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MA Form	Document required by Canadian Customs identifying shipper, seller, consignee, terms, date of shipment, material being sold/shipped, classification code, quantity, unit and total prices. Additional information required on the invoice depends on shipper and consignee arrangements. See also CANADIAN CUSTOMS INVOICE. See Also Canadian Customs Invoice
Macédoine	(mass ee dohn) Mixture of vegetables or fruits.
Magnetic Key Systems	Means by which doors in hotels or other facilities are locked or unlocked. Usually, these are cards as opposed to actual keys. The system permits security staff members to know what key was used to enter the room and at what time.
Magnetic Sound	Sound that is recorded on magnetic tape and may be incorporated on a film.
Magnum	Wine bottles that contain 1.5 liters; equal to 2 standard bottles of wine.
Mag-Stripe	Magnetic Stripe. A lead retrieval system using a magnetic strip on either the back of a paper badge (similar to some airline tickets) or on plastic badges similar to credit cards.
Mailing House	Company equipped to handle bulk mailings on behalf of an organization.
Mailing List	List of names and addresses of the persons to whom publicity material or other information is to be sent.
Main Tent	Room or hall where business sessions and entertainment productions are held.
Maître d’/Maître d' Hôtel	Floor manager or head waiter at a restaurant or catered function. Responsible for all aspects of meal service.
Major Arrival	Information included in the specifications guide for an event that notes approximate dates and times at which large numbers of event attendees can be expected to arrive at a facility (hotel) for check-in. This is intended to give the facility notice in order to prepare for front desk staffing. See GROUP ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES. See Also Group Arrivals/Departures
Major Departure	Information included in the specifications guide for an event that notes approximate dates and times at which large numbers of event attendees can be expected to check out of a facility (hotel). This is intended to give the facility notice in order to prepare for front desk staffing. See GROUP ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES. See Also Group Arrivals/Departures
Make Work Practices	Union practices for spreading work by limiting production or by requiring employment of more workers than necessary for a particular job. See FEATHERBEDDING. See Also Featherbedding
Man Lift	Equipment capable of lifting a person or persons to a given height. See HIGH JACKER. See Also JLG, SCISSOR LIFT, GENIE LIFT, HI LOW, FORKLIFT. See Also High Jacker , JLG , Scissor Lift , Genie Lift , HI LOW , Forklift/Forktruck
Management Committee	See EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. See Also Executive Committee
Management Prerogatives	Rights and powers essential to operation of business such as hiring, production methods and the like, which management claims are outside the scope of collective bargaining and over which management maintains authority and responsibility.
Manager	A person hired to manage a speaker’s or entertainer’s business and/or personal affairs. The job of manager may include marketing the speaker’s services for more bookings or performing public relations work for the speaker
Managing Director	A principal executive officer.
Manhattan Clam Chowder	Clam soup made with a tomato base.
Manifest	Final official listing of all passengers and/or cargo aboard a transportation vehicle or vessel.
Manpower Agency	Firm specializing in providing day-labor workers.
Marine Insurance	Broadly, insurance covering loss or damage of goods at sea. Marine insurance will typically compensate the owner of merchandise for losses sustained from fire, shipwreck, piracy, and various other causes, but excludes losses which can be legally recovered from the carrier. See CREDIT RISK INSURANCE. See Also Credit Risk Insurance
Mark	Taped or chalked symbol on studio or stage floors designating exact placement of props and actors.
Marker Board	See WHITE BOARD. See Also White Board
Market Exclusivity	When the speaker limits the speakers bureau/agency to offering the speaker's services to a particular market or markets.
Market Life Cycle	The period of time that a substantial segment of the buying public is interested in purchasing a given product or service.
Market Penetration Pricing Strategy	Method by which cost of an item is derived, based on whether or not near term income is critical, and rapid market penetration for eventual market control is desired.
Market Segments	Categorization of people, organizations or businesses by professional discipline or primary areas of interest for the purposes of sales analysis or assignment.
Market Share	The percentage of the total sales (from all sources) of a service or product represented by the sales made by an enterprise. i.e. sales divided by total sales.
Marketing	A process of identifying human wants and needs, and developing a plan to meet those wants and needs. Refers to everything involved with convincing an attendee to come to the event. Also refers to providing information to support the exhibit sales function.
Marking	Letters, numbers and other symbols placed on cargo packages to facilitate identification.
Marking the Carpet	Placing rolls of aisle carpet at the end of each aisle to facilitate laying the carpet, which is the last thing done before the event opens.
Markup	Difference between the cost and the selling price of a given product. Difference between the net rate charged by a tour operator, hotel, or other supplier and the retail-selling price of the service. Generally a percentage of the net rate rather than a fixed amount, as in a 20 percent markup on the net.
Marscapone Cheese	A rich Italian cream cheese, often used in Tiramisu.
Marshalling Yard	A holding area where trucks or buses check in and wait for instructions before delivering or picking up freight or passengers.
Mask	Scenic drape used to obscure undesirable view from the audience or to protect or cover. Also, an item used or worn to hide the face or covering an item with masking tape.
Masking	Sound applied to an environment to provide privacy in open areas. The term “masking” refers to the so-called “cocktail-party effect” where certain conversations are hard to pick out because similar sounds mask them. The ear-brain can be fooled into not hearing certain sounds if other sounds at lower volume but sufficient complexity are simultaneously present. Pink noise is most often used to cause intentional masking; its spectrum is shaped or filtered and fed to loudspeakers hidden above an acoustical tile ceiling.
Masking Drapes	Drapes used to cover storage and other unsightly areas.
Masonite	Trade name for hardboard.
Mass Learning Patterns	Learning activities delivered through mass communication media.
Master	Original copy of something, such as an audio or videotape recording or filmed production.
Master Account	A record of transactions during an event where the resulting balance is paid directly by the group. May include room, tax, incidentals, food and beverage, audiovisual equipment, decor, etc. Also Called MASTER BILL.
Master Bill	See MASTER ACCOUNT. See Also Master Account
Master Control	See LIGHTING CONTROL CONSOLE. See Also Lighting Control Console
Master Key	One key that will open function and guest rooms.
Master Monitor	Video monitor which shows only the picture being aired.
Master of Ceremonies	Person who presides over the program (MC, EMCEE).
Material Handling	Services performed by GENERAL SERVICE CONTRACTOR that includes delivery of exhibit materials from the dock to assigned space, removing empty crates, returning crates at the end of the event for re-crating, and delivering materials back to the dock for carrier loading. It is a two-way charge, incoming and outgoing. Formerly known as DRAYAGE.
Matte	Lusterless surface.
Matte Screen	Screen having a flat or matte white finish which does not reflect as effectively as a glass-bead screen, but can be viewed from virtually all front angles.
Matte White	Type of non-shiny screen surface used for front projection. It is the least expensive type of screen.
Matzo Ball Soup	Jewish dish with large dumplings.
Max Floor Plan	A computer assisted drawing showing the optimum utilization of a facility space for tradeshow layout of booths/stands.
Maximum Permitted Mileage	The mileage a passenger is permitted to travel for a given fare.
Maximum Pick-Up Number	Every week leading up to an event, the event organizer should receive a room pick-up report from each hotel involved in the event. One of those weeks will have a very high number (which is the maximum pick-up number). This information is important to include in a POST EVENT REPORT.
Mbps	Megabits (millions of bits) per second. A rate of data transmission over a computer network.
MC	(em-see) See MASTER OF CEREMONIES. See Also EMCEE. See Also Master of Ceremonies , Emcee
MC Cable	Flexible armored electrical cable accepted as insulated by most codes; two, three, or more wires available. See AC CABLE. See Also BX CABLE. See Also AC Cable , BX Cable
MCO	Miscellaneous Charge Order. A document used by ticketing locations to record deposits, extra charges, hotel and pet fees, etc.
Measurement Ton	A space measurement, usually 40 cubic feet or one cubic meter. Cargo is assessed a certain rate for every 40 cubic feet of space it occupies.
Medallion	Small, round piece of meat.
Media Kit	Packet of information that is supplied to the media; contains all the details of an event that are required to attract media attention and attendees.
Mediation	Dispute resolution process in which the parties use a third party to assist them in reaching a compromise. The mediator may work with both sides together, or may act as “go between” in an attempt to move the sides toward agreement. The mediator may act informally, or be appointed by a judge or by agreement of the parties through an alternative dispute resolution organization like American Arbitration Association (AAA) or Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Service (JAMS). Unlike arbitration, a mediator is not empowered to impose a decision on the parties.
Medical Meeting	An event whose attendees relate to the health care or medical research industries.
Meet and Greet	Service for meeting and greeting a person upon arrival in a city, usually at the airport, pier or rail station and assisting him or her with entrance formalities, collecting baggage and obtaining transportation.
Meeting	An event where the primary activity of the attendees is to attend educational sessions, participate in meetings/discussions, socialize, or attend other organized events. There is no exhibit component to this event. Compare With CONVENTION, EXHIBITION, TRADE SHOW, CONSUMER SHOW. See Also Convention , Exhibition , Trade Show , Consumer Show
Meeting Announcement	Leaflet or brochure with essentials about a coming event.
Meeting Management Company	A company, representing another organization, handling site selection, negotiations and turnkey support for an event.
Meeting Manager	See PLANNER. See Also Planner
Meeting Point	Meeting place in venue for individual appointments of delegates.
Meeting Profile	A written report outlining statistics of previous events, anticipated use of all services, profile of attendees, hotel occupancy patterns, etc.
Meet-the-Press Set-Up	Panel set-up with questioners placed opposite guest panelists and moderator.
Menu Pricing	A pricing plan that lets the organization see an itemized list of fees for goods and services.
Merchandise Mart	Facility containing showrooms and offices with a modest amount of permanent space. Outside the United States, world trade centers showcase the exports of countries in buildings similar to merchandise marts.
Mesclun	Field greens for salads.
Message Board	An electronic message center or online discussion group, usually serving a special-interest group. They allow you to review messages left by others, and leave your own message if you choose. Also known as bulletin board systems or electronic forum. Also, a bulletin board on which messages can be tacked up.
Message Center	A place where mail and messages are kept or transmitted.
Metric	A system of weights and measures, based on decimals, used throughout much of the world. Basic units are the gram for weight and the meter for length. When calculating conversions, the same figure (0.236) is used whether converting to or from metric. The difference is that, when converting to metric (as from cups to liters), you multiply the number of cups by 0.236 to get the equivalent in liters. When converting from metric (as from liters to cups), you divide the liters by 0.236 to get the cup equivalency.
Metropolitan Hotel	Hotel located in the downtown area of a large city; usually close to shopping and other points of interest.
Meunière	Sautéed in butter with lemon and parsley and seasonings (most often served with sautéed fish as in Trout Meunière).
Mic	MICROPHONE. See Also Microphone
MIC	Meetings Industry Council. Local gathering of meetings industry related groups for the purpose of promoting awareness of and partnership in the industry.
MICE	Meeting, Incentive, Conference/Congress, & Exhibition. An internationally used term for the events industry.
Microphone	Instrument which converts sound into electrical signals for transmitting or recording sound.
Microphone, Bipolar	See FIGURE EIGHT MICROPHONE.
Microphone, Boom	MICROPHONE mounted on an extension. See Also Microphone
Microphone, Cardioid	Pronounced “car-dee-oid.” A MICROPHONE with a polar pattern that is heart-shaped. Cardioid microphones decrease gradually in sensitivity as they are rotated away from the source of sound they are aimed at. See Also Microphone
Microphone, Cordless	Portable MICROPHONE operating on its own power source. Often used to pass through an audience for questions or comments. Also Called WIRELESS MICROPHONE. See Also Microphone
Microphone, Figure 8	MICROPHONE with a sensitivity pattern shaped in a figure eight when seen from above. See Also Microphone
Microphone, Figure Eight	MICROPHONE with a sensitivity pattern shaped in a figure eight when seen from above. See Also Microphone
Microphone, Floor	MICROPHONE mounted on an adjustable floor stand and intended to remain in the same location throughout a presentation. Also Called STATIONARY OR STANDING MICROPHONE. See Also Microphone
Microphone, Hot	MICROPHONE that is turned on. See Also Microphone
Microphone, Lavaliere	A wired or wireless microphone that hooks around the neck or is clipped to clothing. Sometimes called a NECKLACE, LAPEL, or PENDANT MICROPHONE. See Also Microphone
Microphone, Lectern	MICROPHONE attached to a lectern. See LECTERN. See Also Microphone , Lectern
Microphone, Lip	MICROPHONE designed for use in contact with the lips of the speaker. See Also Microphone
Microphone, Necklace	Portable MICROPHONE that hooks around the neck or is clipped to clothing. Sometimes called a LAVALIER, LAPEL, OR PENDANT MICROPHONE. See Also Microphone
Microphone, Omnidirectional	MICROPHONE that picks up sound from all directions. See Also Microphone
Microphone, Pendant	Portable MICROPHONE that hooks around the neck or is clipped to clothing. Sometimes called a NECKLACE, LAPEL, OR LAVALIER MICROPHONE. See Also Microphone
Microphone, PZM	Pressure Zone Microphone®. Also called a BOUNDARY Microphone. This type of microphones can be placed on a large surface such as a table, floor, wall, or lectern. It picks up sound from entire room and is often recommended for conferences, group discussions, interviews, lectures, and recordings.
Microphone, Radio	MICROPHONE used for transmitting radio waves. See Also Microphone
Microphone, Roving	A small MICROPHONE, with or without a wire, which can be moved easily through an audience for questions or comments. See Also Microphone
Microphone, Shotgun	UNIDIRECTIONAL MICROPHONE that has a very narrow angle of sensitivity and can be used to collect sound from a distance because surrounding sounds are not heard. See Also Microphone
Microphone, Stationary or Standing	MICROPHONE mounted on an adjustable floor stand and intended to remain in the same location throughout a presentation. Also Called FLOOR MICROPHONE.
Microphone, Table	MICROPHONE on a short stand placed on a table for seated speakers. See Also Microphone
Microphone, Unidirectional	MICROPHONE that picks up sound primarily from the direction in which it is pointed. See Also Microphone
Microphone, Wireless	Portable MICROPHONE operating on its own power source. Often used to pass through an audience for questions or comments. Also Called CORDLESS MICROPHONE. See Also Microphone
Mid Office	A record finishing and quality control processing that occurs after the initial receipt in the front office. This processing is usually accomplished using software-based office products and MIS.
Midget Microphone	Small microphone. See Also Microphone
Military Meeting	An event at which attendees are affiliated with one of the armed forces, or are suppliers to the armed forces.
Minestrone	Italian vegetable soup.
Minimum	Smallest number of covers and/or beverage served at a catered event. A surcharge may be added to the client's bill if the minimum is not reached.
Minimum Call	Agreed upon minimum number of hours of work to be done by a worker under the labor agreement. In cases where the work to be done is shorter than the minimum call, the worker is guaranteed payment for the full minimum.
Minimum Connecting Time	The minimum time required for carriers to transfer passengers and baggage from one flight to another
Minimum Connecting Time	The minimum time required for carriers to transfer passengers and baggage from one flight to another.
Minimum Truckload	Weight above which a shipment is charged at a truckload rate.
Mini-Suite	See JUNIOR SUITE. See Also Junior Suite
Minny	Van shipment weighing 500 lbs. or less, for which the minimum charge is the 500-lb rate. Carrier minimums vary.
Minny	A van shipment weighing 500 lbs. or less, for which the minimum charge is the 500 lb. rate.
MINT	Meeting Industry Network (formerly CINET or Convention Industry Network). On-line information network tracking historical and future site/booking information. CINET is provided by IACVB to its members.
Minutes	Formal written record of a meeting.
Misconnect	Insufficient time is allowed for connection between planes.
Missed Connection	A term to describe the situation when a passenger fails to transfer to a flight.
Mitre	The joint created when two pieces of material cut at equal angles butt together to form a corner.
Mix	1) Visual repetitive and/or alternating projection of two different slides on the screen used to add emphasis. 2) (Sound) adjustment of each microphone for volume and sound quality.
Mixed Grill	A plate of grilled or broiled meats, which can include lamb chops, beef, bacon and sausages and is usually accompanied by grilled or broiled mushrooms, tomatoes and potatoes.
Mixed Truckload	Truckload of different articles, crated and uncreated, in a single shipment.
Mixer	Audio unit by which sound signals from all sources feed into one system; allows for dissimilar inputs (microphone and line) to be combined and controlled into one output. See SOUND BOARD. See Also Sound Board
Mixing	Combining audio or audio sources.
Mixing Board	See SOUND BOARD. See Also Sound Board
Mock Bearnaise Sauce	Made by adding a tarragon reduction to mayonnaise, which is more stable than Hollandaise and therefore will not break. In off-premise catering, if sauce cannot be prepared on-site, mock bearnaise must be used because the real product will not travel without breaking.
Mock-Up	A full-scale model of proposed structure.
MOD	Manager on Duty. Person at a facility in charge of operations and/or guest relations for a certain period of time.
Model	1) An object made in miniature representing something to be constructed. 2) A person stationed in an exhibit to demonstrate a product, provide attraction to booth/stand or greet visitors. See TALENT. See Also Talent
Modem	Modulator-demodulator. Computer component that enables a computer to send and receive data over telephone or cable lines.
Moderator	Person who presides over panel discussions and forums.
Modified American Plan	MAP. A type of room rate that includes breakfast and one other meal (usually dinner). See DEMI-PENSION. See Also AMERICAN PLAN, BERMUDA PLAN, CONTINENTAL PLAN, EUROPEAN PLAN. See Also Demi-Pension , American Plan , Bermuda Plan , Continental Plan , European Plan
Modular Exhibit	An exhibit that uses standardized components (e.g., panels, frames) that can be assembled and reassembled in different configurations for different needs.
Modular Panels	Partition units (walls, doorframes, etc.) in standard sizes, used for building booths/stands in the sizes desired in that context.
Mom & Pop	A small, family-owned business. Often used in terms of a “Mom & Pop Exhibitor or Vendor."
Monaural	Having one ear. Monaural headsets (with a single earpiece) are typically used by telephone operators, stage managers and disco operators.
Monitor	Television set with denser pixels and direct audio and video input.
Monitor	Video or audio device used to maintain a reference on the sound or video that is being sent out to the audience. Audio feeds given to performers are also referred to as monitors but do not necessarily represent the sound sent to the audience. See CUE CHANNEL. See Also Cue Channel
Monitor Mixing Console	Sound board used to regulate and mix sound heard on stage.
Mono	See MONOPHONIC. See Also Monophonic
Monochrome	Images reproduced on a black and white television system.
Monophonic	Sound from one source, such as a single loudspeaker or earphone. In most concert performances, this is the type of sound provided to the audience. See PA SYSTEM. See Also PA System
Montage	1) Composite made by combining several separate pictures.2) Rapid succession of images to illustrate an association of ideas.
MOR	Middle of the Road. A mixture of contemporary, top 40, and soft music.
Moral Hazard	A condition of morals or habits that increases the probability of loss from a peril. An extreme example would be an individual who previously burned his own property to collect the insurance.
Mornay Sauce	Cream sauce thickened with eggs and grated cheese.
Motel	An establishment that provides housing with limited services for persons away from home. Also Called MOTOR INN.
Motion	Formal proposal to be discussed and voted on in a meeting.
Motor Coach	A large, comfortable, well-powered bus that can transport groups and their luggage over long distances.
Motor Coach Captain	Motor coach captains count passengers and are responsible for the safe loading and unloading of guests. They also assist field supervisors and venue managers.
Motor Coach Field Supervisor	Person responsible for motor coaches arriving at/departing from a specific location. Coordinates with the route manager, provides updates and requests for additional motor coaches on route. Responsible for captains and human arrows at location.
Motor Coach Shuttle System	A method or plan for an established, orderly transport of participants by buses between facilities.
Motor Coach Tour Operator	A company that creates tours in which group members are transported via motorcoach to their destination, itinerary activities, and back.
Motor Inn	An establishment that provides housing with limited services for persons away from home. See MOTEL. See Also Motel
Motorboating	Undesirable oscillation in an amplifying system or transducer, usually of a pulse type, occurring at a low audio frequency.
MOU	Memo of Understanding
Moussaka	Greek layered casserole with chopped meat and vegetables.
Mousse	1) Light, airy dessert dish made with beaten egg whites and whipped cream. 2) Finely ground meat, seafood, or poultry served in a mold.
Mousseline	1) Any sauce to which whipped cream or beaten egg whites have been added just prior to serving to give it a light, airy consistency. Mousseline sauce is hollandaise blended with whipped cream. 2) Various dishes based on meat, fish, shellfish or foie gras to which whipped cream or, less frequently, beaten egg whites are added to lighten the texture. 3) A term applied to any of various dishes or baked goods that have a light and delicate texture.
Movable Wall	Walls or light movable panels used for dividing areas or concealing an area. See PARTITION. See Also AIR WALL. See Also Partition , Air Wall
Move-In	Dates set for installation. See SET-UP. See Also Set-Up
Move-In/Move-Out Dates	Dates set for installation/dismantling of an exhibition.
Move-Out	Dates set for dismantling. Also Called TEAR DOWN. See Also Tear Down
Moving Decor	Staff or actors in costume appropriate to a theme.
Moving Screen	Screen intended to provide information and to notify participants who are called away for urgent reasons during the session, without disturbing the event.
MPI	Meeting Professionals International. A member of the Convention Industry Council.
MPO	Marketing promotional opportunities. Sponsorship of logoed items (e.g. tote bags).
Multi-Channel	With two or more communication bands (receivers).
Multi-Channel Tape	Tape having more than one channel on which to record.
Multi-Image	The protection of two or more images at one time; may be one or more screens.
Multi-Image Slide Presentation	Presentation using many slide projectors on one screen. The projectors are arranged so that, by fading from one projector to another, the program is presented. Often this is done on a screen that is wider than one slide image, in which case the images are registered together so as to allow one image to have a panoramic wide view. Most commonly these presentations are produced with a minimum of three projectors.
Multi-Management Firm	A company that offers complete turnkey organization support for an event, including administrative and event management services.
Multimedia	Use of two or more audiovisual media in one presentation.
Multiple Airport Cities	Cities offering multiple airports for scheduled airline service, e.g., New York has LaGuardia and JFK; Washington, D.C. has Dulles and Reagan National.
Multiple Life Experiences	The experience that adult learners bring to the learning environment that may help or hinder their learning.
Multiplexer	Unit designed for selective projection of 16mm film, 2-by-2 inch (5-by-5 centimeter) slides, or filmstrips into one television program.
Multipoint Bridge	A service provider of videoconferencing which allows multiple sites to connect simultaneously. A bridge connects three or more tele- or videoconference sites for simultaneous communication.
Multipurpose Center	Facility that either 1) is equipped in such a way as to allow multiple types of usage (e.g., equipped with telescoping seats adaptable floor rakes or slopes, etc.) or 2) combines many single-purpose buildings under one operation.
Multipurpose Facility	1) A facility that can be reconfigured for another use; for example, an arena that can be converted to an exhibit hall by retracting seats. 2) A building complex containing several different types of facilities, such as a convention center, arena, and theater.
Multi-Screen	The use of two or more screens at the same time. Also Called MULTIVISION.
Multi-Sensory	Relating to or involving several physiological senses.
Multi-Story Exhibit	An exhibit with more than two levels or stories. See DOUBLE DECKER. See Also Double Decker
Multi-Track Conference	A conference with parallel program sessions where participants have the choice to follow one or the other road or to jump from one track to the other during the duration of the event.
Multivision	See MULTI-SCREEN. See Also Multi-Screen
Murphy Bed	Retractable bed built into the wall.
Music License	Control of the performance of musical compositions by the composers and authors through granting of a license to perform. Controlled by the copyright laws. See ASCAP. See Also BMI. See Also ASCAP , BMI
Music Licensing	The right granted by one party to let a another party use live or recorded music through special agreements and fee structures.
Music Stands	Sheet music holders of varying sizes requiring attached lights when used on darkened stage.
Muslin	Wide-loomed fabric used for ceiling artwork.
Mylar	Trade name for polyester sheeting, usually clear or decorative metallic reflective finish.
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