Shipping Your Books

Shipping Your Materials to SPX

1. Address your boxes to:
   Small Press Expo c/o [Your Name]
   Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Convention Center
   5701 Marinelli Road
   Bethesda, MD 20852
2. Write, in permanent marker, on every box and every box’s label:
   1. the name of the table owner
   2. table number
   3. return address
3. If you are having your printer ship directly to the hotel, make sure they follow step 2 above.
4. Schedule your shipment to arrive no earlier than Saturday, September 5 and no later than Friday, September 11. Boxes arriving before Saturday, September 5 will be charged a $25/day storage fee by Marriott..
5. When your shipment is finalized, fill out the Shipping Information Form. It is critical that you complete this form. SPX sends this information to the Marriott staff so we can get your boxes to your table.
6. Upon delivery, boxes will be counted by the Marriott staff. Any discrepancies between the Shipping Information Form and the packing slip will be documented immediately and we will call the point of contact you provided. The boxes will be placed in the secure store room.
7. SPX volunteers will deliver boxes directly to your table on Friday night so that they are ready when you arrive for setup on Saturday morning at 9:00AM.

Shipping Your Boxes Back

Follow these detailed instructions so we can get your boxes back to you after the show.

1. Create a new shipment with your carrier of choice with the following information:
   TO: [Your home/warehouse]
   Pick up location:
   Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Convention Center
   5701 Marinelli Road
   Bethesda, MD 20852
2. Pick up date:
   Monday, September 14.
3. Print your labels in advance and have them ready to apply on Sunday evening. Your return labels must include:
   1. Your carrier account number(s)
   2. Your tracking numbers(s)
   3. Your appropriate return address
4. Check with your carrier that the account numbers and tracking numbers you are using are valid for pick up. If they are not valid for pickup, your boxes may be lost.
5. After the show closes, bring your packed and labeled boxes to the secured area at the loading dock. SPX volunteers will show you where to go. Carts and dollies will be available.

Shipping FAQs

How much will the hotel charge to receive and store my boxes?

SPX picks up this cost so that you do not have to, as long as you follow the above directions. If your boxes are not labeled properly, they may be subject to the Marriott’s receiving charge of up to $40 per box.

Will my books be safe?

Yes! Shipped boxes will be stored in the Marriott by the loading dock. The room is always within eyesight of the security room. If that room gets filled, the boxes will be stored inside the loading dock area, which is also monitored during the day and locked at night.

How do I retrieve my shipped boxes?

SPX volunteers will bring your boxes to your table on Friday night if they are labeled correctly (see above instructions). It is critical that you follow all of the instructions above to ensure your boxes are placed correctly.

Your boxes will be waiting for you when you arrive for setup on Saturday morning (9:00AM–11:00AM).

What if I need to ship stuff home after the show?

Follow the detailed instructions above under Shipping Your Boxes Back.