How Much Does It Cost to Exhibit in Las Vegas Compared to London?
If you’ve ever compared the cost of exhibiting in London with Las Vegas, you’ll know they’re worlds apart. A stand that might cost £60–£80k at ExCeL London can jump to £90–£120k+ in Vegas — not because the design changes, but because the systems around it do. Labour rules, union rates, and logistics in the US make a big difference. Let’s unpack what that really means in practice.
Venue Costs - London vs Las Vegas
In London, venues like ExCeL and Olympia offer packages that are relatively straightforward, book your space, pay for your electrics, and you’re good to go. In Las Vegas for example, things are… a little more layered. Venues such as Mandalay Bay or the Venetian don’t just rent you space; they control who touches your stand and when. That means rigging, electrics, even laying down carpet is unionised and every one of those line items can carry a premium.
Build & Labour Costs
On our own home turf, competition between contractors keeps build and labour costs sharp. In the US, union labour isn’t just mandatory it comes at a premium. Time is money, quite literally: overtime rates can double costs if installation runs over. This is where planning and experience matter. A design partner who knows the US system will factor in efficient build schedules to avoid those expensive overruns.
Logistics & Storage
Shipping across the Atlantic isn’t just about freight costs. There’s customs, handling, and drayage (a uniquely US charge for moving your materials within the venue). These hidden costs can surprise first-time exhibitors. In contrast, a London build often involves local suppliers, straightforward transport, and storage in between shows without the same complications. And you will be surprised at the cost to build in the UK vs the cost to build in the US. Considerably more cost effective!
Budgeting Tips for Exhibiting in the US
The smartest brands don’t just throw money at the problem; they budget differently. Allow extra time for customs clearance, design stands with flexible re-use in mind, and choose partners who can navigate both UK and US systems. That’s where firms like Oaken not only have a little black book of contacts and resources they bring value ensuring you don’t just arrive, but land smoothly and on-budget.
Expanding from Europe into the US show circuit is a huge step, and knowing the real cost differences can save both budget and stress. At Oaken Design, we’ve spent years helping brands bridge that gap from Las Vegas to London and back again.
👉Get in Touch to plan your next US or UK show. Or take a look at some of Our Work in the US
