Budgeting tips for a custom trade show booth design

How to Budget for a Custom Trade Show Booth Design

Trade shows and events hold so much importance for businesses worldwide, as these are some of the best platforms for networking and promoting the business while leaving the show floor with so many opportunities to expand the brand in hand. Any company can take advantage of this opportunity, enhance its presence worldwide, and gain quality leads. Attending or exhibiting at a trade show is a significant undertaking as you need to maintain equilibrium between your workload and goals while budgeting appropriately to make the most out of each trade show you’re marking your presence at.
Brands often exhibit at a trade show with an attractive custom trade show booth design. These booth displays are among the most widely liked ones because they are aligned with each essence of the brand. With a custom trade show booth, a brand can build connectivity with the audience by communicating with them through various design elements that inform them about the brand's offerings and values.  

Trade show budget for custom booth design

When you plan to exhibit at a trade show, the first and foremost thing you start working on is the budget. Before finalizing the custom trade show booth design, you budget for the show you're exhibiting at, and for that, you will need a good template to break down your costs into different categories. The first category for your brand showcase is the base amount, which you multiply by your venue cost by three per the general rule of thumb for trade show fairs. 
Below are the five most common budget categories for your custom booth design expense for your next trade show:

1: Venue space cost: The allocated funds required to rent the exhibit space for your custom booth rental. 

2: Exhibit cost: The amount you will spend on the design and construction of your custom booth. 

3: Services cost: The next step is to calculate the overall cost of the rendered technical and logistical services. 

4: Promotion and marketing: Promotional and marketing costs are also important to consider as they are connected with marketing your brand, which includes paid ads, programming, graphic design, etc. 

5: Staffing: To let your audience interact with your brand seamlessly, you need a great staff team that makes every visitor understand your brand briefly.

Tips for budgeting for a custom trade show booth:

Here are some of the tips which will be helpful for you while planning the budget for your custom trade show booth displays-  

Set a budget

As per the trade show's general rule of thumb, you must make a budget three times the amount you've decided to spend on your exhibit. 

Evaluate the cost of floor space

The average cost of floor space at trade shows is around $100–$150 per square foot, so you should evaluate the cost of the floor space prior to the show. 

Start exhibiting at local trade shows initially

Attending local trade shows can be a great choice as they can help reduce travel and accommodation costs. 

Consider renting

Renting a custom booth rental can be a better option than buying one, as it can eliminate the storage cost after the event. 

Incorporate lightweight materials in your booth design

Using lightweight materials in your custom booth design can reduce the shipping and drayage cost.

Be attentive and grab the early bird discounts

Starting early planning for your trade show presence will give you the advantage of grabbing the early bird discounts offered by custom trade show booth manufacturers. 

Assess what you already have

Search for supplies, such as storage spaces and supply closets, that can be used for your custom booth design. 

Set clear goals and objectives

Make a clear list of your goals and objectives to ensure that your custom trade show booth design effectively and effortlessly communicates your brand message.

How can you get a cost-effective custom trade show booth design?

Set a Realistic Budget

Kickstart your budgeting process for trade show booth custom design by setting a practical budget that blends with your booth display and fulfills the trade show objectives and financial resources. Evaluate the total amount you can spend on your booth design and custom booth rental for the show. Ensure you include the marketing materials, advertising props, travel and accommodation expenses and other additional costs while making your final budget plan. 
Once you’re done with making the final budget, break it down into different and specific categories and allocate funds as per the priority of the category. When you plan your budget this way, you are sure to achieve all of your exhibit goals most effectively. It also prevents you from unplanned expenses and overspending.

Negotiate with Vendors and Suppliers

When you plan to source materials, equipment, and services for your custom booth design, there are many things you will need to go through. Negotiating with booth custom trade show booth manufacturers, vendors, and suppliers is a critical step. Always try to get the best price which suits you and get your custom booth design on your terms. Request price quotes from different vendors and suppliers and make a deal with the one offering you cost-effectiveness, quality and value-adding services. 
Ask for discounts, offers, package deals, and payment terms, as these will help you save money and avoid spending extra on the booth design. They will also prevent you from compromising on the quality of your custom trade show booth design. Be transparent and vocal about your budget for the trade show and your booth design, and seek solutions that are creative, attractive, and meet your needs while saving your money.

Optimize Booth Design and Layout

Maximize the impact of your custom booth rental by optimizing the design and layout. Collaborate with a team of exceptional custom trade show booth manufacturers who understand how to meet your needs and help you achieve your exhibiting goals without being excessive with the budget. Exhibitors with more extensive products to be displayed often go with larger booths, such as a 20x20 trade show booth, which costs a bit more than a 10x10 trade show booth display, and the manufacturing cost also differs. 
If you are looking for a flexible, reusable, and cost-effective booth display, consider a modular exhibit or portable display. Focus on the critical design elements in your booth for the upcoming trade show, as it should be an ideal representative of your brand message, image, vision, and offerings.

Partner with Exhibits Studio for Value-adding custom booth design

Managing your custom trade show booth design budget can be a daunting task. Still, with careful planning and considering all the elements to be incorporated in the booth design, you can save a lot of money. More than a concise budget is required; you must also ensure that you stay within the budget only without exceeding it. With the right resources, optimization, and strategic decision-making, you can find an excellent custom booth rental for your next trade show presence. All of these become achievable if you partner with the right custom trade show booth manufacturers in the U.S., as they help you manage your trade show expenses without compromising on your goals. 
With total brand solutions provided by companies like Exhibits Studio, you get the most innovative, creative, and value-adding custom booth design for your next trade show appearance, complementing your booth design. Connect with us today and cost-effectively accomplish your exhibiting goals with maximum brand impact and gain quality leads at the show floor with Exhibits Studio.