What do you do if your trade show project is facing vendor management challenges?

1 Define your expectations

The first step to effective vendor management is to clearly define your expectations and communicate them to your vendors. You need to establish the scope, timeline, budget, quality standards, and deliverables of your trade show project. You also need to specify the roles and responsibilities of each vendor and how they will coordinate with you and each other. You should create a written contract or agreement that outlines these details and have it signed by both parties. This will help you avoid misunderstandings, confusion, or disputes later on.

4 Evaluate your vendors

The fourth step to effective vendor management is to evaluate your vendors' performance and results after the trade show project is completed. You need to measure and review their outcomes and outputs and compare them with your expectations and requirements. You also need to solicit and provide feedback to your vendors and identify their strengths and weaknesses. You should recognize and reward their achievements and contributions and address any issues or concerns. You should also document and share your lessons learned and best practices for future trade show projects.

5 Build your relationships

The fifth step to effective vendor management is to build your relationships with your vendors. You need to treat your vendors as partners and collaborators, not as adversaries or competitors. You need to establish trust, respect, and rapport with your vendors and foster a positive and productive working environment. You also need to maintain regular and open communication with your vendors and keep them informed and engaged. You should also look for opportunities to grow and improve your relationships and create long-term value and mutual benefits.

6 Learn from your peers

The sixth step to effective vendor management is to learn from your peers and industry experts. You need to seek and share advice, insights, and best practices with other trade show professionals and vendors who have faced similar challenges or situations. You need to network and connect with them and learn from their experiences and perspectives. You should also research and follow the latest trends, innovations, and standards in the trade show industry and vendor management. You should also attend webinars, workshops, or courses that can help you enhance your skills and knowledge in vendor management.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?