exhibitor

An exhibitor is a person or organization that displays or demonstrates products, services, or works at an exhibition, trade show, fair, or similar public event. Exhibitors participate to showcase offerings, attract potential customers or partners, and collect information about market interest. The term reflects the act of exhibiting or presenting materials to an audience.

In trade shows and consumer fairs, exhibitors typically rent booth space, design a display, prepare promotional materials, and schedule demonstrations or presentations. They may include manufacturers, distributors, retailers, service providers, or industry associations. In art, cultural, or scientific exhibitions, exhibitors can be artists, collectors, galleries, lenders, or institutions that lend works or curate displays for public viewing. The role generally involves compliance with event rules, safety and security requirements, and intellectual property considerations.

Operationally, exhibitors handle logistics such as logistics, setup and teardown, staffing, product handling, and on-site communication with attendees. They often engage in lead collection, product demonstrations, and on-site sales or orders. Many exhibitions require registration, insurance, and adherence to codes of conduct, accessibility standards, and privacy regulations related to attendee data.

Exhibitors contribute to economic activity by promoting products and services, facilitating networking, and supporting cultural or educational programming. Success metrics commonly include the number of qualified leads, immediate sales, inquiries, media coverage, and overall brand visibility achieved during the event. The term encompasses individuals, companies, non-profits, and government agencies that participate in public displays.