It's Monday morning, and you just finished the trade show marathon from hell. You've been in more convention centers than Lindsay Lohan has rehab centers. Nevertheless, you're dragging yourself into the office. Your goal is merely to make it to your chair, take a sip of your caramel macchiato, and breathe. But as you shuffle into your office, you discover your boss sitting in your chair. "Sales wants to add a show to next month's calendar," she barks. "So how much is it gonna cost?"

Your head spins, your posture sags, and your right eye starts to twitch. "Let me collect my thoughts," you mumble, "and I'll get back to you within the hour." Your mind reels. You need numbers, and you need 'em fast. How are you going to pull a trade show budget out of thin air? And where are you going to dig up the various industry stats and averages you need to even start this last-minute project?

The answer is simple. You're going to pull out this article, which has all the stats, formulas, and budgeting tips you'll need. And within 20 minutes or so, you should have a ballpark budget for your boss – and enough time left in your one-hour window to kick back, close your eyes, and enjoy your coffee.