Cost Control Tradeshow Participation

The costs of trade show participations are very often the most important parts of the marketing budget. It is somewhat striking that companies at times seem to be surprised, which costs are all involved, and to what height they can accumulate to. Typicall this is the case, when the organizer is sending the invoice for additional charges like electricity supply, internet access etc.

We have structured below the costs, which are usually involved, if a company participates at a trade show. This structure may be used as planning tool and check list.  The first table provides an overview and serves also as the summary. Here you find the seven most important cost categories involved with a trade show participation from rent costs to costs for advertising, promotion etc.

These seven categories are detailled in the tables below. For the planning itself we suggest to first analyse the table "Overview Cost Factors", and then fill the detailing schemes. Result will be a clear planning of all cost categories mentioned like for example "6. Personnel & Travel Costs".

Total costs of the categories should be transferred to the first chart "Overview Cost Factors". Thus a summary is provided, which gives transparency and a very good management abstract.