Our recent blog on modular trade show booths noted that modular trade show booth designs are significantly less expensive to create than traditional custom trade show booth displays. This is an important issue as resellers seek to reduce trade show costs for exhibitors who may be struggling to justify an investment in a trade show and event marketing strategy.
This blog will look more closely at some of the “hidden” trade show booth costs that can add up over time. It will also describe how resellers of trade show displays can utilize modular trade show displays to minimize total trade show costs for exhibitors.
How do I sell affordable, effective trade show displays?
Trade show displays are a powerful form of visual merchandising and exhibitors in all industries seek affordable trade show displays to use at industry events. However, when custom trade show booth displays can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars, “affordable” can mean something very different to Exhibitor A versus Exhibitor B. For this reason, the ability to balance affordability with effectiveness at every price point is especially important for the reseller.
Modular trade show booth construction is an ideal way to strike this balance on behalf of the exhibitor.
- Nearly all trade show booth ideas can be brought to life using an appropriate modular trade show display system. Backlit LED signage, shelving, monitor mounts, closets and more can be added from a standard “kit of parts” to replicate the look of custom trade show booth displays — but at a fraction of the cost. These types of accessories can become very costly very quickly in a truly custom trade show booth design.
- Modular trade show booth systems allow exhibitors to adapt a standard trade show booth design to the different sizes and shapes of exhibitor spaces available at each show. Being able to use the same trade show display for all of the events on the annual marketing calendar dramatically reduces trade show costs for the exhibitor.
- Modularity also gives an exhibitor flexibility for the future. Additional walls and panels can be ordered later as the exhibitor’s trade show presence grows. Shelving and monitor mounts can be added as the marketing pitch becomes more sophisticated. Printing new fabric panels can effectively “reskin” an entire display at a modest cost, enabling the same trade show booth system to serve an exhibitor for years.
How do I reduce trade show display shipping costs?
Beyond the costs associated with trade show booth construction, exhibitors often neglect to factor in the cost of shipping their trade show displays from event to event. Surveys show that ground transportation of trade show booth systems within a general geographic region can easily cost hundreds of dollars per event. Need to ship that same booth across the country or expedite delivery by air freight? Don’t be shocked if the final shipping invoice is in the thousands.
With the cost of a new custom trade show booth design often starting around $10,000 and rising to $30,000 or more, it’s possible that an exhibitor will ultimately spend more on shipping costs than on the booth itself. Thus, for resellers, knowing how to reduce trade show display shipping costs is a valuable differentiator in the marketplace.
Here again, modular trade show booth constructions offer a critical advantage for reseller and exhibitor alike. Modular trade show displays are almost invariably lighter in weight than a custom-fabricated trade show booth design. This lighter weight reduces trade show costs related to shipping and handling for each show attended. There is also a sustainability benefit as well. Every pound of weight eliminated from a trade show booth design reduces the carbon footprint of the transportation process.
Are there trade show booths with tool-free assembly?
Another cost sometimes overlooked by exhibitors is setup and teardown. Professional installation and dismantling of trade show displays can cost $200 per hour or more. Setting up a booth before the event and then tearing it down afterward could cost thousands of dollars depending on the size and complexity of the booth.
Once again, modular trade show booths offer exhibitors a way to slash their ongoing trade show costs — and a way for resellers of trade show displays to stand apart. Modular trade show booth designs often feature “tool-free” assembly. Lightweight-but-strong framing systems are joined by simple fasteners that require no wrenches or screwdrivers. Shelving units slide into pre-drilled anchor slots. Colorful, durable, stain-resistant fabric graphics stretch to fit the framing system and snap into place.
Tool-free assembly enables the team that travels to the trade show to manage the setup and teardown processes for the exhibitor. This dramatically reduces long-term trade show booth costs for the exhibitor and positions the reseller as a true strategic partner.
Strength, Beauty and Cost-Effectiveness in One Display
Taylor is a leading provider of trade show booth systems and other signage solutions. From elaborate custom trade show booth displays to portable trade show displays, pop-up trade show displays and everything in between, the Taylor Visual Impressions team in St. Louis leads the way with innovative trade show booth ideas to fit any brand or budget.
The types of modular trade show displays described in this blog are among our specialties. Streamline™, Taylor’s newest modular trade show booth design, delivers the best of everything in one trade show booth system.
Branding & Aesthetics
Shine a spotlight on your brand with large, vibrant, wrinkle-free graphics.
Strength & Versatility
Incorporate TV monitors, shelving, closets, backlit fixtures and more.
Tool-Free Assembly
Set up and tear down in minutes with ingenious tool-free fasteners.
Modular Design
Add fixtures and features as you go from a standardized kit of parts.
Cost-Effective Shipping
Slash shipping costs 25-50% thanks to compact, lightweight components.
Attractive Price Point
Save money with a display that costs a fraction of other customizable systems.
See how modular trade show booth systems from Taylor enable trade show display resellers to slash trade show costs for their clients. Contact your Taylor representative to learn more about Streamline modular trade show displays.
