European exhibitors arriving in the U.S. are caught out by costs they’ve never had to budget for. American exhibitors coming to Europe are surprised by how common rental systems are, how differently installation is handled, and how easily stands move between countries. Chicago, for instance, has well-established union protocols — where material handling, electrical work, and rigging are managed by union labor not exhibitors — and understanding those requirements early helps exhibitors budget and schedule accurately. Photo: T3 SystemsThe Stand Is the Smaller NumberMany first-time international exhibitors anchor their budget to the stand and the floor space. Flooring is a good example — carpet bought through a U.S. general service contractor can cost far more than European exhibitors expect.