Exhibitors talk about industry hot spots » Exhibit City

By Jessica Sibila, CTSM, CMP, Executive Director, Exhibitor Advocate

exist In the dynamic world of exhibitions, it is crucial for suppliers, exhibitors and organizers to stay informed about the latest trends and challenges. At The Exhibitor Advocate, we are committed to amplifying exhibitor voices and cultivating a vibrant marketplace. In the second year since our founding, we have been working hard to solve several pressing issues affecting the industry.

Key issues we are solving

Exhibition service costs are high

Our upcoming research with Evolio Marketing highlights a long-standing concern among exhibitors – the high cost of servicing trade shows. Early findings suggest these costs not only place a burden on exhibitors but can also have unforeseen impacts on show organizers. Stay tuned as we unveil these insights, which will be critical for suppliers looking to optimize their products and trade show organizers to increase revenue.

Transportation package rates

We have recently identified a disturbing trend of exclusive and non-exclusive services being bundled together, potentially resulting in unfair competition. This approach raises concerns about the fairness and legality of anti-competition regulations. Rest assured, Exhibitor Advocates are actively working with industry partners to ensure fair opportunity for all exhibitors.

Measuring ROI

While high costs remain a top concern, exhibitors are also working hard to assess their success and return on investment (ROI). The need to measure engagement value versus spend is more pressing than ever. We’re excited to launch new tools and resources before the end of the year to help exhibitors effectively measure ROI. Become a member of the Exhibitor Advocate and gain first access to these valuable educational offerings.

2024 Ann. Exhibition cost survey

We’ve partnered with Tradeshow Logic and Evolio to collect data from 2024 trade shows and events for our upcoming survey. If you are surprised by the 2023 data or would like to have your city included, please share your exhibitor display kit with us. Help us provide the most comprehensive industry data.

Interact with exhibitor advocates

Your experience matters. What challenges do you face in the industry? How do you achieve success despite these challenges? We invite you to share your story with us at info@exhibitoradvocacy.com.

By becoming a member of the Exhibitor Advocate, you gain access to the latest information on your exhibitor experience and can contribute to ensuring a sustainable future for the industry. Join us in making exhibitions and events a valuable marketing channel for all stakeholders. Together we can tackle industry challenges and create a thriving exhibition community. Let us continue to empower exhibitors and advance the industry for the benefit of all participants.

This article was originally published in Exhibit City News Q4 2024, page 17. 80. For the original layout, visit