The tradeshow dictionary
Official supplier status is a sponsorship arrangement granting one company the exclusive right to be named the event's official provider in a category — "official logistics partner", "official coffee supplier". The sponsor gets category exclusivity and an implied endorsement; the event often gets its fee partly in product or services.
Offline mode (event app) is an event app's ability to keep working without an internet connection, serving cached content such as the agenda, floor plan, exhibitor list, and the user's own schedule. Changes made offline sync back once connectivity returns, so a dead spot in the hall doesn't mean a dead app.
On-site rebooking is the practice of selling next year's booth space during the current show, typically at a dedicated rebooking desk or through sales reps visiting stands. Exhibitors commit while the event's value is fresh, usually in exchange for the best rates and first pick of locations on the new floor plan.
A one-time password (OTP) is a short-lived code used to verify identity for sensitive public flows such as jury access or contract signing.
One-to-one meeting is a pre-scheduled, private conversation between two event participants — typically a buyer and a supplier — booked through the event's matchmaking platform for a fixed time and place. Unlike chance encounters on the show floor, both parties have seen each other's profile and agreed to meet.
Online community platform (events) is the software an organizer uses to host year-round audience interaction — discussion spaces, member profiles, content libraries, and event integration — under the event's own brand. It extends the networking value of the show beyond its dates and gives the organizer owned audience data between editions.
Onsite accessibility is the removal of physical, sensory, and informational barriers so disabled attendees can participate fully in an event: step-free routes, accessible toilets, hearing loops, captioning, clear signage, rest points, and trained staff. It spans the whole journey, from travel and registration through sessions, stands, and networking.
Onsite registration is the process of signing up attendees at the venue during the event itself, rather than in advance. It covers walk-ups who never pre-registered, handled at staffed desks or self-service kiosks that capture details, take payment where required, and issue a badge within minutes of arrival.
Onsite upgrade (pass upgrade) is the sale of a higher pass tier to an attendee already at the event — a visitor buying conference access after arriving, or a delegate adding a VIP or workshop package. It captures demand that only materializes once people see what they're missing.
Open rate (events) is the share of delivered emails recorded as opened — useful as a directional signal for subject lines and send timing, but easily distorted by privacy features.
Opportunity conversion (events) is the share of event-sourced leads that become qualified opportunities in the sales pipeline — real deals with a named account, a need, and a next step. It's the point where event marketing's numbers turn into revenue language the rest of the business already trusts.
Opt-out handling is the process of honouring unsubscribe and “stop contacting me” requests promptly across all outreach channels and systems of record.
An outreach cadence is the planned rhythm of touches (email, call, LinkedIn, or other) across days or weeks designed to earn a reply without exhausting the prospect.
Overtime charges (venue) are the premium fees venues and contractors bill when work runs beyond contracted hours — late-night builds, early access, or move-out overruns. Rates typically step up by multiples of standard labour and facility costs, making schedule overruns one of the most expensive line items an event can generate.