What is Trade Show Rigging and How Will It Impact Your Budget?

When preparing for a trade show, there’s a lot to think about. Like designing a trade show booth, coordinating travel, and making your marketing materials ready. But one aspect that’s often overlooked until the last minute is trade show rigging. If you plan to have large signs, lighting, or displays suspended above your booth, rigging is an essential part of your setup. However, it comes with its own set of costs that can significantly impact your budget.

In this blog, we’ll break down what trade show rigging is, how it works, and the expenses you need to be aware of. So that your trade show experience is impressive and affordable.

What is Trade Show Rigging?

Trade show rigging consists of suspending booth structures from the ceiling. It encompasses hanging signage, lighting equipment, and audio-visual devices. The rigging process varies based on the weight, size, and complexity of the suspended elements

Two Common Rigging Scenarios

Lightweight Hanging Banners: If your hanging banner is under the weight limit specified in the exhibitor service manual, you only need to determine the appropriate pick points where the structure will be connected to cables and suspended from the ceiling.

Heavy Structures: If your structure is heavier, a truss system will be used to evenly distribute the weight and ensure stability. If you are incorporating large or intricate hanging elements in your trade show booth, rigging is essential to create a professional and secure display.

How is Trade Show Rigging Regulated?

When working with your trade show booth builder company, they will inform you about all necessary services, including the rules and regulations set by the show management. These guidelines are available in the Exhibitor Service Manual, which outlines rigging requirements based on trade show booth size and type. Always choose an experienced trade show booth builder like Exhibits Studio, who is well-versed in these rigging guidelines to navigate the technical aspects and ensure compliance.

Regulations may include:

• Engineer-stamped drawing
• Proper design layouts
• Designated rigging point
• Required labor and how to order their services
• Rigging labor & how to estimate costs

Labor for rigging and hanging signs must be arranged beforehand. Riggers are tasked with suspending structures from above, whereas hanging sign workers set up and take down suspended elements. After these services are requested, an estimated bill is created. Nonetheless, the real rigging expenses can vary throughout the installation phase depending on the tasks completed by the team. Although your trade show booth construction company can assist in cost estimation, they do not control the final billing.

How Rigging Costs Are Calculated:

• Number of laborers require
• Hours worked (standard time, overtime, or double time)
• Hanging structure freight fees
• Equipment required for installation
• Ordering services during the discounted period to secure the best rates

Make Your Rigging a Success with Exhibit Studio

Ensuring proper rigging is essential for a successful trade show. Partner with Exhibit Studio to simplify the process. Our professional team of project managers and on-site supervisors have extensive experience with show regulations and logistics. With our expertise, we guarantee a seamless setup, on-time delivery, and utmost safety while keeping your budget in check. Let us turn your creative vision into reality and make your booth stand out on the show floor!

Connect with Exhibit Studio today to make your trade show booth shine on the floor.