Trade Show Planning on a Budget

Backdrops

In a convention hall practically bursting with other exhibitors, it’s very important to define your business’s space. This way your business won’t get lost in the sea of other companies vying for attention. While incredibly well-made and attractive, the sad fact is that some space-defining walls fall outside of your budget. While many trade shows typically provide the standard pipe-and-drape walls, how can you make yours stand out? There are more affordable booth backwalls to choose from, like pop-up hook & loop partitions and a large variety of less expensive 8’+ wide banner backdrops. Here’s the kicker: You don’t even have to sacrifice custom graphics for your budget-friendly booth wall! See for yourself.

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Banners

Most seasoned trade show experts will agree that banners are among the most important of the convention displays. You can place these visual attention-getters in your booth and use the customized graphics to advertise a specific product, service, or brand. There are tons of styles of banner stands and graphics that are sure to match your budget. Retractable stands, for example, are simple and lightweight models that are great for using with your own graphics. If you do need graphics specially printed for the trade show, check out economy models that include custom printed banners in the price. Economical printing types range from 1-color silk screening to full color digital.

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Literature Holders

If you have pamphlets, brochures, or catalogs that you want to distribute at your trade show, it is worth it to purchase a display so you can present the literature in a neat and orderly way. Instead of leaving your brochures in a messy pile on a table, opt to display them in an attractive clear acrylic holder! If you have a larger selection of reading materials you want to pass out, a simple wire rack can be a great and inexpensive alternative. A magazine floor stand looks very sophisticated for the price and even comes with a handy carrying case! Another great strategy for saving money on your trade show supplies is purchasing displays that have a dual purpose. For example, the portable literature display below doubles as a counter! You can showcase products on the counter's top surface or just use it as a podium from which you confidently deliver you sales pitches! No matter the style or size, a literature holder is a must for keeping your takeaways looking organized and professional.

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Tech Displays

Whether your goal is to generate leads with email signups or play a promo video to draw in the crowds, there are a lot of good reasons to invest in a tech display for your upcoming trade show. Tablet holders and TV stands with all the bells and whistles can run up your costs, but if you’re just looking for a simple display that can securely hold your device, there are affordable options on the market. Inexpensive floor standing or countertop tablet stands come with locking brackets so you don’t have to worry about the safety of your device. TV stands with wheels make travel around the convention much more convenient. Don’t have a tablet or TV? Check out our digital signage displays that come all in one! The tech displays below are great choices for any trade show exhibitor on a budget!

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Furniture

No 10'x 10' trade show booth is complete without a piece of furniture or two! Create an approachable space that will make attendees comfortable by adding affordable pieces like bar stools, folding and cocktail style tables, even counters. These modern bar stools fit the budget and they’re oh-so-comfortable when you need to get off your feet. A small cocktail table can coordinate very well with these contemporary stools to create a seating area. You could even use it as a display table! Great for holding products and displays of all types, standard folding tables are available in many reasonably priced options. When paired with spandex stretch covers, these simple tables can look very high end. Portable counters are another inexpensive exhibit furniture alternative, serving as both merchandise displays and storage units!

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Sign Holders

These simple trade show products are a must if you’re going to display signage of any kind at your upcoming event. If you simply wish to showcase an 8.5” x 11” printed sign, then an acrylic frame is the most cost-effective way to do so. The clean lines of the acrylic give the frame a professional feel without going over budget. An economy-style easel can be another great budget-friendly choice for displaying framed posters. Even free-standing poster frames are available at attainable prices and look great when arranged in your 10' x 10' booth!

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All-In-One Kits

Need an easier way to get everything for your booth on a budget? It can be difficult to choose which products are best, especially if you are new to trade shows. We’ve got you covered with all-in-one exhibits that are budget friendly! Kits start under $2,000 and may include a backdrop, counter, banner, and literature holder. You can shop by price and most kits are completely customized to show off your brand!

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Totally Worth It

Want to splurge on an ultimate eye-catching display? Check out our picks below. You may have to skimp in some areas but trust us - these trade show displays are sooo worth the investment!

Some Additional Tips and Tricks for a High-Impact, Low-Cost Show

• Use an online design tool to personally customize your tablecloths with graphics, and use banners that have attractive coloring and messaging, instead of outsourcing to a designer.
• Have staff wearing matching shirts with your logos for an affordable way to extend your brand reach outside of the booth.
• Instead of having pricey giveaways-to-all like Oprah, create a game like spin the wheel or putt putt so your prospective consumers will interact with your brand and spend time in your booth for a prize.
• Reuse all items possible, invest in protective storage cases, and use graphics that are not seasonal or show specific. Items that are lightweight, can be packed and repacked, and easy to ship are the best option.
• Invest in a large display. Now, this may sound like the opposite of staying on budget, but having an attention-grabbing display will show passersby consumers what you have to offer more easily and quickly than a brochure or business card, maximizing your visitation rates and increasing your ROI.

By making smart purchasing decisions, you CAN build a great 10' x 10' trade show booth on a budget! Even if you choose just one product from each of the display categories above, you would have a full booth setup! Carefully consider your main goals and needs for your trade show appearance. Start with displays that will most help you in accomplishing these goals and work from there. Good luck!