Exhibition stands represent a significant investment in design, fabrication, materials and logistics. They are also exposed to risks during transport, bump-in, the show itself, and bump-out that would not apply in a normal storage or office environment. Understanding what insurance coverage applies to your stand, and what gaps exist, protects that investment.
Why Exhibition Stand Insurance Matters
Consider what can go wrong at a trade show. Freight damage in transit. A forklift accident during bump-in. A visitor tripping over a cable on your stand. Stand components damaged during a neighbouring exhibitor’s bump-out. A structural failure caused by an unexpected impact.
Any of these events can result in a financial loss ranging from the cost of a replacement graphic panel to the full value of a custom stand structure. Without appropriate insurance, these losses fall entirely on the exhibitor.
Types of Insurance Relevant to Exhibitors
Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance is required by most Australian trade show venues and event organisers. It covers your legal liability if a visitor, another exhibitor, or a venue staff member is injured at or around your stand, or if your stand causes property damage to a third party.
The standard minimum public liability requirement at Australian trade shows is typically $20 million. Some major venues require $20 million or higher. Check the event exhibitor manual for the specific requirement. This insurance is usually held by your business under its general commercial insurance policy.
Exhibition Stand Property Insurance
Your exhibition stand components are business property. Most business insurance policies include some property coverage, but the terms vary significantly. Key questions to verify with your insurer include: is the stand covered while in transit to and from events? Is it covered while on site at the venue? What is the excess for a claim?
Standard business property policies often have exclusions or limitations that apply to property away from your business premises or in transit. A specialist inland transit insurance endorsement may be required to ensure coverage during freight.
Event Cancellation Insurance
If an event is cancelled due to a circumstance outside the exhibitor’s control, the costs already incurred (stand production, freight, staff travel, accommodation) may not be recoverable without event cancellation insurance. This became particularly relevant during the 2020-2021 period and many Australian exhibitors now include it as a standard precaution.
Product Liability Insurance
If you are displaying or sampling products at a trade show and a visitor is harmed by a product, product liability insurance covers your legal exposure. This is particularly important for food and beverage exhibitors, medical device companies, and anyone demonstrating powered equipment.
What Your Exhibition Stand Builder’s Insurance Covers
Your exhibition stand builder should hold their own public liability and workers compensation insurance covering their activities during fabrication, delivery, bump-in and bump-out. Ask your builder for a certificate of currency confirming their coverage before they commence work.
The builder’s insurance covers their liability for their own negligence. It does not cover the exhibitor’s own liability or the exhibitor’s property.
What Typically Is Not Covered
Standard event and business insurance does not automatically cover: theft of product or promotional materials from your stand during the show, loss of business due to poor show performance, damage to your own stand caused by your own staff, or costs resulting from failure to comply with venue regulations.
Practical Steps Before Every Exhibition
Notify your insurer before major events, particularly for high-value stand builds. Confirm that your public liability insurance meets the event organiser’s minimum requirement. Document the value of your stand and its components for property insurance purposes. Photograph your stand components before transport for evidence purposes. Obtain certificates of currency from your stand builder and any contractors working on your stand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public liability insurance mandatory for exhibiting in Australia?
Yes, at virtually all commercial trade shows and exhibitions. The event organiser will require evidence of public liability insurance before confirming your participation. The minimum requirement is typically $10-20 million.
Does my business insurance cover my exhibition stand?
Possibly, but not necessarily in all scenarios. Review your policy for transit coverage, away-from-premises coverage, and applicable exclusions. Speak to your broker if you are unsure.
What happens if my stand is damaged by another exhibitor?
You would typically claim against the party responsible (the other exhibitor or their contractor) via their public liability insurance. This process can be slow. Having your own property insurance accelerates recovery while the liability question is resolved.
Should I get event cancellation insurance?
For major events where your total exhibition investment (stand production, logistics, staff travel) is significant, event cancellation insurance is worth considering. Premiums are relatively modest compared to the potential loss.
How do I prove the value of my exhibition stand for insurance purposes?
Retain your builder’s invoices and any insurance valuations. Photograph stand components. A detailed inventory of components with replacement values is useful for both insurance and customs purposes if exhibiting internationally.
Does Brij & Co hold public liability insurance?
Yes. Brij & Co holds current public liability insurance and can provide certificates of currency on request. All our staff working at exhibition venues are covered under our workers compensation policy. Contact Brij & Co
Exhibit With Confidence
Protecting your exhibition investment with appropriate insurance is a straightforward risk management step. Brij & Co can advise on the insurance requirements of specific events and venues as part of our client service.