Comments on: The Frugal Exhibitor [ongoing]

By: Visibility: Hang ‘em High, or Stand Tall? | Marshall Yard:

Visibility: Hang ‘em High, or Stand Tall? | Marshall Yard: — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:47:41 +0000

[...] talked previously about how expensive rigging is - a reality faced by many exhibitors when they display at major convention halls [in [...]

By: Stephanie Winters

Stephanie Winters — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:21:05 +0000

We’ve been doing the drayage trick for a couple years now. It doesn’t necessarily save on drayage (likely it’s going to be the same number of crates, same weight…), but it eliminates multiple deliveries and special handling upcharges, and overall we have a better idea of what to expect from drayage costs. I HATE DRAYAGE. Does anyone have a feasible explanation of why it costs more to drive a forklift 100 yards than it does to drive a 53′ traylor halfway across the country? Unbelieveable.

By: Reusable Graphics, Renewed Attendance | Marshall Yard:

Reusable Graphics, Renewed Attendance | Marshall Yard: — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:19:39 +0000

[...] Marshall Yard: a person…a place…a state of mind « The Frugal Exhibitor [ongoing] [...]

By: Greg

Greg — Thu, 07 May 2009 21:20:15 +0000

I think shipping is an under-scrutinized line-item, personally. We used to get a shipping quote that was basically useless because you’d get charged for your shipment to sit around at the dock before it can unload. Now we make sure our exhibit company has a transit company who gives a straight rate. If I can’t get that, then I plan my budget around shipping costs going 10-20% higher. If only we could spend that money on something that actually helped us at the show!

By: Col. McCormick

Col. McCormick — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:23:39 +0000

In this economy, exhibit houses that view a client’s budget as a free-for-all are going to be hard pressed to survive. In any economy, however, part of the task is figuring out how best to leverage a given budget towards a given goal.

You have a good point about the A/V. I find that A/V estimates are almost given lipservice - the components cost $x, and the setup is $x, end of story: We all know from shows that the reality is far from the simplicity we start from. With any labor quote, you need to watch that budget like a hawk. Some companies just decide to splurge on a flatscreen from Best Buy - use it at 4 shows and your investment is paid off. Labor is often an unknown quantity, but the cost of the component can be isolated and reduced if you expect to utilize video at all of your shows (and why wouldn’t you!?!)

By: Jen McFarland

Jen McFarland — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:45:07 +0000

First of all - great post. It’s nice to know exhibit houses are respecting our unique budgetary needs.

Second of all, while I agree with using A/V “instead of” loading up on graphics (much more bang for the buck) we should consider the cost for equipment rental, electricians and customized panels to mount the A/V (necessary, say, when using a rental exhibit).

Thirdly, you couldn’t be more spot on with the hanging sign thing. While these can allow for greater visibility, I’ve found using the most of your height limit WITHIN THE SPACE is always best. If, for instance, your space has a 20′ height limit, as your designer to create multi-sided branding AT that height. You still might pay for forklifts to accommodate the height but you’ll save in rigging.