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3 Ways to Avoid Hidden Trade Show Costs

portable trade show display

Trade shows have the capacity to be quite lucrative. However, they can also be incredibly expensive if you don’t approach them the right way! Check out these tips from Design Display in Birmingham to avoid hidden trade show costs.

Know Your Timeline

Before you begin, develop a trade show timeline to keep on track and make sure that you do not miss any deadlines. If you get off schedule, you could find yourself dealing with late fees. You may have to invest in overnight shipping and incur significantly higher costs. Services that are ordered late may also tack on a premium of up to 50%. If you’re traveling, make your travel plans well in advance and avoid any hidden costs that come with last-minute bookings.

Organize Your Budget

When you organize your trade show budget, make sure that it is detailed and accounts for all expenses, large and small. Here are some expenses to look out for:

  • Labor
  • Freight & Drayage
  • Internet
  • Power
  • Security
  • Housekeeping
  • Promotional Giveaways

Do Your Research

Every conference center has their own rules and regulations. Before designing your portable trade show display, know those rules to keep from dealing with labor and regulation costs. To help ensure that you design cost-effective portable displays, check with your center’s representative beforehand. Arrive early to assemble your designs. And if you are in a time crunch due to travel, construct a plan for when you arrive to make sure assembly goes smoothly and quickly.

Purchasing items a day before can help save you money as well. Garbage cans, food, flower arrangements, and cleaning supplies can all be purchased from the conference center. However, to avoid the high costs, try visiting a nearby convenience store.

Let Design Display Help

Design Display in Birmingham, AL, has been turning visions into designs for over 35 years. We are a family-owned company, and we run our business that way. We would love the opportunity to help you tell your story and share your message. Contact us today to find your design solution!