For events without the mega resources of mega shows, there is one mega advantage: greater flexibility. Midsize Show Roundtable (MSR) is where executives and managers of shows with less than 125,000 net square explore and discuss how to leverage every advantage in a constantly changing landscape.
Understanding the terminology and application of accounting, finance and budgeting fundamentals allows the exhibition organizer to make a greater contribution to the growth and financial success of the organization. It is essential to develop a budget and manage the financial strategies of the exhibition. A well-developed and well-administered budget is crucial to enabling the exhibition organizer to accurately project and monitor income and expenses, track cash flow and cost controls and ultimately measure the success of the event and the organization’s return on investment.
A successful exhibition or event is often produced by the efforts of multiple service providers. A substantial portion of the exhibition or event organizer’s responsibility is to evaluate, source, and contract for the services and products needed to produce a successful event.
In order for organizations that plan, manage or own exhibitions and events to remain competitive, they must continually define and review their strategies. This includes measuring where an event falls within a particular market segment, developing plans to ensure business continuity, and positioning an exhibition or event for success.
Today’s exhibition professional has more to do than simply manage an exhibition. In reality, an exhibition professional is responsible for several crucial service-related elements. Two of the service fundamentals inherent in most events are arranging for accommodations for guests (“housing”) and identifying which guests will be allowed access to which portion of an event (“registration”). Planning must begin early to ensure housing and registration are easily assessed and do not become a hindrance to attending the event. When managed well, housing and registration can enhance an event and create an incentive for future attendance.
A well-designed floor plan or layout is critical to the success of an exhibition or event. In a rapidly changing business environment, a floor plan must meet the logistical needs of exhibitors and sponsors and the shopping habits of attendees with sufficient flexibility to adjust for growth or consolidation.
In order to ensure the success of an event or exhibition, there are vital elements involved in the planning process that should be conducted from the ground up. No matter how successful or well respected an exhibition may be, it should be presented as if it were a first-time event – it is the marketing and selling equivalent of zero-based budgeting. This involves highlighting an event’s features and benefits, understanding the phases of the sales cycle and the need to support sales efforts with the appropriate tools and resources, and preparing the exhibition prospectus in a comprehensive and engaging way.
Site selection is a crucial first step in producing a successful exhibition or event. This includes the process of choosing both a geographical location and a facility for an exhibition or event. Site selection consists of advanced detailed planning, including access for attendees of all populations, organizational goals and objectives, exhibitor/attendee needs, and transportation. Careful consideration should be given to all factors that could impact the success of the overall exhibition.
A well-designed floor plan or layout is critical to the success of an exhibition or event. In a rapidly changing business environment, a floor plan must meet the logistical needs of exhibitors and sponsors and the shopping habits of attendees with sufficient flexibility to adjust for growth or consolidation.
Exhibitors are a critical stakeholder in the exhibitions and events industry that are often misunderstood or overlooked. Understanding how to partner with exhibitors to ensure their success will help drive value for the show organizer, the exhibitor and the attendee. It is important for show organizers to understand the root causes of pain points for exhibitors and what systems, processes and solutions a show organizer can implement to address the needs of their exhibitors and create success for all stakeholders.