Top 5 things to consider when attending or exhibiting an event outside your home country
1. Logistics aren’t just bigger - they’re totally different
Shipping, customs, documentation, local regulations… it all varies country to country.
One missing form or delayed shipment can derail an entire show. Having a team of connections who know the landscape saves unnecessary stress (and unexpected costs).
2. Know the cultural differences
What works for a UK audience doesn’t always translate abroad. From stand design to messaging, to how meetings are arranged, small cultural nuances can make a huge difference to how your brand is received.
3. Local intelligence can make or break the experience
Working with unfamiliar builders or AV teams can be a gamble if you don’t know who you’re dealing with. This is where experience counts, trusted partners with local links mean smoother builds, better communication and fewer surprises onsite.
4. Budget differently
International shows have costs that aren’t always obvious at first glance, duties, storage, local labour rates, venue rules, on-site services, even power can be higher. Understanding the true cost early helps avoid those painful last-minute add-ons.
5. Follow-up is even more important
You may come home with a stack of contacts from a market you’re still learning. Following up quickly and in a way that acknowledges their market norms will massively influence your success rate.
Want to chat with us about these differences, and how we can support? Just get in touch.
Top 5 things to consider when attending or exhibiting an event outside your home country
1. Logistics aren’t just bigger - they’re totally different
Shipping, customs, documentation, local regulations… it all varies country to country.
One missing form or delayed shipment can derail an entire show. Having a team of connections who know the landscape saves unnecessary stress (and unexpected costs).
2. Know the cultural differences
What works for a UK audience doesn’t always translate abroad. From stand design to messaging, to how meetings are arranged, small cultural nuances can make a huge difference to how your brand is received.
3. Local intelligence can make or break the experience
Working with unfamiliar builders or AV teams can be a gamble if you don’t know who you’re dealing with. This is where experience counts, trusted partners with local links mean smoother builds, better communication and fewer surprises onsite.
4. Budget differently
International shows have costs that aren’t always obvious at first glance, duties, storage, local labour rates, venue rules, on-site services, even power can be higher. Understanding the true cost early helps avoid those painful last-minute add-ons.
5. Follow-up is even more important
You may come home with a stack of contacts from a market you’re still learning. Following up quickly and in a way that acknowledges their market norms will massively influence your success rate.
Want to chat with us about these differences, and how we can support? Just get in touch.
As we count down to midnight, we wanted to take a moment to raise a glass to the unsung heroes making this night magical... the hospitality workers! 🥂
From bartenders shaking cocktails and pulling pints, to wait staff keeping spirits high and things on track.
To the kitchen crew cooking up delicious meals for us to see out the year, and the cleaning teams keeping everything clean, safe, and tidy for us to enjoy.
And to all the other hospitality staff, and anyone else working this festive season.
They’re sacrificing their NYE so the rest of us can celebrate in style with family and friends🍾
So here’s to them! May your shifts be smooth, your tips generous, and your post-service party absolutely legendary! You deserve it 🙌
Thank you for making memories for all of us tonight. We see you, we appreciate you!
Happy New Year, everyone. Especially to Jack`s little niece Ava, who we have no doubt is the life and soul of the party right now.
As we count down to midnight, we wanted to take a moment to raise a glass to the unsung heroes making this night magical... the hospitality workers! 🥂
From bartenders shaking cocktails and pulling pints, to wait staff keeping spirits high and things on track.
To the kitchen crew cooking up delicious meals for us to see out the year, and the cleaning teams keeping everything clean, safe, and tidy for us to enjoy.
And to all the other hospitality staff, and anyone else working this festive season.
They’re sacrificing their NYE so the rest of us can celebrate in style with family and friends🍾
So here’s to them! May your shifts be smooth, your tips generous, and your post-service party absolutely legendary! You deserve it 🙌
Thank you for making memories for all of us tonight. We see you, we appreciate you!
Happy New Year, everyone. Especially to Jack`s little niece Ava, who we have no doubt is the life and soul of the party right now.
From all of us at Saward Marketing and Events, we’re wishing you a wonderful festive season! ✨🎄
We hope you’re spending it making memories, sharing laughs, and relaxing with loved ones… and probably not even reading this post because you’ve got better things to do! And that`s the way it should be.
Don’t worry about work! The emails, plans, and projects will all still be here when we return in January. For now, enjoy the magic of the season. 🎁
See you in the New Year, refreshed and ready to make 2026 our best yet!
From all of us at Saward Marketing and Events, we’re wishing you a wonderful festive season! ✨🎄
We hope you’re spending it making memories, sharing laughs, and relaxing with loved ones… and probably not even reading this post because you’ve got better things to do! And that`s the way it should be.
Don’t worry about work! The emails, plans, and projects will all still be here when we return in January. For now, enjoy the magic of the season. 🎁
See you in the New Year, refreshed and ready to make 2026 our best yet!
We all know people love snapping pics at events, but are you designing your spaces to make those photos work for your brand?
Today, Jack is sharing why creating intentional photo moments at your events isn’t just “nice to have”, it’s a brilliant opportunity to boost your brand, engage your audience, and make your event unforgettable!
Next time you plan an event or exhibition, think:
What will make people want to stop at my brand`s space?
What will make them want to photograph it and share that photo?
And what story do you want those photos to tell?
Want to make your next event experience #InstaWorthy for the #TikTokFam then get in touch with us.
We might not be on TikTok, but we know what makes a great photo or video moment.
We all know people love snapping pics at events, but are you designing your spaces to make those photos work for your brand?
Today, Jack is sharing why creating intentional photo moments at your events isn’t just “nice to have”, it’s a brilliant opportunity to boost your brand, engage your audience, and make your event unforgettable!
Next time you plan an event or exhibition, think:
What will make people want to stop at my brand`s space?
What will make them want to photograph it and share that photo?
And what story do you want those photos to tell?
Want to make your next event experience #InstaWorthy for the #TikTokFam then get in touch with us.
We might not be on TikTok, but we know what makes a great photo or video moment.
Data might not be the most exciting part of your event, but it’s one of the most critical.
Too often, event data slips under the radar.
It’s understandable given that there’s so much to think about - logistics, stand design, connecting with clients.
But if you’re not thinking about how your event performed, then how are you going to continue to create impactful events that leave a lasting impression in the future?
At Saward Marketing & Events, we help you put on a show that people will never forget.
And part of that process is looking beyond the show and reflecting on the details:
What worked?
What didn’t?
What happened after the show?
This kind of reflection is where the real opportunities are, and we’ll happily die on that hill.
It’s why we build data and post-event thinking into our process, because your ROI and ROO don`t end when the show does.
It’s these learnings that will make your next event even better.
So if you’re planning an exhibition and want support turning it into real business growth, the Saward team is here to help.
Get in touch with us today - https://saward-me.com/#contact
#EventROI #ExhibitionStrategy #MarketingData #TradeShowTips
Data might not be the most exciting part of your event, but it’s one of the most critical.
Too often, event data slips under the radar.
It’s understandable given that there’s so much to think about - logistics, stand design, connecting with clients.
But if you’re not thinking about how your event performed, then how are you going to continue to create impactful events that leave a lasting impression in the future?
At Saward Marketing & Events, we help you put on a show that people will never forget.
And part of that process is looking beyond the show and reflecting on the details:
What worked?
What didn’t?
What happened after the show?
This kind of reflection is where the real opportunities are, and we’ll happily die on that hill.
It’s why we build data and post-event thinking into our process, because your ROI and ROO don`t end when the show does.
It’s these learnings that will make your next event even better.
So if you’re planning an exhibition and want support turning it into real business growth, the Saward team is here to help.
Get in touch with us today - https://saward-me.com/#contact
#EventROI #ExhibitionStrategy #MarketingData #TradeShowTips
As we head into the Thanksgiving weekend, we’d like to extend our sincere appreciation to our clients, colleagues and industry partners. Your continued support and collaboration make all the difference as we continue to deliver fantastic event experiences.
Wishing you a restful break and an enjoyable weekend ahead.
#Thanksgiving #EventsIndustry #BusinessCommunity #ProfessionalCuddle
As we head into the Thanksgiving weekend, we’d like to extend our sincere appreciation to our clients, colleagues and industry partners. Your continued support and collaboration make all the difference as we continue to deliver fantastic event experiences.
Wishing you a restful break and an enjoyable weekend ahead.
#Thanksgiving #EventsIndustry #BusinessCommunity #ProfessionalCuddle
The unsung heroes of events: parking, cleaning, and first impressions team
We talk a lot about the “wow” moments in events, the big stands, the keynote speakers, the light shows.
But sometimes, it’s the bits that go unnoticed that make all the difference.
For us, the real heroes are often the ones at the edges of the show floor.
The car park stewards out in the rain at 5am.
The cleaners quietly keeping everything spotless.
The front-of-house teams who greet every guest with a smile (even when they’ve been on their feet for 10 hours).
They’re the first people your attendees meet, and sometimes, the last ones they see.
That first handshake, wave or friendly hello does more to set the tone than anything else.
We’ve all been to an event that looked great inside, but ended with chaos in the car park or a painfully slow exit.
You don’t remember the lighting design then, do you? You remember the frustration.
We`ve always said events are built on a thousand tiny details, most of which nobody ever notices unless they go wrong.
But those little things shape how people feel, and that’s what they take away.
So here’s to the teams behind the scenes, the ones who keep it clean, safe, organised, and welcoming.
You make the magic happen, even if most people never realise it.
Who are the unsung heroes you’d like to shout out from your last event? Let’s give them the credit they deserve.
#EventProfsUK #EventManagement #EventExperience #EventIndustry
The unsung heroes of events: parking, cleaning, and first impressions team
We talk a lot about the “wow” moments in events, the big stands, the keynote speakers, the light shows.
But sometimes, it’s the bits that go unnoticed that make all the difference.
For us, the real heroes are often the ones at the edges of the show floor.
The car park stewards out in the rain at 5am.
The cleaners quietly keeping everything spotless.
The front-of-house teams who greet every guest with a smile (even when they’ve been on their feet for 10 hours).
They’re the first people your attendees meet, and sometimes, the last ones they see.
That first handshake, wave or friendly hello does more to set the tone than anything else.
We’ve all been to an event that looked great inside, but ended with chaos in the car park or a painfully slow exit.
You don’t remember the lighting design then, do you? You remember the frustration.
We`ve always said events are built on a thousand tiny details, most of which nobody ever notices unless they go wrong.
But those little things shape how people feel, and that’s what they take away.
So here’s to the teams behind the scenes, the ones who keep it clean, safe, organised, and welcoming.
You make the magic happen, even if most people never realise it.
Who are the unsung heroes you’d like to shout out from your last event? Let’s give them the credit they deserve.
#EventProfsUK #EventManagement #EventExperience #EventIndustry
Let’s talk about island stands for a minute. They look great. They make an impact. They can own a hall when done right. But here’s the catch:
They don’t work without the right people 👯
We’ve seen so many island stands that look incredible… and then sit empty because no one’s thought about how to staff them properly.
The more open space you have, the more proactive your team needs to be.
There’s nowhere to hide, no back wall to lean on, and no funnel to naturally draw people in.
Every direction is a front. Every visitor is a potential conversation.
So if you’re investing in an island stand, make sure you’re also investing in:
• Enough people to cover all angles and time slots.
• The right personalities! Proactive, confident, approachable.
• A clear plan for how you want to engage visitors from every side.
Otherwise, you risk creating a beautiful, expensive space that people admire from afar… but never actually step into.
At the end of the day, design attracts, but people convert.
If you’re unsure whether an island stand is the right fit for your brand or your team, drop us a message.
We can talk through what will actually work for your goals (and your budget).
#ExhibitionTips #EventStrategy #BrandExperience #EventProfsUK #ExhibitionDesign
Let’s talk about island stands for a minute. They look great. They make an impact. They can own a hall when done right. But here’s the catch:
They don’t work without the right people 👯
We’ve seen so many island stands that look incredible… and then sit empty because no one’s thought about how to staff them properly.
The more open space you have, the more proactive your team needs to be.
There’s nowhere to hide, no back wall to lean on, and no funnel to naturally draw people in.
Every direction is a front. Every visitor is a potential conversation.
So if you’re investing in an island stand, make sure you’re also investing in:
• Enough people to cover all angles and time slots.
• The right personalities! Proactive, confident, approachable.
• A clear plan for how you want to engage visitors from every side.
Otherwise, you risk creating a beautiful, expensive space that people admire from afar… but never actually step into.
At the end of the day, design attracts, but people convert.
If you’re unsure whether an island stand is the right fit for your brand or your team, drop us a message.
We can talk through what will actually work for your goals (and your budget).
#ExhibitionTips #EventStrategy #BrandExperience #EventProfsUK #ExhibitionDesign
What an incredible few days at @eventbuyerslive 🙌🏻
Our Managing Director, Jack Saward, represented Saward Marketing & Events, joining three days full of inspiration, energy, and brilliant people who make this industry what it is.
We’re proud that Jack was part of the #PinkClub again this year, a fantastic group of ambassadors helping others connect, collaborate, and celebrate the best of our industry. 💖
A huge thank you to everyone who made the event so special. He’s back in the office today and come away inspired, grateful, and proud to be part of such an amazing community. He also seems very tired!
Until next year, #EBL25 ✨
#EventsIndustry #ProfessionalCuddle #WeCreateExperiences #eventprofs
What an incredible few days at @eventbuyerslive 🙌🏻
Our Managing Director, Jack Saward, represented Saward Marketing & Events, joining three days full of inspiration, energy, and brilliant people who make this industry what it is.
We’re proud that Jack was part of the #PinkClub again this year, a fantastic group of ambassadors helping others connect, collaborate, and celebrate the best of our industry. 💖
A huge thank you to everyone who made the event so special. He’s back in the office today and come away inspired, grateful, and proud to be part of such an amazing community. He also seems very tired!
Until next year, #EBL25 ✨
#EventsIndustry #ProfessionalCuddle #WeCreateExperiences #eventprofs
We often get asked: What’s the secret to a successful exhibition?
The reality is, there isn`t one.
Exhibitions work like machines, with hundreds of moving parts that need to fall into place at the right time.
But over the years, we’ve noticed a few things that consistently make the difference between a good exhibition and a great one.
Here are five top tips the Saward team swear by:
1. Start with the ‘why’ - Be clear on your objectives. Why are you doing it? What do you want people to take away?
2. Nail the logistics - Think about the who, what, where and when. The best creative ideas come once you’ve set a solid foundation.
3. Design with purpose - Every detail should reinforce your brand, your message and the experience you want to create.
4. Manage the energy - When your team’s energy is balanced and positive, your attendees will feel it too.
5. Keep the momentum going – Just because the event’s ended, doesn’t mean the conversation should. The follow-up is where the real impact happens.
Of course, every exhibition is different, but follow these top tips and success might have a funny way of following...
Get in touch to find out how we can bring your exhibition to life.
#EventProfsUK #ExhibitionDelivery
We often get asked: What’s the secret to a successful exhibition?
The reality is, there isn`t one.
Exhibitions work like machines, with hundreds of moving parts that need to fall into place at the right time.
But over the years, we’ve noticed a few things that consistently make the difference between a good exhibition and a great one.
Here are five top tips the Saward team swear by:
1. Start with the ‘why’ - Be clear on your objectives. Why are you doing it? What do you want people to take away?
2. Nail the logistics - Think about the who, what, where and when. The best creative ideas come once you’ve set a solid foundation.
3. Design with purpose - Every detail should reinforce your brand, your message and the experience you want to create.
4. Manage the energy - When your team’s energy is balanced and positive, your attendees will feel it too.
5. Keep the momentum going – Just because the event’s ended, doesn’t mean the conversation should. The follow-up is where the real impact happens.
Of course, every exhibition is different, but follow these top tips and success might have a funny way of following...
Get in touch to find out how we can bring your exhibition to life.
#EventProfsUK #ExhibitionDelivery
October! For us it`s been the month of miles, meetings, and momentum.
While our team is out busy delivering events, October also tends to be one of our most outward-facing months of the year.
It’s full of client meetings, paperwork deadlines, proposal writing, and a fair few miles on the road (and rail) to keep those all-important connections alive.
In just one week alone, we confirmed six new events for 2026, with more conversations in the diary and proposals already underway.
It’s been brilliant catching up with familiar faces, as well as finalising details with clients overseas.
What makes us proud is how many of these projects are with returning clients. Brands that trust us year after year because they see us as part of their own team. That’s exactly what we’ve always set out to achieve at Saward Marketing & Events: long-term partnerships built on trust, care, and results.
And you know what`s just as rewarding? The new projects coming through recommendations, from existing partners, people moving into new roles, and peers who’ve seen what we deliver and want that same support for their own events.
Yes, October has been busy. But that`s exactly how we like it. How`s yours been?
#EventProfsUK #EventStrategy #ExhibitionExperts #EventManagement
October! For us it`s been the month of miles, meetings, and momentum.
While our team is out busy delivering events, October also tends to be one of our most outward-facing months of the year.
It’s full of client meetings, paperwork deadlines, proposal writing, and a fair few miles on the road (and rail) to keep those all-important connections alive.
In just one week alone, we confirmed six new events for 2026, with more conversations in the diary and proposals already underway.
It’s been brilliant catching up with familiar faces, as well as finalising details with clients overseas.
What makes us proud is how many of these projects are with returning clients. Brands that trust us year after year because they see us as part of their own team. That’s exactly what we’ve always set out to achieve at Saward Marketing & Events: long-term partnerships built on trust, care, and results.
And you know what`s just as rewarding? The new projects coming through recommendations, from existing partners, people moving into new roles, and peers who’ve seen what we deliver and want that same support for their own events.
Yes, October has been busy. But that`s exactly how we like it. How`s yours been?
#EventProfsUK #EventStrategy #ExhibitionExperts #EventManagement
NDAs come with the territory in our world of events.
It means we can’t always share the photos, name-drops, or behind-the-scenes stories of some of the projects we`re most proud of.
But here’s what we can say...
We`re grateful for the trust that some of the world’s biggest and best brands place in us to deliver quietly, strategically, and well.
Sometimes that means us being front and centre. Other times, it means blending into the background as an extension of their team.
Either way, the measure of success isn’t how loudly we shout about it, it’s in the relationships built, the problems solved, and the events that just… work.
Not every project makes it to LinkedIn, but that doesn’t make them any less meaningful. In fact, those are often the ones that stay with me the longest.
Do my fellow NDAers agree?
#EventProfsUK #ExhibitionDelivery
NDAs come with the territory in our world of events.
It means we can’t always share the photos, name-drops, or behind-the-scenes stories of some of the projects we`re most proud of.
But here’s what we can say...
We`re grateful for the trust that some of the world’s biggest and best brands place in us to deliver quietly, strategically, and well.
Sometimes that means us being front and centre. Other times, it means blending into the background as an extension of their team.
Either way, the measure of success isn’t how loudly we shout about it, it’s in the relationships built, the problems solved, and the events that just… work.
Not every project makes it to LinkedIn, but that doesn’t make them any less meaningful. In fact, those are often the ones that stay with me the longest.
Do my fellow NDAers agree?
#EventProfsUK #ExhibitionDelivery
Stepping outside your home market to attend or exhibit at an international event can open doors to new audiences, partnerships and opportunities. However, global events come with complexities that look […]
When brands think about exhibiting in the UK, scale often comes to mind first. Bigger halls, bigger stands, bigger audiences. But while size matters, success at an exhibition is about […]
Event success in 2026 isn’t going to be about the size of your stand. It’s about what you do before anyone sets foot in the hall. If we’re being honest […]
