Picture this: You’re thinking about your company’s revenue goals for the year and know that trade shows (whether you’re new to them or not) could be the ticket to help you achieve several objectives in a short span of time.

While your marketing team is buzzing with ideas, your business head is buzzing with questions:

Do we need to build a custom booth?

If we don’t build, could we find a rental option that looks professional?

And if we find a solution that works, can we really afford it?

Spoiler alert: Modern rentals are not only professional, they can also be beautiful! And renting offers many advantages.

Bonus spoiler: There are plenty of options to fit your brand and budget!

Let’s explore 5 reasons why renting is the trade show way to go.

1. Budget friendly

Working with a rental exhibit solution can significantly reduce your upfront costs compared to purchasing one outright (think sidestepping the capital expenditure ask). This option is particularly beneficial for:

• Companies wanting the most bang for their marketing buck (i.e. more focus on the brand and less on the cost of logistics)
• Organizations new to the trade show circuit
• Brands attending only a few shows annually

Going with a rental means you’ll have more budget to market your space. Think colorful graphics, LEDs featuring dynamic content, product demos, in-booth activations, giveaways, and more.

2. Free-flowing flexibility

One of the most significant advantages of renting is the built-in (see what we did there?) flexibility:

• Customize your design and messaging for each event and target audience (perfect for testing a new market)
• Experiment with different sizes and layouts
• Easily accommodate varying floor plan spaces depending on the venue
• Exhibit at concurrent events in different locations

This adaptability allows you to test the trade show waters before making a more permanent custom investment.

3. Hassle-free logistics

Renting eliminates many of the logistical challenges associated with booth ownership:

• Less storage between shows
• Little to no maintenance and repair costs (just switch out graphics or messaging if needed)
• Simplify transportation (rental = lightweight) and set-up processes (rentals = easy install and tear down, which also saves labor costs)

These benefits allow for a simple set up. No wrestling with complex booth assembly, no panic about shipping logistics, no mysterious missing pieces. Rental companies handle the nitty-gritty (more on what’s included below!), leaving you free to do what you do best: connect with customers and engage potential prospects.

4. Design and trend forward

Trade show booth design evolves rapidly and trends come and go. Renting allows you to stay on point:

• Present a fresh, modern look at every event
• Incorporate the latest display trends and event tech capabilities
• Avoid the risk of your booth design becoming outdated

Rentals are like marketing chameleons for your brand. One month you can be sleek and minimalist, the next you can go for bold and vibrant. No long-term design commitment required.

5. Peace of mind

Here’s where the rental option gets even better. Exhibit rental partners can often serve as your personal trade show concierge. While your team is crushing it on the show floor, your exhibit provider can handle all the behind-the-scenes magic:

• Expert set-up crews who make it look easy (because for these pros, it is!)
• On-the-floor problem solvers who’ve seen every booth blunder
• Access to the latest and greatest in booth design and solutions

When choosing your exhibit partner, be sure to ask these questions:

1. Do they offer a nationwide rental inventory? This helps you maintain a consistent design regardless of event location.
2. What’s included in the rental? Most rental companies will provide installation and dismantle, vacuuming, and material handling, so make sure you’re clear whether it’s all-inclusive or not.
3. What other solutions can they offer to help you meet your goals? Choose an exhibit pro whose expertise goes beyond the booth. Working with a partner that offers across-the-booth consultation (think design, strategy, content, and more) can help you take your brand to the next level.

Bonus Pro Tip: Energy matters more than your booth

Here’s a trade show secret: Attendees remember passionate people who represent your brand more than a pricey display. A rental booth with an incredible team will always outshine a custom booth with a meh approach.

Making the exhibit call

Here’s the bottom line: your success at trade shows comes down to how well you connect with attendees and show off what makes your business unique.

A rental booth gives you all the flexible tools you need to show up and shine. Think of it like a vacation rental — you get all the perks of a beach house without having to repair the sun-soaked roof.

Ready to make a splash at your next show? A strategic rental solution lets you focus on what really matters — wowing attendees and turning those booth visits into business wins.