When you’re exhibiting, your exhibition stand is the visual representation of your brand. Its quality, style and sustainability directly impact the way your brand is received. Not to mention, the stand often takes up a large proportion of the exhibition budget. With a substantial investment where your brand’s reputation is on the line, it’s important to select the right contractor. To ensure you’ve done your due diligence, ask the following questions.
Does The Contractor Pre-Build?
Before selecting an exhibition stand design and build contractor, it’s crucial to ask if they offer a pre-build service. In a true pre-build, the stand is fully built down to the last lightbulb. This process is repeated for each show, allowing the exhibitor and contractor to thoroughly check the display for quality and ensure everything is up to standard, providing peace of mind.
Many exhibitors only see their stand for the first time at the event. If they find that the display doesn’t align with their vision or does not meet expectations, it’s too late for any adjustments. In contrast, if an issue arises in pre-build, there is plenty of time to fix any problems.
It might sound brash, but beware of contractors who claim they pre-build. This process is costly for exhibition contractors, so many skip it despite its importance. One contractor that genuinely values the pre-build process is Quadrant2Design,recognised as the UK’s top modular exhibition stand designer and builder. This contractor has a popular Today in Pre-Build series, where they document exhibitor experiences and the benefits of pre-build! In essence, do not choose any contractor that does not pre-build – it is simply not worth the risk!
Is The Contractor Financially Sound?
The next thing to check is whether the contractor is financially sound. The events business is turbulent and unpredictable, and you never know what position your exhibition contractor is in. There are horror stories from exhibitors who handed over their money, only for the contractor to go bust, leaving the exhibitor stuck out of pocket and without a stand. When you’re investing significant time and money into a stand, this is not a risk you want to take. Conduct a credit check with a reliable company like Experian or CreditSafe and ensure your contractor is in a good position before you go ahead with the stand.
Is The Exhibition Stand Safe?
In 2015, The construction, design and management regulations (CDMR) changed, forcing clients to be more active and involved in their project’s safety. With this change, if an accident were caused by an unsafe stand, it would be the client’s responsibility, not the contractor’s. This information has made it more important for the exhibitor to check the stand is safe. If a problem arises, it is not just the injuries and damages you would be responsible for, but also the associated costs. Keeping CDMR in mind, choose a credible, trustworthy and safe exhibition stand designer.
The other safety consideration is dust. Exhibition organisers are becoming much stricter about dust production on site, especially with the rise of campaigns like Dust Kills from HSE. This campaign draws attention to the dangerous effects of dust on construction workers and passersby. Even without the safety considerations, dust settles on stands which look unprofessional To avoid these issues, search for a clean-build, modular exhibition stand for your next show. These use no tools and create no dangerous dust or fumes.
Does The Exhibition Contactor Sub-Contract
Sub-contracting poses great risks to delivering a stand on time. If an exhibition stand contractor mentions subcontracting, avoid them at all costs. Subcontracting means losing control of an aspect of your service, which could cause errors and even failure to deliver. When investing in a contractor, you need someone who will not take risks on your exhibition stand – this means no subcontracting.
Quadrant2Design is a leading full-service provider in the UK. They manage every aspect in-house, from design and printing to production, project management, logistics, installation, and dismantling.
Are The Exhibition Stands Sustainable
Last but not least, make sure the exhibition stand is sustainable. Exhibitors, visitors and organisers are working hard to make trade shows sustainable.
Many exhibitors make sustainability claims around their products and value propositions, but this must be extended to the exhibition stand. Don’t be fooled by greenwashing among exhibition contractors. If the stand is not reusable, it is not a sustainable option.
Conclusion
Selecting the right exhibition stand design and build contractor is critical for your event’s success. By asking the right questions regarding pre-build, financial stability, safety measures, subcontracting policies, and sustainability, you mitigate risks and ensure you have a reliable partner. Prioritising these factors safeguards your investment and ensures your reputation is in safe hands for your next event.
