The latest publicly available U.S. show-service rates, the biggest year-over-year movers, and two budget rules worth knowing.
Two exhibitors can build similar-looking booths and still see very different invoices. That’s because a large share of exhibit cost is driven by factors that change show to show: city labor markets, venue rules, contractor pricing, timing, and freight handling.
How much can location alone swing your costs? In a comparison across 23 U.S. cities, the most expensive city (Philadelphia) cost 108% more than the least expensive (Atlanta).
U.S. Rate Benchmarks
Based on a review of 253 convention and exhibition manuals across 23 U.S. cities. Use these as anchors for early budgets or to sanity-check partner quotes.
Material Handling (Drayage)
| Item | Rate | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Base rate | $2.07/lb | +3.5% |
| Secondary rate | $2.42/lb | –1.0% |
Install & Dismantle Labor
| Item | Rate | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Straight time | $148/hr | +2.8% |
| Overtime | $224/hr | +2.8% |
| Double time | $287/hr | – 1.0% |
Electrical
| Item | Rate | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 5-amp outlet | $171 | +10.6% |
| Electrical labor (straight time) | $147/hr | +38.8% |
| Electrical labor (double time) | $258/hr | +11.1% |
Internet
| Item | Rate | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Shared connection | $946 | +7.6% |
| Secondary rate | $7,891 | +4.3% |
Forklift & Hanging Signs
| Item | Rate | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Forklift & operator (ST) | $316/hr | +5.3% |
| Hanging sign (ST) | $828 | +4.5% |
| Hanging sign (DT) | $1,163 | +12.3% |
Biggest Mover to Watch
Electrical straight-time labor jumped 38.8% year over year. Skilled electrical trades are in short supply across key markets. LED walls, lighting rigs, interactive demos, and immersive tech are worth the investment. They perform. But they need their own line item in your budget, not an afterthought buried in “booth services.”
What’s Pushing Costs Up Beyond Inflation
- Tariffs are increasing costs on imported materials like aluminum frames, plywood, MDF, and laminates. A/V rental and graphics could see further impact as policies evolve.
- Skilled labor shortages (especially electricians) are driving overtime and double-time exposure in high-demand markets. Budget for it, especially during peak show seasons.
- Immersive experiences are the standard now, and they compound costs across power, internet, weight, and labor. The investment pays off when you plan the true cost upfront rather than discovering it onsite.
- Sustainability mandates are expanding, which can mean higher-cost reusable materials and structures. The good news: building for reuse also reduces long-term program costs.
Two Rules for Your Next Budget Cycle
Even with careful planning, outside factors will move your numbers. These two guidelines keep you ahead of them:
3–7%
Annual budget increase
Covers normal rate increases, material costs, and labor market movement.
5%
Contingency cushion
For the things outside your control: tariff shifts, late changes, venue surprises.
Our Exhibit Activation teams design, build, and deliver exhibits that perform. Let us do the same for your budget.
Bring us your show list and booth sizes.
We’ll map costs by city, build a program that scales cleanly,
and take the pricing surprises off your plate.
About this data: The benchmarks in this guide reflect the latest publicly available industry data. Show-service rates and year-over-year changes are based on Spiro’s analysis of Exhibitor Advocate’s “2024 Annual Survey of Exhibition Rates,” a review of 253 convention and exhibition manuals across 23 U.S. cities. Industry and economic context draws from the CEIR (Center for Exhibition Industry Research) 2025 report analyzing 2024 B2B exhibition performance. Spiro publishes this guide as a planning resource for exhibitors.
