Candy Adams
Candy Adams, aka “The Booth Mom®,” is a hands-on trade show exhibit project manager and trainer. She helps exhibitors maximize the return on their exhibit investment using the best strategic, tactical and training practices.
Things I Wish Somebody Would Have Told Me About Exhibiting
January 11, 2018
No. 5: Ask for a discount. If you don’t ask, you won’t get.
Discounts are everywhere in the trade show industry. But they aren’t always stamped with the word, “DISCOUNT!” in big red letters.
When you’re working with your show vendors, always ask them how to obtain cost savings and the best value. They may offer discounts to new clients to incent you to try their services or have package deals, volume discounts for multiple shows or be willing to meet or beat other quotes you have solicited.
Many exhibitors don’t bother to ask about vendor discounts and leave a lot of cash on the table just because they didn’t ask, “What’s the best you can do on renting a plasma monitor at the ABC Show?” And discounts aren’t always visible in the base price – they can be found in areas like decreased shipping or delivery costs, shared labor costs or only being charged for the show days you’re actually using the equipment instead of the entire time the equipment is out of their shop.
But make sure you’re comparing apples to apples or it can drive you bananas. By using the “official” show contractors, you can generally avoid paying shipping charges and material handling charges on their products being hauled into the hall for you – like rented furnishings, audio-visual and computers. When using a non-official contractor, you’ll be charged for these services and possibly also travel expenses for the labor to deliver or install it onsite.
You also can avoid paying material handling charges on an exhibit rented from the General Service Contractor, which can amount to a sizable savings. For many years, I’ve worked with a colleague at Freeman to rent an exhibit for one of my non-profit clients with a bare-bones budget and somehow, every year he pulls off a miracle so we can hit budget (see my prior blog on relationships). And not paying the drayage on the exhibit is a big part of our savings!
This blog is part of an on-going series. Read No. 4 here.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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