Marketmonitor July2013 Exposition Study

8/11/2019 Marketmonitor July2013 Exposition Study

1/41

Survey of Leading Exhibition Producers & Corporate Exhibitorson Logistics, Freight Shipping & Material Handling

Exhibition Logistics Trends & Best Practices Study

Special Industry Analysis by:

Delivered by:


2/41


3/41

Exhibition Logistics Trends& Best Practices Study

Survey of Leading Exhibition Producers & Corporate Exhibitors

Table of Contents

Introduction 4

Executive Summary 5-12

I. Complete Corporate Exhibitor Survey Findings 13-20

II. Complete Show Management Survey Findings 21-25

III. Best Practices & Recommendations 26-27

Conclusion 28-29

Methodology & About the Respondents 30-33

Appendix: Write-In Responses to Questions on Challenges & Recommendations 34-39

About UPS 40


4/41



Introduction

Event logistics, freight shipping and material handling are essential elements of anyconvention, exhibition, event or exhibit program. The process, especially for largeexhibitors with complex event schedules and freight shipping requirements, can often bechallenging with literally many moving parts, various shipping methods, different typesof providers and carriers, venue and union rules, and pricing structures.

There is a need for industry benchmarks, insights and trend analysis to help industryexecutives make more informed decisions and better manage their event logisticsrequirements and programs. In response, EXPOmagazine and UPS have workedtogether to study and quantify many of these key areas and trends. This study coversevent and exhibit logistics, freight shipping and material handling from the perspectiveof event owners and producers as well as corporate exhibitors. Areas covered include:

Key Study Insights and Findings Event Logistics and Material Handling Services Ratings and Satisfaction Levels How Show Management and Exhibitors Select Logistics and Freight Transportation

Providers Key Trends and Challenges Recommendations from Exhibitors and Show Management on Improving the Process

The main information source is an exclusive survey of event producers and corporateexhibitors conducted in March 2013. In total, survey responses from over 130 leadingorganizations have been used to develop this analysis.

EXPOand UPS thank all of the respondents for their invaluable contributions to this study.


5/41

Executive Summary



Executive Summary

Based on the survey results from both show management and exhibitors, some of themost compelling findings and insights from the study are provided below, followed byadditional key results from the corporate exhibitor and show management surveys.

1.) Half of Exhibitors are Not Satisfied with the Current Event Logistics, Shipping and

Material Handling Process

When asked about the value received compared to the costs of shipping and materialhandling, a total of 51% of exhibitors say they are very or somewhat dissatisfied withthe current process. In addition, 27% of exhibitors indicated they are neutral onthis question, meaning they are neither satisfied or dissatisfied. It is important to note

that exhibitors are more satisfied with event-related small package and freight shippingservices, as a total of 61% say they are very or somewhat satisfied with this process.

2.) How Exhibitors Select Logistics & Shipping Providers

3.) Rising Fuel Costs

A total of 83% of exhibitors say that rising fuel costs and related surcharges are animportant trend impacting their exhibit and event programs.

4.) Exhibitors are Focused on Reducing Their Overall Exhibit Freight Weight

Eighty-two percent of exhibitors indicate they are focused on reducing their overallfreight weight to lower their shipping and material handling costs. In general, manyexhibitors are using lighter weight exhibit booth and display materials.

5.) Do Exhibitors Lack an Understanding of Freight Shipping and Material

Handing Process and Costs?

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Reliability

Price

Carrier tradeshow experience

65%

63%

47%

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Show Managers, saying Yes

Exhibitors, saying Yes

58%

26%


6/41

Executive Summary



6.) Damage to Freight and Shipments is a Key Challenge for Exhibitors

Damage to freight shipments may be a larger issue for exhibitors than is understood by

show management. According to the survey, 66% of exhibitors say damage to freightand shipments is a key challenge and pain point while 47% of show managers seethis as a key issue.

7.) The Study Quantifies the Percentage of Event and Exhibition Freight Delivered by

Transportation and Shipping Method

The percentage of event and exhibition freight shipments by the type of transportationand shipping method is provided in the table below. This is an industry-wide estimatebased on the exhibitor survey data.

Recommendations from Show Management and Exhibitors

The survey asked both show managers and exhibitors a number of questions on keytrends and how to improve the logistics, freight shipping and material handling process.Below are some of the common themes based on verbatim answers grouped intosuggestions and recommendations.

Reduce costs, and better explain costs and surcharges at the start of the processand on invoices.

Implement more industry-wide standard procedures, policies and best practices. Continue to educate exhibitors on the shipping and material handling process and

best practices. Provide better shipment tracking with online access to real-time information. Improve customer service and employee training. Lower minimum weight requirements and pricing for small package delivery. Provide more flexibility and access for small package shippers to pick up at more

venues and on show floor areas. Focus on reducing damage and loss, and provide faster turnaround on damage claims.

The next Executive Summary pages provide additional key findings from the exhibitor

and show management surveys.

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Common Carriers

Van Lines

Air Lines

LTL Lines

Expedited Freight

Rail Freight

Small Package Providers

Exhibitors Own orCompanys Vehicles (POV)

6.8%

7.7%

19.7%35.5%

5.5%

0.2%

10.6%

14.2%


7/41

Executive Summary



Executive Summary: Corporate Exhibitor

Survey Key FindingsExhibitors Value vs. Cost Satisfaction Level for Event Logistics, Material Handling

and Shipping Services

As the data below indicates, exhibitors are not satisfied with the current relationshipbetween the value received vs. the cost of event and exhibition logistics, materialhandling and shipping services. Twenty-seven percent are somewhat dissatisfied and24% are very dissatisfied. Only a total of 17% of exhibitors indicate they are very orsomewhat satisfied, and the largest percent of exhibitors, 27% say they are neutral onthis question. The survey question was: How satisfied are you overall with the valuereceived vs. the cost of event and exhibition logistics, material handling and shipping

services?

Exhibitors Satisfaction Level for Small Package and Freight Shipping Services

Exhibitors are more satisfied with event-related small package and freight shippingservices, as 18% say they are very satisfied and 43% are somewhat satisfied with theprocess.

1%

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Very Satisfied

Somewhat Satisfied

Neutral

Somewhat Dissatisfied

Very Dissatisfied

Not Applicable

16%

27%

27%

24%

5%

18%

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

Very Satisfied

Somewhat Satisfied

Neutral


Very Dissatisfied

Not Applicable

43%

18%

8%

4%

10%

Key InsightIn general, exhibitorsare not satisfied with thecurrent event logistics,shipping and materialhandling process especiawhen considering theoverall cost compared

to value. In contrast,exhibitors are more satisfiwith event-related smallpackage shipping serviceas a total of 61% saythey are very or somewhasatisfied with this proces


8/41

Executive Summary



Exhibitors Biggest Logistics, Freight Shipping and Material Handling Challenges and

Pain Points -- Top Five

The main challenges and pain points for exhibitors are the overall cost and damageto freight and shipments. Additionally, 37% of exhibitors say there is a need for moretracking and visibility of freight and packages during the shipment process.

Exhibitors Overall Satisfaction Level with Various Stages of the Event Logistics,

Material Handling and Shipping Process

The survey asked exhibitors to rate their overall satisfaction level with each of the typicalstages of the event and exhibition logistics, material handling, and shipping process.The survey asked exhibitors to consider their overall experience understanding that eachevent, city, venue, carrier, general service contractor, union and venue can be different.Based on the combination of very and somewhat satisfied ratings, exhibitors are mostsatisfied with the following stages and aspects of the process:

Advanced warehouse services Removal and storage of empty crates/cartons before the show On-site official carrier service desk personnel, customer service Outbound paperwork process (Bill of Lading and Material Handling Agreement, etc.) General Service Contactor material handling and shipping employees and staff

Exhibitors are least satisfied with union labor, the process of returning crates/cartonsto booths after the show, invoicing, material handling services, and the overall eventmanagement role in the process.

% Exhibitors

Overall cost 87%

Damage to freight and shipments 66%

Need for more tracking and visibility of freight and packagesduring shipment process

37%

Schedule reliability, late shipments 30%

Overall complexity of the process 29%

Key InsightDamage to freight may bea larger issue for exhibitothan is understood byshow management. Sixtysix percent of exhibitorssay damage to freightand shipments is a key

challenge and pain pointwhile 47% of showmanagers see this as anissue. To reduce damageit is important to focus onimproving freight packingStacking, wrapping andpalletizing effectively canhelp.


9/41

Executive Summary



Impact of Logistics and Material Handling Trends on Exhibit and Event Programs --

Top Five

According to exhibitors, the following trends and issues have the most impact on theirexhibit and event programs and efforts. These are based on the combined very andsomewhat impactful ratings. The areas and issues with the most impact are overall eventbudgets, rising fuel costs, and the focus on reducing exhibit and equipment freightweight.

How Exhibitors Select Logistics Providers and Freight Transportation Carriers -- Top

Five

Exhibitors primarily select logistics providers and freight transportation carriers based onreliability and price. Secondary but important additional factors are carrier experiencewith exhibitions and events, long-term relationships, and customer service.

How Exhibitors Select Small Package and Freight Shipping Providers -- Top Five

The top three criteria for exhibitors when selecting small package shipping providers arepricing, if a corporate contract is in place, and reliability. Speed of delivery and smallpackage shipping office location are also important factors.

0 20 40 60 80 100

Exhibitor and event budget

Rising Fuel costs and/or surcharges

Focus on reducing freight (exhibit and equipment) weight

Influence of corporate procurement on exhibitor logisticsand shipping carrier selection and costs

Transportation company consolidation

96%

83%

82%

68%

41%

% Exhibitors

Reliability 65%

Price 63%

Carrier experience with exhibitions, tradeshows and events 47%

Long-term relationship with our organization 46%

Customer service levels 43%

% Exhibitors

Pricing 61%

Corporate contract 58%

Reliability 55%

Speed of delivery 45%

On-site small package shipper location availability in venue,hotel or nearby

38%


10/41

Executive Summary



About the Corporate Exhibitor Respondents

Forty-four percent of the exhibitor survey respondents spend over $50,000 annually

on event and exhibit related freight and shipping services. In terms of the numberof events, 56% of the respondents exhibit in or run 11 or more events each year.Some of the top industry sectors represented by the respondents are manufacturingand industrial, technology and telecommunications, health care and pharmaceutical,building and construction, and education. Forty-one percent are with companies withover $50 million in gross revenue and 19% have over $1 billion in gross revenue.


11/41

Executive Summary



Executive Summary: Show Management

Survey Key FindingsShow Management Event Logistics, Material Handling and Shipping Services

Satisfaction Ratings

The survey asked show managers: How satisfied are you overall with event and exhibitionrelated transportation and shipping services?Overall, show management is generallysatisfied with the transportation, shipping and material handling process.

Show Management Biggest Logistics, Freight Shipping and Material Handling

Challenges -- Top Five

The main challenges seen by show managers are the overall cost and the lack ofexhibitor understanding of cost, charges and billing.

21%

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50

Very Satisfied

Somewhat Satisfied

Neutral


Very Dissatisfied

Not Applicable

47%

13%

16%

0%

3%

% ShowManagement

Overall cost 88%

Lack of understanding of cost, charges and billing 58%



35%

Lost shipments 30%

Key InsightDo exhibitors lack anunderstanding of the freishipping and materialhandling process andcosts? Yes, say 58% ofshow managers. Yes, say26% of exhibitors.


12/41

Executive Summary



Impact of Logistics and Material Handling Trends on Event Business and Exhibitor

Clients -- Top Five

The top three most impactful issues and trends related to logistics and materialhandling seen by show management are exhibitor budgets, rising fuel costs, andexhibitors reducing freight weight.

How Show Management Select Logistics Providers and Freight Transportation

Carriers -- Top Five

The top three criteria used by show management to select logistics and freighttransportation providers are pricing, long-term relationships, and customer servicelevels.

About the Show Management Respondents

Sixty-four percent of the event management survey respondents are with associations.Approximately 20% are for-profit exhibition organizers and the remainder are corporatemeeting planners. Forty-five percent have events with over 200 exhibiting companies.

The most commonly served industry sectors by the respondents events are building andconstruction, health care and pharmaceutical, apparel, retail and sporting goods andrecreation.

0 20 40 60 80 100

Exhibitor budget

Rising Fuel costs and/or surcharges

Exhibitor focus on reducing freight(exhibit and equipment) weight

GSCs sub-contracting to carriers

Influence of corporate procurement on exhibitorlogistics and shipping carrier selection and costs

100%

86%

84%

62%

57%

% ShowManagement

Pricing 78%Long-term relationship with our organization 66%


General Service Contactor recommendations 54%

Reliability 54%


13/41



I. Complete Corporate Exhibitor Survey

FindingsThe complete analysis of the corporate exhibitor survey responses are provided in this

section of the report.

Exhibitors Value vs. Cost Satisfaction Level for Event Logistics, Material Handling

and Shipping Services

As the data below indicates, exhibitors are not satisfied with the relationship betweenthe value received vs. the cost of event and exhibition logistics, material handlingand shipping services. Twenty-seven percent are somewhat dissatisfied and 24% arevery dissatisfied. Only a total of 17% of exhibitors indicate they are very or somewhat

satisfied, and the largest percent of exhibitors, 27% say they are neutral on thisquestion. The survey question was: How satisfied are you overall with the value receivedvs. the cost of event and exhibition logistics, material handling and shipping services?

Exhibitors Satisfaction Level for Small Package and Freight Shipping Services

Exhibitors are more satisfied with event-related small package and freight shippingservices, as 18% say they are very satisfied and 43% are somewhat satisfied with theprocess.

1%

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Very Satisfied

Somewhat Satisfied

Neutral


Very Dissatisfied

Not Applicable

16%

27%

27%

24%

5%

18%

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

Very Satisfied

Somewhat Satisfied

Neutral


Very Dissatisfied

Not Applicable

43%

18%

8%

4%

10%

Key InsightExhibitors are moresatisfied with smallpackage shipping thanevent logistics, shippingand material handling.Specifically, 61% say theare satisfied with small

package services, while51% are dissatisfied withevent logistics, shipping,material handling.


14/41



Exhibitors Overall Satisfaction Level with Various Stages of the Event Logistics,

Material Handling and Shipping Process

The survey asked exhibitors to rate their overall satisfaction level with each of the typicalstages of the event and exhibition logistics, material handling, and shipping process.The survey asked exhibitors to consider their overall experience, understanding that eachevent, city, venue, carrier, general service contractor, union and venue can be different.Based on the combination of very and somewhat satisfied ratings, exhibitors are mostsatisfied with the following stages and elements of the process:

Advance warehouse Removal and storage of empty crates/cartons before the show On-site official carrier service desk personnel, customer service Outbound paperwork process (Bill of Lading and Material Handling Agreement, etc.) General Service Contactor material handling and shipping employees and staff

Exhibitors are least satisfied with:

Union labor Return of crates/cartons to booths after close of the show Invoicing (accuracy, ease of understanding charges) Material Handling Services Overall event management role and help with the material handling and freight

transportation process

The complete findings from this question are in the table on the following page.


15/41Survey of Leading Exhibition Producers & Corporate Exhibitors


Exhibitors Rate the Various Stages of the Event Logistics, Material Handling and Shipping Process

Very

Satisfied

Somewhat

Satisfied

NeutralSomewhat

Dissatisfied

Very

Dissatisfied

NA

Advance warehouse: unloading, storage,security, paperwork processing, exhibitornotification of received freight, etc.

12% 45% 17% 16% 1% 9%

Marshaling yards and cartage: process,service and schedule

9% 23% 23% 20% 3% 24%

Motor freight/common carrier and van linedrivers: quality, overall understanding ofexhibition industry shipping numbers

24% 28% 20% 10% 4% 15%

Other non-driver personnel with carriers andat yards

7% 15% 27% 11% 1% 38%

On-site official carrier service desk personnel,customer service

21% 33% 15% 16% 1% 14%

Core Material Handling Services: movement ofon-site freight and exhibit properties (often byforklift and dolly) from dock to exhibit space

12% 28% 24% 19% 6% 11%

Union labor 4% 23% 23% 22% 18% 11%

General Service Contactor material handlingand shipping employees and staff

10% 40% 27% 14% 1% 9%

Accessible storage 8% 23% 23% 16% 5% 26%

Removal and storage of empty crates/cartonsbefore the show 14% 43% 19% 11% 0% 14%

Return of crates/cartons to booths after closeof the show

9% 30% 12% 25% 9% 16%

Invoicing: accuracy, ease of understandingcharges

7% 26% 27% 22% 10% 7%

Outbound paperwork (Bill of Lading andMaterial Handling Agreement) process, etc.

16% 35% 26% 12% 4% 7%

Move-out of freight back to dock 10% 29% 31% 11% 4% 15%

Overall event management role and helpwith the material handling and freight

transportation process

13% 33% 25% 20% 4% 6%


16/41



Impact of Logistics and Material Handling Trends on Exhibit and Event Programs

The survey asked the exhibitors: Please rate the following logistics and material handling

industry trends in terms of the impact on your exhibit and event efforts and programs.Based on the combined very and somewhat important ratings, the areas and issues withthe most impact are overall event budgets, rising fuel costs, and the focus on reducingexhibit and equipment freight weight.

Very

Important,

Impactful

Somewhat

ImpactfulNeutral

Somewhat

Unimpactful

Very

Unimportant,

No Impact

Exhibitor and event budget 67% 28% 3% 3% 0%

Focus on reducing freight(exhibit and equipment)weight

59% 22% 12% 5% 1%

Influence of corporateprocurement on exhibitorlogistics and shippingcarrier selection and costfocuse

38% 27% 24% 5% 5%

Rising fuel costs and/orsurcharges

34% 47% 15% 4% 0%

Truck driver training andquality

16% 23% 36% 12% 13%

TSA rules and regulations 12% 18% 39% 16% 15%

Transportation companyconsolidation

11% 29% 39% 11% 11%

Other federal, state or citygovernment regulations andrules

11% 27% 36% 16% 11%

GSCs sub-contracting tocarriers

9% 26% 41% 11% 13%

Addition of railtransportation services (totraditional trucking and air)

3% 16% 45% 16% 21%


17/41



Exhibitors Biggest Logistics, Freight Shipping and Material Handling Challenges and

Pain Points

The main challenges and pain points for exhibitors are the overall cost and damageto freight and shipments. Additionally, 37% of exhibitors say there is a need for moretracking and visibility of freight and packages during the shipment process.

How Exhibitors Select Logistics Providers and Freight Transportation Carriers

Exhibitors primarily select logistics providers and freight transportation carriers based onreliability and price. Secondary but important additional factors are carrier experiencewith exhibitions and events, long-term relationships, and customer service. Theexact survey question was: What criteria does your organization use to select logisticsproviders and freight transportation carriers?

% Exhibitors

Overall cost 87%



37%




Warehouse quality and service 22%

Lost shipments 18%

Other 15%

% Exhibitors

Reliability 65%

Price 63%




Corporate contract (such as small package, product shipping,employee relocation)

42%


Event management Official carrier or transportation provider 33%

Driver quality and training 21%

Freight shipping agents and broker recommendations 20%

Event industry peer or expert recommendations 18%

Venue management recommendations 13%

General Service Contractor recommencations 12%

Event management feedback and recommendations 9%

Other 8%

Key InsightReliability is moreimportant than price toexhibitors when selectinglogistics and freighttransportation providers.The third key selectioncriteria based on the surv

respondents is working wcarriers with exhibition,tradeshow and eventexperience.


18/41



How Exhibitors Select Small Package and Freight Shipping Services and Providers

The survey asked:What criteria does your organization use to select small package and

freight shipping services for exhibits, exhibitions and events?

Exhibit House Handling of Exhibit Freight and Shipping Process

Many exhibit houses handle exhibit freight and materials shipping for exhibitors, andexhibitors are generally satisfied with this service.

% Exhibitors

Pricing 61%

Corporate contract 58%

Reliability 55%


On-site small package shipper location availibility in venue,hotel or nearby

38%



Carrier experience with exhibitions, tradeshows and events 22%Event management small package shipping provider 20%

Driver quality and training 8%

Event management feedback and recommendations 7%


Freight shipping agents and broker recommendations 3%

Venue management recommendations 3%

General Service Contractor recommendations 1%

Other 5%

% Exhibitors

Not Applicable 34%

Very Satisfied 29%

Somewhat Satisfied 16%

Neutral 18%

Somewhat Dissatisfied 0%

Very Dissatisfied 3%


19/41



Percentage of Event and Exhibition Freight Delivered by the Type of Transportation

and Shipping Method

The study quantifies the percentage of event and exhibition freight shipments by thetype of transportation and shipping method. This breakout is provided in the tablebelow. A majority of freight is shipped via common carriers and van lines. This is anindustry-wide estimate based on the survey data.

Percentage of Freight Sent to Advance Warehouse vs. Show Site

Over half of exhibitor freight is first shipped to an advance warehouse, although 44%is shipped directly to the show site industry-wide, according to the exhibitor surveyrespondents.

Advance Warehouse Experience

A follow up question was asked about the advance warehouse experience: If you ship to

or store at the advance warehouse, have you experienced any of the following?

Event & Exhibit Transportation & Freight Shipping Methods% Exhibitors Freight

& Shipments

Common Carriers 35.5%

Van Lines 19.7%

Air Freight 7.7%

LTL Freight 6.8%

Expedited Freight 5.5%

Rail Freight 0.2%

Small Package Providers 10.6%

Exhibitors Own or Companys Vehicles (POV) 14.2%

Total 100%

% Exhibitors

Not Applicable 26%

Damage 50%

Overtime charges for unloading or reloading freight 47%

Notification of receipt without piece count and or condition 37%

Penalties for missed dealines at advance warehouse 32%

Issues based on lack of security of freight while in cartagetrailers at advance warehouse (not actually stored insidewarehouse)

8%

56%

44%

Advance warehouse

Show site Key InsightOver half of tradeshowfreight and materials areshipped to an advancewarehouse. One of thebenefits of this is that oftadvance warehouse freighgets priority in many citie


20/41



Billing and Invoices

The survey asked this question about billing and invoices: Please estimate the

percentage of your largest, most important exhibit programs and events that havesome type of billing issue or significant change, discrepancy or question related to

your final shipping and/or material handling invoices?On average at three out of fourevents, exhibitors do not have any issues, changes, discrepancy or questions about theirshipping and material handling billing. Still, according to the exhibitors, they do have anissue or question at one out of four events.

Freight Transportation and Logistical Needs Planning Cycle

The majority (61%) of exhibitors plan their event and exhibition freight transportationand logistical needs on a show-by-show basis. Twenty-four percent plan out for a fullyear and 17% develop quarterly plans.

How Material Handling Rates are Calculated

The primary material handling rate calculation model is based on the total certified in-bound weight (per hundredweight/CWT).

Have Billing/Invoicing Issues, Discrepancy orSignificant Change Requirement or Questions

No Major Billing/Invoicing Issues

26%

74%

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Based on total certified in-boundweight (hundredweight/CWT)

Based on exhibit propertiesvs. equipment at different rates

Flat fee based on booth space

Based on number of itemswithin a weight category

Other

9%

80%

9%

5%

3%

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Full-year requirements

Quarterly requirements

Monthly requirements

Show-by-show

24%

17%

3%

61%

Key InsightWhile there has been sommovement towards differepricing models, the primamaterial handling ratecalculation model is stillto price based on the totacertified in-bound weight

(per hundredweight/CWT)


21/41



II. Complete Show Management Survey

FindingsThe full show management analysis is provided here.

Show Management Event Logistics, Material Handling and Shipping Services

Satisfaction Ratings

The survey asked show managers: How satisfied are you overall with event and exhibitionrelated transportation and shipping services?Overall, show management is generallysatisfied with the transportation, shipping and material handling process.

Show Management Biggest Logistics, Freight Shipping and Material HandlingChallenges

The main challenges seen by show managers are the overall cost and the lack ofexhibitor understanding of cost, charges and billing.

21%

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50

Very Satisfied

Somewhat Satisfied

Neutral


Very Dissatisfied

Not Applicable

47%

13%

16%

0%

3%

% ShowManagement

Overall cost 88%



Need for more tracking and visibility of freight and packagesduring shipment process 35%

Lost shipments 30%



Warehouse quality and service 5%

Other 7%

Key InsightShow management feelsthat a key issue is thelack of understanding byexhibitors of cost, chargesand billing, and the eventlogistics and materialhandling process. The

industry overall and showmanagement (as well asexhibitors on their own)can benefit from additionainformation, communicatand training. A goal of thiunique study is to add tothis discussion and informthe industry.


22/41



Show Managers Rate the Various Stages of the Event Logistics, Material Handling

and Shipping Process

The survey asked the show managers: Please rate your overall satisfaction level withthe following typical stages of various event and exhibition logistics, material handling,shipping processes and services?Based on the combination of very and somewhatsatisfied ratings, they are most satisfied with the following stages and elements of theprocess:

Advance warehouse process Removal and storage of empty crates/cartons before the show On-site official carrier service desk personnel and customer service General Service Contactor material handling and shipping employees and staff Return of crates/cartons to booths after close of the show

They are least satisfied with:

Overall level of exhibitor understanding of the exhibition and event materialhandling and freight transportation process

Union labor Invoicing (accuracy, ease of understanding charges)


23/41Survey of Leading Exhibition Producers & Corporate Exhibitors


Very

Satisfied

Somewhat

Satisfied

NeutralSomewhat

Dissatisfied

Very

Dissatisfied

NA

Advance warehouse: unloading, storage,security, paperwork processing, exhibitornotification of received freight, etc.

33% 59% 6% 2% 0% 0%

Marshaling yards and cartage: process,service and schedule

24% 42% 16% 10% 0% 8%

Motor freight/common carrier and van linedrivers: quality, overall understanding ofexhibition industry shipping numbers

12% 42% 22% 14% 2% 8%

Other non-driver personnel with carriers andat yards

10% 30% 26% 12% 0% 22%

On-site official carrier service desk personnel,customer service

38% 38% 12% 8% 0% 4%

Core Material Handling Services: movement ofon-site freight and exhibit properties (often byforklift and dolly) from dock to exhibit space

32% 32% 20% 8% 6% 2%

Union labor 6% 22% 30% 18% 16% 8%

General Service Contactor material handlingand shipping employees and staff

38% 38% 6% 10% 6% 2%

Accessible storage 22% 34% 24% 10% 2% 8%

Removal and storage of empty crates/cartonsbefore the show 30% 52% 14% 4% 0% 0%

Return of crates/cartons to booths after closeof the show

26% 50% 12% 10% 2% 0%

Invoicing: accuracy, ease of understandingcharges

12% 46% 18% 10% 12% 2%

Outbound paperwork (Bill of Lading andMaterial Handling Agreement) process, etc.

16% 49% 18% 12% 2% 2%

Move-out of freight back to dock 26% 36% 28% 8% 2% 2%

Overall level of exhibitor understanding ofthe exhibition and event material handling

and freight transportation process

16% 34% 14% 24% 12% 0%

Show Managers Rate the Various Stages of the Event Logistics, Material Handling and Shipping Process


24/41



Impact of Logistics and Material Handling Trends on Exhibit and Event Programs

The table below provides impact ratings by show management on key logistics and

material handling industry trends on their event business and exhibitor clients. Theareas and issues with the most impact, the combined very and somewhat impactfulratings, are exhibitor budgets levels, exhibitor focus on reducing freight weight withlighter exhibit materials and equipment, and rising fuel costs.

VeryImportant,Impactful

SomewhatImpactful

NeutralSomewhat

Un-impactful

Very Un-important,No Impact

NA

Exhibitor Budgets 69% 31% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Exhibitor focus onreducing freight (exhibitand equipment) weight

44% 40% 7% 5% 0% 5%

Rising Fuel cost and/orsurcharges

42% 42% 9% 7% 0% 0%

Influence of corporateprocurement on exhibitorlogistics and shippingcarrier selection and costfocus

30% 26% 30% 5% 0% 9%

GSCs sub-contracting tocarriers

14% 44% 30% 7% 0% 5%

Other federal, stateor city governmentregulations and rules

14% 37% 21% 5% 7% 16%

Transportation companyconsolidation

9% 33% 40% 7% 5% 7%

TSA rules andregulations

9% 28% 26% 9% 9% 16%

Truck driver training andquality

7% 26% 33% 9% 9% 19%

Addition of railtransportation services(to traditional truckingand air)

7% 14% 36% 2% 14% 26%

Key InsightA total of 84% of showmanagers feel exhibitorsreducing freight weight isimportant trend impactinthe industry.


25/41



How Show Management Select Logistics Providers and Freight Transportation

Carriers

The top three criteria used by show management to select logistics and freighttransportation providers are pricing, long-term relationships, and customer service levels.

Billing and Invoices

Show managers say that on average 19% of their exhibitors have an issue, change,discrepancy or questions about their shipping and material handling billing.

% ShowManagement

Pricing 77%



General Service Contractor recommendations 54%

Reliability 54%


Exhibitor feedback 34%Corporate contract (such as small package, product shipping,employee relocation)

24%



19%

81%Exhibitors with Billing/Invoicing Issues, Discrepancyor Significant Change Requirement or Questions

Exhibitors with No Major Billing/Invoicing Issues


26/41



III. Best Practices & Recommendations

Tradeshow logistics, shipping and material handling has many variables and often tightdeadlines. It is important to understand that tradeshow and exhibit shipping is differentfrom most other types of freight and transportation processes. This is due to shipmentsize variables, packaging differences, multiple locations, time sensitivity and deadlines.What also makes it different are the various on-site union and material handling proce-dures and rules.

Below are a number of best practices and recommendations to help exhibitors as well asshow management navigate the process, save time and control costs.

Planning and Budgeting

The tradeshow logistics and shipping pre-event planning process is important. Ampletime and attention needs to be given to all exhibitor manuals and show managementand contractor communications. Exhibit and event managers need to also communicateinternally to ensure their organization is aligned on what is to be sent and the overallevent strategy. For example, try to consolidate as much of the shipping as possible, boththe freight and any small packages from your entire team that will be at the show. Re-mind and re-remind your team about important deadlines and stress the potential costsand headaches if these are missed.

Here are additional planning considerations.

Read the exhibitor manual and all information about the process from the show

and contactor and carrier, etc. including all the fine print. Ask show managementand contractor representatives questions as soon as they arise.

Check and re-check all deadline dates and when freight can be accepted at theadvance warehouse, and at the show site. Try to schedule both pickups anddeliveries (if possible) for earlier in the day.

Pay close attention to all forms and paperwork and fill these out completely.

Develop a detailed list of what has been sent and what is in each crate includingexhibit components, graphics, carpet, products, equipment, collateral literature,giveaways, tools and other supplies.

Strategically plan your event logistics process and needs early and on a multi-monthbasis. But understand that budgeting can be challenging. It is common for eachshow, contractor, carrier, city, union and venue to have a different set of rules andregulations, and costs.

Other planning and budgeting considerations: overtime rates and rules can differ invarious cities; work with your exhibit house to try to accurately project weights; buildin a margin of error, prepare for issues and challenges.


27/41



Packing and Working with Carriers and Logistics Providers

To reduce damage it is important to focus on improving freight and material

packing. Stacking, wrapping and palletizing effectively can help.

On crates and boxes remove all old labels and affix new shipping labels. Also,clearly label every box and create in your pallets and shipment with things like DoNot Separate, Breakdown, or De-Palletize.

For crates and also small packages use better and more descriptive labeling on thepackage with the names of the event and exhibiting companies, etc.

Consolidate your freight when possible.

The Bill of Lading is important. A Bill of Lading is issued by a carrier with detailsof the shipment of merchandise, and gives title to the goods, requiring the carrier to

deliver the merchandise to the appropriate party. Here are recommendations:Include deliver-by date on bill of lading for advance warehouse shipments. Includetarget move-in date on bill of lading if shipping directly to show site. Include boothnumber and phone number on bill of lading and on freight and package labels.

Ask carriers for a full list of all expenses and surcharges such as for lift gates,inside building delivery, debris removal and special services. Other fees can include:labor, moving pads, tape, blankets, wait time, insurance and fuel surcharges, weightcertification, parking and other local charges.

Also ask carriers and providers for weight and dimensional minimums, and if yourfreight will be sub-contacted and to which other company. Ask if the drivers andrelated staff are trained on tradeshows.

Ensure you are getting any volume-related pricing or discount.

If possible before the show and during move-out stay with your freight andshipments and watch it load on the trucks.

Advance Warehouse and On-Site Material Handling

Shipments to the advance warehouse may be a little more expense but advancewarehouse freight may get priority during move-in in many cities. Also, someadvance warehouses may offer free storage for 30-days after the show. In short, oneof the best recommendations is to take advantage of advance warehouse capabilitiesto eliminate tight delivery windows.

Ensure weight and classifications are correct, and check all invoices closely.

Better spotting (and placement) of exhibit materials and boxes in the booth spaceis important. A member of the exhibitor team should be in the booth area when theshipments are brought to the booth space.


28/41



Conclusion

The exhibition and event logistics, freight shipping and material handling process islikely to always have a certain level of complexity. But the corporate exhibitor survey re-sults and comments suggest frustration with the current process. In fact, it is an impor-tant finding that half of exhibitors are not satisfied with the current event logistics, ship-ping and material handling process, especially when they consider the value receivedcompared to the cost. Exhibitors are more satisfied with event-related small package andfreight shipping services, as a total of 61% say they are very or somewhat satisfied withthis process. The table below compares these exhibitor satisfaction ratings.

Comparison of Exhibitor Ratings of Logistics and Material Handling vs. Small

Package Services

Are there aspects of the approach by the leading small package and freight shippingproviders that can be used to improve the overall event and exhibit logistics, materialhandling and shipping process? The recommendations in the Executive Summary of thereport provide some of key areas such as improved tracking technology, the need formore standards across the industry, improved customer service, and a focus on reducingdamage and loss.

Show management feels that a key issue for the industry is the lack of understanding byexhibitors of the overall event logistics and material handling process, cost, charges and

billing. Show management, as well as exhibitors on their own, can benefit by provid-ing additional information, communication and training on these areas. A goal of thisunique study is to add to this discussion and inform the industry.

ExhibitorsValue vs. CostSatisfaction

Level for EventLogistics, Material

Handling andShipping Services

ExhibitorsSatisfaction Levelfor Small Package

Shipping andFreight Shipping

Services

Differential

Very Satisfied 1% 18% +17%

Somewhat Satisfied 16% 43% +27%

Neutral 27% 18% -9%

Somewhat Dissatisfied 27% 8% -19%

Very Dissatisfied 24% 4% -20%Not Applicable 5% 10% +5%

Key InsightAnother key finding is thaboth exhibitors and showmanagers say they areseeing a focus on reducedfreight weight to loweroverall cost.


29/41



These issues and questions have long been key topics in the convention and exhibitionindustry, and they are likely to continue. But clearly high levels of exhibitor dissatisfac-

tion is a concern which may be impacting industry growth as the economy recovers.

A number of best practices and recommendations are outlined in this report. Some ofthe key recommendations are to read and understand all shipping-related communica-tions and forms or ask questions of show management and contactors; communicateclearly and often with all key internal event participants and stakeholders; focus ondeadlines; label and pack all freight and material effectively and consolidate freightwhen possible; and work with leading logistics and shipping providers with long experi-ence in the tradeshow industry.


30/41



Methodology & About the Respondents

In March 2013, EXPOmagazine conducted an online survey of leading North Americanconvention and exhibition/tradeshow producers as well as corporate exhibitors. The sur-vey was sent to executives by email and 135 responded.

About the Corporate Exhibitor Survey Respondents

Number of Events the Exhibiting Companies Own, Manage or Participated in During

2012

Budget for All Event and Exhibition Related Logistics, Freight and Material Handling

Services in 2012

%

0 5%

1 to 5 21%

6 to 10 18%

11 to 20 9%

21 to 30 5%

31 to 40 9%

41 to 50 6%

51 to 100 12%

Over 101 16%

%

Less than $25,000 34%

$25,001 to $50,000 22%

$50,001 to $75,000 11%

$75,001 to $100,000 12%

$100,001 to $250,000 9%

$250,001 to $500,000 11%

$500,001 to 1 million 0%

Over $1 million 2%


31/41



Company Gross Revenue

Primary Industry Sector Served by Exhibitors

%

Less than $5 million 22%$5 million to $10 million 16%

$10 million to $25 million 10%





$500 million to $1 billion 6%

$1 billion to $10 billion 11%

$10 billion to $25 billion 3%

Over $25 billion 5%

%

Manufacturing & Industrial 19%

Technology & Telecommunications 19%

Health Care & Pharmaceutical 8%

Building & Construction 5%

Education 5%

Apparel 3%Aviation & Aerospace 3%

Entertainment, Broadcasting & Media 3%

Financial Services/Legal 3%

Food Service & Processing 3%

Hospitality, Hotels & Resorts 3%

Energy & Natural Resources 3%

Retail 3%

Sporting Goods & Recreation 3%

Automotive & Trucking 2%

Government 2%Restaurants 0%

Transportation 0%

Other 26%


32/41



About the Show Management Survey Respondents

Type of Organization

Number of Events

Number of Exhibiting Companies (Largest, Most Important Event)

%

Association/Society/Institute (not-for-profit organization) 64%

For-profit exhibition organizer (with events as your primarybusiness)

17%

Consumer show producer 12%

Corporate event or meeting planner 0%

Conference producer 2%

Corporate exhibitor 2%

Event/experiential marketer 4%

Other 2%

%

1 to 5 65%

6 to 10 18%

11 to 20 4%

21 to 30 2%

31 to 40 8%

41 to 50 0%

51 to 100 0%Over 101 4%

%

Under 50 3%

51 to 100 8%

101 to 150 28%

151 to 200 8%

201 to 250 6%

251 to 300 8%

301 to 400 6%

401 to 500 6%

501 to 750 14%

751 to 1,000 8%

Over 1,000 6%


33/41



Industry Sectors Served

%

Building & Construction 19%Health Care & Pharmaceutical 17%

Retail 17%

Apparel 11%

Entertainment, Broadcasting & Media 11%

Manufacturing & Industrial 11%

Sporting Goods & Recreation 11%

Aviation & Aerospace 8%

Food Service & Processing 8%

Government 8%

Energy & Natural Resources 8%Restaurants 8%

Education 6%

Hospitality, Hotels & Resorts 6%

Technology & Telecommunications 6%

Transportation 6%

Automotive & Trucking 3%

Financial Services/Legal 3%

Other 17%


34/41



Appendix: Write-In Responses to Questions

on Challenges & Recommendations

The survey asked exhibitors and show managers a number of open-ended questionsabout the industry and freight shipping process. The verbatim, write-in responses areprovided here.

Corporate Exhibitor Question: How can the event and exhibition industry small

package and freight shipping services and process be improved?

An on-site secure location for use with inbound and outbound packages(no forklift needed).

Be more timely. If the contracted shipper knows there will be tons of shipments,add appropriate labor to get those shipments out quickly. It is important to get out

of the building and fly back to home office quickly and the labor used to pick upitems work slowly and cannot always be trusted to do great work. This affects my topline and bottom line.

Better oversight by management. Better tracking for freight. More universal system applied (such as bar code

scanning, QR codes, etc) with a system that applies across carriers. Better tracking of small packages. Better training, customer service, responsiveness, reliability and cost basis. Biggest problem is to get UPS and Fed Ex to pick up on show site. Contain cost would be the best solution. Currently most event management and venues receive small packages as a

secondary service, and also charge minimum drayage costs. They need to havededicated receiving for small packages, and no one can justify to me why a small

10 pound package is charged at the drayage minimum rate for receipt, sometimes$50-100.

Dedicated delivery dock for expedited freight carriers so they dont leave withoutunloading.

Direct, on-site coordination of drop offs and pickups by the individual majorproviders: UPS, FedEx, USPS.

Dont charge as much for the box delivery as the shipping charges at events Eliminate surcharges. For FedEx/UPS shipments to show site, some shows still charge a minimum

of 2CWT for small packages evening though they may only way 10 pounds.Not acceptable.

Forced to have it sent to hotel or surrounding area as the handling costs are ratherhigh to have it go directly to the event.

Freight desks should be trained. Service quality needs to skyrocket, attitude mustbecome helpful and caring, far better information must be made available to serviceproviders at the freight desk, paperwork must be made as simple as FedEx or UPSonline.

Let FedEx and UPS pick up out of convention venues. Lower price. Lower rates; better service. More Communication. More sensitivity to potential for damaged shipments and greater care in handling

shipments. Fast turnaround on claims when there is damage claims made. Not charge such high material handling fees.


35/41



On site FedEx and UPS office hours that match show hours and or coordination withthe show for delivery to the event and pick up from the event.

Reduce material handling rates. They are extremely high based on what they

actually provide. Some GSCs have adopted simple $30 to $50 small package drayage fee, insteadof the old $80/cwt and 2 cwt min = $160 to deliver a late box of literature -- allcontractors should be doing this.

Stop charging late fees for receiving after designated time and huge fees to deliverto booth.

The tracking of small packages always seems to be problematic at shows. Toavoid this, we try and ship directly to an employees hotel room if the package issmall, otherwise, we are forced to utilize the shipping services. Perhaps there isa better way for smaller carriers to check in so they are not lost in the larger carrierspaperwork. I, as the tradeshow manager, or my technician, always return to theshow after teardown to verify that the freight is indeed picked up by the correctcarriers.

There are too many individual charges.

Too many nickel and dime charges, painful to audit and reconcile. Discounts byexhibit houses not always transparent.

Tracking and timeliness. Tracking, speed of delivery to booth, accuracy of delivery. With small events, the pick-up time window is sometimes very limited by the venue

or ESC. These types of shipping services cannot guarantee their ability to pick upsmall packages.

Corporate Exhibitor Question: What have been the most important changes or trends

related to event logistics and material handing over the past few years?

Apps. Computerized tracking of shipments. Consolidation of carriers, addition of petroleum fees across the board, limitation on

access to the dock for carriers who are not among the show select carriers. Invoicesthat are impossible to understand.

Cost. Dedicated event services personnel at shipping companies. Digitization. Exhibits have been designed with more light weight material to diffuse the cost of

material handling and freight charges. Exponential rising costs, monopolistic approach with regards to avail freight choices. Far more forced freight, far more damage to crates both in-transit and in-warehouse.

Fuel surcharge. Higher costs. I appreciate the trend toward notification upon receipt of tradeshow shipments by

the advanced warehouse...and then upon delivery to the show floor. Increased cost of drayage. Shows that start on weekends which force us to pay

overtime for labor and shipping. Logistics cost and material handling expenses. Material handling. Looking at fabric materials now. Monitors, technology. More relaxed union rules. Online ordering and better/clearer invoicing. Procurement involvement with company-wide contracts.


36/41



Rapidly increasing fuel charges, consolidation of freight carriers/providers. Real time tracking of shipment and delivery of freight via mobile app/web, blended

freight rates without overtime.

Rising cost of fuel. Rising costs. Storage. Surcharges. Union labor and material handling rates continue to rise. Website tracking of shipments.

Corporate Exhibitor Question: Besides lower pricing, how do you recommend the

exhibition and event freight transportation, material handling, drayage and/or small

package process be improved?

At a tradeshow when storing and returning empties, return all pieces of small

(under 400 sq ft) booths first. Often large booths dont even tear down until the nextday, but small booths are left waiting for their crates when they need to be packing.Alternatively, add priority crate return for a fee. This used to be available at sometradeshows I attended. I rarely see it anymore.

Better check in process at the docks. Better coordination between small package carriers and show decorator. Better negotiation of Teamster contracts to allow small package carriers to pick up

at shows. If they can deliver, why cant they pick up? Better tracking. Clearer identification of costs incurred. Consist rates. Customer service. Dedicated small package receivers and reasonable pricing. Develop a better means of returning empty cartons. When a show is over, people

want to pack up and leave and not stand around waiting for cartons. Dont charge minimums for several shipments that arrive to warehouse. Dont make

exhibitors use overtime by offering more straight time hours. Dont like excessive drayage or union overtime charges....and I feel that booth

materials are often held hostage often causing a delayed carrier pick up at loadingdock....which then results in driver waiting fees.

Eliminate surcharges. Find people who actually care about their job rather than just getting a paycheck

whether or not they actually do the job well. Flat rates for drayage or do away with it all together as in Europe. Give me a way to track my shipment from the time it leaves my facility all the way

through to its destination - with weight and piece counts. Treat the shipments withcare - its not necessary to bang it around and drop it. Dont de-palletize myshipment - you lose stuff when you do that. Dont double stack a pallet on top ofmine. Those boxes on the bottom of my pallet cannot withstand the weight ofanother pallet on top. Find a way to accurately show the state of a shipment at eachstage so that when damage occurs, we know when/where/ why it happened insteadof the pointing of fingers from the drayage firm to the freight carrier and vice/versa.Record accurate weights on my invoice and drop the insider jargon on the invoice.I need to understand what I am paying for and why. If I am stuck paying a specialhandling charge or overtime, or any other fee, I want to know what it is and why Iam being charged for it.


37/41



I think it is key to continually challenge the process that is used and what theefficiency rate is per hall, per city.

Include it in the booth rental costs so that there is o extra out of pocket expense.

It is crazy to pay more to have your booth delivered from the back door to your booththen it does to ship it from the factory to the show site. Less damages and easier claims process. Listen to the customer. Make billing more transparent from exhibit houses (show the discounts), clarify the

add-on charges before so its not a surprise. Material handing / drayage freight charges pricing schedules that are more in tune

with services rendered. Costs are prohibitive at times. Communications pre / during /post event, clarity on charges.

More flexibility to allow use of own carriers/material handlers to deliver freight withinexhibit show floor.

More POV service. One or two more days to load in. I understand the venue charges the show for

occupancy, but the rush causes problems that could be avoided as well as allows foreconomical shipping and handling.

Onsite security during set up and tear down to minimize loss and damage to smallpackages.

Personalized customer service. Simplify and integrate paperwork. Eliminate the show contractor tie-in to freight

companies. Allow small package delivery by FedEx and UPS onto the show floor. Standard procedures and policies. Tracking for freight is deplorable, still done primarily via fax, paper and phone

calls. This process should follow models created by UPS/FedEx, utilizing bar codes,scanners and less fallible means to keep track of freight or individual pieces.

Corporate Exhibitor Question: What other services, innovations and/or added value

would you like to see from leading companies in the exhibition and event logisticsand shipping industry?

A way to track outbound shipments especially ones going from one show to another. Ability to electronically track my shipment. Better customer service and more understandable invoices. Electronic invoicing and receipts because the people at the show loose the paper

copies. Email generated on the major points..pick up, in transit, estimated delivery. Far higher focus on quality of experience, quality of outcomes. The entire freight

infrastructure is stuck in 1930! Today, I can call UPS or FedEx from my desk - orschedule it on a web site - and have freight picked up at my dock, delivered to rail,

air or truck transit, and white gloved to my location with a 90% expectation of nodamage and a 90% expectation of hitting the time metric. This is now myexpectation. I should not have to stand next to my exhibit crates fending off theforklifts to assure my freight is not forced, I should not have to place Tip-n-Tells in4 locations on the crate so I can determine poor handling, I should not have toargue every single freight bill when the quote was X, and the invoice comes in at X +$400 for fuel surcharge or waiting time.

Find a means to control Electrical Costs and Union Labor. Firm Quotations. Maybe have better on-line visibility. More communication of the order from dock to dock. If they mess up they should

have to provide discounts or refunds.


38/41



More realistic costs of accessible storage. Youve already paid for storage, so whyshould you pay more (double) for putting it in and taking it out of a different area?

Online booking.

Online chat capabilities. Online visibility and control of activities, responsiveness to enquiries. Picture of booth delivered in booth space. Provide apps for events to enhance communications. Real time tracking. Real-time tracking and freight status updates, GPS-traceable via online maps, better

communication between forwarders and carriers. Small package handling at show site - secure storage for inbound and outbound

packages that do not require a forklift. Turnkey pricing by total weight per event that factors in distance from origin to

exhibit hall and delivery/return within exhibit hall for a fixed quote in advance.

Show Management Question: How can the event and exhibition industrytransportation service and process be improved?

By reducing costs. Clear pricing. More transparency on whats involved. Continuing education about how freight and shipping work in the event and

exhibition industry. It is very expensive for exhibitors - or at least is perceived to be so. This complaint

gets back to show management as a reason why exhibitors decline to bring as muchproduct or create larger displays.

Lower costs. Make the process simpler possibly by increasing the use of computers and handheld

devices on site. Material handling fees are ridiculous and greatly impacting the return of many

vendors. More competitive pricing from carriers. More detailed explanation about shipping and material costs to both show

management and exhibitors. Explain the factors that go into differences in pricingfrom year to year and give clear examples and/or estimates before the show.

Need a new model as the freight expense has become the biggest obstacle ongrowth.

Reduce costs. Satisfactory. The costs have to be kept down and kept transparent.

Show Management Question: What have been the most important changes or trends

related to event logistics and material handing over the past few years?

Better tracking of shipments and deliveries. Consolidation of carriers. Customized materials handling packages and fees. Exhibitors being able to track shipments themselves via internet with shipping

companies. Exhibitors reducing the weight they are shipping. Flat-rate drayage, tracking devices. Fuel surcharges, union material handling rules, overall increased costs.


39/41



GPS tracking. Improved communication and technology. Lighter weight display materials being used by exhibitors.

Many of our exhibitors ship less materials each year as the size and weight of thesematerials (mostly AV equipment & signage) have gone down drastically. More exhibitors wanting to transport their own shipments and deliver them to the

booth. My GC is providing online education for exhibitors give them a better understanding

of drayage, thus saving them money. Rising costs. Tracking of freight from pick up to drop off. Union rules. Common sense and customer service has gone out the window.

Show Management Question:

Besides lower pricing, how do you recommend the exhibition and event freighttransportation, material handling, and/or small package process be improved?

Be flexible with exhibitors who have small boxes delivered to their booths. Better customer service. Better explanation of all additional fees. Easier tracking system that is accessible by exhibitor. Better consultation on fees

and surcharges. Sometimes building restrictions are a factor. Less damage by common carriers is needed. Lower minimum weight/pricing. Its the small packages that seem to be the biggest

problem for us. Material handling and shipping costs are sometimes more than thecost of the product being shipped. Educate exhibitors, there always seems to be acouple of exhibitors surprised to find out about material handling fees, even thoughthe information has been provided to them numerous times.

Make it understandable. More education of exhibitor personnel. More electronic, digital and web-based

materials and information from exhibitors to attendees. More tracking communication, where it is at and when it will be to the booth. Speed, efficiency and safety. Standardize forms, improve tracking methods and receipt at advance freight

warehouse once exhibitor freight arrives. Too much fine print, be clear up front. Training workers to not damage shipments.

What other services, innovations and/or added value would you like to see from

leading companies in the exhibition and event logistics and shipping industry?

Exhibit manufacturers need to create containers that will withstand the shipmentsaround the country week after week.

Package deals. RFID freight tracking. Tracking has improved. Uncover the hidden fees.


40/41



Welcome to UPS Trade Show Services

So many variables, so little time. When youre responsible forshipping everything from your exhibit to sales collateral togiveaways for an upcoming show, its a time-critical challenge.You have to be able to ship displays anywhere, yet know how tonavigate each venue and locale.

Everything needs to be on time, intact and easy to track, in-bound and out. Because its not just a trade show on the line,

its your reputation. You need a trusted trade show transportation provider who can do itall, so you dont have to who can make logistics work for you.

UPS offers the trade show logistics expertise you want shipping to the advance

warehouse or directly to the show site, handling freight and small package, and movingsmoothly from one show to the next. Our cost-effective network is global, yet our experi-enced local reps simplify shipping in all major trade show cities.

Count on UPS Trade Show Services for the reliability, flexibility and visibility you need toget your trade show on the road.

Call 1-800-365-6990 for a quote or visit ups.com/tradeshow.


41/41


Red 7 Media, a Division of Access Intelligence, LLC10 Norden PlaceNorwalk, CT 06855Phone: (203) 854-6730www.expoweb.com

UPS Trade Show ServicesPhone: 1-800-365-6990ups.com/tradeshow

Documents

Marketmonitor July2013 Exposition Study