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SHOW RULES

GENERAL RULES

Acceptance of Show Rules:
By attending this show as a table holder, table assistant, guest, family member, or walk-through patron you acknowledge the acceptance of the Chicago Police and Fire Collector Show Rules, aka “The Chicago Show.”

Theft and Fraud:
We have to police these shows ourselves. It is every individual’s responsibility at this to stay vigilant and keep an eye out for theft and fraud, We are a family and all exhibitors should maintain watch of their own goods and products as well as their neighbors and friends. The Show Venue and Show Management are not responsible for any damage, theft or loss. Plainclothes officers will be on hand and persons found to be engaged in theft or fraudulent activity will be immediately ejected from the show and/or prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Responsibility for Legal Sales and Fraud:
It is the responsibility of the Exhibitor to know who you are selling to and/or trading with, especially when it involves transactions with badges. Items sold or traded are to be used for display or collectible purposes only, and not for identification or representation. The show is open to the general public. All attendees and exhibitors will be provided with ID Badges identifying their affiliation as a Buyer, Known Collector, or Sworn Fire or Law Enforcement. We reserve the right to ask for law enforcement identification when entering the show. This may or may not happen so be prepared to show ID. We do not guarantee that every person in attendance will be a law enforcement officer. However, in order to obtain sworn credentials, the applicant must provide a Department issued ID from a duly recognized Fire or Law Enforcement agency. Show management reserves the right to revoke access to the show to any person at any time, and for any reason.

The sale of any law enforcement badge, shield, star must be limited too known reputable collectors or sworn law enforcement officers. The sale of any fire department badge, shield, star must be limited too known reputable collectors or sworn / retired personnel. As an Exhibitor, If you are in doubt as to the perspective buyers’ intentions, or fire / law enforcement affiliation, do not be afraid to ask for identification. If they refuse to identify themselves then refuse to complete the transaction and contact show management or a police officer. Show management are not responsible for what is sold or to whom it is sold.

Each exhibitor is fully responsible for each and every sale, trade, transfer, transaction, or purchase in which they participate. Al local and state laws must be followed.

Prohibited Badges:
NO CURRENT ISSUE FEDERAL, STATE, COUNTY OR LOCAL BADGES may be sold or traded at the show, regardless of authenticity. However, commemorative issues, such as millennium or inaugural badges, are permitted. Federal badges, particularly those with control numbers, may be displayed if the person displaying them can prove that they have the right to possess those badges if asked by show management or a federal authority. Displays of Current badges are authorized and must be clearly marked for display only.

Identification Cards:
Department issued identification cards may be displayed but not sold, traded, or transferred under any circumstance.

Firearms:
Firearms may only be displayed and will not be sold or traded. Any firearm that is displayed will be unloaded and in a locked display case from which it shall not be removed for any reason. Any exhibitor wishing to display a firearm must declare it to show management. Exhibitors, upon demand, will present the firearm for a safety inspection prior to the show opening.

Illinois is a concealed carry state. As a general rule, all persons (including exhibitors, exhibitor assistants, guests, family members, or walk-through patrons) are prohibited from carrying an exposed firearm unless they are certified law enforcement officers and the firearm is accompanied by proper identification. Concealed firearms are only allowed if the person is a peace officer (active, retired or reserve), or possesses a valid concealed carry permit duly recognized in the State of Illinois. To that end “CONCEALED MEANS CONCEALED” – if you have a permit and you cannot keep your firearm concealed then please lock it in your vehicle.

Alcohol and Smoking:
Alcoholic drinks and smoking are not permitted in the show venue. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside the venue. Persons who present themselves as impaired or intoxicated will be escorted from the event.

Sales Tax:

In Illinois, sales tax is levied on the sale of tangible goods and some services. The tax is collected by the seller and remitted to state tax authorities. The seller acts as a de facto tax collector.

To help you determine whether you need to collect sales tax in Illinois, start by answering these three questions:

  1. Do you have nexus in Illinois?
  2. Are you selling taxable goods or services to Illinois residents?
  3. Are your buyers required to pay sales tax?

If the answer to all three questions is yes, then you’re required to register with the state tax authority, collect the correct amount of sales tax per sale, file returns, and remit to the state.

Illinois has a Safe Harbor requirement for out of state businesses attending trade shows. If you are covered under the Safe Harbor Requirements you do NOT have to register with the state of Illinois.

An out of State retailer is covered under the safe harbor requirements if:

  • The retailer attends no more than 2 Illinois trade shows during any calendar year.
  • The retailer is physically present at those 2 Illinois trade shows for an aggregate total of no more than 8 days during any calendar year. Please review the Administrative Code for more details.
  • Combined gross receipts from sales made subject to Retailers’ Occupation Tax at all Illinois trade shows during any single calendar year do not exceed $10,000

If you do exceed the safe harbor requirements mentioned above, then you will be required to register for Retailer’s Occupation Tax in Illinois1.

HOUSEKEEPING AND TABLE ETIQUETTE

Table Areas
All exhibitors are requested to stay within the perimeters of their tables. No extensions, platforms, or other accessory may be used to increase the footprint of your table, outside the parameters of the table itself. If you need more space buy another table.

Trash and Debris
Exhibitors are responsible for all trash, debris, and spills in their assigned areas. If you have a spill that requires extra attention, please contact event staff and they will have someone come to assist you.

PENALTIES

All of these show rules and policies are required to be followed by each and every person attending the Chicago Police & Fire Collector Show, including all exhibitors, exhibitor assistants, guests, family members, and walk-through patrons.

The final decision on any dispute will be made by show management and must be abided by or considered a violation of these rules. Depending upon the severity of an infraction show management may issue a warning, demand the removal of an item from the table or hall, eject the violator without refund of table fees or admission costs, or contact local police authorities for criminal prosecution. Any unethical, immoral, illegal, or unprofessional actions will be dealt with in the same manner.

HOLD HARMLESS

Show hosts, The Medina Shriner’s, Catering with Elegance, and The City of Addison are not liable for loss, injury, death, or damage to persons or property suffered or sustained by table holders, systems, guests or show attendees.