Leaders of the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) and labor unions will hold a summit on June 24^th to discuss productivity in the trade show industry. This will be a follow-up meeting from one held in April of this year. They are seeking ways for contractors and unions representing show floor workers to work together to enhance the value of exhibitions in light of today’s economic challenges.

Citing the failure of the auto industry as an example, ESCA leaders stressed the importance of preparing for a continued economic downturn by coming up with solutions and flexibility rather than waiting it out and then returning to business as usual. The trade show industry must do everything necessary to ensure exhibitions remain viable during this time.

Larry Arnaudet, executive director of ESCA, suggested labor make its own sacrifices even as contractors have by taking steps to keep their costs under control. Unions should consider easing work rules and using a realistic approach to negotiating compensation and benefits. The main focus for all should be the preservation of participation in exhibits so that as the economy recovers exhibitors will be more apt to return.

ESCA board member Bob Lessin suggested that this might be a good opportunity to find ways to increase productivity through analysis and improved formal training of the workforce.

This economic downturn is forcing every industry to examine what they do and how they do it and the trade show industry is no exception. Hopefully, the ultimate outcome of change will be a better overall industry for the future.