How to choose the best exhibition supplier

With exhibitions still rated as one of the marketing channels that provide the highest ROI across the board, it is inevitable that at some point, you may be in need of contracting the necessary exhibition suppliers. By Projeni Pather, chairperson of AAXO (Association of African Exhibition Organisers)

Exhibition organisers will take care of the basics like allocating your space and putting you in touch with carefully selected suppliers for necessities like electricity to your stand, plumbing and compressed air. But how do you choose an exhibition supplier that will design and build a stand for you with a vision that matches your objectives? How do you know that the suppliers you have chosen are reputable and rated the top in their field?

What makes a Top Exhibition Supplier?

Accreditation

The Top Exhibition Suppliers are recognised by their peers, clients and competitors. These suppliers are likely to belong to the relevant industry association as this not only provides them with the esteemed accreditation they seek, they are also vetted by their peers when applying to join the industry association. It also grants them the opportunity to be involved with shaping industry regulation, creating educational opportunities and giving back to the industry through association initiatives. Locally, suppliers that are listed as members of EXSA and associated members of AAXO, would be considered accredited suppliers.

Reputation

When evaluating if one is dealing with a reputable exhibition supplier or not, it is advisable that you look at their portfolio of previous work, as well as ask for referrals or testimonials from previous clients relating to the quality of their work, insight into their design and delivery processes as well as the array of services they supply. For example, it would be ideal to use a single supplier that can design the stand and artwork, build it, supply the AV for the stand, provide lighting solutions and furniture, signage and branding, as well as provide breakdown, transportation and waste management services. However, if you are looking at a very specialised tech-focused stand, you may want to rethink this and get in an AV supplier that specialise in this field so you don’t have to rely on a stand build company to get in some basic AV expertise.

When all is said and done, a little planning goes a long way towards making your exhibiting experience a pleasant one.