1
"Due to the absence of union labor in other countries, overseas vendors will often be able to provide a fixed, turnkey price, unlike U.S. suppliers."
— Steve Riches, principal, Laguna Displays Inc.

2
"Ask to see examples of projects potential vendors have done for other U.S. brands that are of similar size and complexity to what you want to produce."
— Jeff Hannah, vice president, international, interiors and creative, Exhibit Concepts Inc.

3
"Be ready to deal in local currency and pay a value-added tax (VAT) or a goods and services tax (GST), both of which are normally refundable."
— Chris Anderson, CEO, Gielissen Interiors and Exhibitions USA

4
"I have worked with some very large companies that hired vendors without having certificates of insurance. Big mistake."
— Valerie Bihet, director, The Vibe Agency

5
"Overseas exhibits are not designed and built with reuse in mind, as is often the case here in the United States."
— Rebecca Oteri, founder and CEO, Create and Consult LLC

6
"When working in less-developed countries, find out if vendors engage in responsible sourcing and have good safety records."
— Sarah Chew, executive director, Kingsmen Exhibits Pte. Ltd.

7
"Exhibitors should understand international time schedules. If you have a show in Germany in October, get everything confirmed in June, not September."
— Christopher Dorn, president, Idea International Inc.

8
"If you have a local contact, ask him or her to get a price quote for you, as some vendors inflate their costs for international clients."
— Lee Ali, managing director, Expo Stars Interactive Ltd.

9
"Exhibit managers need to be aware of subtle language differences that can cause misunderstandings."
— Ivy Burnham, manager, international operations, Access TCA Inc.

10
"Most European exhibit companies don't have internal design teams. Rather, they hire architectural firms and outside sources to design their work."
— Joel Hall, president, Unrivaled