How to Choose an Exhibition Stand Builder: 12 Questions to Ask Before You Sign

Your stand builder is the single biggest risk on your trade-show budget. Use these twelve questions on every shortlist — including on us.

Questions about money

Is the price fixed once I sign, or an estimate? (Only accept fixed.)
What exactly is excluded — floor space, electrics, drayage, rigging?
What are the payment milestones and what happens if the show is cancelled?

Questions about capability

Do you fabricate in-house or subcontract? Where is the workshop nearest to my show?
Can I see three stands you built at this venue in the last two years?
Who is my single point of contact from design to dismantle?
How fast do I get 3D renders — and how many revision rounds are included?

Questions about risk

Do you carry public liability insurance accepted by the venue?
Who handles technical drawings and organiser approvals?
Is a crew on standby during show hours for repairs and refills?
What is your plan if freight is delayed?
Will you store and refurbish the stand for my next show?

How Stagehook Global answers

Fixed price, exclusions in writing, 3D renders in 72 hours with two revision rounds, in-house workshops in Frankfurt, Las Vegas and Noida plus partner workshops in Milano and Moscow, venue-accepted insurance, standby crew during show hours, and free storage between shows for repeat clients. 850+ stands delivered across 120+ expos.

FAQ

What should an exhibition stand quote include?

Design and revisions, structure, graphics, lighting, flooring, furniture, transport, installation, show standby and dismantle — with venue fees such as floor space and electrics listed as exclusions.

How far in advance should I book a stand builder?

Four to six months before the show for custom stands; eight to ten weeks minimum for modular rentals.