Since the first encounter with holding a trade show stand might prove to be quite challenging, this guide will point out the details that require your full attention.
You can come across great ideas that could be implemented in your own trade show stand from unique ideas to get more visitors to your stand, to engagement tools and branding opportunities. Whether you're planning on creating an advertising stand outdoor or if you're taking part in a big exhibition indoors, these tips can be helpful.
Most of the money goes into the cost of renting the stand space, the cost of designing and building your exhibit, the cost of travel to and from the trade show, the cost of advertising, and last but not least, the cost of accommodating your staff so ensure you factor all of these costs in your budget.
1. Avoid any unnecessary luxuries, such as business class or extra luggage; you can always hire or ship the equipment that you need for your trade show, which will cost less. You can find more on furniture to hire for exhibitions here.
2. Try to book a suite with plenty of twin beds and bedrooms. In case you go to the same hotel more than once, you can have the luxury of becoming a member and subsequently get discounts for rooms and free nights.
3. Avoid taxis, and hire cars that will take you to and from the trade show.
4. Finally, bring a cooler with you, so you and your staff can easily store your own food in it without having to buy food from the event
You need to plan with your staff how they’re going to manage the office while you and the traveling staff are gone. That means assigning them with tasks to try and minimise the loss of productivity and efficiency at your office.
Start from the beginning
In order to start planning your exhibition and calculating the whole budget, you need to fully understand the different aspects of a trade show from booking your stand or space, to kitting it out, from accommodation, travel, staffing costs, equipment and services. Visit as many trade shows as you possibly can and do your research by speaking to fellow exhibitors to learn about their experiences and successes.You can come across great ideas that could be implemented in your own trade show stand from unique ideas to get more visitors to your stand, to engagement tools and branding opportunities. Whether you're planning on creating an advertising stand outdoor or if you're taking part in a big exhibition indoors, these tips can be helpful.
Budgeting
Holding a trade show might sound simpler than it actually is but the trick is to know how much your stand is going to cost and determine your budget from the very beginning.Most of the money goes into the cost of renting the stand space, the cost of designing and building your exhibit, the cost of travel to and from the trade show, the cost of advertising, and last but not least, the cost of accommodating your staff so ensure you factor all of these costs in your budget.
Budget your trade show stand in advance to optimise your ROI
It’s all in the design
Any exhibitor should be aware of the very fact that almost half of the budget goes into the construction and the design of the trade stand, spending almost 40% of the budget on that alone. The reason behind this calculation is that 12% goes into the desired design and the other 28% goes into renting the space for the stand.Travel light
Travelling to and from the trade show, in addition to the expenses of the accommodation, can be very budget consuming as well. Here are some tips to help you calculate the cost beforehand and definitely save money.1. Avoid any unnecessary luxuries, such as business class or extra luggage; you can always hire or ship the equipment that you need for your trade show, which will cost less. You can find more on furniture to hire for exhibitions here.
2. Try to book a suite with plenty of twin beds and bedrooms. In case you go to the same hotel more than once, you can have the luxury of becoming a member and subsequently get discounts for rooms and free nights.
3. Avoid taxis, and hire cars that will take you to and from the trade show.
4. Finally, bring a cooler with you, so you and your staff can easily store your own food in it without having to buy food from the event
Hiring your exhibition stand equipment can save you a lot of money
Staff costs
While many exhibitors take into account the cost of accommodation and transportation, they forget to calculate their opportunity cost.You need to plan with your staff how they’re going to manage the office while you and the traveling staff are gone. That means assigning them with tasks to try and minimise the loss of productivity and efficiency at your office.
Promotional giveaways & literature
You also need to plan the budget of the promotional giveaways you’re going to give out in order to boost your trade stand.Other trade show services you may need to factor in
- Corkage fees
- Wi-Fi
- Electricity
- Carpet/Flooring
- Reinforced panels for shell scheme stands to support TV screens mounted on the shell scheme
- Rigging for hanging displaying from the ceiling of the venue
- Logistics - getting your equipment to your stand
- Additional storage space