EXHIB-IT! Trade Show Marketing Experts

We are often asked how to keep control of trade show exhibit costs without diluting a company’s exhibit image impact. Listed below are 8 suggestions to help keep trade show display costs in line.

Plan Well in Advance.
This is where we see many companies spend extra money. Strategically aligning your needs with costs necessitates a well thought out plan. Doing this will eliminate unnecessary rush charges from not scheduling sufficient lead time for the trade show display’s graphic design and production timeline requirements.
Invest in a Lightweight Portable Trade Show Exhibit.
A lightweight portable exhibit reduces ownership operating costs for freight, handling and storage. Choose a trade show display that sets up and packs easily and is simple to install and dismantle. A custom modular or custom portable trade show exhibit has the similar look of a custom exhibit, while reducing overall operating costs by 50% to 90%.
Consider Renting a Trade Show Booth.
Renting a trade show booth is perfect for the company that is planning a one time or occasional trade show appearance or if you have a simultaneous trade show in another part of the country that conflicts with your overlapping exhibit schedule. If you plan to exhibit more than three times in a given year, it does not make economic sense to rent a trade show display. When looking at rental options, be sure to rent a display booth that will fit into the size of your purchased exhibit space. Renting a display will save you on trade show booth construction costs and also the expense to store your display after the trade show is over.
Upgrade Your Current Trade Show Display.
If you choose not to rent a display booth, you can upgrade your current display booth by updating graphics, re-laminating panels, and redesigning structural elements. This can be a cost-effective way to exhibit rather than starting from scratch.
Consider a Used Trade Show Booth.
If you do not already have an existing trade show exhibit booth, you can find pre-owned used trade show exhibits at greatly reduced costs. Many trade show exhibit houses offer top quality pre-owned trade show exhibits that are well maintained and easily adaptable to new signage. This drastically saves in exhibit design time and construction costs. You also have many options on design, price, size and choice similar to trade show booth rentals for a variety of style and component options. Add your own customized graphics to the used trade show display purchase and be at your next show in rapid time.
Pre-Plan Your Set up Time at Shows.
Early trade show booth assembly helps you avoid last minute glitches that run up the tab. Avoid costly weekend and overtime labor costs on the trade show floor by planning your install and dismantle times on a week day and between the standard work hours for the show.
Become Familiar with Trade Show Services.
Becoming familiar with what trade show services are offered at your trade shows will help you save time and costs. Frequently, you may require supplemental assistance for trade show services at the trade show exhibit hall. Become familiar with the show hand book for support services such as carpeting, installation and dismantling, drayage, furniture, lighting, phones and security. If you plan in advance, you can save money while avoiding numerous pitfalls.
Pack a Show Bag.
Packing a show bag for each trade show with emergency repair materials and replacement items will save you overcharges at the show. Also keep a backup supply of items that may need to be replenished at the trade show. This may include duct tape, light bulbs, paper, pens, power cords, scissors, tools, and Velcro.

Keeping trade show exhibit costs under control requires experience. If your exhibit display team has limited knowledge, learn from the wealth of knowledge available from the staff of a reputable trade show exhibit house.

About DJ Heckes, Author of Full BRAIN Marketing and Owner of EXHIB-IT! Tradeshow Marketing Experts

DJ Heckes is CEO of EXHIB-IT! Tradeshow Marketing Experts and Full BRAIN Marketing. She focuses on educating and training companies to significantly improve their Small Business Marketing strategies. DJ Heckes also presents customized training programs for Business Marketing, Social Media, Leadership and Trade Show Marketing. Learn more at www.EXHIB-IT.com and www.fullBRAINMarketing.com. Be sure to follow us!