Welcome to the Exhibit Industry Council (EIC).

We are the trade show industry advocacy group whose mission is to unite all stakeholders in our industry around the idea of controlling exhibitor costs, increasing exhibitor value and providing a level playing field of competition among all exhibit services companies by establishing a set of Best Practices for trade shows and events.

Why Best Practices?

Exhibitors are frustrated by confusing rules, lack of audited attendance information, and inconsistent and archaic business practices at trade shows – all of which lead to costs that escalate out of control.    These concerns are particularly acute in today’s economy.  Our industry must work together to create a service mindset that recognizes and responds to the needs of its customers – the exhibitors.

What are the Best Practices?

The EIC’s initial list of trade show Best Practices identifies the main issues that diminish exhibitor value and provide a prescription for making positive changes.

There are two issues in particular that the EIC Best Practices address:

1.         We will advocate for full disclosure and better control over costs for trade show exhibitors.   This Best Practice is directed at all organizations that supply goods and services to exhibitors.    In order to have a chance to control costs, exhibitors need full disclosure up front.

2.         The other side of the value equation is the measurement of outcomes. Our industry needs meaningful and validated show metrics.   We can no longer afford to give lip service to this issue.   Exhibitors deserve and need our support with this issue.   It is crucial to the measurement of value received.

What’s Next?

The EIC will ultimately reach out to all industry stakeholders and invite them to refine, amend and endorse the Best Practices, which will greatly improve the trade show value proposition for exhibitors and increase their satisfaction with event marketing.  If exhibitors are receiving more value and better service – everybody wins.

There are case studies of shows already employing Best Practices and reaping the rewards of that effort, which we will highlight on this blog.  We invite you to respond and highlight shows that are ‘doing it right’ as well.

How You Can Help

We encourage all trade show industry professionals to join this effort, and invest in your own future, by supporting the work of the EIC.   Here’s how you can help:

• Compare your own company’s business practices against the Best Practices, with the intent of making the kind of positive change that will not only improve exhibitor value but also your company’s profits.
• Spread the word.  Let your friends and industry colleagues know about the Best Practices campaign.  Ask your suppliers or the shows you participate in how they intend to incorporate the Best Practices to create exhibitor value.
• Contribute to the effort to promote the EIC Best Practices by making a financial donation and becoming an EIC Supporter.
• Participate.  Watch the conversations happening on this blog and share your opinion. Share these discussions with colleagues and peers.  Contact us via phone with ideas you don’t feel comfortable sharing online.

The bottom line – please find a way to act.  Real change can only happen with everyone’s involvement.

How will you participate?  What would you like to see?