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The most complete trade show directory, exhibitor cost calculators, and independent event management software comparison. No vendor bias. No paywalls.
Best Event Management Software for Trade Shows (2026)
Independent review of 20+ platforms. Ranked by use case, not by who pays us the most.
- Highest-rated mobile networking app in category (4.8/5)
- Gamification and engagement tools
- Speaker and agenda management
- Contactless check-in and badge printing
- Post-event analytics dashboard
- Self-serve setup, live same day
- 90M+ monthly users on marketplace
- Mobile check-in app included
- Payouts within 5 business days
- Free tier for zero-cost events
- Full AMS + event platform combined
- Sponsor and exhibitor management portal
- Virtual and hybrid event support
- CRM built-in, no separate tool needed
- Also featured on Associations.com
- Enterprise event operating system
- Klik SmartBadge lead capture hardware
- Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo integrations
- AI-powered attendee matchmaking
- Onsite badge printing and check-in
- Virtual expo halls with live networking
- Multi-track session management
- AI-generated promotional content
- 40+ integrations via app marketplace
- Unlimited breakout rooms at all tiers
- Largest EMS vendor globally
- Hotel and venue sourcing built in
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Full onsite solutions (badges, kiosks)
- Cvent Supplier Network access
- Immersive 3D virtual exhibit halls
- Branded booth environments
- Lead capture tools for exhibitors
- Live and on-demand streaming
- Custom branded event portals
- Silent auction functionality built in
- Multi-track hybrid programming
- Push notifications to attendees
- Nonprofit-friendly pricing tiers
- Live streaming included
In-depth reviews: Whova Review · Whova vs Cvent · Bizzabo vs Cvent
Trade Show EMS Platform Comparison (2026)
All 8 platforms side-by-side. Pricing verified July 2026.
| Platform | Starting Price | Best For | Virtual | In-Person | Mobile App | Free Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whova | $1,499/event | Conference networking | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Eventbrite | $29/mo | Ticketed public events | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GlueUp | $208/mo | Association events | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bizzabo | $17,999/yr | Enterprise B2B shows | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| RingCentral Events | $83/mo | Virtual and hybrid | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Cvent | Quote only | Large enterprise | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| vFairs | Custom | Virtual shows | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Accelevents | $1.50/reg | Nonprofits, auctions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Our Methodology
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Drayage & Material Handling Calculator
Stop getting shocked by $800 bills for a $200 banner. Estimate your Freeman, GES, or Shepard costs before you ship.
Estimated Drayage Cost
Is This Trade Show Worth It?
Calculate cost-per-lead and break-even before you sign the contract. Know if that $75,000 booth will actually pay for itself.
Trade Show Exhibitor Resources
Tools, templates, and guides to cut costs and improve ROI at every show.
Trade Show Union Labor Quick Reference
What you can and cannot do yourself at major venues.
| Venue | Plug in Power Strip | Hang Banner | Assemble Furniture | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas Convention Center | Yes (under 500W) | No (IATSE) | Yes (under 30 min) | Carpenters for any tools. Electricians required for hardwired power. |
| McCormick Place, Chicago | No | No (IATSE Local 2) | No | Strict no-tool rule. Even Velcro strips require labor. |
| Orange County Convention Center | Yes | Yes (under 25 lbs) | Yes | Right-to-work state. Less restrictive — check exhibitor manual. |
| Javits Center, New York | No | No | No | Teamsters handle freight, IATSE handles graphics, Carpenters handle structure. |
Rules change. Always verify with your specific show's exhibitor services manual.
Get notified when new exhibitor tools launch:
Trade Show Directory
Upcoming US and international trade shows — by industry, date, city, and size.
Missing a show? Submit it: directory@tradeshows.com
Get Listed on TradeShows.com
Reach trade show organizers and exhibitors actively researching vendors. All tiers include cross-listing on Associations.com.
- Directory listing with logo
- Company description and category
- Link to your website
- Cross-listed on Associations.com
- Everything in Standard
- Featured badge and priority placement
- Logo in category header
- Callout in comparison sections
- Lead form integration
- Everything in Featured
- Sponsored section above comparison grid
- Co-branded content opportunity
- Newsletter placement (3 per year)
- Cross-listing on both domains
Trade Show Costs — FAQ
What does drayage cost at a trade show?
Drayage (material handling) typically runs $85–$115 per CWT (100 lbs) with a 165 lb minimum, plus fuel surcharges around 18% and per-skid handling fees. A 1,500 lb booth shipment usually costs $1,800–$2,600. Special handling adds roughly 35%. Estimate yours with the drayage calculator.
How much does it cost to exhibit at a trade show?
A typical 10x10 booth costs $10,000–$40,000 all-in: booth space and buildout ($5,000–$25,000), drayage and material handling ($2,000–$5,000), travel, staff and hotels ($5,000–$10,000), plus catering, WiFi and lead retrieval ($1,500–$3,000).
What is a good cost per lead at a trade show?
B2B trade shows average $150–$300 per qualified lead. Under $150 is excellent. Above $400, consider a smaller booth or a different show. Run your numbers in the ROI calculator.
Are trade shows worth it in 2026?
For most B2B companies, yes — if cost per lead stays within the $150–$300 benchmark and follow-up is disciplined. Around 76% of attendees pre-plan which booths they will visit, so pre-show outreach materially improves ROI. Calculate break-even before signing the booth contract.