Margaret Reeves, managing director of RefTech responds to Julian Agostini’s blog, Feeding off events without giving back?
I read the recent Exhibition News article, “Feeding off events without giving back,” and it made me reflect on the language we use to describe the relationship between organisers and suppliers.
Words matter. And while I understand the frustration that may have prompted that headline, I believe we have a better story to tell – one rooted not in blame, but in partnership. Because this industry doesn’t thrive on division. It thrives when we work together.
As someone who has spent many years working in the events industry, I completely understand the pressure organisers face. You carry the creative vision, the visitor experience, the commercial responsibility. It’s your show, your audience, your reputation on the line.
But like any great stage production, what the audience sees is just the tip of the iceberg. Behind the scenes is a skilled and committed team – the lighting crew, the sound techs, the stage managers etc who work quietly and tirelessly to support the performance and help it shine. That’s where companies like RefTech sit. We’re your backstage crew. We don’t want the spotlight, but we do want to help you succeed.
And yes, our business wouldn’t exist without organisers. We know that. But equally, organiser roles would be far, far harder without the support, expertise and innovation that good specialist suppliers bring to the table.
At RefTech, we invest thousands every year into tools, technology and infrastructure that make your events easier to run and smoother for your delegates to attend. We develop intuitive, flexible systems that reduce queues, protect data, enable better lead capture, and streamline operations. We even take the time to educate clients on data safety and compliance, because your visitors’ trust matters as much to us as it does to you.
We work hard behind the scenes to ensure the event runs without a hitch, whether that’s by achieving ISO 27001 accreditation for data security, contributing to industry development through ESSA membership, or being present at trade fairs to share insight and listen to feedback.
Good suppliers are the ones who don’t just feed off events, but feed into them – those who invest in their own businesses to better support yours. We don’t succeed despite organisers; we succeed with them.
Every industry has its rogue players; the ones who don’t work in unison, so I encourage them to look up and out at the whole industry because the supplier–organiser relationship works best when it’s rooted in respect, partnership, and shared purpose. In a healthy, functioning industry, that choice naturally rewards the suppliers who deliver real value. The ones who listen. The ones who care. The ones who feed into the event, not just benefit from it.
So rather than asking who gives and who takes, maybe the real question is: how do we all work better together? How do we strengthen the relationships that underpin great events?
Because when organisers and suppliers trust each other, when they build long-term partnerships based on respect and shared ambition, then everyone benefits. Visitors notice. Exhibitors return. Events grow stronger. And that is better for all of us.
Let’s keep building an industry that thrives, together.
The post ‘Feeding off’ or ‘Feeding into?’ A supplier’s perspective appeared first on Exhibition News | The trade for shows..