5 Tips for Trade Show Exhibiting on a Budget

June 14, 2015

Kristin Hovde

Kristin Hovde is the Website Manager and Blogger for Smash Hit Displays, an online trade show display company that has many booths, accessories, and flooring available.

Whether you are running a small business or are part of a Fortune 500 company, trade shows can be extremely beneficial to the success of your business. Through this marketing medium, small businesses will be at an equal playing field with their more established, larger competitors; and in this game, it isn’t always about who spent the most money, but rather who was more prepared.

If you are looking to get the name of your business into the minds of your potential customers, then here are 5 tips that will allow you to do so effectively, without spending a fortune.

1. Stay Local

Traveling to trade shows and expos can get pretty expensive, especially when you factor in the hotel, transportation, and dining costs. In order to keep your expenses low, participate in as many local events as possible. You’ll be connecting with people that live and work within the community without spending an insane amount on traveling. It’s a win-win.

2. Rent a Trade Show Display

Trade show display rentals allow you to use an innovative, extravagant display at a fraction of what it would cost to purchase one. Not to mention that you would not have to spend money on a storage facility for the booth since the company you rented it from will take care of the storing it at their warehouse after the event.  Once you do begin to feel more comfortable at trade shows, purchasing one would be a great investment that would pay for itself in a couple of shows.

3. Hold a Contest

Most exhibitors splurge on giveaway items to hand out to everyone that stops by their trade show display, including pens, mugs, and flashlights. In order to save your money on these little trinkets, holding a contest may be the most cost effective way to go. Have a drawing for one of your products or services by having those who are interested put their business card or contact information into a container. This idea will not only save you money, but will also weed out those people who aren’t interested in your products or services from those who are highly interested.

4. Promote Your Booth

With social media and digital marketing, print ads are a thing of the past. Prior to the event, promote your booth through your social media channels, blog posts, and press releases. Don’t forget to include information about the expo, such as your booth number and location, as well as the time and date of the event. It costs little to no money and will drive more traffic to your trade show booth.

5. Go With a Small Trade Show Booth

The bigger booths are not always the ones that get the most attention, just the ones that cost the most. Table top, portable, or banner displays are all affordable options that, if designed effectively, could have attendees remembering you long after the show is over. Consider hiring a trade show display graphic designer to create professional, eye-catching graphics for better results.

Trade show exhibiting doesn’t have to be expensive, but it is one of the best ways to meet your audience face-to-face, boost your brand awareness and generate leads. These tips will help you stay on budget, while still making an impact at the show. 

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact