Jul 02
how much do tradeshow booths cost

How Much Do Trade Show Booths Cost?

Thinking about showcasing your brand at a trade show? Smart move—but before you dive in, you’re probably asking: how much do tradeshow booths cost?

On average, a standard 10×10 booth starts around $5,000 to $10,000, while larger or custom-designed booths can exceed $20,000, depending on size, materials, design, and tech features.

In this guide, you’ll get a clear breakdown of where those costs come from—like shipping, staffing, customization, and hidden fees—plus smart ways to maximize your investment without overspending.

Key Factors That Affect Trade Show Booth Costs

Trade show costs vary a lot, but a few key items have the biggest impact on your budget.

Knowing what drives these expenses lets you focus your investment in the right areas.

It also helps you decide which features are worth the extra cost—and which ones aren’t.

1. Booth Size and Type

The size of your booth is one of the main reasons costs go up or down.

A simple 10×10 booth will be much cheaper than a large, custom space.

If your business only attends a few shows a year, renting a booth might be the better choice.

But if trade shows are part of your regular marketing, buying a booth may make more sense.

Custom booths can cost up to $150 per square foot.

The layout also matters—corner booths and island booths usually come at a premium.

Plus, booth height restrictions at some venues can limit how much you can design vertically, which may affect pricing too.

2. Design and Customization

Design choices affect how your booth looks—and what you pay.

Custom booths help your brand stand out, but they also add to the cost.

Here are a few examples:

Signage and Graphics

Basic banners can cost around $500. More advanced displays with lighting can cost $5,000 or more. If you’re aiming to leave a visual impression, illuminated signs, motion graphics, or 3D logos can really elevate your brand.

Professional-grade visuals also reflect how polished your business is—and in a crowded venue, that matters.

Materials

Unique fabrics and textures make a big impression. But they also increase how much you’ll spend. Premium materials like wood paneling, glass, or specialty flooring can add style and credibility. However, they also increase the complexity of transport and setup, which raises costs further.

3. Logistics: Shipping and Handling Costs

Once your booth is built, you’ll need to get it to the show.

Staying local—like setting up in Atlanta—can keep costs low.

Sending a booth across the country adds more to your budget.

Here are common logistics costs to consider:

Shipping

Shipping your booth can cost between $500 and $5,000. The size and distance both affect this. Crating fees, freight charges, and shipping insurance are often separate line items that get overlooked. And if your delivery misses the designated move-in window, extra fees may apply.

Drayage Fees

This is the cost of moving your booth from the venue’s dock to your space. It’s based on weight and can get expensive if your booth is large or heavy. Drayage also includes empty crate storage during the event—so even your packaging adds to your bill. Always ask for a detailed estimate from the venue so you’re not caught off guard.

4. Staffing and Event Services

You’ll need a great team at your booth during the show.

If your booth has tech features or live demos, it’s even more important.

Your team’s cost includes registration, travel, food, and hotels.

Picking the right people helps visitors understand your brand and builds real value.

Training your team beforehand is key—they should know how to speak to your audience and represent your messaging clearly.

Also, consider hiring specialists (like product experts or demo pros) who can add depth to your booth experience.

Knowing how to promote your business at a tradeshow starts with having the right team on-site—people who can speak clearly about your offer, engage attendees, and represent your brand well.

What Technology Costs Are Involved in a Trade Show Booth?

Technology can make your booth more exciting—but also more expensive.

Let’s look at what’s usually included.

Using tech strategically can improve engagement, generate more leads, and create memorable brand moments.

But it’s important to weigh cost versus return so you don’t overspend on tools your team can’t support or operate well.

AV Equipment and Interactive Displays

Adding screens or interactive tools draws people in.

A basic monitor might cost between $300 and $500.

If you want something bigger—like a virtual reality setup—it can cost from $5,000 to $20,000.

Touchscreen kiosks or lead capture tools (like badge scanners or contactless forms) can increase data collection.

However, be sure these tools integrate with your sales or CRM system to justify their price.

Interactive features can help people remember your brand—but only if they’re used correctly and consistently.

Lighting and Sound

Lighting is a big part of how your booth feels.

Good lighting helps people notice your booth and understand your brand.

Even simple lighting setups can cost hundreds of dollars.

Custom lighting or sound systems might need professionals to install them, which raises the price.

You’ll also need to plan for power needs—some venues charge for electricity by the outlet or by the day.

Sound systems, like mics or speakers for presentations, should be tested in advance to avoid awkward technical issues.

Tips to Manage Costs While Standing Out

Trade shows can get expensive fast, but here are a few ways to stand out without overspending.

Smart planning and reuse of materials can lower costs without making your booth feel cheap.

The goal is to balance impact and budget—so your booth looks great without breaking the bank.

Opt for Modular or Reusable Elements

Modular booths can change shape or layout based on your event.

This saves money over time because you can reuse pieces.

Lightweight frames and strong fabrics also cut down shipping and setup fees.

Look for pieces that pack flat and assemble easily—this lowers labor and drayage costs.

Some modular systems even allow new graphic panels, which keeps things fresh without buying a new frame each time.

Choose Technology Wisely

You don’t need every screen or gadget.

Just one touchscreen or monitor can engage visitors in a powerful way.

This keeps costs down while still making an impact.

Focus on tools that solve a problem—like helping people understand your product, book a demo, or download a brochure. If your team can’t support it or it doesn’t serve your goal, skip it.

Consider Renting

If you don’t go to trade shows often, renting a booth can be a smart move.

Rented booths can still be branded to match your company’s look.

You’ll save money without losing visual impact.

Rental options are especially great for testing new markets or event types. Many vendors also offer setup, teardown, and storage—so you’re paying for convenience too.

Watch Out for Hidden Trade Show Costs

Some costs are easy to miss when planning your booth.

Here are a few extras to keep in mind:

Electricity and Internet

Many venues charge a daily fee for power and internet access. You may also need a wired connection or stronger signal for certain tech—those upgrades cost extra. Always check the fine print in the exhibitor manual.

Insurance

Accidents happen, and booth insurance protects your investment. Some events even require proof of insurance before you’re allowed to exhibit.

Promotional Items

Giveaways are popular, but they add up. Plan on spending $2 to $5 per item. Think useful—branded items like chargers or tote bags get reused and seen long after the show.

Last-Minute Shipping

Rushed deliveries can cost 50% more than regular shipping. Avoid last-minute planning when possible. Build a timeline backward from your event date so everything arrives on time and on budget.

At the End of the Day

The total cost of your trade show booth depends on what you need.

A simple 10×10 booth is budget-friendly. A custom, multi-level space creates more impact—but also costs more.

Every choice—size, design, tech—affects both your booth’s price and your brand image.

Pick options that reflect your message and connect with your audience.

A smart, well-designed booth helps people remember your business long after the show is over.

Plan carefully, choose partners who know what they’re doing, and you’ll walk away with more than just leads—you’ll build credibility that lasts.

Ready to Make Your Trade Show Booth Work Harder (and Smarter)?

If figuring out booth costs feels overwhelming—or like just one more thing on your already full plate—MOCK, the agency is here to help.

We partner directly with marketing directors and teams to simplify complex trade show planning, bring smart design to life, and make sure you look great doing it.

Whether you need a simple setup or a custom build, we’ll guide you through every step—without the bloated agency drama.

Let’s take the stress off your shoulders and turn that booth into a brand experience your audience won’t forget.

About The Author