How Expensive Is Selling at a Trade Show?

Are you wanting to sell at a trade show but unsure of how much it will cost and whether it’s worthwhile? Learn some helpful information here.

Emma Radebaugh
10/14/2024 11:06 AM

A blurred man in a suit sitting behind a desk and gesturing with one hand to a row of increasingly tall coin stacks.

Trade shows are fantastic marketing opportunities for businesses eager to showcase their products and network with industry leaders. However, they’re not free to attend. Knowing how expensive selling at a trade show is will help you decide and prepare accordingly.

The Average Cost

The truth is that the average cost can vary widely depending on factors such as booth size, event type and popularity, material costs, staffing needs, and more. On average, however, small businesses might spend around $5,000 to $10,000 per event. Larger companies could see costs reaching upwards of $100,000.

Booth rentals tend to be the largest single cost, often accounting for about 30 percent of the overall budget. On top of that, you need to budget for travel, accommodation, marketing materials, and booth setup.

Factors That Influence Cost

We touched on this earlier, but we want to explore further the many factors that influence how expensive selling at a trade show is.

For one, the size and location of the event play a significant role. Prestigious trade shows in major cities command much higher fees, both in terms of booth rental and related expenses.

The design and complexity of your booth can also impact cost significantly. A lavish, custom-made design will cost more than a simple, standard setup.

Additionally, the number of staff members you bring, the quality of promotional materials, and travel arrangements all add to your expenses.

Understanding these elements enables you to modify your strategy accordingly and control costs, but quality should always be your priority. Therefore, it’s safe to say that selling at a trade show isn’t cheap if you do it right.

Is a Trade Show Worthwhile for Your Business?

Although costs can be steep, the right trade show can yield significant returns through new leads, partnerships, and increased brand awareness. Trade shows are truly unique opportunities to get your business in front of thousands of high-potential customers and partners.

And, as we mentioned, you have to be willing to spend a bit to get enough benefits from the experience. However, budgeting properly is one of the most important ways to prep for your first trade show, so we’re not saying to spare no expense. You simply should be willing to invest in an engaging booth, enough floor space, and high-quality marketing materials for attendees to remember you by.

Determine what these costs will be for your business and the trade show you want to attend. If you can feasibly afford it, then you are likely to gain a lot by investing in the experience.

While trade shows can be expensive, the payoff is considerable. Now that you have the tools to determine how much the event could cost your business, you can make an informed choice about whether to attend.