How Much Do Trade Show Booths Cost?

Trade shows open doors. They create possibilities, spark new partnerships, and let you put your brand in the spotlight.

But when you decide to get involved, there’s one big question nearly everyone asks: How much does it cost?

Let me pull back the curtain.

I’ve been there. Debating every penny, searching for the right exhibition stand, and weighing up every extra. If this is your first trade show, or you’re just curious about the true cost, you’re in the right place.

Quick Answer: What Does a Trade Show Booth Cost?

Most UK exhibitors can expect to pay anywhere from £800 to tens of thousands, depending on booth size, design, and what’s included.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Booth equipment (walls, banners, counters): £800 to £15,000+
• Space rental: £200 to £400+ per square meter
• Show services (electrics, cleaning, Wi-Fi): £100 to £1,500+
• Travel and accommodation: £200 to £1,000+ per person
• Promotional materials: £100 to £2,000+
• Staffing and extras: Varies based on your team size and needs

Your total trade show budget might range from £2,000 for a small, simple setup, up to £50,000 or more for a large, high-impact presence.

Who Should Read This Guide?

If you’re planning to exhibit at a trade show, especially in the UK, this article is for you. Whether you’re a first-time exhibitor or you’ve done a few shows and want to refine your approach, you’ll find practical insights here.

I’ll cover everything you need to know about trade show costs, break down each type of expense, and share tips for maximising your ROI without breaking the bank.

The True Cost of Exhibiting at Trade Shows

Walking onto the trade show floor, you feel the buzz. Stands shine with vibrant graphics. Teams chat with potential customers. Behind every eye-catching booth, though, lies careful planning and some serious number crunching.

Main Costs to Consider

Here are the main costs associated with exhibiting at trade shows:

1. Booth Space Rental
   This is almost always the biggest portion of your trade show budget. At most UK venues, space rental costs around £200 to £400 per square meter. For example, a 3m x 2m space (six square meters) could cost between £1,200 and £2,400 just for the empty floor.
2. Booth Equipment and Design
   The booth itself can cost anywhere from £800 for a basic pop-up kit, to £10,000+ for a custom modular stand. Xpo Displays, for example, offers exhibition stand options for every budget, whether you’re going for portable banners, shell-scheme upgrades, or full bespoke builds.
   A 20×20 booth with all the bells and whistles could easily hit five figures, but you could also create impact with a clever design for less.
3. Show Services
   These include essentials like electricity, lighting, internet, and cleaning. Services usually range from £100 to £1,500+ depending on what you need. Always factor in the cost of these extras—they add up fast.
4. Travel Expenses and Accommodation Costs
   Don’t underestimate these. Whether you’re sending one person or a whole team, travel, hotel, and daily expenses will form a significant part of your exhibition budget.
   Expect to pay about £200 to £1,000 per person, depending on distance and hotel quality.
5. Promotional Materials and Marketing
   Flyers, branded giveaways, business cards, and digital screens help you stand out.
   Marketing materials can cost around £100 to £2,000, depending on scope and quantity.
6. Staffing and Miscellaneous
   From branded uniforms to snacks and water for your crew, these smaller expenses can sneak up on you. Always set aside a portion of your budget for unexpected expenses.

TL;DR: The true cost of exhibiting at a trade show includes much more than just your stand. Add up booth space, equipment, show services, travel, and extras to avoid surprises.

How Booth Size, Design, and Location Affect Costs

The price tag attached to your trade show booth depends on choices you make early in the process.

Booth Space: Per Square Meter or Per Square Foot?

Exhibition venues in the UK quote booth space per square meter. The bigger your booth, the higher the cost, but also the more room you have to showcase new products and connect with potential clients.

• Small booth (3x2m): £1,200 to £2,400 for space, plus equipment
• Medium booth (6x4m): £4,800 to £9,600 for space, plus equipment
• Large booth (10x10m): £20,000 to £40,000 for space, equipment, and services

When planning a trade show, always check what’s included in your booth space rental. Some organisers provide basic walls and carpet, while others offer only the bare floor.

Booth Design and Customisation

The cost of your exhibition stand can vary wildly. I’ve seen basic pop-up stands cost less than £1,000, while elaborate, two-storey booths run into the tens of thousands. The more features, the higher the price.

• Standard shell scheme: £800 to £3,000
• Modular or premium design: £2,000 to £15,000+
• Custom builds (LED, AV, double-decker): £20,000 and up

A clever booth design can help you make a big impression, even with a modest budget.

Budgeting for Trade Show Costs: What to Expect

I know the pressure to keep costs under control, especially for first-time exhibitors. Here’s how I recommend breaking down your trade show budget:

• Booth space rental: 30% to 40% of total budget
• Booth design/build: 25% to 35%
• Show services (electric, Wi-Fi, cleaning): 10% to 15%
• Promotional materials and giveaways: 5% to 10%
• Travel, accommodation, meals: 10% to 20%
• Contingency (unexpected expenses): 5% to 10%

Example:
For a typical small UK trade show, your costs might look like this:

You can spend less with a simple kit, or much more with custom builds and extras.

Costs to Consider Beyond the Booth

Trade show expenses can feel like a black hole. I’ve learned to look out for additional costs that sneak in, such as:

• Shipping and storage: Especially for large or reusable stands.
• Insurance and health & safety: Some venues require extra cover.
• Lead capture tech: Tablets, scanners, or subscription apps.

Always ask your exhibition stand designers or suppliers for a full breakdown. Transparency helps you avoid nasty surprises and ensures that your booth is ready for show day.

How Do Trade Show Costs Compare? UK vs. US and Europe

UK trade show costs are competitive. Space typically runs £200–£400 per square meter, a bit less than major US trade fairs (which charge per square foot). For context:

• UK: £200–£400 per square meter (about £18–£37 per square foot)
• US: $30–$50 per square foot (about £24–£40)
• Europe: €250–€500 per square meter (about £215–£430)

Exhibiting at trade shows in the UK offers a good balance of exposure and value, especially if you plan your trade show budget wisely.

Maximising Your ROI: Making Trade Show Investment Worthwhile

Let’s talk about getting the most from your stand costs. Every exhibitor wants ROI (return on investment). Investing in trade shows and exhibitions pays off when you plan carefully and set clear goals.

Strategies to Build Brand Awareness and Attract Potential Customers

• Design for engagement: Use interactive displays, demos, or competitions.
• Train your team: Staff should know your products and how to start conversations.
• Promote in advance: Use email, social media, and your website to invite your target audience.
• Offer memorable promotional materials: Quality giveaways can keep you top of mind.

Trade shows offer a unique chance to connect with potential clients, network with industry peers, and showcase new products and services.

Calculating Return on Investment (ROI)

Track leads, scan badges, and follow up after the event. Compare your trade show costs to the value of new business generated.

If you spend £6,000 and win a £20,000 contract, your ROI is clear!

Tips for First-Time Exhibitors: Cutting Costs Without Sacrificing Impact

Exhibiting at your first trade show can feel daunting, especially with all the costs associated. Here’s how you can control your budget:

• Choose a smaller booth size and focus on smart booth design.
• Rent equipment or use an exhibition stand kit.
• Share booth space with a partner brand to split costs.
• Use digital promotional materials to cut printing costs.
• Plan travel and book hotels early for better rates.

Remember: You can stand out and build visibility without spending a fortune.

FAQs: The World of Trade Shows, Answered

How Much Does It Cost to Exhibit at a Trade Show in the UK?

Costs range from £2,000 for a modest setup to £50,000 or more for large, custom booths. Average cost for a small to medium stand is £5,000–£10,000.

What’s the Average Cost Per Square Meter?

Most UK venues charge £200–£400 per square meter. Factor in design costs and extras.

What Are the Main Costs to Consider?

• Booth space
• Stand build and graphics
• Show services
• Staff and travel
• Marketing materials
• Additional costs (insurance, shipping, tech)

Can I Exhibit on a Tight Budget?

Absolutely. Kits range from £100–£500. Share space, rent equipment, and focus on digital marketing to make a splash without overspending.

Final Thoughts: Planning a Trade Show Without Breaking the Bank

Stepping into the world of trade shows can transform your business. Whether you have a budget of £2,000 or £50,000, the key is to plan, prioritise, and be creative.

I’ve seen first-time exhibitors take home big wins with small stands. I’ve also watched big brands waste money on extras that didn’t add value.

Set clear goals, understand the costs associated with every choice, and ensure that your booth truly reflects your brand.

Trade shows offer a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. With the right approach, your investment in exhibiting at trade shows will pay off in brand awareness, new customers, and future trade.