The general service contractor (GSC) is the company appointed to provide exclusive services for a meeting's trade show and exhibitors. The GSC is responsible for everything from the public space, meeting rooms, show floor, loading docks, including material handling (drayage), setup, storage, signage and graphics, furniture rental, labor, and in some cases, utilities and cleaning.

The GSC works closely with the trade show manager to coordinate show management requirements and exhibitor requirements throughout the conference and expo. The GSC in the association/ trade show world is the conduit through which both show management and the exhibitors partner from the start of the planning phase until the very end of the event.

Beginning with the initial planning, the GSC is responsible for:

• floor plan of facility £ service kit, which includes all order forms for services provided to exhibitors
• £ the look and feel of the show through design £ accompanying show management on all planning site visits
• working with the city's fire marshal to ensure there are no violations
• servicing all exhibitors for orders for electrical, furniture, labor, carpet, drapery, ID signs, etc.
• receiving advance freight prior to event
• receiving freight on show site
• providing labor to install and dismantle show floor
• all aisle sign hanging, directional banners - both inside and outside of facility
• electrical
• cleaning
• billing to exhibitors and show management
• general session design and set up
• poster sessions
• special services upon request
• registration setup 
• props for general areas, meeting rooms, and exhibit hall
• lounge areas on the show floor
• hardwall to be used to build offices and partitions
• on-site service desks
• coordination of special props or décor necessary to add interest to an event.

To keep in mind:

• The meeting manager may be able to negotiate significant discounts in many of the above areas, based upon the consideration of the cumulative value of the business and cost efficiencies that can be leveraged within the GSC.
• What is negotiated for show management may affect the prices that exhibitors pay.
• Some of the above services may be fulfilled by specialty contractors.
• If separating some line items, be sure to let the GSC know in advance to avoid setup costs for those services. 
• As with all contracts, make sure that the GSC under consideration has adequate insurance.

Excerpted with permission from Professional Meeting Management® Fifth Edition. For ordering information, visit www.kendallhunt.com/pcma.

Working With a General Service Contractor is sponsored by Champion Nationwide Contractor, http://www.champion-nationwide.com.