Whether you’re working at a Canadian at a company that exhibits at trade shows in the USA or you’re still in the stage of considering the possibility of getting into the USA market through your trade show program, it is important to know the difference between Canada and the USA when it comes to the overall trade show process. Below are 5 important things you need to be aware of when exhibiting in the US.
#1: Most USA Trade Shows Require At least Some Union Labour
Using union labor is required by most of the trade shows in the United States. This may come as a surprise to you, but you must know that this is in no way negotiable, so you just have to deal with it. While some trade show events have rules that allow exhibitors to do some of their labor, you still likely have to hire union employees to at least handle your electrical, rigging, plumbing, material handling, etc… And of course, this means you may have to deal with higher expenses and a more complicated setup arrangement.
#2: In both Canada and the USA It Is Not Required to Use a Trade Show’s General Contractor for Unionized Labour
Although you might be required to hire union labor, it does not automatically mean that you need to use the labor offered by the show. It is still up to you whether you want to use your labor staff – this is a good thing if you want a labor crew that is more familiar with your company to work with your exhibit. They’re known as Exhibitor Appointed Contractors or EACs. To do this, you usually have to fill out and submit an EAC request form at least 30 days before the trade show starts, although this is sometimes flexible if your exhibit company knows the show management. At some trade shows, the work is also able to be performed by full-time employees.
#3: It Is Not Required to Rent Things from a USA-Based Trade Show’s Vendors
Contrary to popular belief, you’re not required to use the trade show’s vendors in the USA. So, if you are one of many people who thought otherwise, heave a sigh of relief as you can get other sources for your trade show exhibit rentals and services as well.
#4: It Is Not as Easy to Find Your Exhibit and Crates Delivered to a USA Advance Warehouse
If you’ve joined a Canadian trade show before, you’re aware of how easy it is to find crate storage dotted around the vicinity before and during the event. But this is not the case at USA trade shows. Finding your crates can be a problem. It’s normal for the crates to be removed from the venue during the show, so be aware of it! If you do not rent, ensure you work with an experienced and dedicated trade show logistics and shipping company- as many shipping companies do not have experience shipping trade show displays.
#5: It is Possible to Avoid the Expenses and Hassle of Overseas Shipping and Customs Fees
Okay, this is probably the most important thing you need to know. As you probably realize by now, there are a lot of things to be considered if you want to cross the border to attend an exhibition, and shipping and customs fees are some of them. But is there a way to avoid this? Definitely! You can do that by renting your local exhibit! Yes, trade show displays can be rented and customized according to your preference to promote your brand.
While it is common to see booth rentals that look generic and may look like it’s not going to give your brand a good name at first glance, you can always talk to your trade show exhibit company and ask for suggestions on how you can get the design that is ideal for your brand. There are even exhibit service companies that allow you to propose a design you want and will get it ready for you to proof it well before the event. This should come as no surprise companies like us are investing more into our capabilities, so we can provide solutions to any problem an exhibitor may have to deal with.
These are five facts any Canadian or international exhibitors should know about before they get into the USA market. Hopefully, the points stated in this article help you have an easier and more successful trade show experience in the United States.
Beaumont Exhibits Can Assist with Your Canadian and American Trade Show Needs
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I love working with the Beaumont Team; I know any project I work with them on is in good hands! The team is professional, knowledgeable, great at communicating every step of the way and keeping our projects on time. Their flexibility to work within our budget is always appreciated and I know on event day, things will go smoothly with their ready assistance.
James, Jamilyn and the Beaumont crew really came through for us on a last minute booth rental request. We had a show in Atlanta and they turned around the project in less than 3 weeks, handling all logistics, setting us up in a professional looking booth and responding quickly to all our questions along the way. Looking forward to working with Beaumont for future conferences.
James and team worked with us for months on an extensive exhibit booth trade show in multiple locations. They were always accommodating with our requests and always easy to get in touch with no matter the situation. There truly wasn’t anything they couldn’t do!
We recently had the pleasure of working with Beaumont & Co Exhibits; this was our third time using them during the ESRI event in San Diego, and I must say, it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. James and Jamilyn from Beaumont Exhibits were the epitome of professionalism, and their dedication to supplying top-notch service truly made a significant impact on our booth rental experience.
From concept to follow through, the team at Beaumont got it right! I was thrilled with the collaboration to see our vision come to life – all with the an excellent collection of support. James and Karen with great to work with and did well to keep the ball moving and ensure we made it to the finish line promptly.
Our 20FT Linear had a custom die-cut logo and digital interfaces, that deployed in Ottawa at the RIMS Canada Conference. We were a show stopper to say the least. When the time comes for another project, I know where I’ll be going!
We had a very positive experience working with Beaumont in the Vancouver Convention Center. The booth they created for us was designed and installed on time and with the best quality standards. Thanks to Maria and James who helped us step by step before, during and after the process.
Trying to plan a trade show in Brussels while being located in the US was nerve-wracking, but finding Beaumont & Co. and Luciana, made it much easier! Luciana went above and beyond when there were shipping mishaps and made sure that we received our booth on a tight timeline. The quality of the booth was great and easy to put together. They really work to meet your needs.
Beaumont Exhibits. We love the new signage. It shows Halifax beautifully.
Just outstanding work all week guys. As always.
The Exhibit Area has been a hit all conference long, thanks to our wonderful partner Beaumont Exhibits, who has made sure our booths and signage have been on point with their top-notch work. Thank you!
“There is nothing that compares to the Beaumont Exhibits booth system; it will be in my mind or even should be the industry standard. Our booth was revered by all who came upon it. In fact, a comment I heard from a passerby was “Now that’s a booth!” comparing it to all the thousands of other booths at the Las Vegas AHR convention”
“MetOcean Telematics appreciates working with Beaumont Exhibits for our trade show needs. Beaumont Exhibits understands the complex nuisances of the industries in which we do business and has played an important role in helping us present our products to clients worldwide.”
“Assembled the booth this morning. Looks fantastic. Next week I am taking it with me to Tampa for a trade show there.”
“Our company has used Beaumont Exhibits a few times now and each time they have delivered high-quality products in a timely manner. Highly recommended.”
“Fantastic company to work with. Their attention to detail and deadlines is second to none. Very pleased with my experience!”
“Beaumont Exhibits is great to work with, they have a wide selection of products and know the industry.”
“Beaumont Exhibits provided COVE with a fantastic booth. Now we can begin representing and growing the ocean tech industry in the region with the marketing presence to match the task.”
“The Canadian Defense, Security and Aerospace Exhibition Atlantic: DEFSEC Atlantic is Canada’s second largest defense and aerospace trade event. We cater to some of the world’s largest defense contractors in the world. We have no hesitations in recommending Beaumont & Co. to them as a provider of quality display materials. The feedback we received has been most positive and we are looking forward to a long relationship with James and Sean as they grow their business here in Atlantic Canada and beyond.”
“Beaumont & Co. was great to deal with in that they incorporated all our design suggestions in a timely fashion and their superior customer service made the this process very relaxed and straightforward. The final products turned out nicely and to our satisfaction – the displays look professional and high-quality. The banner’s LED component allows us to stand out at trade shows/career fairs. They went the extra mile and set-up the display for us on two separate occasions which was very much appreciated. They have also responded to additional follow-up queries related to the products. All in all, we are quite happy with the end product and experience on a whole.”
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