GBTA Convention 2027 · Budget & deadline sheet
August 2–4, 2027 · San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA
August 2–4, 2027 · San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA
Booth price tiers (all-in, 2026 ranges)
| Footprint | Rental with your graphics | Custom build |
|---|---|---|
| 10×20 inline | $7,500 – $15,000 | $15,000 – $45,000 |
| 10×30 inline | $12,000 – $22,000 | $25,000 – $65,000 |
| 20×20 island | $16,000 – $40,000 | $50,000 – $120,000 |
| 20×30+ island | $25,000 – $55,000 | $75,000 – $175,000 |
Includes design, structure, graphics, installation and dismantle. A custom-built booth runs roughly $100 to $250 per square foot depending on finish level. A rental of the same footprint usually lands at 35 to 50 percent of the purchase price for one show.
Billed by the show
- Booth space (paid to the organizer)
- Material handling / drayage, where the space rate does not include it
- Electrical service, internet and rigging
- Booth cleaning and any union labor the venue requires
Published rates:
- Booth space: $57 to $65 per sq ft for members, $64 to $73 non-member, 2027 rates
- Turnkey booth insert: 10×10 $6,000; 10×20 $11,000; 20×20 $29,000, 2027
- Pavilion or row booth: $9,000 for a 10×10 turnkey, 2027
- Drayage: About $176 per cwt, 200 lb minimum, 2026–2027 planning rate
Key dates
- Lowest GBTA space rate ends ($57 per sq ft for members): October 30, 2026
- Design sign-off with Purple: Late May 2027
- Late May 2027: Design sign-off, about 10 weeks before opening; demo stations and meeting room layout agreed.
- June 2027: Production in Fishkill, NY; demo screens, graphics and furniture tested together.
- About 3 weeks before opening: Booth crates ship to the advance warehouse in San Diego.
- Move-in days before August 2: Our project manager supervises the union installation and runs the pre-show checklist.
- August 2–4, 2027: Convention and expo days; a Purple project manager stays on call for the whole run.
- After the expo closes: Dismantle, demo hardware packed to your return plan, booth to storage or the next show.
Purple planning timeline; confirm official dates against your exhibitor kit.
Checklist
- Note booth number, footprint and pavilion or row from your GBTA contract
- Decide which products get a live demo and how many screens you need
- Plan meeting space for pre-booked buyer appointments and any GBTA buyer programs
- Send logo, brand palette and product screenshots to Purple
- Approve the concept rendering and the lighting plan
- Order internet and power for every demo station
- Book hotels near the waterfront or in the Gaslamp Quarter early
- Plan staff schedules around the three expo days and evening events
Every last fee listed upfront, in full, on paper. Questions or a fixed proposal: (800) 994-8030 · info@purpleexhibits.com · purpleexhibits.com/shows/gbta-convention/