When you decide to set up at a trade show, experienced exhibit services are just one of the factors you must consider in your budget. However, for most people, especially smaller businesses that are just growing, the expenses involved in a trade show can be considerable. Here are four ways to help manage this experience on a smaller budget.

Giveaways & “Swag” Can Be Cheap

While many people enjoy getting free items at trade shows, exhibit services will be the first to tell you that the items you give away don’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of wholesale items that can be acquired for less than a dollar a unit and can be branded and used as giveaways or swag items. Don’t get too ambitious here.

Invest In Items For More Than One Event

Another smart way to make trade show budgets stretch is to use items more than once. For example, if one of your giveaway items is a branded notebook and pen, and you plan to exhibit at other trade shows, there’s absolutely no reason you can’t manufacture a large number of these items to use for your next trade show. Now, you’re saving money for your future events.

Be Diligent With Your Costs

Carefully review and plan your budget. Are you taking everything into account? Will you need Wi-Fi access, carpet rental, or any other miscellaneous costs? Are you aware of these costs, or have you yet to factor them into your budget?

Various aspects of your budget, such as food, travel, and accommodation, may offer better rates if you take the time to look at all your payment options. This may come in the form of group discounts or price reductions for booking early. Take advantage of these savings.

Use The Right Tools

There are “trade show budget calculators” that are available to help businesses deal with the specific financial concerns involved in engaging an exhibit service and preparing to participate in a trade show. The use of these tools, especially for those just coming to the world of trade shows, can help cover and consider the many financial elements that comprise investing in a trade show. When you’ve got a bit more experience, these tools can be extremely useful in helping you analyze past financial performance at trade shows and be even smarter about how you use your money.

If you want value in your investment and want to work with experienced exhibit services, contact Lighthouse Exhibits. We can help.