What does “full-service exhibit house” or “one-stop shop” really mean? Many firms use those phrases, but in reality, clients often work with a trade show broker company rather than a true builder. Sometimes that broker is not even an exhibit firm—it could be a marketing agency or an event planner outsourcing services. Understanding who really delivers your exhibit is critical before you sign.
How Brokers Operate
A trade show broker company usually does not manufacture or warehouse exhibits. Instead, it outsources design, fabrication, graphics, furniture, AV, shipping, and labor to outside vendors. The broker then bundles those services into a sales order and adds markups. This model isn’t inherently dishonest, but it hides how much of the work is performed by third parties.
Marketing Agencies and Event Planners as Brokers
Some agencies and planners present themselves as exhibit providers while relying entirely on subcontractors. They coordinate creative direction or event logistics but have no control over manufacturing or labor rates. When agencies or planners act as a trade show broker company, they deliver convenience but remove transparency and cost control from the client.
What Clients Don’t See
Broker websites showcase polished exhibit photos, but did they build them or subcontract them? Without clarity, you risk paying inflated prices while losing visibility into production. A trade show broker company cannot control vendor schedules or union labor costs. If charges rise, the client absorbs the increase.
The Takeaway
A trade show broker company—whether an exhibit reseller, a marketing agency, or an event planner—can simplify coordination. But you must ask the right questions: Who designs in-house? Who fabricates? Who controls I&D? By demanding transparency, you protect your budget and ensure you understand exactly what you’re buying.
