Trade Show Consultant

Crates + Rates Consulting will provide expert Cost Analysis and Sourcing for:

• Trade Show Programs / Exhibits

• Marketing Environments

• Live Events​

How I Can Help You:

Achieve Significant Cost Savings: With a thorough analysis of your current MSA(s), labor & mark-up rates, proposals and invoices, I can help you consistently achieve substantial cost savings, show after show!

Take Control of Your Trade Show Challenges: From assisting with the entire RFP process to maximizing your budgets, I provide tailored solutions that ensure you get the most out of your trade show investments.

Maximize Efficiency While Minimizing Stress: I work closely with business owners and marketing managers to streamline processes, enhance efficiency and reduce the stress associated with trade show planning and execution.

Gain Clarity and Drive Results: Let’s eliminate excessive “Back-of-House” costs and apply those dollars towards more important objectives, such as “Client Facing” features within your Marketing Environment.  My expertise will help you gain clarity, make informed decisions and drive impactful results for your business.

Industry Experience – Exhibit / F2F Marketing

Eric J Lewis, Principal / Owner | Crates + Rates Consulting

Chief Operating Officer | SWX Global Design & Production

July 2020 – July 2024.

Divisional Vice President | Derse, Inc.

October 1996 – July 2020

Project Manager | The Freeman Company

December 1994 – September 1996

Project Manager / Procurement / I&D Supervisor | TL Horton Design, Inc.

October 1985 – December 1994

(Click for Complete Bio)

With nearly 40 years of experience as a Trade Show Consultant, including 24 years with one of the nation’s leading Face-to-Face (F2F) Marketing firms, I’ve observed a persistent gap in communication and financial transparency between Exhibit providers and Marketing professionals. Assessing your trade show program to pinpoint cost-saving opportunities is my specialty.

My passion for Trade Show Marketing and commitment to enhancing client/partner relations have driven me to embark on this new chapter in my career. With extensive expertise in developing, designing, and deploying successful trade show presences, I am uniquely positioned to evaluate any Trade Show Program and offer money saving solutions that  boost your return on investment (ROI).

This mission encompasses Trade Shows, Live Events, Marketing Environments, National Sales Meetings, Hospitality Events, Mobile Marketing Exhibits, Executive Briefing Centers, Corporate Demo Rooms, and Customer Experience Centers. By identifying cost inefficiencies, I will work collaboratively to negotiate and manage better cost controls, thereby optimizing your current program budget.

As a seasoned F2F Marketing and Trade Show Consultant, I specialize in auditing your current program, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and sourcing effective solutions for your Trade Shows, Marketing Environments and Live Events. My methods are not only highly effective but also simple to implement.

Maintaining a Trade Show presence involves substantial investment in design, deployment, and brand maintenance at live events. While trade show marketing is undoubtedly valuable, today’s economic challenges make it essential to cut costs and boost ROI. Most Exhibit Companies and Trade Show Consultants focus on design, graphics, and deployment, leaving you to manage costs, marketing objectives, and event success.

At Crates and Rates Consulting, I understand your Stakeholders and Board of Directors prioritize ROI. I will provide you with the tools and strategies to achieve significant cost savings, manage your goals and budgets efficiently, and drastically improve your ROI. Let’s work together to enhance your trade show strategy, achieving cost savings with measurable and sustainable results!