Exhibitor stand space: this is the space which is verifiably used for exhibition stands and thus forms the basis for a size comparison between individual events. The exhibitor stand space conveys an initial impression of how successful the organiser has been in attracting custom, irrespective of the number of companies taking part. In conjunction with the number of exhibitors, it is possible to determine the average stand size and thus to obtain a benchmark for one’s own presentation at the exhibition.

Special show space: at many exhibitions the organisers provide additional spaces for special shows and often put them together themselves – usually working together with trade organisations. In those spaces, design exhibitions, research results, presentations of handicrafts, information about professional training or other overarching topics are presented. By doing this, the organiser is thus providing information and attractions for the visitors in addition to those offered by the exhibitors. Exhibitor stand spaces and special show spaces together form the net exhibition space.

Gross exhibition space: this encompasses the whole of the space used for the exhibition, i.e. exhibitor stand space, special show spaces , and walkway and foyer areas, but not ancillary rooms such as restaurants, offices, etc. Gross spaces are of only limited benefit for comparisons in terms of size between individual exhibitions because the walkway and foyer areas can differ considerably depending on the exhibition even if the stand spaces are the same.

Are you interested in FKM’s definitions? You can find further details about FKM certification in the Certification area.

Der Beitrag What actually are net and gross exhibition space? erschien zuerst auf FKM.

The Society for the Voluntary Control of Fair and Exhibition Statistics (FKM) in Cologne was one of the co-founders and publishers, alongside the two national exhibition audit organisations FKM Austria and FFSB Benelux. “Economic relations between the countries of European are becoming increasingly intensive. This resulted in there being a desire for more information about the other economic partners”, it is stated in the first Europe statistics from 1988. And to find new clients and trading partners, export-oriented firms even then already made very intensive use of specialist exhibitions in neighbouring countries. Among other things, this development led to today’s internationalisation of exhibitions in Europe and necessitated greater transparency in the market.

The English-language brochure “European Trade Fair and Exhibition Statistics” was then published for 20 years by FKM. Since 2008, the worldwide exhibition organisation UFI has acted as publisher of the statistics for Europe, which now bear the name “Euro Fair Statistics”. Data on around 2300 exhibitions in 23 countries are now published in this document. The UFI estimates that around 50% of the whole European market is covered by the report.

Der Beitrag 1988: Exhibition statistics without borders erschien zuerst auf FKM.

Visitors are referred to as trade visitors if they visit an exhibition for commercial/professional reasons. Whether this is the case is determined by a representative survey at the exhibition site within the FKM visitor structure test. By contrast, private visitors come on the basis of private/personal interest. In the case of consumer-goods exhibitions for trade visitors, the proportion of trade visitors is usually almost 100% because in general those interested have to prove their status as trade visitors. In the case of capital-goods exhibitions, the proportion can be lower because interested private visitors are not excluded.

At public exhibitions, the proportion of private visitors is significantly over 80%, but is rarely exactly 100%. This means that exhibitors can also always reach a smaller proportion of visitors with a professional interest from the relevant sectors at this type of event.

However, as a result of FKM-certified figures on the proportions of trade visitors and private visitors, exhibitors can always know what type of visitors they must primarily cater for when they are planning the design of their stand and bringing together the appropriate staff for the stand. Exhibitions which have both trade-visitor days and private-visitor days represent a particular challenge. Here, exhibitors must take account of the fact that the requirements placed on the staff on the stand and the design of the stand will differ because on private-visitor days the visitor numbers are considerably higher and private visitors have different information requirements even if they are interested in the same product as a trade visitor. It is nevertheless the case that exhibitors often find that some private visitors at special interest exhibitions are so well informed that they have virtually the same level of knowledge as a trade visitor.

Der Beitrag What actually is a trade visitor? erschien zuerst auf FKM.

By the way, not every interested company gets an accreditation. Because the organisers in all cases ensure that the exhibitors’ products and/or services form part of the range of goods offered at the Event. As a result, so that it is ensured that the company’s participation benefits itself and the visitor of course.

So-called co-exhibitors (also referred to as sub-exhibitors) are also regarded as being exhibitors. These are companies which, although they do not have a direct contractual relationship with the organiser, are represented on the main exhibitor’s stand by way of their own staff and products or in the context of a joint stand. Specifically, joint stands such as these are usually rented by an institution or a company which then divides up and in turn rents out the stand space.

Additionally represented companies are not considered to be exhibitors because such companies are only actually represented on an exhibitor’s stand by way of products, but not with staff.

Der Beitrag What actually is an exhibitor? erschien zuerst auf FKM.