Trade stand planner for exhibitors

Small and medium businesses, manufacturers and start-ups that exhibit at trade shows but have no in-house events team.

A fixed fee per show or a day rate, often with a mark-up on coordinated supplies, agreed openly with the client.

• Organising logistics and deadlines
• Working with designers, builders and freight suppliers
• Reading exhibitor manuals and venue rules
• Practical, hands-on problem solving

• Public liability insurance, and check whether venues and organisers need to see a certificate of currency
• Venue rules on electrical work, rigging and working at height, which may need licensed contractors
• Check your contract on who pays if a supplier is late or damages goods
• Heavy physical days at bump-in and bump-out, and travel costs for interstate shows
• Work on the day may need a vehicle for small equipment

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your tools, insurance and a vehicle for small equipment. Travel costs for interstate shows are also worth planning for.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many exhibitors you work for and your fees. Expect at least about 12 hours a week, with heavy physical days at bump-in and bump-out.

Check whether venues and organisers need a certificate of currency for your public liability insurance. Check venue rules on electrical work, rigging and working at height, which may need licensed contractors. Review your contract on who pays if a supplier is late or damages goods.