If this is the first time you’re attending a trade show, or you’re an expert at organizing trade show displays, you need to consider the best ways to save money at your next event. There's no denying that trade shows can be extremely beneficial for your business. But exhibiting at a trade show, or any other industry event, can be extremely expensive. It can blow a hole in your marketing budget, especially if you don’t keep a tight grip on your finances.
When attending a trade show, you have to budget for several things, including:
- Marketing
- Advertising
- Promotions
- Staffing
- Exhibition fees
- Freebies and other promotional materials
- Utilities
- Digital trade show displays
- Fabric banner stands and other displays
All these elements can cost a pretty penny. But the good news is that many of these expenses can be reduced with proper planning and preparation. And the best part is that you’ll still be able to set up a high-quality booth that attracts lots of potential leads.
Here are a few tips you can use to put up a spectacular trade show display without blowing up your budget:
#1: Choose A Modular Display
Choose a modular exhibition display stand that you can reuse at different events. You can adjust the modular display stand so it’s ideal for the current event venue and available space.
#2: Swap The Graphics
Buying brand new trade show displays for every event can be expensive. The better option is to just use new graphics. For example, if you have a tabletop pull up banner, you can replace the graphics without changing the whole display.
#3: Advertise The Event On Social Media
Make use of social media networks like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok or even Pinterest to spread the word about an upcoming event for free on social media.
#4: Use Royalty-Free Images
Rather than spending a fortune on hiring an expensive photographer or paying for customized images, you can download royalty-free images and use them on your marketing materials.
#5: Avoid Hiring External Staff To Manage Your Trade Show Booth
External staff do not know your business well, and they won’t be aware of all the things that make your products and services special. External staff can also be expensive. Instead, train your own employees to handle trade show duties.
#6: Order Ahead
If you plan properly, you can order trade show display stands and trade show shipping cases even months before an event. Doing this ensures you avoid paying express shipping charges to get products delivered at the last minute.
#7: Be On The Lookout For Discounts
Sometimes trade show display stand manufacturers offer seasonal discounts. Purchase trade show displays during these times so you can save significantly.
#8: Exhibit At Local Trade Shows
Finally, participating at a local trade show can help you cut down on costs. When participating at far-away trade shows and events, you have to spend on accommodations, fuel, and food. Attending a local trade show that’s a short driving distance from your office can help you cut down on costs.
Use these tips to reduce your trade show expenses without reducing the quality of your presentation.