How much does a trade show booth cost?
Real price ranges from our partner network. No "contact us for pricing." No surprises in month four.
First-time exhibitors, regional shows, one-off events.
- Pop-up frame or modular kit
- Branded backwall graphics
- Counter or small table
- Shipping to & from the show
- Drayage and electrical billed separately by venue
- Limited reusability if branding changes
Growing brands doing 3+ shows per year. Best ROI per dollar.
- Aluminum frame with tension-fabric graphics
- Storage case + reusable across shows
- Lead-retrieval kiosk or demo station
- Install / dismantle labor
- A/V (monitors, LED) usually quoted separately
- Refresh graphics every 2–3 years
Anchor shows where booth presence drives the year's pipeline.
- Fully custom millwork & finishes
- LED video walls, lighting, hanging sign
- Private meeting room or demo bays
- Project manager + on-site supervision
- Lead time: 12–16 weeks minimum
- Storage between shows is an ongoing cost
- Drayage on heavy custom builds adds up fast
What drives the final price?
Custom millwork, real wood, and metal finishes cost 2–4x more than tension fabric.
A 65" 4K monitor adds ~$2k installed; an LED video wall adds $15k–$50k+.
Las Vegas, Orlando, and Chicago union labor rates are 30–60% higher than secondary markets.
Sub-8-week rush builds typically add a 15–30% expedite fee.
$1.50–$3 per pound to move crates from dock to booth — easily $2k–$8k on a 20x20.
Modular and custom builds amortize over 3–5 shows; rentals are one-and-done.
Pricing FAQ
Are these prices guaranteed quotes?
No — these are realistic 2026 market ranges based on what exhibitors actually pay across our network. Final pricing depends on materials, A/V, shipping distance, drayage, labor rates at the venue, and how custom the design is.
What's typically NOT included in a builder's quote?
Show services (electrical, internet, rigging, cleaning), drayage / material handling, lead retrieval devices, freight insurance, and on-site I&D labor are usually billed separately by the venue or general contractor. Always ask for a line-item breakdown.
Custom vs. modular vs. rental — which saves money?
Rental is cheapest for one-off shows. Modular wins if you'll do 3+ shows per year with the same brand. Custom is the most expensive upfront but delivers the strongest brand presence and is usually reusable for 3–5 years with refresh kits.