Estimate Insanely Early

When is the earliest time you should estimate costs for your exhibition or experience project?

(This is a black belt cost control tip. See them all here.)

A. As soon as you have approved technical drawings.

B. As soon as you have a concept design package.

C. As soon as humanly possible, when you barely know what you’re doing.

Yep, it’s C.

It’s not about asking a professional estimator. Exhibition teams should make their own internal estimate before the first phase of planning and design work is even done. You’ll learn a lot and gain accountability that will last the whole project.

- Fire up a spreadsheet.
- Estimate by zone, then by sub-components.
- Include tons of line items: AV hardware, software, lighting.
- Don’t forget a contingency: 20%+ (thank me later).

Use pro estimates from later phases to check yours. Get good enough that you can show yours early and not be far off.

Here’s the thing: 
Estimate costs early and often — starting when you barely know what you’re pricing.

Warmly,
Jonathan