Many industry cost models calculate booths as 3 times the Show CPSF (amortized). This factors basics only.

The base exhibiting cost for your show. Just the space (bare concrete) before structure or amenities.

Total staff and supervisory round trip travel cost, day rate, lodging, per-diem, etc.

Total show services including, power, internet, vacuuming, I+D show labor, drayage, security, etc.

Total for booth, interactive, experiential, creative, theming, etc.

Freight and shipping charges.

Premium items, giveaways, collateral, pre/post tactics.

Murphy's Law and other unplanned expenses.

The total of your first show without amortizing Exhibit - Graphics or applying any cost offsets.

The per show cost of Exhibit - Graphics amortized across your entire show schedule.

Unamortized first show totals factoring in interactive and creative that can be repurposed for other non-trade show initiatives.

The total per show with Exhibit - Graphics amortized across your entire show schedule.

Amortized total per show factoring in interactive and creative that can be repurposed for other non-trade show initiatives.

Proper event staffing is important. Staffing to each unique zone within your booth is a great idea. Your team will appreciate coverage for breaks and high traffic times.

Proper event staffing is important. Be sure to allow enough coverage for breaks and high traffic times.

A more sophisticated booth and greater show presence can mean more show logistics, but a greater booth impact can result in qualified leads and higher levels of engagement.

A basic booth may save on tradeshow costs initially. Be sure to focus on experiential and brand messaging to leave a lasting impression on attendees.

Booth amortization can have a significant impact on this number. A more sophisticated booth and greater show presence can result in qualified leads and higher levels of engagement.

A basic booth may save on tradeshow costs initially. Be sure to focus on experiential and brand messaging to leave a lasting impression on attendees.

A more sophisticated booth and greater show presence can mean more shipping costs, but often the ends may justify the means.

A basic booth may save on tradeshow costs initially. Be sure to focus on experiential and brand messaging to leave a lasting impression on attendees.

The quality and quantity of giveaways is critical to booth sentiment and lead capture. At events, everyone should be a winner.

At events, everyone should be a winner. Be sure to stock up on swag for increased engagement.

Miscellaneous costs will increase as the sophistication and experience of your exhibit increases.

It is a good idea to leave a portion of your budget for the unexpected.

This is the actual footprint of your booth.

Portable

A portable trade show display is one that’s made up of components that are easily transported from one place to another.

Modular

A modular booth is made of interlocking frame elements. The structure can support electronics and shelving in select areas.

Custom Modular

A custom modular booth has the benefits of modular, plus select areas can be customized with dimensional elements, specialty lighting, theming, and more.

Custom

While the cost is greater, an imaginative custom booth can maximize impact and make a best-in-show impression!

Select the level of quality for your booth type selected above.

This is the base exhibiting cost for your show. Just the space (bare concrete) before structure or amenities.

How many days is the actual exhibit hall open to the public (doors open to doors closed)?

Installation + Dismantle (I+D): How many days are scheduled for setup and breakdown? This does not include public show days.

I+D AGENT ARRIVES DAY BEFORE

Will the I+D agents be travelling and checking in the day before setup day(s)? Murphy's Law suggest they do!

I+D AGENT LEAVES DAY AFTER

Will the I+D agents be travelling and checking out the day after setup day(s)? Murphy's Law suggest they do!

SHOW AGENT ARRIVES DAY BEFORE

Will the show agents be travelling and checking in the day before doors open? Murphy's Law suggest they do!

SHOW AGENT LEAVES DAY AFTER

Will the show agents be travelling and checking out the day after doors close? Murphy's Law suggest they do!

Round trip travel cost per exhibit manager. Include door-to-door airfare, mileage, day rate, lodging, per-diem, etc.

Round trip travel cost per company manager. Include door-to-door airfare, mileage, day rate, lodging, per-diem, etc.

Round trip travel cost per company staff. Include door-to-door airfare, mileage, day rate, lodging, per-diem, etc.

Average cost of the hotel per night, per person during I+D and run-of-show (not travel lodging). Include taxes and other misc. fees.

Exhibit Manager day rate. Include per-diem, parking, transportation, and other misc. fees.

Company Manager day rate. Include per-diem, parking, transportation, and other misc. fees.

Company Staff day rate. Include per-diem, parking, transportation, and other misc. fees.

This is a staffer that is local or temp day labor. No travel days or hotel required. Include parking and other misc. fees.

Number of Exhibit Managers that will be supervising I+D, plus run-of-show.

Number of Company Managers that will be present throughout I+D, plus run-of-show.

Number of Company Managers that will only be present through run-of-show (public show - not setup and dismantle).

Number of Company Staff that will be present throughout I+D, plus run-of-show.

Number of Company Staff that will only be present through run-of-show (public show - not setup and dismantle).

Number of Staff that are local or temp day labor. No travel days or hotel required.

What level of experiential or interactive initiatives are you planning? Be etertaining, engaging, and memorable!

What percentage of the experience, graphics, or other aesthetics will change on subsequent shows?

What level of branding, messaging, or creative assets need to be developed to tell your story and educate your audience?

What percentage of the branding, messaging, or creative assets will change on subsequent shows?

What level of pre/post show tactics are you planning on (email, inserts, mailers, other)?

Are you planning on rewarding attendees with swag? Do you have a grand prize or other prize giveaways?

Do you have literature, booklets, or other collateral?

How many shows per year will you be utilizing the same booth configuration?

How many years before your next booth refresh? The average lifespan of a booth design/theme is 3-5 years.

Bring your creations beyond the show floor! What level can you repurpose assets for broader sales tools, demo tools, web, or other?