What insights has Marlys Arnold shared about exhibiting in Europe and the UK?

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)?