“Show-Services”, a “non-existing” term in the German Trade show-environment.
If you have decided to participate in a trade show in Germany, you need to know that there are significant differences in organizing shows in Germany and Europe at large. (Although there are exceptions, in England, and in some shows in France and Spain, where similar procedures to those in the United States are in place).
In general one can say, the following best describes European Standard:
No General Contractor ? Shows are either organized by professional show-organizers, (independent organizations), or by the local Fair-Organizations, (the managing organization of the individual showground). They all have their signature-shows, which are traditionally owned and organized by them, for profit. (Other than the Association-driven shows in the United States). Each Show-Ground or Convention Center has it’s complete own infrastructure to conduct and run a show / fair / exhibition / convention. Often Exhibitor-services can be provided by these organizations on an individual contract basis. Only few services are required to be obtained from in-house-providers. In general, there is no monopoly for any kind of service, there are no Union-restrictions. (With the exception of the United Kingdom).
No Show-book ? Once you have reserved your space, you will receive some kind of information from the organizer, but do not expect an Exhibitor-Service-Manual, as you are used to from your previous experience in the U.S. Some organizations provide Internet-downloads for service-forms, some mail out some basic order forms.
If you have obtained a complete rental package from the organizer, which includes space, walls, electric, carpet, etc., you will not have to worry. If you have rented space only, it is now up to you, to get all the services you need. Your best advice, (if this is your first experience abroad), is to team up with your local exhibit-builder, with EDPA (the U. S. Exhibit-Builders Association), a local Exhibit-Builder abroad, or an experienced Consultant.
The fact that the Exhibitor-information is not available in the comprehensive format you are used to from your local exhibiting, does not have to be to your disadvantage. Yes, it may be an inconvenience in the beginning, but if you really look at it, you are free to do anything you want, bring in your own preferred vendors and suppliers, free from any restrictions. You may compare pricing and choose your best option.
No service-center, no freight desk ? Now, as you arrive at the show-venue abroad, you may proceed directly to your space on the show-floor. There you will find what you have ordered in advance, nothing more. There is no labor-desk, no service-center. You are now on your own. Did you make arrangements with your freight-agent, to meet you there and have your freight delivered directly to your space? Did you arrange with him about empty-storage during the show and return of the crates after the show? Other than in the United States, the freight is completely in the hands of a freight-company of your choice. No teamster will ever stop you from bringing in your own freight. Consequently, there is nothing like drayage charges in European Shows.
No labor-desk, no Unions ? Have you arranged for labor, to set up your exhibit? You will find independent I&D-companies in Europe, which you should have contracted with in advance. Again, your best bet is, to involve a local Exhibit-Builder, and have him handle your exhibit. Those local I&D- companies provide you with skilled labor, who are absolutely master all, what you know as carpenter, stage-hand, decorator, plumber, electrician, and they are allowed to do all of that.
No building-restrictions ? There are no “IAEM-guidelines” restricting you how to build your exhibit. Building height and set-backs are only regulated by individual, exhibit-hall-specific demands, which you will have to inquire with the administration offices of the show-place. It is also within their authority to allow suspension and rigging. (Remember, there are no riggers, you may do it yourself!). With few exceptions, you may build on your space, what your budget allows.
Now, before you get too excited, there are always exceptions to the rules and some countries in Europe are more different than others. Your best advise is always, to get professional assistance for every individual project and location.
Copyright Horst Tondasch, 2007 - 2010