The average exhibitor spends 50% of their trade show budget on shipping, space rental and services. Follow these tips and you can save $ 3,072.00 at your next show.

Reduce or Eliminate shipping and drayage costs.
Shipping and drayage are costs that most exhibitors overlook. These costs can get out of hand quickly when you factor in expedited freight and material handling costs.
You can eliminate these costs completely. That’s right here’s how.
Choose a lightweight display that you can hand carry into the hall by yourself. Ship it to your hotel then carry into the show hall. Better yet check the display onto your flight with you. It may be a little work to get the display into the hall but it will help the bottom line. Check out our powerhouse design sections. All of the designs shown can be hand carried into most halls.

Eliminate Show Labor Costs
This is a simple one. Union rules say if you can install your display yourself in 30 minutes or less you are not required to use union labor. Use a display that you can install yourself. This is another task that may be require a little work but will pay off.

Get your Paperwork in early.
Plan ahead and order show services before the advance deadline. This can save you as much as 40%. Be sure to bring a copy of your completed orders to the show floor. Show management companies are notorious for losing your paperwork, resulting in higher at show rates.

Vacuum Up Savings
A neat clean booth space is imperative to present a professional look. Before you pay the unions an outrageous fee for daily booth cleaning think about this. You can pack cleaning supplies and a portable mini-vacuum with your display. Clean your booth yourself and save.

Make a List
Make a list of the items you may need on the show floor. This may sound obvious, but careful use of a good checklist can eliminate the need for last-minute at-show purchases (such as light bulbs, cleaning supplies, etc.) that have a huge price markup. I once received a union bill or $120.00 to replace 2 light bulbs at a show at McCormick Place.

Can the Trash Can?
Buy your own trashcan for about $3 instead of paying as much as $15 to rent them at each show.

Cut the Cords
Buy extension cords and power strips prior to the show. Extension cords cost about $5 at a discount store. You'll spend about $20 to rent one at the show. Make sure the cords are UL-approved and will carry a 20-amp load.