In short
A US trade show booth has three cost layers: the space, sold per square foot by the organiser; the exhibit, built or rented from an exhibit house; and show-site services, such as drayage, installation labor, electrical and cleaning, ordered from the general contractor's service kit. First-timers often budget the first two only. In cities with strong union jurisdictions, the third layer can be a major part of the bill.
Key points
- Space, exhibit and show services are separate bills.
- Drayage is usually charged by weight, with a minimum.
- Labor rules differ by city and venue, so read the service kit.
- A light fabric booth can save money twice: in freight and in drayage.
The three layers
| Layer | Who bills it | What sets the price |
|---|---|---|
| Booth space | Show organiser | Square footage and position; corners and islands may carry a premium |
| The exhibit | Exhibit house, or your own property | Build or rental, graphics, storage |
| Show services | General contractor, venue, approved vendors | Drayage, labor, electrical, carpet, cleaning, internet |
We do not print a typical US booth price here, because there is no honest single figure. Use the organiser's published space rate and the service kit's rate sheet, and the cost calculator for the shape of the total.
Drayage and material handling
Drayage is the charge for moving your freight from the dock to your booth, storing the empty crates and bringing them back. It is usually priced by weight, per hundred pounds, with a minimum, and the rate differs for crated, uncrated and special-handling freight. It is a separate service from getting the goods to the venue.
- Compare the crated and uncrated rates in the service kit.
- Reduce weight: a fabric and aluminium booth drays for less than crated timber.
- Check the rules on hand-carrying before you plan it. Some venues allow only what one person can carry without equipment.
- Do not miss the advance warehouse deadline if you use it.
Labor rules
Installation and dismantling rules differ by city and venue. In Las Vegas and Chicago, for example, published show guidance describes broad union jurisdiction over material handling and stand work, with limits on what exhibitors can do themselves. Other cities are more relaxed. Rules come from labor agreements and sometimes state law, so the only reliable source is the current service kit for your show.
Ask three questions early: who may unpack and assemble the booth, whether you can use an exhibitor-appointed contractor and what notice you must give, and whether a supervised crew is cheaper than a full-service crew.
Keeping a 10×10 affordable
A 10×10 booth is small, but it still has to arrive, be plugged in and be taken away. Choose a booth that ships in cases, hold your graphics on a fabric frame, carry one strong message, and order carpet and electrical before the discount deadline. Rental exhibits can avoid both storage and crate problems.
Frequently asked questions
01How much does a 10x10 trade show booth cost?
It depends on the show's space rate, your exhibit and your services. Add up the organiser's rate for 100 sq ft, your booth, and the service kit items you need, rather than trusting a general figure.
02What is included in booth rent?
Usually only the floor, sometimes with pipe and drape, a sign and a basic package. Carpet and power are often extra at US shows, so read the exhibitor contract.
03Can I set up my own booth?
It depends on the venue and show. Many allow small hand-carried work by your own staff for a limited time, while others have stricter rules. Your service kit is the authority.
04Why is electrical so expensive at trade shows?
It is an exclusive service in most venues, priced per outlet or connection, with higher rates for late orders. Ordering on time from a clear load list is the main saving.
Put it into practice
Design your trade show booth in 3D before you brief the builder
Design a trade show booth in 3D at your exact booth size, from a 10x10 inline to a 20x20 island, with renders and drawings for your builder.
Guidance here reflects common practice. Venues, organisers and countries set their own rules: always check the exhibitor manual and work with a qualified stand builder and engineer for structures.
