Exhibit Electrical

Electricity might not be the flashiest part of your trade show booth—but it’s one of the most critical. A single oversight in your electrical planning can lead to unexpected costs, delays, or even a booth that doesn’t function as intended.

To help you avoid those headaches, we’ve put together a practical guide to ensure your exhibit booth electrical setup runs smoothly, efficiently, and without surprises.

How to Power Your Exhibit Booth Like a Pro 

1. Understanding Your Power Needs
Start with this simple equation:
1,000 watts = 10 amps

Most trade shows sell power in these units, so knowing your wattage needs is essential. Not sure how much power your devices require? Check the product label or search online. For example, a laptop typically uses around 65 watts.

Three-step checklist:

• List all electrical items: lighting, monitors, laptops, AV gear, lead retrieval devices, etc.
• Note their location and voltage: Most use 110/120 volts, but some machinery may need 208 or 480 volts.
• Calculate total wattage per area: Order outlets that can handle the load, and always round up to avoid outages. Plan for at least 5 amps per device and order separate outlets for each.

2. Crafting an Electrical Floor Plan
Your floor plan is your blueprint for success. It should include:

• Booth orientation and scale
• Main Drop Location (MDL) – where power enters your booth
• Power distribution points with exact measurements

Want to avoid cords running across your booth? Request additional drops—just keep in mind they come with extra costs. Always confirm your plan with the venue before the show.

3. Ordering Trade Show Booth Electrical Labor
Before placing your order, review the show’s union guidelines to understand what your team can do and what must be handled by the official contractor.

Types of electrical work:

• Floor Work – power under flooring
• Booth Work – connections during/after setup
• Ceiling Work – rigged lighting or overhead installations

For safety and efficiency, let electricians handle final connections. As a rule of thumb, expect about three extension cords per hour of labor.

Packing for the Show: Electrical Accessories 
Bringing your own accessories can save time and money. Here’s what to pack:

• Power strips & surge protectors – More outlets + protection from voltage spikes
• Extension cords – Various lengths for flexible setup
• Extra copies of your electrical diagram – Just in case something gets lost
• Spare light bulbs – Especially for custom lighting setups
• Batteries – For wireless devices and backup power

On-Site Check-In
Once you arrive, compare your booth’s electrical setup to your floor plan. If anything’s off, contact the show electrician immediately to resolve issues before the show opens.

Are You Exhibiting a GES Show? Don't Miss Out on Discounts!
To qualify for discounted rates, make sure to submit the following before the deadline:

• Completed Payment & Credit Card Authorization
• Electrical outlet order
• Scheduled electrical labor (if needed)
• Booth Layout Form (PDF or CAD preferred)

Missing or incomplete items—like unreadable floor plans or missing MDL info—will result in standard rates, so double-check everything before submitting.

Focused on Exhibitor Success
Helping exhibitors succeed is our top priority. Download our Exhibitor Budget Worksheet and continue exploring the Exhibitor Roadmap for more planning tools and expert tips.

If you're exhibiting at a GES show, click here to find your show and explore:

• GES Exhibit Flooring+ – Discount flooring packages
• GES Exhibit Furnishings+ – Discount furniture packages
• Exhibit Systems+ – Turnkey booth rentals with custom fabric graphics