This course is ideal for those who are new to the trade show industry, from beginners to those with up to three years of experience. It’s also designed for those considering a career in this industry. It is tailored specifically for individuals on the supplier side of the industry, including those working at:

• exhibit houses
• agencies
• labor companies
• general contractors
• suppliers
• rental companies
• graphic design & production firms
• students / interns

Gain practical skills you can immediately apply in the real-world of trade shows, helping you navigate the industry with confidence from day one!

Get a clear introduction to the trade show world – learn what trade shows are, why they matter, and how they fit into the larger business world.

Understand how trade shows are put together by exploring how shows work, how exhibits are designed, produced, and managed behind the scenes.

Discover the different jobs and companies involved in making a trade show happen, so you can see where your role fits into the overall picture.

Learn the basics of on-site logistics like show services, material handling, and working with unions and other service providers – helping you feel confident in the trade show environment.

This course is $499.00 per person. This includes online access to supplemental resources, the competency quiz, and certificate of completion. Discounts are available for students as well as members of specific industry associations. 

Yes, upon passing an online exam, you will earn a Certificate of Completion from Global Exhibitor - demonstrating a basic understanding of the industry.

Yes! By joining one of the Exhibitions and Events Workforce Development Federation’s Department of Labor - Registered Apprenticeship Programs, you can earn competency credits upon successfully passing the course quiz

The course is presented on two days, back to back. It starts at 8:30am and runs until 12:00pm, with some brief breaks. This is a total of (7) hours of in-person training & interaction with a world-class teacher and industry leader (3.5 hours on day 1 and day 2).

Many companies allocate budgets and resources specifically for employee training and personal development plans. We encourage employers in the industry to pay for their employees to take this course, as it will be very beneficial in the long run for the company and the individual. Seek input from your manager or human resources department. Discounts are available to companies or individuals who are members of certain industry associations.

The Trade Show Basics course is being offered in different cities / regions around the USA on a rotating basis. It will be offered at least once per year in each of these locations. It is offered twice annually in select regions.

Jeff Hannah, Founder & President of Global Exhibitor, is an expert in the global trade show industry. He podcasts, consults, writes, and speaks about cultures, trade shows, and XP. Having founded companies in the UK, UAE and the USA, he has produced branded environments and experiences in over 50 countries for many of the world's top brands. He hosts The Global Exhibitor Podcast, and blogs at www.globalexhibitor.com. Hannah holds a BS in Industrial Design from Georgia Institute of Technology.

The growing knowledge gap between supplier-side personnel and client-side personnel demands urgent attention and strategic intervention. While strides have been made in training programs for client-side professionals (such as CTSM), the neglect of employee training and development on the supplier side has become a critical issue that requires immediate redress. Jeff Hannah explains this in more detail in a recent article in Exhibit City News. 

The course is currently given in English only, but may be given in other languages in the future.

This course is endorsed by:

• The Exhibitions and Events Workforce Development Federation

This course is very specific to the trade show industry and has very practical application. The topics covered can immediately apply to the real-world of trade shows - and events, helping you navigate the industry with confidence.