Top Five Reasons I Hate Being An Exhibit Installer

Frustration

Being an installer can be one of the most frustrating jobs in the world.  There are so many variables that come into play in bringing an exhibit to life.  You don't just rely on yourself.  In many cases you are on a team with people you have never met, in a city that you don't know very well.  Labour can be shoddy, shipping can be shifty and equipment can break down.  Talk about frustration!

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Difficult People

I don't know if any industry has as many difficult people as in the exhibits industry.  Clients can be extraordinarily fussy about what they want.  With deadlines for the exhibit being installed they, "want it done now."  There is no arguing.  Managers can be rough, coworkers can be tough and when a salespersons commission is on the line you often bear the brunt of their vexation.  When something goes wrong the first person to feel the heat is the person standing next to the problem, which is often the installer.

Lack of Sleep

If you are an exhibit installer and you need your beauty sleep, get another job.  There are times during the year when you live in the shop, on the trade show floor or in your truck.

Not in Control of the Project

One of the things I hate about being an installer is the fact that an installer is all that I am.  In most cases we are proud of the work we do but sometimes... We are just exhibit installers.  Even if we don't agree with what was designed or the way it was built, the exhibit has to be installed.  We are the last link in the chain of success no matter how much we have been involved in the development of the project.

Uncertain Industry

One of the problems with being an installer is you are in a business that is very uncertain.  Companies jump from exhibit houses, clients cancel participation in shows and economies face downturns.  For years you may do a certain show for a client and then they are bought out by a competitor and you are out of a job.  I guess if I wanted certainty though, I would get a job working for the government in Washington, they always get paid.

Anything frustrate you about being an Installer?  In your years in the business what have you seen?  What is frustrating you about this business?