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Policies & Procedures | Special Request Form
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The Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention Center is committed to excellence. Professional event staffing will attend to your requirements and ensure a quality production of your event. Center staff members have national experience in event coordination and include CMP® designated event services management.

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Policy: Version Date 2/15/00

NOTE: The Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention Center will be referred to in the body of this manual as the HCC.

Advertising:  The Lessee agrees that all advertising of the event will be honest and true and will include accurate information on show times and ticket prices.  The Lessee agrees that all printed materials and electronic mediums including, but not limited to, advertising, literature, hand-outs, etc., promoting the event and/or Facility shall utilize logo and colors approved by HCC Management.  The Facility shall furnish such Facility logo in a camera ready format.  The Facility shall always be referenced as the “Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention Center” in all print and electronic mediums.  The Lessee agrees to provide a proof of all printed materials to the Event Coordinator prior to publication in order to avoid errors or misprints concerning the Hattiesburg Convention Facility.
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Animals and PetsAnimals and pets are not permitted in the building without prior approval of HCC Management.  Approval of animals and pets in HCC is based on whether the animal or pet is part of an exhibit, or performance legitimately requiring use of animals.  Seeing-eye dogs are accepted.  Such animals or pets must be on a leash, within a pen, or under similar control at all times.  Such pets and animals shall be kept in the exhibit or performance area at all times, except travel to and from the exhibit or performance area.  The owner takes full responsibility for his or her pet.  The HCC reserves the right to request removal of animal(s) for a noncompliance of above or for disruptive behavior of said animal(s).
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Audio/Visual EquipmentTo accommodate our Lessee and to simplify their events, the Facility has a selection of audio visual equipment that can be leased.  Audio visual equipment rates are outlined on a separate rate schedule.  There is no restriction placed upon the Lessee in bringing their own equipment to the show or meeting with the setup/installation reviewed and approved by authorized Facility personnel.  The lessee may also contract with an approved outside audio visual company to accommodate their audio visual needs.
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Bookings and SchedulingThe first priority for the scheduling of the facilities in the HCC is to make dates available to national, regional and state conventions, trade shows, corporate meetings and similar activities which are not normally open to the general public and/or which generate significant attendance from outside the City.  In addition, certain special events may be deemed appropriate to the overall objectives of the HCC and may be offered equal scheduling priority at the discretion of the HCC Management.  Facility and space scheduling commitments for first priority events may be made as far in advance as is necessary or appropriate and may supersede requests for other events and activities.  The second priority for scheduling of the facilities in the HCC is to make dates available to consumer or public exhibitions, local corporate meetings, special events, banquets, entertainment events, business meetings and other activities which essentially draw from or appeal to the general public and/or local attendees and participants.  Facility and date scheduling commitments for secondary events are generally made not more than nine (9) months in advance and are subject to change to accommodate first priority events.  However, major consumer and public exhibitions held on annual basis may at the discretion of the HCC Management obtain scheduling commitments for facilities and dates on a long term basis subject to a proven record of success and significant economic impact.  Subject to the priorities set forth above, the HCC Management may exercise its discretion as to the issuance, modification or termination of scheduling events.  The Sales Staff and Event Service Staff are the only individuals authorized to schedule and contract event dates for the HCC.  Rental rates are assigned to each event in accordance with the HCC Rate Sheet.  The building will hold dates on the calendar for a maximum of sixty (60) days.  After sixty days the hold date will be released.  Tentative dates can be placed on the calendar without a contract being issued.  If this date is challenged, the tentative lessee will be notified by the Convention Facility of this challenge and be given 48 hours to pay the building deposit and contract the date.  The date will be released if the 48 hours expire without a signed contract and building deposit in the possession of the Convention Facility.  In the event that the premises are not vacated by the Lessee upon the expiration of the term, HCC Management is authorized to remove from the premises, at the expense of the Lessee, all goods, wares, merchandise, and property of any kind left therein, and HCC Management shall not be liable for any damages to or loss of such goods, wares, merchandise or property which may be sustained by reason of such removal.  The HCC Management is hereby released from any and all claims of damages of whatever kind or nature including but not limited to non-use or unavailability of such property.  Nothing contained in this agreement shall in any way constitute the HCC Management as a depository of any such properties whether owned by Lessee or a third party.
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Box OfficeThe HCC Ticket Office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and day of event unless otherwise directed by the Convention Facility Director.  The HCC makes available to all clients a box office on show days only.  All tickets ordered and purchased by the client must be delivered to the HCC for verification forty-eight (48) hours prior to the first show.  A certified manifest is also required.  Tickets must include liability statement as provided by Event Services.  The total manifest, including tickets and complimentary passes, may not exceed the maximum safe occupancy of the designated space.
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Business and Office ServicesCopying, FAX transmission and typing services can be provided by the HCC at prevailing rates, with arrangements made through your Event Planner. 
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Broadcast RightsThe HCC reserves all rights and privileges for all outgoing broadcasts originating from the Facility during the term of this agreement.  Should the Facility grant the Lessee such privileges, the Facility has the right to require advance payment for said privilege in addition to rental fee.  Such permission must be obtained in writing in advance of broadcast date.
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Compliance with LawsThe Lessee shall comply with all Federal, State, and local statutes, ordinances or regulations; and all of the Facility’s policies and procedures for the Hattiesburg Convention Facility.
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Copyrighted MaterialsThe Lessee will assume all costs arising from the use of patented, trademarked, franchised or copyrighted music, material, devices, processes or dramatic rights used on or incorporated in the event.  The Lessee agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the HCC from any claims, or costs, including legal fees, which might arise from question of use of any such material described above.
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Damage to FacilityThe HCC will not be responsible for any damage or injury that the Lessee or its agents, servants, employees, or property sustain from any cause prior to, during, or subsequent to, the period covered by the Lease Agreement; and the Lessee shall expressly release said Facility from any and all claims for such loss, damage, or injury.  The Lessee will indemnify, save and hold harmless the HCC from all actions or proceedings to recover damages for injuries to persons or property arising from the Lessee’s occupancy of the leased premises or the Lessee’s activities thereon.  The Lessee agrees to pay for any damages to the leased premises resulting from the Lessee’s use or occupancy thereof; or resulting from any acts or omissions intentional, negligent, or accidental, whether said acts or omissions are those of the Lessee, its agents or employees, or persons participating in or attending the function contemplated by the Lease Agreement.  The HCC shall not be liable to the Lessee for any damage, loss, or expense of any kind sustained by the Lessee as a result of vandalism or malicious mischief.
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Decorations, Signs and Special DisplaysDecorations, signs, banners and similar materials may not be taped, nailed, tacked, stapled or otherwise fastened to ceilings, doors, walls, glass, columns, painted surfaces, or brick walls.  Damages resulting from improper or unauthorized installation of advertising matter will be removed by the Facility, and any cost associated with such removal will be charged to the Lessee.  Posters are to be mounted on easels or individual holders.  HCC’s permanent directional signs and/or graphics may not be obstructed in any manner.  Adhesive backed decals and stickers may not be given out on Facility property.  Glitter is not permitted in the Facility.  Outdoor exhibits shall be considered on a case by case basis based on other show activity and type of exhibit and must by approved by your Event Planner.  All signage must be professional in nature.  Hand lettered signs are not allowed and will be removed.  All signage must be of a printed nature and meet the approval of the HCC Management .  This policy is also applicable to the posting of signs in the exhibition hall.  Electric mobile or trailer type signs are not allowed on HCC property.  All signs, banners, lights, sound equipment and/or decorations for installation in the Convention Facility require approval before move-in by HCC Management and must be installed by HCC personnel.  At move out, all posted signage must be removed by the service contractor or Lessee.  If any Lessee leaves materials in or on Facility property, the contractor or Lessee will be billed for labor to remove said items.
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Emergency ProceduresThe HCC is equipped with comprehensive early detection and alarm systems.  The sprinkler system is designed to activate by heat sensitive devices and smoke detectors.  All building emergency panels are monitored by the Facility staff and Building Engineers.  The HCC, is a dual power facility.  Also, in the event of a building-wide power failure, an emergency power generator will provide emergency lighting and power within seconds.  The Facility is equipped with illuminated exit signs, powered by the emergency generator.  In the event of an emergency, the highest ranking Facility management person on duty assumes control of the building, directs the HCC personnel, and acts as a liaison with police, fire, and medical services.  The HCC event management staff is responsible for keeping the tenant and service contractors informed and involved in decisions relating to events in progress.
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EquipmentThe HCC inventory is usually adequate to accommodate several events occurring at the same time.  However, when inventory has been exhausted or you have a special request, you must make arrangements through your Event Planner to acquire the additional equipment.  It is important to notify the Event Coordinator of your equipment needs as soon as possible so there will be no equipment shortages.  All HCC equipment must by operated by HCC personnel.  Movement of portable walls in the meeting rooms and the Exhibit Hall is to be done by HCC personnel only.
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Event Services and ExpensesThe HCC offers a list of Event Services which may be necessary for the successful operation of your event. Supplemental expenses for these services may be incurred in addition to the basic rental for your event.  Please discuss these services with your Event Coordinator for cost breakdown before your event.
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Event SettlementsBilling for all services provided by the HCC to the Lessee will take place immediately after the close of the event.  Payment is due upon receipt.  In some circumstances, the HCC may require deposit monies equal to the anticipated billing which may be incurred by the Lessee and/or a security deposit for possible building damages prior to the issuance of the Lease Agreement.  On reaching agreement, the HCC will issue a Lease Agreement for the Lessee’s execution.  Upon execution of that Lease Agreement, the deposit monies as defined or required by that Lease Agreement shall be submitted with the lease for the Facility’s acceptance and confirmation of the event.  For events with billings less than $5,000.00, MasterCard and/or Visa are accepted for payment by the HCC.  The Lessee must complete and sign a Credit Card Authorization form which authorizes the Facility to immediately charge the initial building deposit.  The balance due will be charged immediately following the close of the event.  MasterCard and Visa are also accepted in the Box Office and for Utility Services.  All payments shall be non-refundable in the event of cancellation by the Lessee, and the HCC may pursue its remedies as provided in the Lease Agreement.
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Fire and Safety RegulationsPublic events are required through the City of Hattiesburg to have a Fire Marshal on duty during show hours at the Lessee’s expense.  Private events may require a Fire Marshal on duty during show hours depending on the number of attendees, and/or type of event.  All aisles must be kept clear, clean and free of obstructions.  Exits shall not be blocked or covered.  Parking and unloading in the fire lanes in front of the Convention Facility is not allowed.  The fire lanes must remain clear at all times.  Use of fireworks/pyrotechnics in the HCC is prohibited unless the following conditions are met: a. Prior approval of HCC Management is obtained.  b. Permit from Hattiesburg Fire Marshal is obtained. c. Fire Marshal on duty during use of said fireworks/pyrotechnics.  d. Licensed personnel are handling said fireworks/pyrotechnics.  Running is not allowed in the Convention Facility.  Bicycles and skateboards are not permitted in the building unless they are show related (entertainment) under controlled conditions with prior written approval from HCC Management.  Helium Balloons - See attached Helium Policy. Lighted candles can be used as decorations for banquets on the tables only if the candles are completely enclosed in a glass container.  Other use of candles must be approved by the Fire Marshal.  Materials used in the construction of displays must be fire resistant.  All exhibits and displays are subject to inspection by the Hattiesburg Fire Department.  Operation of gasoline powered vehicles will be permitted during move-in and move-out periods.   Gasoline operated vehicles may not be operated in the Exhibit Hall, Prefunction and Hallways during show hours.  All pressurized tanks holding any type of gas (helium, nitrogen, LP, etc.) must be approved by your Event Coordinator and secured in the upright position while being used in the HCC.  During the times of move-in and move-out, the following rules and regulations apply.  Violation of these rules and regulations will result in removal from Facility property:  a. Absolutely no drinking of alcoholic beverages.  b. No horseplay, practical jokes, etc.  c. Use or possession of illegal, or controlled substances or look-a-likes and/or firearms of any kind is prohibited: violators will be prosecuted.  d. No speeding or reckless use of vehicles or equipment will be permitted.  e. No gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel or other liquids may be stored, permanently or temporarily, in work areas.  f. Exit doors may not be blocked with freight, equipment, display materials, etc.
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Fire Detection and Reporting SystemUpon activation of a heat/smoke detector or sprinkler system in the HCC, an audible alarm will sound in the building and alarm notification will go to the Hattiesburg Fire Department.  If you discover a fire, contact HCC Administrative Office or call 9-1-1, please try to notify HCC personnel as soon as possible.  The HCC Administrative Office becomes the command post in all emergency conditions. 
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Floor DrainsIn the interest of safe and appropriate environmental management, absolutely no substances shall be poured in the Exhibit Hall floor drains without prior approval of HCC Management.
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Food and Beverage ServiceFood and beverage will be catered by the HCC approved caterers.  The list of approved caterers can be obtained by your Event Coordinator.  The approved caterers have exclusive catering rights for all food and beverage service at the HCC.  The HCC reserves all food and beverage concessions and concession rights.  The Facility reserves the right to erect portable concession stands as needed for servicing the Lessee’s patrons.  The HCC Management reserves the right to approve or disapprove the dispensing of alcohol at any event.  The Convention Facility will not allow outside food and beverages to be carried into or sold at the Facility.  All matters concerning food and beverage must be coordinated with your Event Coordinator.
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FreightThe HCC will not accept shipment of freight materials, and equipment prior to contracted move-in date.  After move-in date, all shipments should be consigned to the attention of the show service contractor.  C.O.D. deliveries will not be accepted by the Facility.  All equipment brought into the HCC should be delivered and removed at the loading dock area only.  All freight must be brought into the HCC through the loading dock doors.  Dock usage is on a ‘first come-first serve’ basis.  Crate storage must be included on the floor plan and is not permissible without specific written permission from HCC Management.  Requests for permission to store crates must be made by the service contractor.  The HCC will not accept the delivery of flammable or combustible mixtures, waste, or liquids to be stored prior to or during an event in the Facility.  No exit, fire fighting equipment, or emergency equipment shall be blocked or obstructed.  Maintenance of area is the responsibility of the service contractor.  All fire safety regulations must be strictly adhered to at all times.  All fire prevention and security shall be the responsibility of the service contractor.  It is the responsibility of the exhibitor and/or meeting planner to label each box or crate and fill out Bill of Laden for shipment.  HCC must be notified of method of payment before end of event.  Exhibitors and/or meeting planner may arrange own shipment, but HCC must be notified.
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General Building ServicesFacility personnel do not clean, nor are they permitted to enter interior exhibit booth areas.  Refuse removal from exhibit booths is provided immediately after show hours in exhibit aisles.  Services included in the basic rental without additional charges are: -General room lighting, heating, air-conditioning during show hours.  Heating and air-conditioning required during move-in or move-out will be provided with an additional charge.  -Lectern; upright or table model.  -Water with cups for speaker’s platform (upon request).  -One thorough cleaning daily.  -One room set-up.  Changeovers are subject to a charge.
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General Service ContractorsThe Event Coordinator can recommend service contractors that provide services beyond those services directly available by the HCC  These include:  Balloons, Booth Furnishings, Business Equipment, Convention Services, Crate Storage, Decorator Services, Drayage, Entertainment, Furniture/Booth Furnishings, Models, Plants, Speakers.  Any changes to previously contracted services may result in charges being billed to the Lessee.  The HCC does not have exclusive contracts with any convention services contractor.
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HandicappedThe Lessee shall have the responsibility of complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and shall insure that all activities comply with said Act during the term of the Lease.  The HCC facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities.  Should the Lessee anticipate a need for any further special accommodations for the scheduled event, please contact your Event Coordinator ten (10) days prior to the event date. 
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Helium Balloons The Hattiesburg Convention Center discourages the use of helium balloons for handouts at events. Restrictions also apply to the use of balloons for decoratives purposes. These restrictions apply because balloons become tangled in light fixtures, climate control ducts and on ceiling ledges. Once deflated, they interfere with climate control, create an unsightly appearance and are difficult to retrieve.

Event managers are subject to the following conditions whenever helium balloons are used:

  • The event must give a deposit to the Convention Center in the amount of $50 per hall section used. Should balloons become lodged, entangled of otherwise remain suspended for extended periods, said deposit will be used to secure the services of a contractor to remove same. The deposit will be refunded if at the completion of the event, all balloons have been removed from the facility.
  • Should individual exhibitors wish to distribute balloons to show attendees, reasonable precautions must be made to prevent their release. Reasonable precautions include installing a counter-weight such as a washer secured to the end of a string or having the string tied around the wrist of the reciepient. The deposit and conditions listed in paragraph one (1) above will apply.  
  • Each helium tank must be chained to a cart or other device to eliminate the risk of the tank falling. If such a device is not provided, the tank must be stabilized on floor in a horizontal position .
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Hours of OperationThe normal and customary user hours for the facility are 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (inclusive of set-up and tear-down time).  Special evening hours are available from 6:00 p.m. until 12:00 midnight.  Hours outside of these must be clearly identified and arranged with your Event Coordinator.  Please see the HCC Rate Sheet for rental pricing.   The HCC Administrative Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  The Administrative Office is closed on all major holidays.
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InsuranceUsers shall secure and retain throughout the term of the Lease Agreement the following insurance: a. Comprehensive General Liability - Said coverage shall have limits of not less than $1,000,000 each occurrence combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage, including coverages for personal injury, contractual liability, operation of mobile equipment, products/completed operations and liquor law liability.  The contractual liability coverage shall be specifically endorsed to cover this Agreement and specifically mention coverage for the indemnification found in Paragraph 9 of this Agreement.  b. Workers’ Compensation - Coverage shall comply with all State and Federal requirements and will be in the statutory required limits.  All employees of the Lessee must be covered by Workers Compensation.  c. Employer’s Liability Insurance - Coverage shall be placed with limits not less than $1,000,000 per incident.  d.  Automobile Liability - Coverage shall be acquired for all owned, non-owned, hired, and leased vehicles of Lessee, including the loading and unloading thereof.  Limits of not less than $1,000,000 each occurrence combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage shall be maintained.  Lessee shall name as additional insureds, the Hattiesburg Convention Center, the City of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, their officers, directors, agents and employees.  Lessee shall furnish to the HCC at least thirty (30) days prior to commencement of occupancy of Facility certificate(s) of insurance as evidence that the required coverage is in effect.  Should Lessee fail to provide such certificate(s) as required by this Agreement, the HCC may, but shall not be obligated to, obtain said policies of insurance of Lessee’s expense, or the HCC may cancel the Event(s) without penalty to the HCC  All insurance as required by this Agreement must carry a mandatory thirty (30) day notice of cancellation.   Lessee hereby agrees to obtain at its own expense and to keep in full force and effect during the use or occupancy of the Authorized Areas pursuant to this Agreement, including move-in and move-out periods, the following insurance coverages.  All policies shall be issued by companies licensed to do business in the State of Mississippi and having at least an “AVIII” rating in the current Best’s Manual.  All such policies of insurance, with the exception of Workers Compensation, shall be endorsed to be primary of all other valid and collectible coverages maintained by the HCC and the City of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, as respects of their activity at the HCC  All applicable policies will be written on an occurrence basis.  Claims made policies are not acceptable and do not constitute compliance with Lessee’s obligations under this paragraph.
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IntermissionsThe Lessee agrees that every public performance which is not completed within one and one-half hours will have an intermission period of not less than fifteen minutes.
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Go to Page 2 of Policies & Procedures

 


Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention Center
One Convention Center Plaza
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Driving Directions
Phone: 601-268-3220
Toll Free: 800-638-6877
Fax: 601-268-3249