Trade show booth planner for exhibitors
Help small companies plan, book and run their trade show booths so they can focus on meeting buyers.
- $500-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
6,270 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.0% in a year
NAICS 561920 “Convention and trade show organizers”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
You manage everything around an exhibitor's trade show presence: booth space, design and build vendors, shipping, show-service orders, staffing schedules and on-site setup and teardown.
Your first three steps
- List the trade shows in your area or industry and read their exhibitor manuals to learn the deadlines and typical costs
- Put together a sample plan and budget for a 10x10 booth to show prospects how you work
- Contact small exhibitors and local booth builders, and offer to coordinate one upcoming show at an introductory rate
Who pays
Small and mid-size companies, startups and associations that exhibit at trade shows but have no in-house events team.
How it makes money
A project fee per show or a monthly retainer for a season of shows, sometimes plus a small markup on vendor services you arrange.
Skills that help
- Organized, with strong attention to detail
- Budgeting and deadline management
- Negotiating with vendors and show contractors
- Calm problem solving on show floors
Watch out for
- General liability insurance; some venues and shows ask exhibitor contractors for a certificate of insurance
- Check whether your city or county requires a business license, and any home occupation rules or HOA limits
- Paying vendors on a client's behalf is a cash risk, so use clear contracts and deposits
- Show deadlines are strict and missed forms can lead to extra fees, so keep a tight calendar
🔒 Full research report for US
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 booth planning business?
Startup costs are estimated at typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your equipment, software, insurance and how you set up your home office. Treat this as an estimate and get quotes for your own situation.
How much can a trade show booth planner earn?
Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many clients you take on and how many shows each one exhibits at. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week.
What should I check before starting a booth planning business in the US?
Check whether you need general liability insurance, since some venues ask exhibitor contractors for a certificate. Also check city or county business license rules, home occupation limits or HOA rules, and use contracts and deposits when paying vendors for clients.
Other ways to run this business
Similar events ideas
Themed kids' party setup and planner
Plan, decorate and style themed birthday parties, from balloon arches to dessert tables, ready for the guests.
- $500-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
Pop-up comedy night in a local bar or venue
Run a recurring stand-up show in a bar, brewery or theater room, selling tickets without leasing your own club.
- $500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Night market at a brewery or venue
Curate a small evening market in a brewery, shopping center or courtyard that already has space and customers.
- $500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Singing telegram booking service
Take bookings and send a small roster of local singers to parties, offices and events.
- $500-3k
- Part-time
- From home
Local entertainment booking agency
Book local bands, DJs and performers for weddings, parties and corporate events from home.
- $500-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
Seasonal craft fair organizer
Rent a hall or park space a few times a year and charge makers booth fees to sell handmade goods.
- $500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about