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Trade Show Lead Cost Calculator

Work out trade show lead cost instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Trade Show Lead Cost Calculator

Raw lead counts from events flatter the result, because most badge scans are not real prospects. Working through qualification and close rates gives the acquisition cost that can be compared with other channels.

Formula

Event economics

Cost per qualified lead = cost / (leads × qualified share); cost per customer divides by close rate too

Worked example

With the default values below, Trade Show Lead Cost Calculator returns Cost Per Qualified Lead of $23,529.41. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Total Cost Of Attendingminimum 0
2,800,000
Leads Collectedaccepts 1–1,000,000
340
Share That Are Genuinely Qualifiedaccepts 1–100 %
35 %
Close Rate On Qualified Leadsaccepts 0.1–100 %
18 %

Results

Cost Per Qualified Lead
$23,529.41
Cost Per Raw Lead
$8,235.29
Expected Customers
21.4
Cost Per Customer Acquired
$130,718.95

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Event economics
  3. 3Cost Per Qualified Lead= 23,529.41
  4. 4Cost Per Raw Lead= 8,235.29
  5. 5Expected Customers= 21.4
  6. 6Cost Per Customer Acquired= 130,718.95

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Figures are estimates based on the inputs given. Marketing performance, platform fees and conversion behaviour vary by audience, channel and season. Use this as a planning guide, not a forecast.
  • This is an estimate for general information and not professional financial, tax or legal advice. See the full disclaimer for the limits that apply to this kind of calculator.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Figures are estimates based on the inputs given. Marketing performance, platform fees and conversion behaviour vary by audience, channel and season. Use this as a planning guide, not a forecast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be included in total cost?

Stand, build, shipping, travel, staff time and pre-show marketing — not just the exhibitor fee.

Why do events look expensive?

Because the full cost is visible in one invoice, while equivalent digital spend is spread across months.

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