More parking spaces

The infrastructure of German expo sites is not ideal for exhibitors. Investment in it would mean investing in more customer satisfaction.

More parking spaces - that's the usual answer when exhibitors are asked what improvements they would like to see to the infrastructure of German exhibition grounds. Even where public transport systems have been perfected, stress-free access and parking for exhibitors and their customers arriving by car is still a decisive factor for customer satisfaction with a trade fair. But infrastructure also embraces improvements on the site itself. For instance, companies asked by m + a report complained that signposting on the grounds and in the halls was often not up to scratch. Poor connections between halls was another common gripe. Many also want to see improvements to sanitary facilities, where hygiene and the buildings themselves do not always meet the expectations of exhibitors and trade fair visitors.
Solving these problems would probably also facilitate set-up and tear-down. Improving access and signposting would save time and therefore money. Better catering services during this time are also requested, as is more immediate help with problems that crop up unexpectedly. This is in keeping with the fact that over 40% of those asked did not know what services the trade fair companies actually included in the rent. Despite that, two thirds of exhibitors saw no difference between the advertised services offered by the organiser and those actually provided. Nevertheless: some customers still can't help feeling rather like supplicants, as lack of personnel and bureaucratic hurdles doesn't make for smooth relations.
A bonus program for loyal exhibitors would be a solution that did more for customer loyalty and established satisfactory relations between the organisers and exhibitors. This was endorsed by 75% of all those asked.

m+a report Nr.6 / 2005 vom 23.09.2005
m+a report vom 23. September 2005