Chapter Nine Service Contractors MEEC Chapter Nine Service Contractors

Definition Service Contractor Anyone who provides a product or service for the exhibitors or show management during the actual show or conference. Historically referred to as “decorators” Involved in every aspect of the sow from move-in to running the show, to teardown and move-out.

General Service Contractor Also called the Official Show Contractor or Exposition Services Contractor Hired by show management to handle general duties for the show: Graphic treatments of the show and signage Pipe and drape / hard wall exhibits Aisle carpets Create official areas – sponsor booth, registration, lounges Hire and manage labor Move freight in and out Material handling and drayage

General Service Contractor Hired by show management to handle services for the exhibitors: Exhibit design and construction Booth set-up and dismantle Carpet, Furniture and Signage Interface with union and labor Rigging & Material Handling

General Service Contractor Creates Exhibitor Service Manual (Kit) Sent to confirmed and registered Exhibitors Order forms for all exhibitor services provided by the contractor and specialty contractors Show rules and regulations

General Service Contractor Role is evolving: Increasing their scope of services Some convention center facilities are doing what contractors used to do Centralized billing Event marketing consulting / production Corporate event programs Multi-event exhibit programs Private trade shows New product introductions Hospitality events Touring Expositions New Technologies Floor plans Material Handling Web Site development

Specialty Service Contractor Deal with specific area of show production Either: appointed by show management OR appointed by exhibitors

Specialty Service Contractor Specialty Services include: Audio-visual Business Services Catering Cleaning Services Communications & Computers Consulting Drayage & Freight Electrical Floral Furniture Labor Planning & Supervision Lighting Models / Hostesses & Spokespersons Utilities Photography Postal /Package Services Security Translators Industry Specific

Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Work specifically with the exhibiting company throughout the year, often on more than one show Usually in the areas of: Installation and dismantle Décor Exhibit design and storage “Exclusives” – services that can only be provided by an official service contractor appointed y show management

Relationships Show Organizers hire the General Service Contractor Request for Proposal (RFP) Process Partnership develops as show planning progresses General Service Contractor suggests marketing themes, design layout, floor plans, color schemes General Service Contractor and Show Organizers select specialty service contractors Maintain history of show development, production and exhibitor needs

Associations Trade Associations abound - something for everyone! Exhibition Services and Contractors Association Exhibit Display Producers Association Exhibitor Appointed Contractors Association International Association for Exhibition Management Canadian Association of Exposition Management National Association of Consumer Shows Trade Show Exhibitors Association Center for Exhibition Industry Research

How It All Works Show Organizer Exhibitors Attendees General (Official) Service Contractor Specialty Contractors Facility & City Labor Exhibitor Appointed Contractors Official Contractor  

Review Definitions Relationships Associations How It All Works General Service Contractor Specialty Service Contractor Exhibitor Appointed Service Contractor Relationships Associations How It All Works