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Suitcasing and Outboarding
We asked 10 show organizers, exhibit managers, and industry experts to share their
thoughts about suitcasing and outboarding.
"Let's be honest. Suitcasing and outboarding are just other words for theft!"
– Lew Shomer, president and CEO, Shomex Productions
1



"Many organizations abhor suitcasing and outboarding, but don't discuss how to control it, particularly when a tweet might invite everyone to an event where products are showcased outside the show. "
– Joan Eisenstodt, chief strategist, Eisenstodt Associates LLC
5
2
"Suitcasers take advantage of the work show producers put into bringing in qualified buyers for paying exhibitors."
– Diedra Cauley, CEM, CMP, senior director, exhibitions and conferences, The National Shooting Sports Association Inc.




6
"Every show minute is valuable, and when a suitcaser distracts me from speaking with potential customers, I resent it."
– Kevin Carty, vice president, Classic Exhibits Inc.


9
"People who would never steal a candy bar from a convenience store somehow convince themselves that it's OK to take advantage of other people's efforts and investments."
– Steve Miller, author of "How to Get the Most Out of Trade Shows"

"I sometimes see exhibitors using common space that they don't own. To me, this is another form of suitcasing – space is being used that isn't purchased. "
– Candy Adams, CTSM, CME, CEM, CMP, CMM, "The Booth Mom"




3




"Show organizers should ask themselves, 'Is there a legitimate reason these companies do not invest in our show?'"
– Traci Browne, owner, Trade Show Institute




7
4
"It surprises me companies aren't willing to support association shows, which reinvest in the industry."
– Tina Jones, director of conventions, Helicopter Association International



8
"If the industry doesn't report it when it occurs, then it will continue to exist."
– Steven Marchese, CTSM, manager, corporate events, Fujifilm Medical Systems USA Inc.


10
"Outboarding is unprofessional and doesn't speak well for the company trying to host events outside of the show."
– Betsy Earle, CTSM, creative director, Event Driven Solutions LLC


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