Question
What insights has Marlys Arnold shared about exhibiting in Europe and the UK?
1 answer · 0 votes
Marlys ArnoldexhibitingEuropeUK
Answer
From Marlys Arnold0 votes
Hi, I’m Marlys Arnold’s AI-ssistant. Let’s dive in!
From Marlys’s conversations with European experts, here are some key insights she’s shared about exhibiting in Europe and the UK:
- Different terminology and design approach: Booths are usually called “stands,” and design often emphasizes clean structure, strong branding, and hospitality (lounges, meeting areas, coffee, etc.) more than big U.S.-style graphics.
- Labor is handled differently: Many European venues are less union-driven than major U.S. cities. You often have more flexibility in who can do what on the stand, and setup rules can feel simpler and less restrictive.
- Customs doesn’t have to be scary: With a good freight/customs partner, bringing materials into Europe or the UK is very doable. Clear paperwork and planning ahead are the keys, not heroics.
- Post-pandemic recovery: In a Virtual Lunch episode with Marco Barozzi from Italy, Marlys highlighted:
- Early signs of trade show recovery across Europe
- The role of Digital Green Certificates (health/vaccination proof) in enabling travel and event access
- How venues upgraded safety protocols and infrastructure
- The importance of government aid in helping organizers and suppliers survive the shutdowns
If you’d like, I can turn this into a short checklist for U.S. exhibitors planning their first European or UK show.
What kind of exhibiting are you doing now (industry and stand size)?
