Freelance exhibition and trade show planner

Industry associations, trade show organisers, councils, and companies running their own exhibitions or expos.

A project fee or monthly retainer for each event, or an hourly or daily rate. Some planners also earn a commission from suppliers, which should be disclosed to clients.

• Organising and project management
• Negotiating with venues and suppliers
• Budgeting and keeping to deadlines
• Clear communication under pressure

• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance, and check what venues require from you
• Council approval may be needed if you run the business from home, check with your local council
• Contracts with venues and suppliers, so check who is liable for cancellations and cost overruns
• Check whether event permits, safety plans or traffic management are needed for each venue and state
• Uneven income, because work clusters around show dates

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your equipment, software and insurance. Check what insurance venues require from you, including public liability and professional indemnity.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many shows you plan and your fees. Expect at least about 10 hours a week. Income can be uneven because work clusters around show dates.

Check whether you need council approval to run the business from home, and whether event permits, safety plans or traffic management are needed for each venue and state. Review venue and supplier contracts for liability on cancellations and cost overruns.