How To Save Your Company Money When Taking A Trade Show Stand To An Event

Going to an event can be expensive for any company, but many businesses consider it a necessary expense. Instead of cutting back to one event a year, consider how you can cut costs and still attend these events to network and uncover sales leads. Following these tips can likely save your business at least $200 per event, and no one will ever realize that you're displaying your trade show stand on a budget.

Consider A Trade Show Booth Rental Instead Of Buying One

A trade show stand is a considerable expense, especially if you have a miniscule marketing budget. It's possible to find companies that actually allow businesses to use a trade show booth rental instead of buying a unit outright. Although it may seem like a trade show booth rental is a one-size-fits-all solution, companies can actually customize these with unique graphics and less expensive add-ons such as table top displays and banner stands. It's also a great way to determine which model of trade show stand is right for your company before spending the money.

Forgo The Hotel Restaurant And Snacks

Hotel restaurants and the snacks that come in a standard room are definitely convenient, but that convenience comes with a steep price tag. Instead of asking the concierge where you can eat, ask where the nearest drug store is. There you can find snacks and drinks at a much lower price than your room or the gift shop. If you're pressed for time and need to eat at the hotel restaurant, consider splitting an entre with a friend or coworker and supplementing the meal with a small side salad. Your budget (and your boss) will thank you for being frugal and looking out for the company's bottom line.

Ship Packages To The Hotel Instead Of The Venue

Anyone who's ever set up a trade show stand knows that it can be expensive to ship their table top displays and other items directly to the venue, especially if the venue is in a city that has unionized events. To save some money, have your exhibits shipped directly to the hotel and take them into the venue yourself. Be sure to check if this is allowed before making any arrangements.

Consider Staying At The Hotel, Even If It's More Expensive

Oftentimes, it can be expensive to stay at the hotel that's hosting an event. Because the venue is almost guaranteed to be sold out, they boost the price. While it may be tempting to save money by staying somewhere else, consider staying at the venue a necessary expense. By lodging somewhere else, you could lose out on valuable networking time that takes place in the hotel bar, the lobby or the gardens. How many potential customers could you lose out on if you stay off-site?

Taking a trade show stand to an event is a great way to meet potential clients and connect further with existing clients. Although they can be expensive, using these tips can help lessen the financial strain.

Chris Harmen is a writer for Skyline, a leading provider of table top displays in Memphis. Skyline offers custom solutions, from banner stands to a trade show booth rental in Memphis.