Your exhibitors and delegates play two different, but equally important, roles at your event. With decades of experience in the event industry, we’re here to guide you on how to treat both groups at your next event.
First, understanding the difference between the two will help you create clear distinctions between them and their key objectives.
An Exhibitor
An exhibitor is a person, company, or organisation that has invested in your event to gain exposure, promote a product, or provide a service. Usually, this is done through a dedicated booth or stand.
A Delegate
A delegate is a person or group representing a company. Unlike an exhibitor, they attend the event to take part in discussions, build connections, and experience what the event has to offer.
How to treat an Exhibitor
You may see exhibitors as partners at your event. Unlike delegates, you typically work with them on a more professional level. This might include helping with event logistics (such as branding and setup), supporting them with marketing opportunities to maximise visibility, and responding to any technical issues they may have. By meeting your exhibitors’ needs, you can build lasting relationships for future events.
How to treat a Delegate
Unlike exhibitors, you most likely treat delegates as guests at your event. This often requires a hospitality-led approach.For example,greeting attendees, guiding them to registration desks, restrooms, and networking areas, providing information on where to find agendas, and solving any problems that may arise (such as lost items, accessibility needs, dietary requirements, or requests for quiet spaces). Building positive, personal relationships with your delegates can help generate strong event feedback and encourage them to return year after year.
At Amazing Tents, our Saddlespan tents provide a fantastic venue for a variety of corporate events and tradeshows, helping businesses create memorable experiences for both delegates and exhibitors. Explore our full range of event tents.
In summary, for your delegates, you want to focus on creating an experience they can take something meaningful away from. Whereas for your exhibitors, you want to create an event where they gain value from meeting delegates and showcasing their brand. We hope this helps you organise future successful corporate events with clear objectives.
