The eGuide is a landmark online resource providing invaluable guidance for anyone working in venues in the UK.
The 
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.
UPDATE: March 2026 - New section inclusion:
Safeguarding
We acknowledge AEV Safeguarding partner X2Consult for their assistance in its creation.
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
Become an eGuide adoptee
The is currently adopted by 16 UK member venues. By referencing the within contracts, these venues encourage organisers to follow industry agreed guidance.
Venues that have formally adopted this guidance can demonstrate their ongoing commitment by displaying the 2026 Adoptee Logo.
It’s an easy process to become an adoptee. Just confirm in writing that you adhere to this commitment and you will receive a copy of the adoptee logo for use across your marketing materials, website and email signatures enabling your venue to clearly communicate its commitment to industry best practice.
In line with this, your venue will be asked to represent on the working group, which meets twice a year to review and update the content, ensuring relevance.
If you are an AEV member and interested in adopting the , we ask you to review the full document to familiarise yourself with its content.
A reminder: an agreement to follow the guidelines should be referenced in tenancy contracts.
Contact Alden Arnold for more information: alden@aev.org.uk - and if you would like to explore becoming an adoptee.
Competency
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:
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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