Defining top exhibition suppliers

Setting goals and quantifiable benchmarks will assist in defining the success of the project, while improving the strategies for the same.

With the many suppliers seemingly offering the same service, how do you decide which one is right for you? In your search for the top exhibition supplier, it is vital to understand that there are various processes and costs that go in to delivering a trade show and an exhibition stand, and it is imperative that a supplier is sourced that will help you to come in on point and on budget.

In today’s world, every business relies on a community of other businesses in some form or capacity. Trade shows are no different, as many related companies and service providers operate under one roof. In a collaborative environment, industry professionals and companies can benefit from each other.

As a case in point, stand manufacturers and contractors may need to enlist the expertise and services of the trade show appointed logistics company, to ensure that the exhibition products arrive on time, intact, and can therefore be showcased professionally.

Trade shows are the ultimate networking opportunity, and learning about and growing with other companies, their service offering and products, provides an understanding of where the various companies fit in the big picture.

What makes a top exhibition supplier, and what is the definition thereof?

A good exhibition supplier should always create value for clients in terms of finding the most cost-effective solution to meet the brief. To create value, the supplier needs a creative design department, knowledgeable and well-organised project managers, and a production team that delivers on the brief timeously and in terms of the design specification. It is vital that the client trusts the supplier, who must communicate honestly with the client, especially when things are not going according to plan.– Justin Hawes, managing director of Scan Display.

Exhibition suppliers are totally unique to the average supplier. There can be no ‘say no’ or even a consideration that supply can be late, not be complete or not be adequate. There are unwritten rules that govern our supply – top suppliers categorically know this. “An exhibition supplier does not carry stock of a product – anyone can carry stock. An exhibition supplier knows what to do with the stock/product in the context of the exhibition delivery.– Patrick Cronning, Commercial Director, Expo Guys.

The exhibition space is a fast-paced environment that is probably best described by the phrase “last minute dot com.” One of the most important qualities a supplier requires is the ability to adapt and offer a flexible service solution. While it is important to have sufficient, good quality stock, service is king. To be a top supplier your teams need to be able to communicate well and provide a rapid response to customer requests. The most essential component for any exhibition supplier to remain top of their game is a knowledgeable, experienced operations team, these are the true superstars of the exhibition suppliers. “In our company, having many different divisions, an exhibition supplier is defined by the term main contractor – referring to the main infrastructure provider to the show, the main infrastructure includes the base

work of the exhibition; carpets, DB boxes, shell scheme systems, graphics and special areas. In most cases, the main contractor is also tasked with providing upgraded shell scheme stands and custom exhibition stands. As the industry has very low barriers to entry, the broader term of an exhibition supplier can refer to any supplier providing a product or service to the exhibition, this can include items such as individual custom stands, stand cleaning, security, furniture, food and beverage services, the list goes on. The exhibition industry allows for many levels of suppliers, and this is what makes it such an inviting business opportunity, the list of items that go into one exhibition and the number of jobs created and sustained per show certainly makes it one of a kind. – Adele Hartdegen, PR & marketing manager, GL events.