Hidden Costs of Exhibiting at Trade Shows
It’s not cheap to exhibit at trade shows. There are a lot of hidden costs that often get overlooked by marketers.
Moreover, the exhibition price also includes the cost of the artworks being displayed. For example, the loan fees and shipping costs for bringing older art works to an exhibition are costly.
Cost of space
The cost of space is an important factor to consider when planning for your exhibition stand. It is charged per square meter and can vary from show to show. It should be included in your overall exhibiting budget, along with shipping costs and maintaining the booth during the fair.
It is recommended that you allocate at least 5% to 10% of your overall trade show budget for space. This will ensure that you can get the best possible return on investment and achieve your trade show goals. In addition to the booth cost, it is also necessary to budget for the rental of furniture and audiovisual equipment. These additional expenses can significantly increase the total cost of your exhibition stand.
Design
Great exhibition design translates informational narratives into physical environments that connect with visitors on multiple levels. It involves multiple disciplines, including drafting, industrial and spatial design, architecture, museum studies, visual communication, and graphics. It is important to choose a company that can offer these services.
A good exhibition designer will have strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as attention to detail. They must also have knowledge of computer-based design software and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
It is a good idea to place labels in consistent positions, such as on the right side of the item, or at the bottom edge one metre from floor level. This will make it easier for visitors to read them. Also, small groups of items should be described on one label.
Installation
The mounting and installation of objects is often one of the largest tasks of an exhibit project. The care with which these objects are handled during this process affects their condition long after the exhibition opens to the public. This work must be carefully scheduled and should only be undertaken by experienced object handlers.
Once your work is hung, you should have sales agreements and receipts ready to give to visitors. It is also a good idea to have bubble wrap and other safe transportation supplies on hand so that buyers can take their art home with them safely.
Lighting is a key component of an exhibition. Ensure that your budget includes the cost of new lamps as well as the cost of any relamping to ensure that the lighting adheres to conservation criteria.
Furniture and decor
Furniture exhibitions and fairs are a great place for manufacturers and retailers to show off their new collections. They also provide a venue for networking and collaborations with other businesses in the industry.
Whether you’re a first-time exhibitor or an experienced one, you’ll need to budget for a range of different costs. These can include shipping and material handling (known as drayage). This is why it’s important to ask your supplier for a quote early on.
Exhibit furniture is a great way to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for your visitors. You can choose from a variety of options that are both functional and stylish. Some are even branded to help you build your brand awareness. In addition, a counter or kiosk is the perfect focal point for your business and can help attract attention to your booth.
Marketing
The first step in exhibition marketing is to set clear objectives for the event. These may be as simple as generating a specific number of leads or increasing exposure in a new market.
The next step is to create a buzz around the show. This can be done by promoting the show via email, social media, and other channels. Competitions and giveaways can also help to keep the interest of visitors high.
Trade shows and exhibitions provide a platform to drumroll your latest innovations and offerings. They are also a great platform to network with potential customers and partners. However, exhibitions are not a cheap marketing channel, so you must be ready to invest in the right resources. In addition, you should be prepared for failed conversions – but even these can teach you valuable lessons about your sales strategies.