What Does It Cost to Produce a Trade Show Booth?

There is a seemingly endless amount of options for trade show displays. As such, determining the cost to produce a trade show booth is challenging.

Pricing for trade show displays varies greatly based on a few different factors. Some of the most common features which influence price are as follows.

  • Type of display
  • Size
  • Materials
  • Special features
Custom Eco-Friendly Island Trade Show Booth

Eco-Friendly Island Trade Show Booth

Generally, larger displays with better quality materials naturally lead to a higher price. But add-ons and accessories, and special features can also increase costs.

To start by understanding some common types of trade show displays. This helps you determine the best display for your next show. It will give you an idea of what you can expect to pay.

Types of Trade Show Displays

Companies are constantly seeking better ways to display information. In response, manufacturers offer many varieties of trade show displays.

It is helpful to simplify this plethora of options. Here are a few main types of trade show displays.

  • Pop-up
  • Panel
  • Modular
  • Digital
  • Truss

Within each of these categories are numerous variations. Again, this contributes to a growing multitude of trade show display costs.

The following sections provide details about each of the main display options. There you will find descriptions of the displays and a general price range for each type.

Pop Up Displays

Pop up displays are a popular option for trade shows. These displays are made of a fabric material displaying your graphics. The fabric unrolls and fits tightly across a free-standing frame. The frames are often aluminum.

The combination of fabric and aluminum makes for a lightweight display. If you need to travel with your display to trade shows in different areas, pop up displays are an efficient option. Pop up displays are easy to set up, break down, and transport.

Pop-up displays serve as a prime example of how size affects pricing. Below are some typical pop-up display sizes with associated price ranges.

  • 10’X10’ Pop-up: $1,000-$7,000
  • 10’X15’ Pop-up: $1,500-$8,000
  • 10’X20’ Pop-up: $2,000-$16,000

Additionally, pop up displays come in a few varieties. 

  • Simple, single-sided pop-up displays
  • Double-sided pop-up display
  • Curved pop-up displays
  • Multi-panel pop-up displays
  • Backlit pop-up displays

Backlit popup-displays are an example of how special features can affect the cost to produce a trade show booth. Incorporating accessories such as liquid crystal display (LED) boxes raises costs but greatly increases the visibility of your booth.

Panel Displays

Price range: $4,000-$12,000

Panel displays, another popular display option, are solid and free-standing. They are one of the most popular options for trade show displays.

For these displays, multiple rigid panels connect to one another. This results in a sturdy display that is very long-lasting. Based on the means of construction, panel displays can offer some flexibility. Some models create a single display surface. Others can bend to fit corners. In most cases, the components of a panel display can be reconfigured to create more than a single display shape.

With panel displays, you often have the option to incorporate lighting to enhance your display. Adding fixtures can increase the price by $50 to $800.

Modular Displays

Modular displays are at the forefront of current trade show display trends. These displays come in many varieties and allow for creative displays.

Often, modular displays consist of hollow aluminum frameworks with fabric panels. The nature of these displays allows you to explore different arrangements and adapt your presentation to different settings.

Similar to pop-up trade show booths, modular displays come in a few standard sizes with corresponding price ranges.

  • 10’X10’ Pop-up: $6,000-$10,000
  • 10’X20’ Pop-up: $10,000-$18,000
  • 10’X30’ Pop-up: $20,000-$40,000

Some modular displays are so extensive that they include multiple floors. These sets include stairs that take you between the different levels of your presentation display.

Digital Displays

Digital displays are a more modern and highly engaging way to present information at trade shows. They can also be interactive and connect with your handheld devices.

Digital displays vary in their complexity. Because of this, there are plenty of different pricing options.

  • Digital banner stand: $3,000-$5,000
  • Interactive digital displays: $10,000-$60,000

Digital displays are likely to become far more widespread in the years to come. Learning to use one now may prepare you for the trade show of the future.

Truss Displays

Truss displays are the sturdiest option for trade show displays. These systems include a durable structure from which you can hang fabric or vinyl banners. Take a look at the price breakdown below.

  • 10’ Truss display: $3,000-$10,000
  • 20’ Truss display: $7,000-$25,000
  • Island truss display: $15,000-$30,000

The weight and strength of a truss display depend on the materials it is made of. Some common materials are below. Prices indicate the cost of the framework alone.

  • Composite material: ~$2,500
  • Steel: ~$4,500
  • Combination of plastic and steel: ~$5,500

The newest versions of truss displays use composite materials that balance strength and manageable weight. Truss displays are typically larger and have a more dramatic effect than other trade booth displays.

Affordable Display Options

Not every trade show calls for an expensive display. There are plenty of cases in which a simple affordable display is ideal.

If you are in that scenario, consider these three low-cost display choices.

  • Table coverings
  • Tabletop displays
  • Banner stands

While these options limit how much information you can display. Their benefit is affordability and ease of use.

Table Coverings

Table coverings are the simplest means to display information at a trade show. Rather than constructing an elaborate system, just drape a table covering over a table. 

As an affordable option, table coverings usually sell for between $50 and $500.

As with any other display, table coverings are customizable to feature your graphics and information. 

Tabletop Displays

Since tabletop displays are smaller and weigh less, they simply sit directly on top of a table. This is a great option for someone presenting in limited space.

A simple tabletop display can cost as low as $25. Ones with special features such as backlighting can cost much more but typically remain below $2,000.

Banner Stands

Price range: $200-$700

Banner stands are another option for those hoping to save on costs. These displays are smaller than others but are often free-standing.

They are made of a fabric banner attached to a pole or framework. For storage, the banners are usually retractable rolling up neatly after use.

Conclusion

When shopping for a trade show booth display, begin by knowing which kind of display you need. There are options for those with a limited budget. Conversely, there are many high-priced displays with state-of-the-art features sure to impress your audience. Knowing the options available to you will help you make a cost-effective purchase of a trade show display that meets your needs.