Page 7 - The Outdoor Showman April - June 2025

Supporting your Show Delegate
How members can help make every event a success
Professionalism in Practice:
Supporting Delegates the Right
Way at Agricultural Shows
Delegates are more than just the
representatives of your products and
services—they are the professional
face of our organisation at Agricultural
Shows and events. Their conduct,
presentation, and communication
directly reflect our organisation
and your business, values, and
commitment to excellence.
While delegates carry out this
frontline role, your support behind
the scenes is crucial—not just for
their success, but for upholding the
standards of the Victorian Showmen’s
Guild and the greater industry.
As a Guild member, your responsibility
extends beyond just participating
at a Show or event. You are also
responsible for contributing to a
respectful, professional, and well-
maintained show environment.
Here’s how you can assist your
delegates effectively while staying
in line with site rules, Guild policies,
and professional expectations.
1. Communicate Clearly
and Professionally
From the outset, engage in clear,
respectful communication with your
delegate. Discuss the Show or event:
is there any unique requirements,
logistically challenges, inclement
weather or matters simply relating
to supporting the Guild’s presence?
Assist with sharing Show expectations,
key messages, and any important
protocols—to ensure all members
are equipped to act professionally
and in line with Guild standards.
2. Respect Delegate
Leadership and Direction
Your delegate is the designated
representative on site. Respect their
role by following their direction while
at the show. If they request assistance,
resources, or specific information
or support, respond promptly and
without undermining their position.
Trusting their judgment contributes to
a unified, professional presentation.
3. Ensure Compliance with Site
Conditions and Guild Policies
Familiarise yourself with the site
rules, conditions of participation,
and all relevant Guild policies. Make
sure your delegate and anyone
supporting them adheres to these
at all times. This includes behavior,
safety protocols, working hours,
and presentation standards. A
clean, orderly, and compliant site
is a sign of professionalism and
respect for the event organisers
and your industry peers.
4. Support with Clean and
Organised Presentation
Site cleanliness isn’t optional—it’s
a reflection of your respect for the
space, the public, and your fellow
Showmen. Help your delegate
maintain a clean and well-ordered site,
both during setup and throughout
the event. Whether you’re handling
signage, merchandise, or food
and equipment, cleanliness and
order must be top priorities.
5. Follow Up Respectfully
and Efficiently
After the event, help your delegate
with follow-up actions—whether that
means checking the site for rubbish
and other debris, responding to show
societies, contractors or caretakers.
Maintain professionalism in how
you handle yourself and your staff,
respecting the tone and approach
your delegate set during the event.
6. Acknowledge Effort and
Uphold Professional Courtesy
Being a delegate can be
challenging. Take the time to
thank your representative for
their professionalism, effort, and
adherence to both your business
and the Guild’s standards.
Recognition encourages a positive
culture and reinforces the high
expectations we all share.
In Summary:
Supporting your delegate isn’t
just helpful—it’s a matter of
professionalism and respect. By
adhering to site rules, maintaining a
clean and presentable environment,
communicating clearly, and
respecting the delegate’s role and
leadership, you demonstrate a
commitment to the standards
upheld by the Victorian Showmen’s
Guild. A supported delegate is an
effective delegate—and a clean,
compliant, and cooperative site
benefits everyone involved.
Elwin Bell
President
Victorian Showmen’s Guild
NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS
Site Cleanliness Pre, During and After Events
We kindly remind all members of
their obligation to maintain the
cleanliness of their sites during
and following any event or show.
It is each member’s responsibility to:
•
Keep their site clean
•
•
•
and tidy at all times
Remove or correctly
dispose of all rubbish and
waste before leaving the site
Avoid leaving behind any
materials, packaging, or debris
Use designated waste and recycling
facilities provided at the venue
Failure to comply with these
responsibilities may result in penalties
or restrictions on future participation.
Let’s work together to keep our events
clean, safe, and enjoyable for all!
Thank you for your cooperation.
Victorian Showmen’s Guild
THE OUTDOOR SHOWMAN 5THE OUTDOOR SHOWMAN 5