Always Know the Rules!
The greatest lessons I received from the elite public school system in suburban Illinois involved understanding the importance of knowing what the rules are, how exceptions are made, and how they are enforced. Knowing the rules helped me out of quite a few binds!
In the tradeshow world, it’s very much the same way (yes, I’m comparing convention centers to public schools - would anyone blame me for the comparison?). Understanding the technicalities that surround your exhibit, where and when to ask for variances, and what variances show management can or cannot accept, can define the success or failure of your tradeshow booth.
I recently had a client call me with a list of 5 shows that they wanted to exhibit at in 2010. They wanted to do a 20×20 exhibit that was 16 ft. tall. Maximizing visibility and utilization of cubic footage that they pay for has always been of utmost importance to them.4 of the 5 tradeshows would not permit the type of exhibit designs that they planned to utilize. 1 of the 4 later agreed to allow it, based on a height variance. There are basic guidelines on when variances need to be applied for - including submitting drawings from a structural engineer. We have an email confirmation, and we’ll go through the necessary motions to execute the height variance.
Knowing the rules intimately - not just the basic height, setbacks, etc. - can prove to be a show-saver. As we’ve mentioned here before, get everything in writing, and bear in mind that the show hall, not show management, is the ultimate judge in any disputed situation. Make the rules work for you- not against you!
Very true! As much as we would love to design our trade show displays the way we want, it is important to follow the strict regulations set by the trade show venue.
Comment by Kristin Hovde — October 25, 2010 @ 11:34 pm
I learned this lesson the hard way. I had been to 1 or 2 tradeshows with no major rules. I showed up to a major event and they had a problem with almost everything about my setup! It cost me a ton of business. I was so upset. Ever since, I use a consultant company before I go to a major event. I used http://www.atlanticexhibits.com but I am sure there are tons of companies out there. Question for author, what services do you provide? Has anyone ever had a similar experience?
Comment by dave — December 9, 2010 @ 9:41 am
We’re a full service house - design, account management, graphics design and production, and fabrication. We offer custom rental, custom purchase, and hybrid exhibits.
You hire a consultant for major shows? Doesn’t the exhibit company make sure that the design they’ve sold you is within the rules of the show? As for shows without rules, that’s when you just need to get approval IN WRITING for the design you’re planning to implement. I don’t see how you can afford to add a consultant’s fee on top of the typical costs of exhibiting.
Comment by Col. McCormick — December 9, 2010 @ 9:52 am
I hate having to to design something that works within the different rules of multiple shows. And its not just size restraints, theirs audio restraints on any video you have playing. I’ve attended shows that have decibel limits and when your have to do video demonstrations it can be hard to over come the noise limitations with all the background noise.
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