How much does a trade show booth cost? What affects the price of an exhibition stand?
“How much does a trade show booth cost?” — this is one of the most frequently asked questions by companies planning to exhibit at trade fairs. And it’s no surprise: the cost of building a booth can vary significantly depending on many factors — from floor space and type of construction to the level of design complexity and the scope of services provided.
In this article, we clearly explain what makes up the price of a trade show booth and why two booths with the same footprint can differ considerably in their final quotation. We intentionally exclude fees charged by the event organizer, such as participation fees, exhibition space rental, or utilities (electricity, internet, water), focusing solely on the design and construction of the booth itself.
Trade show booth size – the starting point for pricing
The first and most obvious factor affecting the price is the booth’s floor area. Booth size influences, among other things:
- the amount of construction materials required,
- the scope of installation work,
- the scale of graphics and lighting,
- the number of furnishing elements.
The larger the booth, the greater the design possibilities — but also the higher the overall cost.
Booth type: modular system or custom-built stand
Another key pricing factor is the type of booth construction.
System (modular) booth:
- modular, based on ready-made components,
- offers limited customization options,
- easy and fast to assemble,
- usually a more cost-effective solution.
Custom-built booth:
- designed from scratch and tailored to the client’s individual needs,
- allows greater creative freedom,
- enables the use of curves, canopies, unconventional shapes, and custom lighting,
- typically involves a higher cost while delivering a noticeably stronger visual impact.
Level of structural complexity
The price of a trade show booth is also heavily influenced by the complexity of its structure, including elements such as:
- mezzanines and upper floors,
- non-standard construction heights,
- suspended or hanging structures,
- elements requiring structural calculations and technical documentation.
The more advanced the structure, the greater the design, technical, and installation effort involved.
Materials used in booth construction
The choice of materials directly affects the final cost. A wide range of options allows for the realization of almost any concept, helping to emphasize brand prestige and increase visibility. Commonly used materials and finishes include:
- raw, painted, or distressed wood,
- lacquered elements — matte or high-gloss,
- furniture boards, MDF, plywood,
- aluminum and metal structures,
- PVC, plexiglass, and glass elements,
- fabrics and membranes,
- greenery and plant-based elements.
Electrical installations and lighting
Booth pricing is also influenced by the complexity of the electrical installation:
- basic general lighting and standard spotlights,
- product accent lighting,
- illuminated shelves, niches, and displays,
- power supply for AV and multimedia equipment,
- advanced lighting control systems,
- dedicated electrical connections for client exhibits.
The more precise and customized the lighting and cabling, the higher the implementation cost.
Graphics and booth signage
Graphics are one of the most important branding elements, partially discussed in our article “Logo in 6 Variations.” A wide range of materials and techniques allows solutions to be tailored to the client’s needs:
- large-format prints on film or durable textiles,
- backlit graphics,
- logos in various forms — from simple 2D cut lettering to multi-colored lightboxes,
- 2D texts cut from standard or floor-grade films,
- 3D elements — dimensional letters, symbols, and signs.
The complexity, size, and quantity of graphics directly affect the amount of materials and labor required for production and proper installation.
Trade show booth furnishings
Another cost component is booth equipment, which may include:
- furniture,
- reception counters,
- back-office equipment, including coffee machines, kettles, and refreshments,
- AV equipment (LED screens, monitors, tablets),
- bar or networking areas.
Custom elements and additional services
This is where pricing can vary most dynamically:
- custom product displays,
- technology integration (VR, interactive screens),
- acoustic structures,
- special platforms or scenography.
We strive to meet all our clients’ needs. When a project exceeds our in-house capabilities, we collaborate with trusted partners who ensure the highest quality of service.
Logistics and installation
The total booth cost also includes transportation and assembly, which depend on:
- the distance to the trade fair venue,
- accommodation availability for the installation team,
- installation and dismantling time,
- the need to work at night or on weekends.
Additional requirements imposed by the organizer
A frequently overlooked yet important pricing factor:
- required material certificates,
- height or weight restrictions,
- specified fire-resistance classifications,
- mandatory suspension systems,
- additional organizer fees.
Some of these requirements necessitate specific materials or procedures, which may generate additional costs.
Booth service during the event
Clients may also order:
- daily booth cleaning,
- on-site technical support,
- quick fixes and repairs,
- full booth service throughout the event.
Project management and coordination
Last — but absolutely crucial — is project management, including:
- coordination of the entire process,
- communication with the event organizer,
- production supervision,
- presence of a Project Manager during installation and dismantling,
- handling unforeseen situations.
The presence of a Project Manager during installation often saves clients stress and unnecessary formalities. Our team has extensive experience in the trade show industry and responds quickly to any unexpected situation.
What determines the final trade show booth price?
The price of a trade show booth is the sum of many elements — from size and construction to materials, graphics, logistics, and project management. That is why every quotation should be tailored individually to the client’s real needs.
Planning to exhibit at a trade fair and want to know the real cost of a booth aligned with your goals?
Contact us — we will prepare a transparent quote and propose solutions optimized for both budget and visual impact.