RFP (Request for Proposal) — A request for a description of work to be performed, products and services to be supplied, and bids for a project.

ROI (Return-On-Investment) — Measurement of benefit an exhibiting company receives from participation of an exhibition. Broadest example formula: income minus costs equals ROI.

ROO (Return on Objectives) — Measurement of benefit an exhibiting company receives for participation at an exhibition by company pre-set objectives to show success.

RS or L — Classes the Same or Lower.

Rabbet — A saw cut used in the fabrication of wood parts.

Raceway –– An enclosed channel of metal or non-metallic materials designed expressly for holding wires or cables.

Radius Mark — Internal and external marks left on acrylic after improper or inadequate bending.

Rail — A low divider between exhibit spaces..

Raised Letters — Lettering cut out of any material and applied or mounted to a surface or background for dimensional effects.

Rank and File — The membership of a union other than officers and officials.

Rate of Exchange –– The rate of currency exchange established daily as the buying rate of foreign currency by the Federal Reserve Bank. The daily rate is used only when it varies by more than 5 per cent from the quarterly rate. When applicable, the daily rate is the rate certified on the day of exportation.

Raw Film — Condition of motion picture film after printing process but before surface has been treated.

Rear Illuminated — Technique of lighting color transparency or adlux from rear.

Rear Projection — Movie, slide, or computer image presentation where the screen is between the viewer and the projector.

Recall — Requiring employee to return to work after he or she has left for the day (or night).

Reception — Stand-up social function with food and beverages.

Refraction — The change of direction of a light ray passing from one medium to another of different density.

Refurbish — To repair damage, renew surfaces, and replace graphics, as necessary, to recondition an exhibit, extending its life span.

Registration — The process of obtaining information from an event’s participants, including name, company affiliation and address, plus any other information that is requested by show management.

Registration Area — Designated area, usually outside the exhibit hall or meeting room, where exhibitors and attendees are badged.

Regional Show — A show targeted to attendees from a specific geographical area. May be a stand-alone event, or a regional version of a national show.

Reinforced Vinyl — Covered cord, wall coverings, or upholstery materials. Vinyl laminated with fabric. Generally used for banners.

Relay — Electrical device used to interrupt or sustain flow of current. Commonly used in low-voltage systems for programmed effects.

Release Forms — Documents provided by management to permit removal of goods from exhibition during show hours. MORE COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS PROPERTY PASSES.

Released Value –– Limit of carrier’s liability.

Remote Ballast — Removal of ballast from fluorescent fixtures to a separate or remote location, to allow for extremely limited space.

Rental Booth — Complete booth package offered to exhibitors on a rental basis.

Return — Common term applied to panel joined to background at 90-degree angle.

Reverse Prints — Dark or black field with white line art or copy.

Rheostat — A device for regulating strength of an electric current by varying the resistance. Also called a dimmer.

Rib — A framing member, usually termed in circular forms.

Rigger —1. Responsible for machinery uncrating, unskidding, positioning, leveling, and reskidding. 2. Skilled labor responsible for attaching signs, banners, truss, and other equipment to ceiling of exhibit hall.

Right-to-Work State — A state where joining a union is not a condition of employment.

Rim Drive — A turntable operated from its edge rather than the center for heavier or off-center loads.

Riser — A platform to elevate people or product.

Room Capacity — The maximum number of people allowed in any given area.

Room Set-Up — The layout of tables, chairs, other furniture, and equipment for functions.

Rough Sketch — Quick drawing giving indications of proposed exhibit.

Round — A banquet table, usually 60 inches in diameter; also available in 66- and 72-inch diameters.

Router — A high-speed cutting tool for shaping, gouging, scooping, hollowing out.,etc.