Noel Reeves, Board Member of ESSA and CEO at Rocket Exhibition Services, explains why the issue of design theft needs more awareness and how we can collectively confront this growing issue.

Not hearing back on a proposed design you have provided for a client never feels good, but have you ever felt what it’s like to see that very same design used without your permission months later?

This happened to me earlier this year – and I’m not alone.  Hundreds of incredible event businesses that design stands and the like for exhibitions have had their designs used without permission or payment in recent years, and it’s something that largely goes unchallenged.

Part of the problem lies in our industry’s approach to design work. We produce designs for clients to specific specifications with no financial commitment from clients, which is unheard of in other industries. You wouldn’t be able to hire out an architect or interior designer to visit your home and complete an assessment, so why do we allow it to be so different in our own industry?

To shift this culture, we need to start looking at collective commitment, having honest conversations with everyone in the supply chain, and above all, provide education for clients on the true cost and value of design.

It’s why trade associations such as ESSA focus on education and guidance, helping educate people better and provide guidance and best practices. The ‘Design Matters’ campaign, for example, is something that is embedded into ESSA’s code of conduct, and through collaboration with Anti Copying In Design (ACID), has helped hundreds of ESSA members better protect their designs and navigate situations where this is challenged.

If the events community wants to protect creativity, encourage innovation and build a fairer, more sustainable future, everyone — clients, contractors, industry bodies — must step up and play their part. That starts with speaking up, setting clear boundaries and refusing to stay quiet when creativity is stolen without credit.

Published in the September issues of Hospitality & Events North Magazine