Who’s in charge at your next trade show?
Trade show planning can feel overwhelming when you are not sure who handles what. A successful event execution depends on understanding who the key players are. Here is a guide to the main roles you’ll encounter during trade show planning:

Show Producer
The producer manages the trade show itself, leases the venue, hires contractors, and promotes the event. Well-known examples include Reed Exhibitions and VNU Europe. A clear producer relationship helps exhibitors streamline planning from the very beginning.

Show Management
Show management organizes and operates the event. For large trade shows, the producer and management might be the same organization. Examples include MD&M, Medtrade, National Sheriff’s Association, and Semicon. Coordinating early with show management is a smart step in trade show planning.

Official Contractor
This contractor is hired by show management to set up the event. They handle drayage, signs, carpet, rental displays, decoration, labor, and cleaning. Examples include GES, Freeman, and Champion. Exhibitors benefit when trade show planning accounts for the official contractor’s deadlines and rules.

Exclusive Contractor
Appointed by the trade show or the venue management, these providers handle required services such as telecommunications, plumbing, or electrical work. Because these vary by venue, factoring them in ahead of time prevents last-minute surprises.

Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC)
An EAC is any company other than the official contractor that provides services to exhibitors, such as setting up and dismantling booths. Examples include Absolute Exhibits and I&D companies. Selecting the right EAC can make trade show planning more efficient and cost-effective.

Bottom Line
Understanding who does what will help you navigate your show smoothly. If you’d rather not manage all the moving parts, we can handle your trade show planning from start to finish.