Who’s in charge here? We’re not asking who the boss is as in Tony Danza, but the conference or show itself.  If you’re unaware, it could be confusing to figure out the cast of characters who may or may not be present at your next trade show or conference.  Walking into a show venue can be very confusing without a playbill! There are producers, management, official contractors – everyone seems to have a title. Here is a short list of the titles of the various people you will come into contact with prior to your trade show:

•Show Producer- An individual or company which manages trade shows, including leasing the exposition facility, hiring official contractors, and promoting the trade show. Examples – Reed Exhibitions, GLM Shows, VNU Expositions, Inc.

•Show Management – The organizer and operator of a trade show. 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  trade 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 the trade 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” trade show 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 such as Absolute Exhibits, I&D companies.