Here are several suggestions to help keep trade show display expenditures in line:

1. Consider renting a trade show booth rather than buying one. Renting a trade show exhibit applies only if you are planning a one time or occasional trade show appearance or if you have a simultaneous trade show in another part of the country that conflicts with your exhibit schedule. It does not make economic sense to rent a trade show display if you plan to exhibit more than three times in a given year. Be sure to rent a booth that will fit into the size of the exhibit space. Renting will save you not only on trade show booth construction costs but also the expense of warehousing your display after the trade show is over.

2. Upgrade your existing trade show booth. If you choose not to rent, you can upgrade your older booth by changing its graphics, relaminating color panels, and redesigning structural elements. This is a much more cost-effective way than starting from scratch.

3. Invest in a pre-owned trade show display. If you do not already have an existing trade show exhibit booth to upgrade, you can find pre-owned trade show exhibits that are greatly reduced from their original cost. Many trade show exhibit houses offer top quality pre-owned exhibits that are well maintained and easily adaptable to new signage, often affording reductions in exhibit design time and construction costs by more than half. You also have options on size, design, scope and price similar to trade show booth rentals with a variety of style and dimension options. Perhaps with little more than a customized graphics upgrade your trade show exhibit can be out the door and on the floor in a matter of weeks.

4. Consider a lightweight trade show exhibit. A lightweight exhibit will reduce operating costs such as freight, drayage, and storage. Select a trade show display that packs easily and is uncomplicated to install and dismantle. A custom modular or custom portable trade show exhibit can have the look of a custom exhibit, while reducing operating costs by 50 to 90 percent.

5. Pack extra supplies. When your installation and dismantle company installs your exhibit at your trade show, youll find that emergency repairs and materials replacements often are costly. So keep a backup supply box filled with items that may need to be replenished at the trade show. Include power cords, tools, light bulbs, Velcro, scissors and duct tape.

6. Plan well in advance. This will help you avoid unnecessary rush charges from not scheduling adequate lead time for the trade show displays graphic design and production requirements.

7. Set up the trade show display during pre-show week days. Avoid costly weekend and overtime labor costs on the trade show floor. Early trade show booth assembly also helps you to avoid last minute glitches that run up the tab.

8. Understand trade show services. You will frequently require supplemental assistance from trade show services at the trade show exhibit hall. These are representatives and union laborers who provide such support services as installation and dismantling, carpeting, furniture, lighting, phones, drayage and security. If you are aware of the nuances of these charges for trade show services and plan in advance you can save money while avoiding numerous pitfalls.

Experience is the best teacher in keeping trade show exhibit costs under control. If your display team has limited know-how, tap into the wealth of knowledge available from the staff of a reputable trade show exhibit house. Also do your research on trade show exhibit company websites for industry insider tips.