by Jessica Sibila, CTSM, CMP, Executive Director, The Exhibitor Advocate
In the dynamic world of exhibitions, staying informed about the latest trends and challenges is essential for suppliers, exhibitors, and organizers alike. At The Exhibitor Advocate, we’re committed to amplifying the voice of exhibitors and fostering a vibrant marketplace. In our second year since incorporation, we’ve been hard at work addressing several pressing issues impacting the industry.
Key Issues We’re Tackling
High Cost of Show Services
Our forthcoming research with Evolio Marketing highlights a persistent concern among exhibitors—the high cost of show services. Early findings suggest that these costs not only burden exhibitors but also have unforeseen effects on show organizers. Stay tuned as we unveil these insights, which could be crucial for suppliers looking to optimize their offerings and show organizers in boosting revenue.
Transportation Package Rates
We’ve recently discovered a troubling trend where exclusive and non-exclusive services are bundled together, potentially leading to unfair competition. This practice raises concerns about fairness and legality under anti-competitive statutes. Rest assured, The Exhibitor Advocate is actively working with industry partners to ensure equitable opportunities for all exhibitors.
Measuring ROI
While high costs remain a top concern, exhibitors are also struggling with evaluating their success and return on investment (ROI). The need to measure participation value against expenditure is more pressing than ever. We’re excited to introduce new tools and resources by year’s end to help exhibitors effectively measure ROI. Become a member of The Exhibitor Advocate to have first access to these valuable educational offerings.
2024 Ann. Survey of Exhibition Rates
In partnership with Tradeshow Logic and Evolio, we’re gathering data from 2024 tradeshows and events for our upcoming survey. If you were surprised by the 2023 data or want your city included, share your exhibitor show kit with us. Help us provide the most comprehensive industry data available.
Engage with The Exhibitor Advocate
Your experiences are critically important. What challenges are you facing in the industry? How have you succeeded despite these challenges? We invite you to share your story with us at info@exhibitoradvocacy.com.
By becoming a member of The Exhibitor Advocate, you gain access to the latest information on exhibitor experiences and can contribute to ensuring the industry’s future sustainability. Join us in making exhibitions and events a valuable marketing channel for all stakeholders. Together, we can address industry challenges and create a thriving exhibition community. Let’s continue to empower exhibitors and enhance the industry for the benefit of everyone involved.
This story originally appeared in the Q4 2024 issue of Exhibit City News, p. 80. For original layout, visit https://issuu.com/exhibitcitynews/docs/ecn_q4_2024/80.
