Tips for exhibiting at an event without spending over the odds

Exhibitions and events can be a powerful way of marketing your products or services, with 81% of attendees having buying influence. But, that doesn’t mean you need to pay over the odds to represent your business. Many businesses report that they’ve historically invested tens of thousands of pounds into an exhibition display, only to later question their return on investment. Here we explore how to exhibit without spending a fortune, the true cost of attendance and how to get the most out of the experience.

From curved backdrops and meeting booths to barriers and display lighting, Oxygen Graphics specialise in exhibition displays that make an impact. Eye-catching designs and high-quality printing lead to optimum engagement. In fact, an eye-catching stand is the most effective method for attracting attendees according to 48% of exhibitors surveyed.

What’s the cheapest way to exhibit at an event?

Start by exploring the various stand options and obtaining quotes. A good display provider will give you a breakdown of individual items and work with you to build your dream design, whether that includes just one solution or a combination of options. If you’re thinking of attending events in the future, opt for a solution that belongs to you at the end, rather than simply hiring something that isn’t personalised to you, yet costs similar. Hiring stands again and again can really inflate the cost to attend an exhibition.

Some of the cheapest stand options from Oxygen Graphics include the following:

• Fabric display stands, as shown below, from £170
• Curved backdrops, as shown below, from £334
• Seating, as shown below, from £93

• Pop-up cocktail tables, as shown below, from £195
• Straight backdrops, as shown below, from £221
• Fabric tables, as shown below, from £195

How much does exhibiting at an event cost?

From the cost of the stand and the sales collateral to the rented space and travel expenses, exhibiting can be a very costly, yet worthwhile, investment. Before you dive into your next exhibition, let’s explore the true cost.

• Venue – Major venues in the UK can charge £300 to £350 per square metre, whilst smaller ones can cost anything from £200. Typically though, the larger the venue, the better advertised the event is, with which comes greater footfall.
• Stand – The cost of a stand can vary considerably from a few hundred pounds for a small booth or single-sided backdrop, all the way up to tens of thousands of pounds for a bespoke walk-in stand with built-in technology. A small stand is not only cheaper, but can be used again and again, whilst also being easier to transport.
• Sales collateral – Building relationships and networking is a vital part of exhibiting, but you’ll also want to provide any prospective customers with a brochure, business card or leaflet. This will allow the customer to refer back to your products or services at a later date. Designs and print start from as little as a couple of hundred pounds, all the way up to several thousands of pounds. This really depends on your requirements, from design specifications to the finish and volume of printing. Oxygen Graphics can provide an honest and competitive quote for your printing project.
• Travel, hotel and food expenses – Of course, with any event comes the cost of travel, hotel and food expenses. These are usually moderate costs, from a couple of hundreds of pounds, but still worth considering within your budget.

How can I get the most out of exhibiting?

• First of all, you’ll want to promote your stand and attendance well in advance of the exhibition, using your social media channels and website. This gives the opportunity for any customers that are interested in your products or services to attend and benefit from any offers or new products you’re showcasing.
• To drive optimum interest, try to choose a spot that’ll receive the most footfall, whether that’s close to the entrance or near the refreshments.
• Frequently rotate your staff, so that customers have the opportunity to meet new faces from your business. This also keeps your staff fresh and alert.
• Be inviting, but don’t pounce on your visitor. You’ll only scare them (and any onlookers) away. Address visitors by their names, if you have visibility of a name tag.

To discuss your next exhibition project, requirements and budget, contact the knowledgeable and friendly team at Oxygen Graphics.