As one of the fastest-growing building product distributors in North America, SRS needed a trade show solution that could keep pace with its evolving brand footprint, without overextending budgets across divisions. The company turned to STAR Exhibits to explore a rental-first strategy that would allow them to maintain a consistent, high-quality presence across diverse events in roofing, landscaping, and solar, eventually leading to a strategic purchase.
With a Featherlite modular system as the foundation, STAR helped SRS build a flexible, scalable exhibit that grew with them and ultimately became their own.
Trade show booth vision
Initially working within a newer division, SRS chose to rent their booth due to cost constraints and the need for flexibility. The vision was simple: create a presence at targeted shows that felt customized without committing to long-term ownership too soon.
After successfully using the same system at GCSAA, FRSA, and Intersolar, the team saw the clear ROI of having a modular setup: consistent branding, cost-effective shipping, and adaptability for different booth sizes. Once confident in the solution, SRS took the next step, buying the system with STAR’s guidance.
Key objectives for their trade show program included:
- Testing booth configurations across multiple divisions
- Reducing long-term exhibit costs
- Maintaining consistent brand experience
- Maximizing ROI across small to mid-sized events
Featherlite trade show display solution
To support SRS’s evolving needs, STAR provided a Featherlite Sync modular system, starting with 10x10 and 10x20 rentals. Each configuration featured:
- Round headers and modular panels
- Monitors, counters, and shelving
- Configurable inline or island setups (with 8ft height for inline)
- Custom backlighting and interchangeable graphics
As their confidence and event calendar grew, STAR worked with SRS to transition the system from rental to ownership, reusing much of the existing hardware. This included navigating budget approvals with creative accounting and providing discounts to accommodate updated graphics and additional modular pieces.
Impact of their SYNC trade show booth
Through its partnership with STAR, SRS was able to:
- Participate in 3+ shows using the same system, reducing exhibit spend per event
- Scale configurations based on show size and division focus (10x10 for landscaping, 10x20 for roofing, etc.)
- Own a high-quality booth that didn’t require transporting their largest exhibit assets
- Tailor branding and lighting for each event, including shows like RE+, where new product themes and interactive features were integrated
Conclusion
SRS’s journey from renter to owner reflects the power of STAR’s rental-to-purchase model. With the adaptability of the Featherlite modular system, the company maintained a consistent and elevated presence at trade shows without the upfront commitment of ownership. Now, with a customized booth they own, SRS can scale their presence confidently and cost-effectively for seasons to come.
