Thinking of Exhibiting in the US? Here’s What UK Companies Need to Know
At Insideout Events, we work with a wide range of British brands looking to make an impact overseas, and the United States is often top of the list. It’s a vast market, full of opportunity. But what many UK companies don’t realise is that organising and delivering an exhibition in the US is a completely different ballgame.
From strict labour regulations to regional inconsistencies and logistical hurdles, there are a number of hidden complexities that can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared. So before you commit to a stand in Las Vegas or New York, here’s what you need to know… and how we can help make it smoother.
1. You Can’t Just Turn Up and Build Your Stand
In the UK, it’s fairly typical for your stand builder to construct and install everything from start to finish. In the US? Not so much.
Most US exhibition venues are unionised environments. This means only union labour, also known as exhibitor-appointed contractors, can physically build your stand on site. Even a reputable American agency may be restricted from using their own team for installation. They may fabricate your stand in their own workshop, ship it across the country, and then simply supervise venue-approved labourers during the build.
According to the Exhibitor Media Group, over 85% of US convention centres require union labour for any on-site installation work. Failure to comply can result in fines, work stoppages, or even being banned from the venue.
2. Regional Rules Vary Massively
From New York to San Francisco, no two venues operate exactly the same. Depending on the state, or even the city, you’ll face varying rules on:
- Who can work on site
- What equipment can be used
- Load-in/out hours
- Overtime charges
- Health and safety restrictions
A recent industry report by Freeman found that labour costs in US venues can vary by up to 300% between regions. For example, overtime charges in Chicago can kick in after just 8 hours, while in other cities, different thresholds apply.
Without local knowledge, this patchwork of rules can quickly become a planning nightmare, and one with serious cost implications.
3. Time Zones & Communication Gaps Slow Everything Down
Let’s face it: trying to coordinate last-minute details with a US-based agency while you’re in London can be frustrating. Time zone delays, unclear lines of communication, and differing working styles can all impact delivery.
When you’re managing multiple moving parts; freight, print deadlines, team travel, and venue access, you can’t afford miscommunication. Yet according to a survey by the Event Leadership Institute, 41% of international exhibitors cited “difficulty coordinating with local vendors” as one of their biggest headaches.
The Insideout Solution: UK-Based Expertise, US-Based Delivery
This is exactly why so many UK companies choose to partner with Insideout Events.
We act as your UK-based project managers, offering a single point of contact for all planning, briefing, and creative development. No need to chase different suppliers across the pond, we handle it all.
Behind the scenes, we work with a US delivery partner who understands the local regulations and venue-specific requirements in detail. They execute the build; we ensure it meets the highest standards and aligns with your brand vision.
You get:
- A seamless experience across borders
- Consistent quality, with no language or cultural barriers
- One UK team managing the process from start to finish
Thinking of Going Stateside? Talk to Us First.
Exhibiting in the US can be a game-changer for your brand, but only if it’s done right. With the right team in place, it can be smooth, successful, and stress-free.
Let us help you navigate the complexity and deliver a stand that has impact, wherever in the US you choose to go.
📩 gemma@insideout.eu.com
🌐 www.insideout.events
📞 +44 (0) 1527 517 111
