Exhibition stands play a crucial role in trade fairs, as they are the physical representation of your brand, communicating who you are and what you do! Every element, from the stand’s quality and size to its design and type, reflects on the business.
Entrusting your company’s image and reputation with a third party is not easy. That’s why it’s important to have full confidence in the contractor you choose to bring your vision to life.
This guide provides you with some criteria to consider before selecting the best exhibition stand contractor for your business.
Are they Credible?
With the right exhibition stand contractor, you won’t have doubts or uncertainty about the delivery of your project.
Not only should the contractor keep you involved and informed all the way through the project roadmap, but there should also be enough trust signals that you do not feel doubt.
Before your event, look for strong signs of credibility, such as effective quality control measures, verified reviews, and examples of completed projects.
For example, at Quadrant2Design, we have thousands of unedited reviews, a video testimonial site, as well as a verified Trustpilot account and Google reviews.
Our unique quality-control measure, a full pre-build, which is part of our 72-point quality check, offers the utmost reassurance for clients, allowing them to view the stand fully built ahead of the show.
What are their Design Capabilities?
The best exhibition stand contractor for you will be able to meet your design requirements and support you with the creative design process.
Many people visit trade fairs to find inspiration for their own stand, and to gauge the type of design features and potential contractors they may be interested in. For example, some design requirements are better suited to custom builds, while others can be reliably produced in a modular system.
At Quadrant2Design, we always invite clients to visit our Poole showroom or view our virtual tour to understand the versatility of our exhibition stand system.
Curved walls, lighting features, interactive games, and bespoke showcasing can add a great deal of interest to your exhibition stand. It’s worth investigating whether your exhibition stand contractor can add these details.
Do they Offer Design Support?
You may find yourself seeking creative guidance for your exhibition stand, and it’s crucial that your stand contractor can provide that support!
Your design consultant should have extensive experience in exhibitions and be equipped to offer event-specific advice, highlight best practices, and offer guidance where you need it.
Are they Financially Secure?
It may seem overkill, but the exhibition industry is seasonal, and many companies work project-to-project. The effects of a contractor going bust while handling your project can be devastating, leaving you out of pocket and without a stand. Before entrusting any contractor with your project, run a credit check.
Do they Align with your Sustainability Values?
If you’re a sustainable company, it is paramount that you choose a sustainable exhibition stand contractor and a reusable exhibition stand.
Sustainability has become more prevalent throughout all aspects of business. Budget-holders are now being tasked with sourcing completely sustainable supply chains, and so, it’s important to place your credentials front and centre.
Businesses often fall into the trap of exhibiting sustainability credentials on an unsustainable stand, which makes claims appear disingenuous. By partnering with the best sustainable exhibition stand contractor, you demonstrate authentic values to your audience.
What are their Subcontracting Practices?
A common practice in exhibitions is subcontracting, and unfortunately, it can introduce risks for your exhibition stand. When exhibition companies subcontract, they hand over quality control to a third party, which means they are not in control of the project. We recommend enquiring about subcontracting practices before going ahead with an exhibition stand contractor.
Can they Handle the Project for you?
While some companies like to handle exhibitions for themselves, others want a completely straightforward and stress-free experience.
Ensure that the contractor you select provides a variety of service plans that align with your needs and requirements, including project management and options with full-service handling.
Are the Stands Reconfigurable?
While not every company needs a flexible, reconfigurable exhibition stand, for many, it is a key consideration in choosing an exhibition stand contractor.
Reconfigurable exhibition stands offer an outstanding value proposition, as with one investment, you can exhibit in different stand spaces and sizes. Not all systems offer the same level of reconfiguration flexibility. We always recommend enquiring about potential stand reconfiguration opportunities or planning your full calendar from the get-go, to ensure your stand offers the flexibility you need.
In addition to flexibility, reconfigurable exhibition stands offer significant cost-savings across an event calendar. In fact, our like-for-like installs typically cost 50% of the initial investment.
Are Stands High-Quality?
Quality is important for all exhibition stands, but it’s most important for modular exhibition stands. Make sure that the solution you choose is well-respected for its quality, as this is crucial for repeat use and a continued professional look.
Ready to Book Your Stand?
Hopefully, we have given you some food for thought in choosing the best exhibition stand contractor for your company.
It’s important to keep in mind that a contractor who works well for one company might not be the best fit for you. Always base your decision on your specific needs and goals.
If you would like to discuss your project with one of our design consultants, reach out via email at design@quadrant2design.com or call us at +44 (0)1202 723 500. Our design proposals are free and without obligation.
