Exhibitions and trade shows offer a valuable opportunity to promote your brand and engage with potential clients. One common question businesses face is how much to spend on an exhibition stand and what they can expect within their budget. The good news is, you don’t need a huge budget to make an impact. With smart planning, clever design, and quality exhibition printing solutions such as foamex printing, even small stands can deliver big results. In this blog, we’ll explore what different budget levels can achieve and share tips on how to maximise impact, no matter your exhibition spend.

Why Budget Plays a Key Role in Stand Design

Your exhibition budget affects almost everything: the materials you use, the size of the stand, the technology you can include, and the overall experience you offer visitors.

It’s also important to consider the return on investment (ROI). Exhibiting at a trade show costs more than just the stand – there are travel expenses, marketing materials, staffing, and post-show follow-ups to plan for. That’s why it’s essential to use your budget wisely and think strategically about your stand design.

A well-planned stand doesn’t always have to be expensive. You just need to focus on delivering your message clearly, making your space welcoming, and ensuring that your visuals grab attention.

Low Budget Stands: Smart and Simple

If you're a start-up, a small business, or exhibiting for the first time, you might not have a large budget. But don’t worry – a limited budget doesn’t mean your stand has to look basic or boring.

What You Can Expect:

• Pop-up displays or pull-up banners
• Lightweight portable counters
• Basic furniture and lighting
• Printed materials using budget-friendly options like foamex printing

How to Make It Work:

Keep your design clean and professional. Use exhibition printing materials that are light, reusable, and affordable. Foamex boards are a great choice here – they’re durable, easy to install, and give a high-quality finish without breaking the bank.

Make your messaging clear. Tell people who you are, what you do, and why they should visit your stand – all within a few seconds.

Keep engagement simple. Instead of flashy screens or giveaways, train your staff to speak confidently, greet visitors warmly, and share useful information about your brand.

Mid-Range Stands: Balance and Impact

Once you have a bit more budget, you can aim for a more tailored and impactful stand. This range suits small to medium businesses that want to create a professional presence and stand out among the crowd.

What You Can Expect:

• Modular systems with customised panels
• Lightbox displays or semi-bespoke furniture
• Audio-visual screens or touchpoints
• Higher-end graphics using exhibition printing on materials like foamex boards

How to Make It Work:

You can now include more dynamic design elements that reflect your brand’s personality. A modular system is ideal, as it allows you to adjust the layout for different shows while still looking professional.

Think about your visitor’s journey. Where will they walk? What will catch their eye? Where will they stop to talk or watch a demo?

Make the most of visual branding. Foamex printing allows for vibrant colours, strong visuals, and clear branding on all your stand panels and signage. This type of material is also lightweight and strong, making it easy to transport and reuse.

Add something interactive – maybe a video screen or product samples. You don’t need high-end tech – even a tablet display with testimonials or case studies can make a big difference.

Premium Stands: Experience and Engagement

If you’re a large company or established brand, a bigger budget opens the door to immersive and impressive stand experiences. These stands are all about the wow factor, storytelling, and building long-term brand relationships.

What You Can Expect:

• Fully bespoke design tailored to your brand
• Multi-sensory experiences (lighting, sound, scent)
• High-end tech like VR, AR, or interactive displays
• Lounge areas, private meeting rooms, and hospitality features
• Premium exhibition printing materials and finishes

How to Make It Work:

At this level, your exhibition stand becomes more than just a space – it’s a full brand experience. Every part of the stand should be designed with a purpose: from the flow of movement to the materials, colours, lighting, and layout.

Incorporate a brand story. Think about how your visitors will feel, what they’ll remember, and what message they’ll take away. Use motion graphics, live demos, and interactive features to get them involved.

Use premium foamex printing for standout signage and graphics. With a high-quality print finish, your brand will look professional and polished from every angle.

Make your stand a destination – somewhere people want to visit, stay, and talk. Consider offering coffee, charging points, or even short presentations throughout the day.

Watch Out for Hidden Costs

Whatever your budget, don’t forget about the extras. These can quickly eat into your funds if you’re not prepared:

• Transport and logistics
• Installation and dismantling
• Storage between events
• Cleaning services and on-site power
• Last-minute printing or design changes

It’s a good idea to keep a contingency amount (10–20% of your budget) to cover unexpected costs.

Plan Your Budget Based on Goals

Before setting your budget, ask yourself:

• What do I want to achieve? Leads, awareness, partnerships?
• Who is my target audience?
• How many shows will I attend this year?

Once you have the answers, divide your budget:

• 60% for the stand design and build
• 20% for logistics and travel
• 20% for marketing, staff, and follow-up

This model helps you balance cost and effectiveness without overspending.

Working with a Stand Designer or Agency

No matter your budget, working with an experienced designer or agency can save you time, stress, and money in the long run. A good partner will:

• Understand your goals and budget
• Offer creative ideas that match your brand
• Recommend suitable materials like foamex printing
• Manage the technical side, from layout to logistics

Even at the lower budget levels, an agency can help you maximise your impact while staying within limits.

Conclusion: Strategy Matters More Than Spend

In the end, it’s not about how much you spend—it’s about how wisely you use your budget. With thoughtful planning, you can design a stand that communicates your message clearly, looks professional, and supports your exhibition goals. Focus on strong branding, clever design choices, and cost-effective materials like foamex printing to achieve high impact without overspending. At Foamex Printing Company, we understand the power of visual presentation. Whether you're creating a compact display or a fully custom stand, we provide affordable, high-quality printing solutions that help your brand stand out and leave a lasting impression.