Custom Exhibition Stand Workshop

Companies exhibiting at trade shows, marketing agencies, and event organizers who need stands built for several exhibitors.

A fixed project price per stand based on design, materials, labour and installation. Repeat work comes from storing, refurbishing and reusing stands for the same client's next show.

• Carpentry or fabrication
• Reading design drawings and quoting jobs
• Project scheduling against hard show deadlines

• Commercial general liability insurance, and check what exhibition organizers require from contractors
• Venue rules on fire safety, flame-retardant materials, electrical work and rigging; check each venue's exhibitor manual
• Some venues have union labour rules for installation, so check before you quote
• Workshop zoning and business licence rules vary by municipality
• WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff or casual labour (rules differ by province)
• Trade show seasons are uneven, with quieter periods that need cash planning

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the workshop space, tools and materials you need. Get quotes for your rent and equipment before you commit to a unit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on the number and size of stands you build. The estimate assumes at least about 30 hours a week. Trade show seasons are uneven, so plan your cash flow.

Check commercial general liability insurance and what organizers require from contractors. Also check each venue's rules on fire safety, flame-retardant materials, electrical work and rigging, any union labour rules, workshop zoning, business licences, and WCB/WSIB coverage when you hire.