Trade shows can be expensive. But, if you add in the unexpected costs, you could easily spend between 100 and 200 dollars more than you expected. You will have to pay for things that aren’t included in your trade show budget. Here are some tips to help reduce trade show expenses.
1. Meals
Ask the front desk attendant where a good restaurant is. Be prepared for sticker shock! Hotel food can cost you up to $75. You can rephrase your dining question as: If you are looking for fast food, where should you (the clerks) go? Are there any good fast-food restaurants? This will give you an honest answer, and hopefully, a recommendation for an excellent local restaurant with great food at a fair price.
2. Water
Hotels now offer bottled water in their rooms. You will not receive a complimentary bottle of water. Bottled water will cost you $5.00 to purchase. Ask the attendant when you check in if there’s a pharmacy within walking range. You can save money by buying water and snacks there.
3. Car rentals
If you don’t plan to drive a lot, go for the cheapest sub-compact vehicle the dealer has available. Car rentals usually have a limited supply of sub-compact cars in stock. If they run out, you can upgrade to a larger vehicle for a sub-compact cost.
4. Insurance
You should check with your insurance company and significant credit card provider to determine if your current car insurance covers rentals. If so, you can also see if the rental car is automatically covered by insurance. Skip the rental car insurance offer if you are positive.
5. Fuel charges
Make sure you request a full tank when renting a car. I have made the error of returning a car that was not fully refilled and ended up paying a higher price for gas. They stated that a fuel service fee was included in the price of the gas. I asked them about the bill. You can save money by returning the car with a full gas tank.
6. Airport Car Rental: Save a Day
People often try to leave on the last day. However, some events are not near an airport and may require an overnight stay along with an early morning departure. Book a hotel near the airport for the last night to save money on your car rental. Check out of the hotel near the convention center after the show and return the car to the airport rental car. Use the airport shuttle to get to your hotel. You can use the shuttle for a return trip to the airport at the beginning of the morning. You can save one day on your rental fee and avoid morning rush hour traffic by using the complimentary shuttle.
7. Hotel
Try to stay in the hotel where the conference is held. The room rate will be higher than the hotel on the same street. But, it is essential to meet potential customers and not just save a few bucks. It is essential to spend time and money on cab rides and travel back and forth. Your sales team should not be hindered by budget-saving tactics.
8. Shipping- Union labor costs are quickly discovered when you exhibit in a larger city. For small packages to be shipped to a facility, check with the show management or convention office. There will be a handling fee when you receive an item. Most hotels accept packages without any handling fees
