Meddling, fiddling, second-guessing clients/bosses/committees are a fact of life. And that life is the one of the designer of your trade show exhibit. The client is king, after all without him/her we would not be in business. Their input is undeniably necessary and a great collaboration between designer and clients is essential to meeting all client needs on the show floor.

The issue has many cross-currents, one of which is that . . .people enjoy design. Design is fun, and not only for designers. Many non-designers have an affinity for it. Engineers, producers, marketers, everyone seems to have something to say about design. However, design looks easier than it is.

Design means more to people than they realize. We are visual creatures. We want the best-looking exhibit. The one that everyone stops and stares at, that other exhibitor ask where you got it and how much did you pay? the one that gets awards. So the designer must prove that they are listening, reaffirm all of your wants and needs, be honest about your requests verses your budget, and keep you in the loop. Then you need to stand back and let them design because they know the show rules, they understand your budget, and remember you will always have the final say. You are definitely not meddling, however you are paying for expertise and working in a cooperation with the designer makes the most sense – you are too important to your business to stop everything and just design.