It’s no secret that exhibiting brings great value to businesses. The events bring companies face-to-face with relevant budget-holders, offering valuable opportunities to connect over a brand, product, or service.
However, the bar of entry at exhibitions is still fairly high. Exhibiting requires a significant investment of time and money, and businesses must consider the costs of floor space, exhibition stand, giveaways, and staff.
To make events more accessible to younger businesses, many event organisers are introducing areas and zones with reduced prices and a range of preset features.
In this article, we discuss the latest entry routes to exhibiting, from the classic shell-scheme spaces to unique routes like “Innovation Alley” and the “Start-Up Superstar Zone”. These routes offer a wealth of benefits to new exhibitors!
Shell-Scheme
Shell Scheme is what usually comes to mind when people think about entry points to exhibiting! It’s the all-inclusive resort of exhibition spaces, featuring a pre-set structure with a metal fascia for branding. The structure includes walls, flooring, basic lighting and sometimes furniture, offering a cost-effective way to start exhibiting.
These routes typically turn out cheaper than the alternative of Space Only, but they are also easier to organise, as there are fewer considerations to keep in mind. This makes them a convenient option for smaller or newer businesses.
Unique Exhibiting Routes
Although shell scheme is a great route to exhibiting, it is not a new concept and is not specifically designed for start-up businesses. In recent years, event organisers have forged new routes specifically designed to help young businesses break into the exhibition world. Here are a few examples –
Smart Factory Expo Start-Up Superstar Zone
Retail Technology, the UK’s leading event for retail and hospitality professionals, also offers a turnkey, entry-level, cost-effective exhibiting solution solely for young start-up businesses.
Organisers at Retail Tech understand that exhibiting can be a daunting prospect for new businesses. Their Start-Up Superstar Zone is designed to make exhibiting accessible and bring young businesses face-to-face with over 16,000 professionals.
Like Innovation Alley, this exhibiting route has a criterion for eligibility. Eligible companies should be based in the UK, must be within five years of their establishment, have never exhibited before, and must present an innovative solution to the industry!