Before making the decision to attend a trade show, be sure to examine all the costs of trade show services, not simply the cost of registering your trade show booth space. Many shows offer relatively inexpensive booth space, but charge thousands of dollars for simple things like an internet connection or labor.

Before you register for any show, you should think carefully about what services you will need from the exhibit hall and ensure that the show coordinator will provide those services at a reasonable price. Some commonly requested show services include labor, internet connection, rigging, pre-show storage, and I&D (which stands for “installation and dismantle”). You may be billed for electricity for your trade show exhibit space as well.

The cost of exhibiting at a trade show can quickly add up to be much more than you expected, so make sure you are aware of every hidden fee before you attend the show. You don’t want to get caught off guard and ruin your ROI.