Trade Show Stand Coordinator for Exhibitors
Plan and manage trade show booths for small companies that want to exhibit but have no time or team to do it.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
You handle everything an exhibitor needs to show up well at a trade show: booking the space, ordering booth builds, furniture and power, arranging shipping, scheduling staff and managing deadlines. You work from home and visit the venue on show days.
Your first three steps
- Look up trade shows in your region and note which exhibitors might need help, then list 20 local companies to contact
- Build a simple checklist, quote template and supplier list (booth builders, printers, couriers, AV hire)
- Offer to coordinate one upcoming show for a small company at a reduced rate and ask for a testimonial
Who pays
Small and mid-sized companies, start-ups, manufacturers and associations that exhibit at trade shows but have no in-house events person.
How it makes money
A fixed project fee per show or a day rate, often plus a small margin on suppliers you book such as booth builders, printers and freight.
Skills that help
- Organizing many tasks and deadlines
- Negotiating with suppliers
- Clear communication with clients and venues
- Staying calm under pressure on show days
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether clients or venues ask for proof of cover
- Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
- Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules
- Deposits to suppliers can tie up your cash, so agree payment terms with clients in writing
- Venue rules, union labour and freight rules vary by venue and province, so check them before quoting
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a trade show coordination business?
Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your home-office setup and how much you spend on software and insurance. These figures are estimates only.
How much can a trade show stand coordinator earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,500, depending on how many exhibitors you support and the size of their stands. These are estimates, not guaranteed figures.
What rules should I check before coordinating trade show stands?
Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, whether clients or venues want proof of commercial general liability insurance, and when to register for GST/HST. Venue, union labour and freight rules vary by venue and province, so check before quoting.
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