What is Trade Show Fabrication?
Michael Gray’s Exhibit Fabrication Tips
Last week I said that I would start off with the average cost for an exhibit fabrication so you can budget for future exhibit purchases. These costs are separated into two categories by EDPA which stands for the Exhibit Designers and Producers Association. Each year they survey a large number of Display Houses to get averages for exhibit fabrications. The two categories are:
Linear Exhibit Exhibit Fabrication Cost
Linear exhibits are priced based upon a linear foot calculation. If the average cost of a linear exhibit is $2,200 per linear foot then you can use this formula to know that the average cost of a 10’ x 10’ exhibit is $22,500. A 10’ x 20’ exhibit would have an average cost of $45,000 and so on. Remember we are not just talking about the actual construction. These prototype exhibits go through a full design, detailing, and exhibit construction and fabrication process. I also need to point out that this is an average cost. After I explain these averages I always ask the client to provide a budget limit for their exhibit fabrication. It is extremely important to provide a budget. Without a budget an exhibit designer can take a 10 x 10 exhibit and design one for as little as $5,000 or as much as $50,000, no kidding!
Island Exhibit Fabrication Cost
The island exhibit is priced based upon a square foot calculation. If the average cost of an island exhibit is $200 per square foot then a 20 x 20 exhibit, which is 400 square feet, would cost about $80,000. You can use this formula for all island exhibit sizes when determining the potential trade show fabrication costs.
Additional Factors That Affect the Cost of Trade Show Exhibit Fabrication
The cost for each type of exhibit would include the design, detailing, crating, carpeting, and fabrication. Graphics would be an additional cost. Since these prices vary from year to year you would need to check with a Display House who is a member of the EDPA and is part of the yearly survey to get up-to-date information. Exhibit Edge is a member of EDPA and can provide current survey results for low, middle, and high-end exhibit pricing. Well, that concludes our series on Creating a New Exhibit.
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