Here is a short list of the titles of the various people you will come into contact with prior to your show:

• Show Producer – An individual or company which manages trade shows, including leasing the exposition facility, hiring official contractors, and promoting the show. Examples – Reed Exhibitions, GLM Shows, VNU Expositions, Inc.
• Show Management – The organizer and operator of an exposition. In some cases of larger shows the producer and the management may be the same. Examples – MD&M, Medtrade, National Sheriff’s Association, Semicon.
• Official Contractor or General Contractor – The contractor employed by show management to set up the show. Responsibilities can include drayage, signs, setting hall carpet, rental displays, decoration, show labor and cleaning. Examples – GES, Freeman Decorating Service, Champion.
• Exclusive Contractor – Contractor appointed by show or building management as the lone provider of specified services. Services can include facility telecommunications, plumbing and electrical services. This does not limit the use of an Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor. These vary widely venue to venue.
• Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC) – Any company (other than the “official” contractor) providing a service and needing access to an exhibit during installation, show dates and dismantling. Often used to refer to a subcontractor who is appointed by an exhibitor to install and dismantle their exhibit. Also referred to as an independent contractor. Examples – exhibit houses, I&D companies.