Event Marketing: Determine Your Budget
Event Marketing November 19th. 2007, 1:50pma href=”http://marketingvirgin.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/event-marketing2.jpg” title=”Event Marketing”>
Sponsoring and attending an event is expensive so it’s important to know how much you can spend up front.
Below are some tips that will help you save some cash:
1. Plan ahead.
If you are organized, you can anticipate how much you are going to spend for each “to do” item. I recommend using Excel to keep you on track.
2. Pad your budget.
If you are exhibiting, plan on spending an extra 20% more than you expected to account for last minute charges.
3. Use off-site contractors.
Renting AV equipment? Using an off-site contractor can save you upwards of 50%, however, make sure you use a reputable company.
4. Always negotiate.
If you are booking a location for your event, make sure you know what you need up front (projector, audio, electricity) - this will help you negotiate a better price. When purchasing booth space at a trade show, sometimes show organizers will throw in a few extra perks if you ask (your logo on the conference website, a ½ page ad in the show program).
5. Save on travel.
If there is more than one person attending an event, make sure you try to book group rates with airlines, hotels, and car rentals.
Below is a link to a budget for a show I did back in June. This will give you an idea of costs associated with exhibiting.
