The resulting White Paper, recently issued by PCMA, recommends, among other things, that event producers furnish the primary policy covering all claims except those that result from facility negligence. Smith, a task force member, says that having one policy defend all claims will reduce insurance and legal costs for all parties. Certificates of insurance Show managers minimize their risks by requiring proof of liability coverage from exhibitors. Most exhibitor contracts ask for proof of insurance, but the degree of enforcement varies throughout the industry. Liberty Productions in Harrisburg, PA, for instance, requires proof of insurance as a condition of move-in at their consumer car shows.
Most vendors willingly comply.
Show managers can further protect themselves by asking vendors for indemnification, and by being named as an additional insured on their policies. Certificates of insurance should be checked thoroughly to make sure they comply with show management requirements. Others check the name of the insurer, and consult their own brokers if the company name is unfamiliar. The cost of insurance varies considerably based on the dollar amount of the protection, the type of coverage, show location and time of year. Policies become more expensive the closer they are bought to show dates.