Home-Based Exhibition Stand Designer and Organizer

Small and mid-sized companies exhibiting at trade shows who want one point of contact for their stand.

A project fee that includes design and management plus a margin on subcontracted build and installation costs.

• 3D or CAD design and visual presentation
• Budgeting and quoting
• Managing suppliers and deadlines

• You are responsible if a subcontractor misses a deadline, so use written agreements
• Commercial general liability and possibly professional liability insurance; check what clients and venues require
• Home-based business licence or zoning rules vary by municipality
• Venue rules on fire safety, electrical work and union labour can change the design and cost
• Cash flow, as you may pay suppliers before clients pay you; consider deposits

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000 CAD, depending on your design software, computer equipment and how you present quotes and visuals to clients. Fabrication and installation are handled by subcontractors, so you don't need a workshop.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how many stands you win, how large they are and how many hours you put in. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week.

Check home-based business licence or zoning rules in your municipality, and what insurance clients and venues require, such as commercial general liability and possibly professional liability. Also check venue rules on fire safety, electrical work and union labour, and use written agreements with subcontractors.