Main page: Trade Show Promotions Help.com

Easy Low Cost Solutions for Trade Shows

Clients often ask how they can keep trade show exhibit costs under control and still have a dynamic exhibit. Here are some suggestions to help keep trade show costs in line.

Rent a trade show booth rather than buy one. This tip only applies if you are planning a one-time or occasional trade show exhibit or have two trade shows going on at once. If you go to several trade shows a year, you’re better off buying a booth. If you rent a booth, make sure it’s the right size. You want one that will fit your exhibit space. Renting will save you the expenses of trade show booth construction, transportation, and warehousing your display after the show.

If you have an existing trade show booth, you can upgrade it by applying new graphics, re-laminating color panels, and redesigning structural elements. This is more cost effective than starting from scratch. If you don’t have an old booth to upgrade, you can buy a used one. Pre-owned trade show exhibits cost much less than new ones. Many trade show exhibit houses have top-quality pre-owned booths that can be easily modified with new signage. You can cut your exhibit design and construction costs by more than half. It’s likely you’ll also be able to choose from among many different sizes, styles, and prices. You may only need a customized graphics upgrade to have your trade show exhibit ready for the floor.

You might consider a lightweight trade show exhibit to reduce operating costs such as freight, drayage, and storage. Select a trade show display that is easy to pack and uncomplicated to set up and dismantle. A custom modular or portable trade show exhibit can have an elegant, professional look and yet cost 50 to 90 percent less than a standard booth.

Be sure to pack extra supplies. When the company installs and dismantles your exhibit, you'll find that you need materials for emergency repairs and replacements, which are often costly. Keep a backup supply box filled with items such as power cords, tools, scissors, tape, and light bulbs that may need to be replenished at the trade show.

Plan graphic design and production requirements well in advance to avoid unnecessary rush charges from not scheduling sufficient lead time. Set up the trade show display on weekdays before the show. Avoid costly weekend and overtime labor on the trade show floor. Early trade show booth assembly also helps you take care of unanticipated problems that can run up the tab.

Be informed about trade show services. Chances are you will frequently need extra assistance from these services at the trade show exhibit hall. Representatives and union laborers provide support services such as installation and dismantling, furniture, carpeting, lighting, electrical, phones, drayage, and security. If you are aware of the services and charges, you can plan in advance, save money, and avoid pitfalls.

Experience is the best teacher for learning how to keep trade show exhibit costs under your control. If your company has limited know-how in this area, you can make use of the wealth of knowledge available from the staff of a good trade show exhibit house. Also, research trade show exhibit company websites for industry tips.

Privacy & Terms of use | Contact us | Products | Information articles

Business marketing | Advertising | Business management | Industrial | Office furniture