Revised 5/2025

HRI 230 - Exhibition Management (3 CR.)

Course Description

Studies the management of trade shows and expositions. Addresses the basic structure of exhibit organizations, attendee and exhibitor needs, purposes and types of shows, facilities, promotion, trends and employment opportunities. Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to provide the student with the basic knowledge of trade show and exposition management. The various elements required to produce trade shows and expositions will be reviewed in depth.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

None.

Course Objectives

 Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

• Explain the difference between trade shows and expositions.
• Analyze the role of trade shows and exhibitions as a marketing mix used by organizations.
• Analyze the motivation and attitudes of prospective attendees through marketing strategies.
• Evaluate the elements which go into site selection.
• Analyze the content of exhibit space contracts and show rules and regulations.
• Describe exhibit space allocation systems and floor plan layout designs.
• Define the importance of show directories.
• Explain the elements of exhibit space sales and brochures.
• Recognize the roles of different service providers.
• Identify site security requirements.
• Describe post show evaluation and analysis techniques.

Major Topics to Be Included

• Venues and site selection
• Convention Visitors Bureau
• Marketing mix and competitive analysis
• Show planning
• Exhibit sponsorship and sales
• Exhibitor prospectus
• Onsite operations and staffing
• Contractors and general services
• Legal and risk management
• Evaluation