Exhibition designer: Employers and vacancy sources

There are relatively few exhibition/display designers, but the number of design companies, including exhibition design, is increasing across the UK. Whilst some companies do concentrate solely on exhibition design, you are more likely to find broader design and marketing companies that cover this of area of design under a wider umbrella. There are also a few companies that offer a full design and build service. Further details about exhibition design consultants are available from the Directory of Design Consultants  and Design Week . There are generally more openings and opportunities in the larger companies.

The Design Council  provides examples of some of the largest exhibition and display design businesses. Whilst the list is not exhaustive or intended as a recommendation, you can get a good idea of the work and current projects of exhibition and display design companies by checking out the websites of the companies listed.

There is a reasonable market for freelance exhibition designers, but it is essential to gain experience and build your portfolio and network of contacts before embarking on a freelance career.

Employment prospects are good, particularly for graduates qualified in exhibition design, since courses generally have close and long-established links with the commercial exhibitions industry.

For more information see Exhibition News  and Trade Fairs and Exhibitions UK .

Sources of vacancies

The majority of exhibition design companies advertise online, either via recruitment agencies or on their own websites. For speculative applications, use employer directories such as:

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• Association of Event Organisers (AEO)   
• Directory of Design Consultants  
• Marketing and Creative Handbook  

For current vacancies see:

• Careers in Design   
• Creativepool  
• Design Week   
• Museums Association (MA)  
• Museum Jobs  
• Guardian Jobs  

You may find the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC)  helpful in identifying specialist agencies that handle exhibition design vacancies.

Get tips on job hunting, CVs and cover letters and interviews.