Trade shows are expensive

Tips that you can take to the bank.

Trade shows are expensive so save money where you can.

• If you have a 10x10 or 10x20 ship your display to your hotel and try to wheel your portable displays into the convention center instead of paying material and handling cost.
• Refurbish your old booth instead of buying a new one and try to reuse your old graphics. Graphics are deadly expensive, so if you are only going to use them for one show then get them printed on a less expensive material like paper. If you plan on using them for years to come then print them on film and make sure they are laminated. If the edges are damaged, cut a 1/4" around the edge off and place new Velcro on them; good as new.
  
• Don't hire labor... try to set your booth up yourself, even if you have a 10x20 or it takes you more than 30 minutes. That way if you get "caught" you simply pay for the labor but if not you are golden.
• Supervise your own booth setup if you get labor. This will save you 30% and more. Most Unions will charge you 30% of the total labor cost to supervise; if you are their to supervise it cost you nothing. Plus you can control your labor. Make sure they are working and if you don't like their work habits or are slow, FIRE THEM and get another worker. Remember you are paying your labor $65-100.00 an HOUR! You should demand workers of that value. This is not always possible due to the labor available in the city but I hope you get my point. You are the boss, make sure they work and aren't on the phone or something like that.
• Check your Union bill. You would be surprised how many times you will find a misc. charge for something and all you have to do is go to the Union desk and ask what that charge it is to get it removed.

Now I have nothing against the Union but you should be fair and they should be too. So make sure the bill is correct and that your labor has more ability than standing around, especially at their wage.