What is the process involved in getting a custom trade show booth?
So, it finally happened! You got the go-ahead to exhibit in a custom trade show booth! Now the hard part: how do you navigate the process to design and build your unique trade show booth?
Now, where do you go? What do you do? What can you expect from your custom booth builder? Just what is the trade show booth design timeline?
1. Exploration
Once you fill out the webform, email or call a quality custom exhibit house like Metro Exhibits, a booth design specialist will contact you by phone or email to learn about you and your project, including the event, your budget and timing. They will walk you through the process, and answer any questions you may have.
2. Render
Most custom exhibit houses will design a complimentary 3D rendering just for you, based on your vision, timing and budget, aligning with the show’s regulations and design standards. Here is where custom really matters.
3. Agreement
They will present a custom agreement to support you with whatever you need: fabrication, graphics, shipping, installation and dismantle, swag, branded apparel, storage, inventory management and more.
4. Project management
If you select a full service custom exhibit house like Metro Exhibits, you will be partnered with a project manager, your single point of contact, who will handle every detail of your exhibition (and there are a lot!).
She will provide the timeline and checklist and she will keep you updated every step of the way. She will invite you to our amazing facility to see the booth preset (or send you photos or videos if you prefer). And don’t miss our in-house specialty sign shop and apparel decorating process!
She can present you with a curated selection of competitively priced swag that she will ship right with your booth (one less thing to worry about–or carry yourself through the airport). She can give you unique ideas for specialty 3D signage and fabrications that will make your booth the destination booth, no matter what size or where you on the show floor.
5. Show time
Imagine everything going as smooth as silk (and most time, it does!). But weather, traffic, loading dock issues, strikes, etc. can affect any exhibit or show. Because you planned, your back is covered with our expertise and local resources, no matter the venue. Your team you’ll walk on to your booth, ready to shine!
FAQs:
FAQ 1: How much does a custom trade show booth cost (all-in)?
Most new exhibitors are surprised that the booth itself is only part of the total. Your all-in budget typically includes design + fabrication + graphics + shipping/drayage + install & dismantle (I&D) labor + storage + show services (like electrical, rigging, internet, cleaning). Figure $10,000 to $15,000 for a 10×10 booth.
A solid first step is to share your booth size, show schedule, goals, and whether you want to own or rent, and we’ll map out a budget range that avoids “surprise” costs.
One no-fail way to reduce costs is to start as early as you can. This gives you access to everything from reservations to the best budget-friendly hotels, airfare, even lower-priced swag. Plus, it eliminates expensive rush charges.
FAQ 2: I am starting from scratch, and I don’t have artwork for my trade show booth. Do I need to find a designer?
No, most custom exhibit houses like Metro Exhibits have an in-house design team that specializes in designs for 3d structures, and can create anything you need. They will learn your vision, branding and messaging, and these 3D experts will create the design that will speak your message to visitors without a word.
FAQ 3: How long does a custom booth take to design and build?
A: A custom booth is a process, not a quick order. A typical trade show booth design timeline includes strategy + design concepts, revisions, engineering, fabrication, graphics production, pre-build, and logistics.
If you’re new, the safest approach is to start as early as you can—especially if you have a major show date—because show deadlines for freight and labor can sneak up fast. Six months to four months prior to show open is ideal, and gives exhibitors full access to all options. It also saves money by eliminating rush charges. Two months prior to show open is tight, but some of the more flexible vendors can create a display that stands out even 4 weeks prior to show date.