Thus, enlightened self-interest should lead show managers to try and help exhibitors control their costs and to add value to the exhibitors' experience. The International Exhibitors Association annually surveys suppliers to find out what cost increases they anticipate for the coming year. IEA then reports those findings to exhibitors to help them prepare their budgets. The box on page 48, which presents the survey results for the past three years, shows projected costs in 29 areas. As lengthy as that list is, it doesn't cover everything that can reasonably be considered a cost of exhibiting.
Some costs are beyond show management's control, of course.
But many show managers admit that their influence is far-reaching. Look at all exhibitor expenses, not just the most obvious ones, to find ways to reduce them. Following are some of the many methods show managers are using to help their exhibitors control costs and get a better return on their exposition investment. For its 1992 show, NFPA worked with show contractor Freeman Decorating Companies to offer booth packages. For exhibitors requiring more than a basic look, Freeman offered 10 custom rental designs using European modular components.