| Here are several suggestions to help keep trade | | | | lightweight exhibit will reduce operating costs such as |
| show display expenditures in line: | | | | freight, drayage, and storage. Select a trade show |
| 1. Consider renting a trade show booth rather than | | | | display that packs easily and is uncomplicated to install |
| buying one. | | | | and dismantle. A custom modular or custom portable |
| Renting a trade show exhibit applies only if you are | | | | trade show exhibit can have the look of a custom |
| planning a one time or occasional trade show | | | | exhibit, while reducing operating costs by 50 to 90 |
| appearance or if you have a simultaneous trade | | | | percent. |
| show in another part of the country that conflicts | | | | 5. Pack extra supplies. When your installation and |
| with your exhibit schedule. It does not make | | | | dismantle company installs your exhibit at your trade |
| economic sense to rent a trade show display if you | | | | show, you'll find that emergency repairs and materials |
| plan to exhibit more than three times in a given year. | | | | replacements often are costly. So keep a backup |
| Be sure to rent a booth that will fit into the size of | | | | supply box filled with items that may need to be |
| the exhibit space. Renting will save you not only on | | | | replenished at the trade show. Include power cords, |
| trade show booth construction costs but also the | | | | tools, light bulbs, Velcro, scissors and duct tape. |
| expense of warehousing your display after the trade | | | | 6. Plan well in advance. This will help you avoid |
| show is over. | | | | unnecessary rush charges from not scheduling |
| 2. Upgrade your existing trade show booth. If you | | | | adequate lead time for the trade show display's |
| choose not to rent, you can upgrade your older | | | | graphic design and production requirements. |
| booth by changing its graphics, relaminating color | | | | 7. Set up the trade show display during pre-show |
| panels, and redesigning structural elements. This is a | | | | week days. Avoid costly weekend and overtime |
| much more cost-effective way than starting from | | | | labor costs on the trade show floor. Early trade show |
| scratch. | | | | booth assembly also helps you to avoid last minute |
| 3. Invest in a pre-owned trade show display. If you | | | | glitches that run up the tab. |
| do not already have an existing trade show exhibit | | | | 8. Understand trade show services. You will |
| booth to upgrade, you can find pre-owned trade | | | | frequently require supplemental assistance from trade |
| show exhibits that are greatly reduced from their | | | | show services at the trade show exhibit hall. These |
| original cost. Many trade show exhibit houses offer | | | | are representatives and union laborers who provide |
| top quality pre-owned exhibits that are well | | | | such support services as installation and dismantling, |
| maintained and easily adaptable to new signage, | | | | carpeting, furniture, lighting, phones, drayage and |
| often affording reductions in exhibit design time and | | | | security. If you are aware of the nuances of these |
| construction costs by more than half. You also have | | | | charges for trade show services and plan in advance |
| options on size, design, scope and price similar to | | | | you can save money while avoiding numerous pitfalls. |
| trade show booth rentals with a variety of style and | | | | Experience is the best teacher in keeping trade show |
| dimension options. Perhaps with little more than a | | | | exhibit costs under control. If your display team has |
| customized graphics upgrade your trade show exhibit | | | | limited know-how, tap into the wealth of knowledge |
| can be "out the door and on the floor" in a matter of | | | | available from the staff of a reputable trade show |
| weeks. | | | | exhibit house. Also do your research on trade show |
| 4. Consider a lightweight trade show exhibit. A | | | | exhibit company websites for industry insider tips. |