Organizer of local trade fairs and expos

Exhibitors who pay for stand space, plus sponsors and sometimes visitors who buy tickets. Associations and business groups may also hire you to run their show.

Stand sales and sponsorship, plus ticket sales or extras like workshops and advertising in the show guide. Organizer fees apply if you run a show for a client.

• Project management and budgeting
• Selling to businesses
• Marketing and promotion
• Negotiating with venues and suppliers

• Event and commercial general liability insurance, and check what the venue requires you to carry
• Venue deposits and marketing costs are paid upfront, so a show with weak stand sales can lose money
• Check municipal permits, fire code occupancy limits and any rules on food, alcohol or signage at your venue
• GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and check provincial rules
• Winter weather can affect visitor numbers and travel, so plan your dates and a backup plan
• In Quebec, check French-language requirements for signage and promotion

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the venue deposit and how much you spend on marketing. These are estimates, and these costs are paid upfront, before stand sales come in.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on stand sales, sponsors and ticket income. These are estimates, and a show with weak stand sales can lose money.

Check what insurance your venue requires, municipal permits, fire code occupancy limits, and any rules on food, alcohol or signage. Also check GST/HST registration, and in Quebec, French-language requirements for signage and promotion.