Looking for a low-risk way to test a trade show’s ROI potential, or just need a one-off booth while keeping expenses in check? With rising costs and ever-changing trends, rental booths offer a smart solution to deliver a high brand impact without the high upfront costs and long-term commitments associated with other booth types.
Today’s rental booths are sophisticated, pre-designed exhibit structures that can customized, to a point, for a specific event. Exhibit booth rental companies often maintain an inventory of different booth designs and configurations, which can be personalized with your branding, graphics, and specific features.
Key benefits of trade show booth rentals
Rental booths offer several advantages that make them an attractive option for companies of all sizes:
- Significantly lower upfront investment compared to purchasing custom booths - pay only for event-specific usage. You pay only for the booth and its use during the event, which helps reduce upfront costs.
- Zero storage, maintenance, and repair costs since the provider handles all upkeep and logistics. For companies with limited storage space or those that do not want to deal with the logistical complexities of booth ownership, this can be a major selling point.
- Freedom to adapt your booth design, size, and layout for different shows without long-term commitment. This is perfect for companies that are new to trade shows, are testing new markets, or want to adapt their approach from one event to the next.
- Complete support including professional setup, breakdown, and logistics management. These additional services can take pressure off your team and ensures a smooth process from start to finish.
When to choose a trade show booth rental
Rental booths are not the best choice for every situation, but they are an excellent solution in specific scenarios.
- Short-term needs: If you only plan to attend one or two trade shows in a year or just attend a show once for a very specific purpose, booth rentals may be more economical than investing in a custom build. Renting allows you to create a professional presence without a long-term financial commitment.
- Testing new markets: If you’re expanding into new markets or attending trade shows in different regions, renting a booth allows you to test the waters before making a larger investment. You can evaluate the potential return on investment and gather insights before deciding whether to commit to a more permanent exhibit. Typically, we tell clients a rental can be a cost-effective option for something you’re going to use less than three times.
- Budget constraints: Renting a booth can help you manage costs more effectively, especially if your trade show budget is limited. Rental booths provide a high-quality, branded experience without the significant upfront costs of custom builds. Brands that are exploring trade shows for the first time or working on a specific product may find that rentals open up participation while keeping within budget.
- Different booth sizes and configurations: If your trade show schedule includes events of varying sizes and space requirements, renting gives you the ability to adapt. It’s also possible to achieve the same with a modular design you own, so it’s important to consider your unique business needs. However, with rentals you can rent different configurations for each show, ensuring that your exhibit fits the space perfectly and makes the best possible impact.
Designing an impactful rental trade show booth
One misconception about rental booths is that they are limited in terms of creativity and impact. In reality, rental booths can be visually striking and engaging, provided you work with the right booth partner and focus on key design elements. Here are some tips for designing a rental booth that stands out:
- Personalize with graphics: Rental booths may come with standard structures, but you can personalize them with high-quality graphics, banners, and signage that feature your branding. Invest in impactful graphics that convey your key messages and attract attention from across the exhibit hall. The right partner can handle printing for you so it’s a perfect fit, high quality and integrated.
- Add interactive elements and lighting: Just like custom booths, rental booths can incorporate interactive elements such as touch screens, virtual reality experiences, or product demos. These features create a more engaging experience for attendees and help draw people into your booth. Lighting can also be used to support booth design and highlight specific areas and create ambiance.
- Keep the layout open and welcoming: Your rental trade show booth layout should encourage attendees to enter and explore. Avoid overcrowding the space with too many elements and focus on creating a clear flow that guides visitors through your booth.
Types of trade show booths available to rent
Choosing a booth space at a trade show involves a lot of planning; location, size, budget, and strategy all play a role. Once that decision is made, the next step is finding a rental that fits your space and helps you stand out. A strong rental partner should offer solutions for any footprint, from compact inlines to expansive custom builds. Here are some of the most common booth types you’ll want to consider:
1. Inline booths
- Typically arranged in a single row with neighboring booths on either side.
- Perfect for smaller spaces like 10x10 or 10x20 setups.
- Offers cost-effective visibility while still allowing for customization with branded graphics and signage.
2. Peninsula booths
- Open on three sides, located at the end of a row.
- Usually larger than inline booths (e.g., 20x20 or 20x30).
- Great for creating an inviting space with high engagement potential.
3. Island booths
- Fully freestanding and open on all sides.
- Offers maximum flexibility in layout, allowing for interactive displays, demos, and lighting effects.
- Ideal for brands looking to make a bold, immersive impact.
4. Custom booths
- Fully tailored to your brand’s specific needs.
- Combines modular or pre-designed structures with bespoke graphics, LED displays, and interactive features.
- Often available through premium rental agencies for short-term use, reducing costs compared to permanent builds.
Key Takeaways:
Consider your booth size, layout, and desired engagement level when renting an exhibit. Even rental booths can be highly customizable with the right design elements and graphics.
Choosing the right trade show booth services
Selecting a reliable trade show booth rental agency is just as important as choosing the right booth type. Here’s what to consider when evaluating potential providers:
- Comprehensive services. Look for agencies that offer end-to-end solutions, including booth design, turnkey setups, project management, and logistics support.
- Booth options and flexibility. Choose a partner that maintains a range of booth sizes and styles, from inline and peninsula to island and custom options. Flexibility allows you to adapt layouts for different shows and test new markets without long-term commitments.
- Experience and reputation. Agencies with a proven track record understand trade show regulations and best practices. Reading case studies or testimonials can help gauge their reliability and service quality.
Getting started with rental booths
Rental booths can be a useful addition to the modern marketer’s trade show toolkit. If you’re interested in a cost-effective, flexible way to attend a single show or test out a new market – or simply reduce the cost and effort associated with maintaining your booth – it’s time to learn more. Contact us today to discuss your needs.
