Exhibitor Manual
We hope that the Manual will provide you with all the information you need for the successful preparation of your stand at Design for Healthcare Environments 2026.
We have done our best to ensure that the contents are as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know immediately so that we can correct it for other exhibitors.
Please take time to read the Exhibitor Manual carefully, as in addition to assisting your preparations there are a number of requirements that must be met.
The Exhibitor Manual is not designed to replace the personal service provided by Step Exhibitions, or by any of the contractors listed. We are all here to assist with your preparations with as much care and attention to detail as is necessary to provide you with the best possible service for your individual needs.
If you have any questions or need specific assistance, please contact the team on 01892 518877, or you can email Lydia at lydiabloe@step-exhibitions.com. We will be pleased to help you.
If you experience any difficulty with any of the services listed in the Manual, please contact us – we can then assist you with your arrangements.
Please click on the buttons below to download the forms required.
Buttons with a * are mandatory for ALL stands.
Click the buttons below to download or complete the required forms.
Buttons marked with * are mandatory for all stands.
Total Expo
Total Expo have been appointed as the full services contractor for this event. You can place all orders at eventorders.net once you have created an account and registered for this event:
Welcome to Your Exhibitor Manual
CONTENTS
ACCOMMODATION
Several packages have been arranged with local hotels via Event Express – CLICK HERE.
Event Express
AUDIO VISUAL
Audio-visual equipment can be hired from Total Expo, for the duration of the event.
Total Expo Ltd
Deadline - 14 September
BADGES
Exhibitor Badges
Every member of staff who will be working on your stand at the RDS during Design for Healthcare Environments must have an Exhibitor Badge to gain access.
Exhibitor Badges will be confirmed electronically and be available for collection from the Registration Desk on-site on Monday’s build-up at the registration desk from 4pm.
We would encourage you to try and collect your passes on the Monday to avoid delay in accessing the event on opening morning.
Exhibitor badges are valid for build-up, the open period of the event and breakdown.
Contractor Access
Contractor staff do not require a pass for build-up and breakdown periods.
To register non-stand staff such as visiting colleagues or customers please CLICK HERE.
Registration Desk
Deadline - 25 September
BADGE SCANNERS / LEAD RECORDING
All attendees will receive a clearly printed badge containing a unique barcoded registration detail.
Exhibitors have the option to hire lead recording devices from the registration contractor Registration Desk that will allow them to scan attendee barcodes and digitally collect contact details from delegates and visitors attending their stands during event.
By using Registration Desk’s lead recording services, exhibitors can scan attendee barcodes to quickly gather and store contact details. This is invaluable for capturing key information to support effective follow-up after on-stand discussions.
Please be aware that whilst all attendees have been advised of the badge policy for Design for Healthcare Environments that it is also your responsibility to ensure that the attendee is aware that, in allowing their badge to be scanned, they are giving you permission to contact them.
Registration Desk
Deadline - 25 September
BUILD-UP PROCEDURE
Build-up Loading Bay Vehicle Access
There is ample parking at the RDS.
You will need to display your parking ticket which will be sent to you prior to the event. Once unloaded, Traffic Marshals will direct vehicles to the designated parking area.
A limited supply of complimentary parking passes have been allocated for exhibitors for the build-up and open days. These free passes are limited to two (2) per stand and will be sent out to you prior to the event.
Exhibitors will be required to display their passes on their vehicle on arrival.
Access to the loading bay (Anglesa gate) at the RDS will be strictly controlled. All exhibitors and their contractors are requested not to park their vehicles in this area, but to remove them immediately once the loading or unloading of the vehicle is completed. RDS Traffic Marshalls will direct unloaded vehicles to the designated parking area.
PPE Requirements
Everyone on-site during build-up and breakdown will be required to follow health and safety guidelines. Hi-vis waistcoats or jackets and safety footwear are mandatory while in the exhibition hall. Hard hats will only be needed in specific areas where indicated.
Please make sure to bring your own hi-vis items as these items won’t be available for purchase on-site.
Step Exhibitions Ltd
BREAKDOWN PROCEDURE
The breakdown for Design for Healthcare Environments is split into two elements: Soft Breakdown and Hard Breakdown. The aim is to allow exhibitors to remove hand-carry items and materials before full breakdown begins and space-only contractors start dismantling stands.
Soft Breakdown
Soft breakdown will begin once the Exhibition Hall close and all attendees have left the exhibition. This will take place from approximately 16:00. From this time, exhibitors can start removing stand equipment and materials without the need for PPE. Soft breakdown will continue until 17:00.
Please ensure any courier collections are arranged to take place within this timeframe.
No dismantling of stands is permitted until the exhibition has officially closed.
Exhibitors breaking down early may not be invited to future events.
Hard Breakdown
From 18:00 onwards, hard breakdown will commence. At this point, all remaining exhibitors must wear appropriate PPE, including a hi-vis waistcoat or tabard and safety footwear.
Hard hats will only be required only in designated hard hat areas.
Important Notes:
Contractors for shell scheme stands will begin dismantling at 15:00. Exhibitors with shell scheme stands should remove all display materials promptly after the event closes.
Any items left unattended after the close of tenancy at 22:00 will be removed by the venue and disposed of, with the costs charged to the exhibitor.
PPE Requirements
Everyone on-site during build-up and breakdown will be required to follow health and safety guidelines. Hi-vis waistcoats or jackets and safety footwear are mandatory while in the exhibition hall. Hard hats will only be needed in specific areas where indicated.
Please make sure to bring your own hi-vis items as these items won’t be available for purchase on-site.
Step Exhibitions Ltd
CAR PARKING
There is ample parking at the RDS.
Exhibitors will be required to display their passes on their vehicle on arrival.
Access to the loading bay at the RDS will be strictly controlled. All exhibitors and their contractors are requested not to park their vehicles in this area, but to remove them immediately once the loading or unloading of the vehicle is completed. RDS Traffic Marshalls will direct unloaded vehicles to the designated parking area.
RDS Ireland
CARPET
All Shell Scheme stands come with standard grey carpeting. Exhibitors who wish to change the carpet colour must contact Total Expo to arrange this.
Any additional costs for carpet changes will be the exhibitor’s responsibility.
Total Expo Ltd
Deadline - 28 August
CHILDREN
Attendees under the age of 18 are not permitted in the halls at any time during the show build-up, open period or breakdown.
CLOAKROOM
The cloakroom is situated to the left as you enter the Exhibition Hall at the RDS and is open for the duration of Design for Healthcare Environments
DEADLINES
Please be aware that each service provided by contractors at Design for Healthcare Environments has a specific deadline. While some services may still be available after these deadlines, late bookings could incur additional costs or face limited availability.
DELEGATE PASSES
Exhibitors wishing to get access to the conference programme will require a Delegate Pass which will incur an additional charge.
DELIVERY/ COLLECTION & STORAGE OF MATERIALS
The venue will not accept any deliveries prior to the start of the event on 29 September. Additionally, the venue cannot take responsibility for any items that are damaged or left unattended if an exhibitor is not present to receive them.
To ensure a smooth and secure delivery process, CLS Expo have been appointed as the official contractor to assist with all exhibitor logistics. Their services include:
Advanced Delivery: Ship your items to the CLS Expo warehouse ahead of time and they will deliver them directly to your stand at the RDS.
Full Consignment Service: CLS Expo can manage the entire process, collecting items from your office, delivering them to your stand and returning them to your office after the event.
Onsite Lifting & Handling: CLS Expo control all forklift movement for your unload and reload requirements at the venue, please note this must be booked prior to arrival.
Onsite Storage: Storage of packing materials, crates and pallets can be done so through CLS Expo, alternatively this will need to be removed from site.
Collection of Exhibitor/ Stand Materials: Please ensure that any items at the end of the show are taken with you or collected by courier no later than 20.00 on Wednesday 30 June. Please leave items packaged and ready for collection, clearly labelled with the delivery name and address, company name and stand number of the sender and also the name and telephone number of the courier company instructed to collect. Any items not collected will be deemed as waste and disposed of.
Please note that the Organisers will not accept responsibility for any items that are left unattended.
Delivery window is 14 – 18 September (excluding the weekend)
If you are using an external contractor to deliver or collect your items, please inform them of the instructions for gaining access to the loading bays during the build-up or breakdown of the event.
CLS Expo
T: 07908 559228
E: paul.attwood@clsexpo.com
W: www.clsexpo.com
Deadline - 18 September
ELECTRICS
Each Shell Scheme stand will receive the following (per 9m²):
– 1 x double socket 1kW Max
– 2 x spotlights
Total Expo Ltd has been appointed as the electrical contractor and coordinator for Design for Healthcare Environments Ireland. All work on stands must be ordered through the official electrical contractor. Details of your requirements must be forwarded to Total Expo Ltd as early as possible. Electrics can be ordered online.
Please note that Space Only stands do not include any electrical package as standard. All electrical services for Space Only stands must be ordered through Total Expo Ltd.
Orders received after the deadline date may be subject to a 20% surcharge.
If you require power during breakdown to decommission any machines, please contact Total Expo by the deadline date written on the order form.
Total Expo Ltd
Deadline - 14 September
EVENT CATALOGUE
The Event Catalogue is an essential resource for all attendees, offering a comprehensive overview of the exhibition, conference programme, and exhibitor details. Every attendee will receive a copy on arrival, helping them navigate the event and plan their activities over the 2-day period.
The guide is not only a key tool during Design for Healthcare Environments but also serves as a valuable reference long after the event has concluded.
Exhibitors can advertise within the handbook to increase visibility, highlight products, and share key messages with delegates. It’s an effective way to engage with both current and potential customers during the event and beyond.
Step Exhibitions Ltd
Deadline - 14 August
FIRST AID
If you require medical assistance during the event, please contact venue staff or a member of the organising team immediately. They will arrange for a First Aider to attend or request a paramedic if necessary.
FURNITURE
A selection of stand furniture is available from Total Expo. Orders can be made through their event orders website.
Total Expo Ltd cannot always guarantee that they can meet every order if placed after the deadline or during build-up at the exhibition. Any items ordered after the deadline may be subject to a surcharge.
If you require further assistance with your order, please contact the team on the details below.
If you have booked a Shell Scheme stand, you will receive the following (per 9m²):
1 x Table
2 x Chairs
Total Expo Ltd
Deadline - 14 September
HEALTH & SAFETY
To be compliant with Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, health and safety services and assistance is provided to exhibiting companies by Dime Events.
The services provided include general health and safety enquiries, risk assessment, site induction arrangements, space only stand plan audits and specific event-based health and safety policies and procedures.
Shell Scheme Stands
To ensure compliance with Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, Exhibitors of Shell Scheme Stands are required to complete and return the following documents by Friday 24 July 2026.
- A completed and signed Exhibitor Risk Assessment/ Form 1 – Health & Safety Declaration form
- Exhibitor Site Induction
- Public Liability Insurance
Space Only Sites
IMPORTANT SPACE ONLY CONTRACTOR INFORMATION
All Contractors are informed that CDM Regulations (2015) are in force and as such site safety principles including but not restricted to site rules, site induction and the mandatory wearing of hi-visibility tabards, safety footwear and hard hats (where appropriate) during the build and dismantle processes will be rigidly enforced by Venue, Health & Safety and Organiser Staff.
Arriving on site without PPE may be costly as contractors will not be allowed into the Hall. This Policy is extended to exhibitors required to enter the Hall during build-up/ construction and breakdown/ dismantling periods.
Please note that the event organiser will not carry any PPE stock so please ensure your staff/ contractors are aware of this mandatory policy.
ALL space only stand contractors are required to submit the following information by Friday 24 July 2026 to phil.fellows@dimeevents.com and anniedaniels@step-exhibitions.com.
Proof of PLI (Public Liability Insurance which must be in date for the duration of the tenancy dates of the IBMS Congress).
Visuals of the finished stand design in both side elevation and plan views (including dimensions).
Completed Construction Phase Plan (CPP).
A suitable and sufficient Risk Assessment and Method Statement relating to the build and dismantle phases.
A completed Space Only Submission Form.
Once all plans and documents have been reviewed and agreed upon by both the Organisers and the Health & Safety Officer, provisional approval to build will be granted, and final pre-event documentation will be issued.
IMPORTANT SPACE ONLY EXHIBITOR INFORMATION
To ensure compliance with Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, Exhibitors of Space Only Stands are required to complete and return the following documents by Friday 24 July 2026.
A completed and signed Exhibitor Risk Assessment/ Form 1 – Health & Safety Declaration form
Exhibitor Site Induction
Public Liability Insurance
PPE Requirements
Everyone on-site during build-up and breakdown will be required to follow health and safety guidelines. Hi-vis waistcoats or jackets and safety footwear are mandatory while in the exhibition hall. Hard hats will only be needed in specific areas where indicated.
Please make sure to bring your own hi-vis items as these items won’t be available for purchase on-site.
Total Expo Ltd
Deadline - 4 September
INTERNET CONNECTIONS & WI-FI
The exhibition hall is Wi-Fi enabled and is a free service that is totally unsupported and without guarantees.
For a guaranteed faster internet connection, you can order a wired connection to your stand. This service will have to be ordered directly with the RDS.
INSURANCE & SECURITY
Whilst every precaution is taken to protect persons and property during Design for Healthcare Environments, neither the organisers nor the Network can accept responsibility for any loss, damage, or injury to the personnel or property of any exhibitor or contractor, however caused. This includes any consequential loss arising from such incidents.
Exhibitors and contractors are responsible for securing adequate insurance coverage both before and during the event. This must include:
Public liability insurance to cover legal liability for injury to persons or damage to third-party property.
Insurance to protect your own property and personnel against loss, theft, or damage.
Coverage against Abandonment, Cancellation, or Curtailment of the event due to circumstances beyond the control of the Organisers.
Exhibitors are advised that security measures cannot guarantee complete protection. We strongly recommend that valuables, particularly portable items, are not left unattended at your stand, especially during build-up and breakdown periods.
All incidents involving loss, damage, or injury must be reported immediately to the Organisers Office. Failure to report such incidents may result in insurance claims being refused.
For any security-related concerns or advice, please contact the Exhibition Office. Exhibitors are permitted to employ additional security personnel if needed and contact details for approved security providers can be supplied upon request.
TBC
Deadline - TBC
PRIZE DRAWS & COMPETITIONS
If you’re running a prize draw or competition from your stand, clearly communicate any conditions or exclusions (e.g. student ineligibility or restrictions to specific attendees). Ensure these rules are visibly displayed, that your stand personnel are aware of them, and that they are consistently communicated to all participants and relevant visitors.
SHELL SCHEME GRAPHICS
Total Expo offer a range of graphic print and installation services to all Shell Scheme exhibitors. All services are based on artwork supplied by the client. Full sizing and artwork information is supplied. Artwork is required 1 month prior to show build date to enable printing. Please see TotalExpo webshop for branded package upgrades.
Total Expo Ltd
Deadline - 28 August
SHELL SCHEME STANDS NAMEBOARD
Nameboards will be supplied for all shell scheme stands. If Total Expo does not receive your completed Stand Nameboard Form by the deadline, the nameboard will be produced using the information from your contract. Please be aware that this may differ from the details provided for your handbook entry.
Any nameboard changes made on-site at build-up will incur a fee.
Total Expo Ltd
Deadline - 28 August
SHELL SCHEME STANDS/ EXTRAS
Exhibitor Portal
All exhibitors will need to create an account and register for the event via eventorder.net. Please check your junk/spam folder. If you are experiencing any technical issues with this service or need help with your orders, please contact Total Expo.
If you have selected a Shell Scheme stand it will be constructed as specified below. The official Shell Scheme contractor for the exhibition is – Total Expo. Shell Scheme stands will be provided in accordance with the following specification.
No alterations may be made to the Shell Scheme without prior discussion and approval of the Exhibition Office.
Walling – The rear and dividing walls are built to a height of 2.5m. Infill panels finished white foamex board. Please note that lightweight display materials may be attached to the panels using Velcro.
Fascia – A fascia will be provided on all open sides of a stand. The fascia is a 250mm high and is set 2250mm (2.25 metres) above floor level. The fascia consists of top and bottom rails of aluminium beam section 50mm deep, supported where necessary by 30mm square posts. The fascia framework will be infilled with 6mm flameproof panels. All stands over 4 metres wide will have fascia support posts and ceiling tie bar rails to stabilise the walls/structure. Ceiling tie bars are 2450mm (2.45metres) from floor level to their underside.
Nameboard – A stand nameboard will be provided on the fascia of each open side of Shell Scheme stands. The nameboard will carry the details submitted by exhibitors using the Stand Nameboard Form. TotalExpo provide 1 x namecard (fascia) per shell stand.
Stand Extras – A comprehensive range of additional standard items may be hired from Total Expo, the Shell Scheme contractor. Items include wall panels to form office enclosures, shelving, display and ceiling panels, etc. Details of available items are given on the order form. Further information may be obtained from Total Expo direct.
Orders received after the deadline date may be subject to a surcharge.
Additional fitments – A comprehensive range of standard items, including wall panels to form office enclosures, shelving, display and ceiling panels, etc., may be hired from Full Circle. Further information may be obtained from Total Expo direct.
All interior fittings for Shell Scheme stands must be contained within the shell stand structure and must not exceed 2.43 metres in height.
Please see an illustration of the Shell Scheme specification via the buttons on the manual page.
Total Expo Ltd
Deadline - 28 August
SOLVENTS & GASES
Solvents and other substances are not permitted in the exhibition hall without prior written permission and approval from the Fire Health & Safety Officer at the RDS.
Hazard data sheets should be sent in advance to the Fire Health & Safety Officer at the RDS.
RDS Ireland
T:
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STAND CATERING
Exhibitors who require catering on their stand should complete and return the form contained with this manual at least 1 week prior to the event. Please note that RDS Hospitality are the official and exclusive caterers of the RDS.
They have the sole right to provide food and drink for consumption on the stands. Except by written permission, no company or individual may bring food or drink into an exhibition for distribution.
There is a replacement charge on loss or damage to equipment.
STAND CLEANING
Stands will be vacuumed daily before the show opens. However, surfaces and exhibits will not be cleaned. Exhibitors are responsible for cleaning and sanitising their own products and display materials.
To ensure rubbish is removed at the end of each day, please place any waste in the aisles for collection.
RDS Ireland
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STAND SPACE
We strongly recommend that you, or someone on your behalf, carefully inspect your allotted site and location before beginning any stand construction. This will help avoid unnecessary and potentially costly adjustments. While every effort is made to mark out exhibition areas accurately, occasional errors or unexpected obstructions may occur that are not reflected on the exhibition plans.
Exhibitors and their contractors must ensure all construction work stays within the designated boundaries marked out prior to arrival. If you notice any discrepancies or have concerns, please inform the Organisers immediately and before any construction begins, as this can help prevent costly changes later on.
Please note that any costs incurred from modifications required due to marking errors or unforeseen obstructions will be the exhibitor’s responsibility.
If you find any issues with your allocated site, it is essential to notify the Organisers straight away and before the exhibition opens. The Organisers cannot accept liability for any discrepancies if they are not reported prior to the event opening.
Step Exhibitions Ltd
UK EXHIBITORS ATA CARNET GUIDANCE
We have been advised that customs checks relating to commercial vehicles, demonstration equipment and exhibition materials entering the Republic of Ireland appear to have become more stringent in recent months.
If you are travelling from Great Britain to Ireland with:
- Demonstration vehicles
- Commercial vehicles
- Product samples
- Exhibition displays
- Professional equipment
- Stand materials
You should ensure that you have reviewed the latest customs and importation requirements well in advance of travelling.
Some exhibitors have advised that they have been asked to obtain an ATA Carnet when bringing demonstration vehicles and exhibition equipment into Ireland on a temporary basis.
An ATA Carnet is an internationally recognised customs document that can facilitate the temporary importation of commercial samples, professional equipment and exhibition materials without payment of import duties or taxes, subject to the applicable rules and conditions.
Please note:
- Design for Healthcare Environments Ireland and Step Exhibitions cannot provide customs or tax advice.
- Exhibitors are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all customs, importation and transportation requirements.
- Requirements may vary depending on the nature of the goods being transported and the route taken.
- We recommend checking requirements with the relevant authorities or your freight/logistics provider before travelling.
Useful sources of information may include:
- Your local Chamber of Commerce
- HMRC
- Irish Revenue
- Your freight forwarding or logistics provider
- ATA Carnet providers
If you are planning to bring a vehicle, trailer or significant demonstration equipment to the event and are unsure of the requirements, we strongly recommend seeking advice well in advance of the event to avoid any delays when entering Ireland.
If you have any questions relating to venue access, build-up or exhibition logistics, please contact the DHE Ireland team and we will be happy to assist where possible.
Step Exhibitions Ltd
USEFUL CONTACTS
Below are the primary points of contact for the event organisers, along with their respective addresses, in case you need to reach out for any enquiries, assistance, or further information.
Please feel free to use the provided details whenever necessary.
Step Exhibitions Ltd
Orchard House
North Farm Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN2 3XF
Step Exhibitions Ltd
T: 01892 518877
E: dhei@step-exhibitions.com
W: www.step-exhibitions.com
Event Management – Vicky Chapman & Lydia Bloe
Sales & Sponsorship – Mel Sands
The Design in Mental Health Network
The Design in Mental Health Network
LinkedIn: DiMHN
Event Contractors - Total Expo Ltd
Total Expo Ltd
Duncairn House, 14 Carysfort Avenue
Blackrock Village
Dublin A94 DE41
Ireland
Total Expo Ltd
The Venue - RDS Ireland
Hall 2 (Shelbourne Hall) RDS Ireland
Merrion Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
D04 AK83
Ireland
RDS Ireland
T:
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WATER & WASTE
If you require water or waste services at your stand, please contact the organisers.
Step Exhibitions Ltd
T: 01892 518877
E: dhei@step-exhibitions.com
W: www.step-exhibitions.com

