When you think of The Trade Group, the first thing that comes to mind may be, “Gee, those guys really know how to build great trade show exhibits.” While, that may be true, what you may NOT know is that we have also built a great reputation as a go-to resource to help plan and manage live events, esports tournaments and trade shows as a general services contractor.

Like many of the services The Trade Group offers, we grew our expertise as a general services contractor over time. That happens when you’ve been in business for over three decades and your clients ask you to help with this and that because they know you’ll find a way to get things done.

Why have clients turned to TTG for general services contractor services?

While we haven’t screamed it from the rooftop until now, The Trade Group has officially acted in full-services general services contractor roles since 2016. Leading up to that time and beyond, our team of live event experts has been able to prove that we are the go-to for show management – especially in the esports world. Check out the following case studies for details:

• DreamHack Austin (To date: TTG has served as GSC for six DreamHack events to date in multiple cities.)
• Evo Championship Series (To date: TTG served as GSC for Evo for the past two years.)
• Pokémon World and International Championships
• OP Live Dallas

With more than 30 years in the trade show and event industry, The Trade Group has developed a wealth of knowledge and unlimited capabilities that enable us to produce complex and high-end events. Today, we have an in-depth understanding of what it takes to put on successful live events, gaming competitions and esports tournaments – from production and planning to implementation and execution.

What does a general services contractor actually do at trade shows, live events and esports competitions?

There are a number of services and solutions a general services contractor (GSC) can provide event organizers – before, during and after an event. An experienced GSC like TTG can:

1) Guide you through the event planning process.

Whether you’re launching an esports competition for the first time or looking to revitalize an existing trade show, we can show you how. Our team will walk you step-by-step through the planning process, budgeting, time tables, Exhibitor communications, event production, logistics, labor, structural design and fabrication, vendor arrangements and more (additional deets below).

2) Assist in venue selection and communication.

The Trade Group has collaborated with event venues in nearly every major city in the U.S., as well as internationally. We can help you determine which venue meets your needs regarding capacity, services, amenities and budget. Looking for an out-of-the-box space for your event? We’d love to help you find it.

Learn more about TTG’s international trade show and event services here.

3) Take the burden of exhibitor services off your shoulders.

Whether you need help getting the word out about your trade show, managing exhibitor sign-ups or facilitating exhibitor needs from start to finish, we can help. TTG’s key exhibitor services include:

• Create and distribute exhibitor kits.
• Manage incoming exhibitor orders via online portal.
• Communicate with venue regarding exhibitor orders.
• Coordinate with outside vendors on behalf of exhibitors as needed (i.e., A/V equipment, entertainment, lighting, staging, wired and Wi-Fi services, etc.).
• Manage delivery of exhibit materials to ensure exhibitors receive all items they ordered.
• Serve as point of contact for exhibitors before, during and after the event.
• Oversee and manage exhibitor move in, move out and coordination of outbound shipments and more (see below).

4) Handle logistics duties including advanced staging and dock and freight management.

Busy venues often schedule events back to back, leaving a short window to set up the event, get exhibitors in and move exhibitors out. Our logistics team can arrange for advance warehouse space and trucks to transport exhibitor assets to and from the show. Our team can also manage the dock to ensure freight moves in and out smoothly.

5) Schedule and manage labor according to city and venue requirements.

Our team has worked with labor unions and organizations across the U.S. We can help you navigate local regulations and manage scheduling of labor crews related to show management and exhibitor I&D. Understanding the intricacies of labor management and working with trusted suppliers is essential if you want to keep labor costs in check.

6) Provide onsite staff to help ensure your event runs as smooth as possible.

When you hire TTG as your GSC, we send along a team of event services specialists to monitor all stages of the event’s progression. You’ll also have a main point of contact who will oversee the entire event and triage special requests and resolve issues should they arise.

7) Prepare the trade show floor for exhibitor move in.

Ever wonder how the exhibit hall transforms from a wide-open space to a neatly divided exhibit hall? As GSC, TTG builds out the floor plan by blocking out the individual spaces with tape and/or chalk and installing pipe and drapes to divide the spaces from the floor up. We then coordinate with labor to fulfill exhibitor requests for electrical, plumbing, rigging, exhibit installation and janitorial needs.

8) Oversee exhibitor move out, as well as dismantle and cleaning of show floor post-show.

Along with scheduling labor for exhibitor tear downs and facilitating outbound shipments, it’s the GSC’s responsibility to ensure the show floor is clean and ready for the next event. Our team coordinates with labor to remove pipe, drapes, electrical, rigging, etc., as well as outside vendors who have provided equipment for the show. We also schedule and oversee janitorial services for clean up.

Want to learn more about TTG’s GSC service offerings?

Contact us. We’d love learn more about your trade show, esports competition or corporate event. Just give us a call at 800-343-2005 to speak with a live event specialist today.

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