1. Chapter Nine Service Contractors
MEEC
Chapter Nine
Service Contractors

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

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