 28, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Delivery Address:
Palais des congrès de Montréal
Attention: Exhibitor + Booth Number
Quai de déchargement
163, rue Saint Antoine Ouest
Montreal, Quebec H2Z 1X8

Attention: It is imperative to plan for the return of your merchandise at the end of the exhibition. Neither the Organizer nor the Convention Center can be held responsible for equipment or merchandise left uncollected on the loading dock or in the exhibition hall, and they may be disposed of.

➔ REFRIGERATED STORAGE AND ICE BAGS

For the duration of the exhibition, exhibitors who wish to can reserve storage space for their refrigerated or frozen products and/or purchase ice bags. Please, click here to complete theform.

➔ EQUIPMENT RENTAL

Display cases, refrigerators, freezers, hot plates… dozens of items of equipment are available for rent for the duration of the show, including set-up and dismantling. Click here to see the catalog

• Order form in $USD

Order before April 15, 2026

➔ LEAD RETRIEVAL

Lead retrieval will be included directly through the SIAL Canada Mobile App. Please contact your sales manager.

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➔ FLIGHT AND HOTEL RESERVATION

• FLIGHT: Benefit from negotiated rates with Air Canada. Promo code: VBHXQPG1

– The reservation is for Montreal, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport – YUL (CA)
– Valid for a flight between April 22 and May 8, 2026

• HOTEL: Benefit from negotiated rates with our partner Expedia. Click here

Beware of scams! Make sure to book your hotel only through this link.
For any additional assistance or for group reservations (more than 5 rooms), contact reservations@revolugo.com

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③ FOOD SAFETY AND SAMPLING

➔ HYGIENE AND SAFETY RULES TO FOLLOW

• Hygiene and Safety Rules

It is the responsibility of each exhibitor to comply with and apply the Hygiene and Safety Rules in temporary food booths: Click here to learn more

Attention, despite the presence of cleaning areas, exhibitors needing to prepare, cut, assemble, or cook food must have, at a minimum, a water tank with a dispenser and a container to collect water and soap on their stand in order to wash their hands and utensils.

Please note that inspectors from the City of Montreal will be present at the trade show to ensure that hygiene rules are being followed. For any questions, please contact Carole Yelle, Food Inspection Supervisor for the City of Montreal: carole.yelle@montreal.ca

• Single-Use Plastic Regulation

Click here to view the regulation issued by the City of Montreal.

• Common Cleaning Areas:

Cleaning stations will be available for washing your dishes with hot and cold water, soap, and paper towels. Containers for collecting used oil will also be provided. It is strictly prohibited to use the restrooms for cleaning your equipment. These stations are located in the four corners of the exhibition hall on level 200, and on level 700.

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➔ FOOD AND ALCOHOL SAMPLING DISTRIBUTION

1- Sample Distribution – Conditions

• All samples must be offered free of charge.
• Distribution must be carried out exclusively by the producer, the manufacturer, or their official representative.
• Distribution must take place within the exhibitor’s booth, unless special authorization has been granted.

2- Non-Alcoholic Products

Mandatory Form

• Any exhibitor offering food products or non-alcoholic beverages must complete the following form: (form to come).
• There is no maximum quantity imposed. However, sample sizes must remain consistent with a sampling format, meaning they are intended to be consumed at the booth.

3- Food Sampling in Common Areas (Sponsorships)

• Any food distribution in common areas (entrance, exit, sponsored spaces, etc.) must receive prior approval.
• Please send an email to administration@expocanadafrance.com specifying: product to be distributed, sample format, and targeted area.

4- Alcoholic Products – Booth Sampling

Step 1 – Mandatory Authorization

To be authorized to offer alcohol in sampling format exclusively at your booth,
you must comply with the following steps:

• Complete the alcohol authorization form: (RACJ 1060) – complete the highlighted sections in yellow.
• Submit the completed form to logistics@expocanadafrance.com.
• A fee of $60.50 per show day applies, for a total of $181.50.
  All three days must be selected: April 29 and 30, and May 1.
• You must keep proof of authorization in your booth at all times.

Step 2 – Alcohol Supply

A) Products NOT sold at the SAQ

• Use of a specialized carrier is mandatory.
• We recommend NALSI for transportation and customs clearance management:
  Click here to complete the form.
• Maximum authorized volume: 45 liters per shipment.

B) Products sold at the SAQ

• You may purchase your products directly from an SAQ store
  or ship them directly from your production facility.
• No quantity limit applies in this case.

C) Product not sold at the SAQ transported by yourself

• Simply keep your Form 1060 authorization with you during transportation.

5- Maximum Authorized Sample Quantities (Mandatory)

• ≤ 7% alcohol: maximum 100 ml (3.5 oz)
• > 7% and < 20%: maximum 50 ml (1.75 oz)
• ≥ 20%: maximum 25 ml (0.75 oz)

6- Introducing Your Products to the SAQ

• Would you like to commercialize your products with the SAQ ?
• Start the process here:
  Become an SAQ Supplier
• Estimated processing time: 2 to 4 months.

7- Procedure to Organize a Cocktail with Alcohol at Your Booth

• Alcohol service is mandatory and exclusive to the official caterer Maestro.
• Contact:info-mtl@maestroculinaire.ca and MAESTRO Culinaire Document

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➔ SoSIAL PROGRAM – FOOD BANK

SoSIAL is a program dedicated to fighting food waste and assisting those in need. Through this organization, all food products are collected and stored at the end of the event to be distributed locally through Moisson Montréal.

For every visitor registration, SIAL Canada will donate $5 to Moisson Montréal to combat food waste. Make a donation ❤

We invite all our Canadian exhibitors to leave products for Moisson Montréal at the end of the event. A “Moisson Montréal” label will be provided to you, and it should be placed next to the products you wish to donate. We greatly appreciate your support!

Please note that international products are unfortunately not accepted due to food safety reasons.
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④ REGISTER

➔ EXHIBITOR BADGE REGISTRATION

Exhibitor badges will be provided at the exhibitor check-in during the setup and at the welcome desk (Access 201, Avenue Viger West) during the event. These badges cannot be lent or exchanged. Badges are only issued if full payment for the booth has been settled. Registration will be available mid-March in your Exhibitor Area.

Exhibitor Badge Counter Opening Hours:
• Monday, April 27: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Tuesday, April 28: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday, April 29: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Thursday, April 30: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Friday, May 1st: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Quantities:
– Regular Exhibitors: 2 badges per 100 sq ft
– Gold Exhibitors: 5 badges per 100 sq ft

– Additional Badge: $50+tx per badge. Order your additional badges through your Exhibitor Area.

Wearing the badge is mandatory during the event’s opening hours.

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➔ BUYER PROGRAM REGISTRATION

Exclusively dedicated to exhibitors, SIAL Canada offers the opportunity to participate in its Buyer Program for free, allowing you to meet high-level American, Canadian, and international buyers who are specifically interested in doing business with you.

Enter your company information and take advantage of a matchmaking service that allows you to pre-schedule 20-minute private business meetings, which will take place in the on-site buyer’s lounge. Coming soon

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➔ SIAL COMPETITIONS REGISTRATION (COMING SOON)

SIAL INNOVATION

SIAL Innovation is reserved for exhibitors of SIAL Canada 2026. Your participation gives you maximum visibility in front of all visitors and media at the fair.

Participation criteria:
• Be a consumer packaged goods (CPG) product intended for retail, foodservice, or private label
• Have been launched on the North American market as of January 2025 A product previously marketed in another region may be eligible if it was introduced to the North American market after January 2025.
• Demonstrate a genuine element of innovation (recipe, formulation, packaging, manufacturing process, positioning, or sustainability).
• Provide clear added value for consumers or professional end users.

Participation is now free! Register here. Registration deadline: March 30

START-UP COMPETITION (COMING SOON)

Participation criteria:
• Exhibit at SIAL Canada 2026 in the Start-Up Village.
• Offer a food or beverage product OR a new technology or service related to the food industry.
• In operation for less than 5 years.
• Food industries: revenue from $50,000 to $1,000,000 CAD.
• Technology and service companies: no revenue criteria required.

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⑤ MAXIMIZE YOUR VISIBILITY

➔ INVITE YOUR CLIENTS AND PROSPECTS (COMING SOON)

Sending free invitations to your prospects, clients, and partners is a relevant business strategy that can offer many advantages:

• Encourage them to visit your booth and discover your latest products and innovations.
• Strengthen relationships with your existing clients, attract new customers, and generate leads.
• Increase your visibility and credibility within the industry, as well as brand recognition.
• Maximize your return on investment by increasing booth traffic and providing a valuable opportunity to network with key players in the food industry.
• Overall, sending free invitations is an easy and effective way to make the most of your participation in SIAL Canada – and it’s included in your package!

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➔ SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Become a central player at SIAL Canada 2026! The world is changing, the industry is evolving, and opportunities are emerging. SIAL Canada provides a brand new range of sponsorship tools to turn your goals into tangible results: from digital visibility options to on-site activation opportunities, à la carte or tailor-made just for you.

Position yourself as an essential player in the food industry! Click here

➔ PRESS BOOTH

Every exhibitor has the opportunity to highlight their press releases or media kits in the VIP/Media area.
Your documents must be submitted at the SIAL exhibitor desk by April 28th at 6:00 PM.

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** INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITORS

➔ VISAS, MERCHANDISE IMPORT – COMING SOON

⑥ SETUP

➔ EXHIBITOR RECEPTION

The SIAL Canada team will be happy to welcome you at the Exhibitor Check-In (“Show Office”) on Level 200:

– Monday, April 27, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
– Tuesday, April 28, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
– Wednesday, April 29, from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
– Thursday, April 30, from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
– Friday, May 1st, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

You will also find the offices of NALSI, TMI, GES, LOWE, and Palais des congrès.

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➔ SETUP SCHEDULE

A detailed setup schedule will be sent to you via email 3 weeks before the show.
The booth set-up will take place on Monday, April 27 and Tuesday, April 28, 2026, according to the time slot assigned to you.

(*) Note that it is possible to stay for installation until 10:00 PM on Monday, April 27, and until 10:00 PM on Tuesday, April 28, but no temporary exit will be allowed after 6:00 PM (all exits are final).

No rolling equipment (carts or dollies) will be tolerated once the carpets are installed.

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➔ UNLOADING DOCK ADDRESS

163, rue Saint-Antoine Ouest, Montréal (Québec) H2Z 1X8

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➔ GOODS RECEPTION DURING THE EVENT

During the exhibition, exhibitors have the possibility to have boxes, crates, or parcels delivered every day from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Any shipment must be delivered, shipping charges prepaid, to the unloading docks.

Delivery address:
Palais des congrès de Montréal
Booth number, Exhibitor’s coordinates
Quai de déchargement
163, rue Saint-Antoine Ouest
Montréal (Québec) H2Z 1X8

Note: No rolling cart is allowed to circulate on aisle carpets during the exhibition opening hours. Please provide the necessary staff to manually transport your delivery to your booth.

Attention: It is imperative to plan for the return of your merchandise at the end of the exhibition. Neither the Organizer nor the Convention Center can be held responsible for equipment or merchandise left uncollected on the loading dock or in the exhibition hall, and they may be disposed of.

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➔ END OF SETUP

• Carpet Installation

Carpet installation in the aisles will start from 5:00 PM on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. No rolling equipment will be allowed after this installation. Final setup operations, including booth cleaning, must be completed by Tuesday, April 28, at 6:00 PM.

Exhibitors may, however, remain on site until 10:00 p.m. to complete final adjustments and booth cleaning. No temporary exit will be permitted after 6:00 p.m.

• Booth Cleaning

You are allowed to deposit your waste in the aisles on Tuesday, April 28, the day before the opening. This waste will be collected by our services. You can book a cleaning service for your booth during the event through the Palais des congrès Orders Portal by clicking here

• Booth Inspection

Booth inspection on Tuesday, April 28, during the day. A notice will be placed on your booth if your installation includes element(s) that do not comply with the show regulations. An email notice will be sent if you are no longer on-site.

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⑦ DISMANTLING

All exhibitors with a shell scheme or GES booth must have all their booth elements and equipment cleared of the booth space by 8pm on Friday, May 1st so that GES may begin the dismantle of these.

➔ DISMANTLING PROCEDURE

• Dismantling is not allowed before Friday, May 1st, at 4:00 PM
• Removal of hand-carried merchandise will begin after the show closes (4:00 PM)
• Rolling carts can circulate after the aisle carpets are removed (around 5:00 PM)
• Empty crates will be delivered to your booth by GES as soon as possible for exhibitors who have reserved the storage service

➔ DISMANTLING SCHEDULE

You will not receive a specific schedule for dismantling.

The exhibition closes its doors to visitors at 4 PM on Friday, May 1st. From 4 PM, you may begin dismantling within your booth.
Nothing can be moved through the aisles before the carpets are removed. This operation takes approximately 1 hour.

From 4 PM to 6 PM, personal-sized vehicles (sedan/SUV) have priority access to the docks according to the following logic:
• From 4 PM to 5 PM, during the removal of aisle carpets, exhibitors with minimal material that can be carried by hand may leave.
• From 5 PM to 6 PM, exhibitors with minimal material that still requires the use of a rolling cart may leave.

Starting at 6 PM, the docks become accessible to trucks and exhibitors who require handling. All of your material must be gathered at the docks and ready to be loaded so that your vehicle can access a loading dock, without exception.

Any material still in the hall after the deadline will be handled by NALSI, the official carrier of the exhibition, at the expense of the exhibitor.
We will place a dismantling note on your booth on Thursday evening, April 30, to remind you of this procedure!

• Turning Off Utilities (Water)

Before removing equipment with water connections, please ensure that the Palais des congrès technical service has shut off the water supply. Any damage will be charged to the exhibitor.

• Booth Dismantling

All equipment and decorations must have left the exhibition hall by Saturday, May 2nd at 3:00 PM – please inform your suppliers. Otherwise, GES will be required to dismantle and remove any installation and decorative structure. This operation will be billed to the exhibitor, and GES cannot be held responsible for any damage.

• Theft

Reserves and furniture must be emptied of their contents at the end of the show. Doors can be opened without your knowledge, and you risk losing your equipment. Keys must be deposited inside the furniture.

• Goods from Abroad

Products admitted under temporary importation to the Palais des congrès de Montréal cannot be sold to exhibitors or visitors because they are under the regime of temporary customs admission and have not paid Canadian customs duties and taxes. Canadian Food Inspection Agency inspectors will be on-site to perform the necessary controls.

• Restoring the Venue

Exhibitors must leave the venue in its initial state. Damage observed during the installation or dismantling of booths will be billed to the exhibitor, who is also responsible for all their providers. Any material left on-site will be at the exhibitor’s expense for removal, including removing adhesive residue. Removing adhesive will be charged to the exhibitor.