The eGuide is a landmark online resource providing invaluable guidance for anyone working in venues in the UK.
The 
is a landmark online resource providing invaluable guidance for anyone working in venues in the UK.
It is an event industry-specific guide and an essential resource for UK venue, organiser, exhibitor and supplier companies.
The 2025 edition release features 13 reviewed (and where applicable) updated sections plus 1 new section: Dangerous Exhibits.
To come in December 2025 - two new sections:
- Safeguarding and Child Protection
- Medical Provision sections.
A 'Reviewed' section may not result in any amendments. To view where amends have been made, review the marked up version.
Download your eGuide - marked up copy
Download your eGuide - clean copy
Don't forget to utilise our standardised forms.
If you have any questions regarding specific content or have any suggestions feel free to contact the team via eguide@aev.org.uk
eGuide adoptee
The is currently adopted by 16 venues, who meet twice a year to keep the guidance up-to-date.
If you are an AEV member interested in adopting the , we ask you to read through the entire document to familiarise yourself with the content and contact us on 01442 285811 or info@aev.org.uk.
Once approved, you will receive a copy of the Adoptee logo for your use in marketing collateral, website and email signatures.
You can download the following sections in isolation:
Compentency
Exhibitors play an essential role in creating a safe and enjoyable event. As you prepare for the exhibition, it’s important to take a moment to check that any contractors you are considering hiring are competent and capable to do the job safely. Choosing a contractor with a proven track record of skills, knowledge and experience is not only good business sense and a legal requirement under the CDM regulations, it will help your exhibiting experience be less stressful and more successful.
Knowing what to ask and what to check may seem daunting at first but there is help out there, you can do it yourself with the help of HSE guidance or utilise the services of H&S accreditation schemes such as those under the SSIP scheme or the exhibition industries own ESSA H&S Accreditation.
Engaging in conversations with contractors about their health and safety competence not only ensures you’re working with the best but also contributes to raising standards and fostering a positive environment for everyone at the exhibition.
You can find more information and guidance relating to the CDM regulations and the exhibition industry on the CDM 4 Events website. - https://www.cdm4events.org.uk/
Further support can be gained via our sister association ESSA:
YouTube video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bstujeJEG78 (See 43 seconds to 1:30)
Selecting your supplier (aimed at exhibitors) - https://www.essa.uk.com/images/Accreditation/OrgPack/Exhibitor_-_Use_an_Accredited_Member.pdf
Organisers - https://www.essa.uk.com/images/Accreditation/OrgPack/What_is_the_ESSA_Accreditation_-_Orgs.pdf
CDM resources - https://www.essa.uk.com/resources/cdm-resources
CDM Online training course (includes a bit on competency)- https://essauk.thinkific.com/courses/the-construction-design-management-regulations1
Standardised forms
The following forms have been reviewed and agreed by the eGuide sub-committee.
Whilst these are current versions, the forms will change over time as practices evolve. We will of course make that known.
You can add your venue logo to brand the forms.
The forms:
- Checklist for Food Exhibitors/External Caterers
- Drone Safety Checklist
- Electrical Test Form
- Hoist & Third Party Rigging Order Form
- Hot Works Permit
- On-Site Hoist & Fix Third Party Rigging Sign-Off
- Pre-Open Checklist
- Shell Scheme Construction Confirmation
- Temporary Demountable Seating
- Use of Compressed Gas
- Use of Laser, Pyrotechnics or Flame Effects
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