The remaining dollars are distributed among the expense items. A more common approach is to compute expenses first, then calculate the registration and exhibit fees needed to make an acceptable profit. Use the method best suited to your show type and to your organization. Expense shortcuts Simply stated, there are no easy shortcuts. What's more, shortcuts usually result in inaccuracies.
Research is extremely important for each budget line item.
Collect data, talk with other show managers, ask your general contractor lots of questions, ask your convention center and hotel contacts for help. The more you learn, the more accurate the budget will be. Pay particular attention to areas that can cause the most overruns, such as catering, printing and postage. Call your caterer. Don't forget to budget for gratuities and taxes, and check the exact gratuity and tax percentages in the facility.