Display and Accessory Costs

Trade show display equipment is designed to meet every budget.  Whether you’re attending a large, nationally recognized show or a smaller regional convention, you’ll be able to find display materials at a cost you can afford.  Many businesses choose to cut expenses by purchasing used foundational equipment (pop-up display walls or trusses) and then having custom banners printed with their own logos to cover any existing designs or artwork.  Lighting, computer monitors, flooring, and point-of-purchase displays can also add to the total cost of the display.

Booth Costs
If you’re looking to save on the foundations of your display- booth walls or banner display stands- consider choosing a pre-fabricated display stand or a semi-custom display, which tend to be less expensive.  You can also purchase refurbished equipment-keep in mind that it is usually sold “as is,” and may have been assembled and disassembled many times by the time you buy it- it’s important to make sure trusses or pop-up walls aren’t structurally compromised.  You can also rent banner stands, panel walls, and other components from many vendors. 

Accessories
Accessories can actually comprise the bulk of trade show display costs.  Tables, table drapes, custom flooring, computer monitors (which need monitor stands and electricity hookups) and product displays can eat into your trade show display budget significantly.  Anything that doesn’t need to have your logo (or colors or graphics) displayed can probably be rented- most trade show display companies rent display tables at reasonable rates.  Custom flooring, lighting design, or monitor stands can run into the tens of thousands of dollars, but might be necessary to highlight or explain the products or services you’re selling.  For example, the right lighting can make skin glow when your company is touting the benefits of all-natural moisturizers or makeup, and promotional videos can be used in lieu of extra staff to explain how to use a specialized power tool.  Here are a few accessories you might want to consider:

• Purchase-point displays:  If you plan to have products for sale, a purchase point display is a must.  Pedestal stands can be purchased or rented.
• Information stands: Similar to a purchase point display or a pedestal, an information stand can “anchor” your display booth and give trade show staff a location to store brochures or materials, or to house sign-in sheets for collecting direct mail information.
• Free-standing and overhead banners: Free-standing banners can be placed in and around your booth to give attendees directions, or to highlight products.   You can usually save by purchasing banners from printing services companies.
• Music or sound: If the trade show permits music within individual booths, consider the “mood” you’d like to set for visitors.  You’ll need to think about speaker placement, electricity hookups, and other concerns.
• Monitor stands: Computer monitors that loop videos, images, or information are popular choices among companies that present information at trade shows.  You’ll need to make sure that you have a monitor stand- either free standing or incorporated into the layout of your booth.  No one wants attendees to see or trip over wires or electrical cables- make sure you plan your display accordingly.