The true cost of exhibit ownership.

Heavier, lower-cost materials might shrink the initial invoice, but they expand long-term costs. A lighter-weight, modular structure may cost more upfront, yet it quickly repays that investment through lower shipping, labor, and drayage fees.

Adaptability is also part of acquisition value. If your booth can only fit one footprint, you’re locked into a format that may not serve future shows. Featherlite systems are designed to reconfigure; from 10x10 to 20x20 to island exhibits, stretching your acquisition dollars much further. The first expense category, acquisition, sets the tone for everything that follows, regardless of booth type.

TAKEAWAY: Smart exhibitors look beyond the price tag. A modular build may sit between low-cost kits and high-end custom structures, but its reconfigurability and durability stretch acquisition dollars farther across that spectrum.

Once the booth is built, these recurring costs affect exhibitors at every scale. A low-budget booth may save a few dollars up front but bleed them back in repeated freight and labor fees; a large custom build multiplies those same costs through sheer size and weight. 

• Freight. Shipping costs are determined by weight, volume, and distance. A booth shipped in two compact cases can cost half as much to transport as one shipped in oversized crates. Multiply that across multiple shows, and the difference becomes substantial.
• Drayage. Charged by the hundredweight, drayage fees add up fast. Even modest reductions in booth weight can yield major savings. A lighter-weight modular system consistently reduces this expense.
• I&D Labor. Hourly crew costs can skyrocket with complex builds. Tool-free modular systems minimize labor hours and the number of workers required, saving thousands annually.

• Durability. Featherlite’s aluminum structures and premium fabrics hold up across shipping cycles and seasons, reducing replacement costs. 
• Lighter Weight Construction. A lighter-weight modular booth cuts freight and drayage dramatically compared to custom wood builds, without feeling flimsy or temporary. 
• Tool-Free Assembly. Simplified setup saves hours of I&D labor and reduces error risk. 
• Graphics Refresh. Modular systems make it easy to update branding without rebuilding. Swap SEG panels or fabric walls for a new look at a fraction of the cost. 

When construction balances visual presence with transportability, you gain the polish of a custom booth without inheriting its weight penalties. A booth built for longevity and adaptability transcends category labels, portable, modular, or custom, and functions as a lasting financial asset. 

Logistics is where theory meets reality. From small cases to large crates, how a booth ships and stores can double, or cut in half, your yearly spend. 

• Freight Management. Modular cases pack smaller and can ship via standard carriers, reducing cost and damage risk. 
• Streamlined I&D. Clear labeling, compact packing, and intuitive design shorten setup times. 
• Storage Efficiency. Compact cases save warehouse space and reduce monthly fees. 
• Season Planning. Planning your full calendar allows bulk shipping, graphics production, and predictable budgeting.
  
• DIY Portability. Many Featherlite systems can be handled internally, shipped via FedEx, loaded into a car, or even checked as airline luggage, offering flexibility that large wood crates can’t.

As logistics become more central to cost control, exhibitors begin facing a bigger strategic question:

Most exhibitors aren’t choosing between custom and modular—they’re using both. Custom builds deliver the moments that matter most: immersive storytelling, architectural presence, and standout experiences at marquee shows. They cost more because they’re precision-built for impact. Modular systems, in contrast, drive efficiency across the yearly schedule. Their lighter construction, faster labor, and reconfigurable layouts reduce recurring costs while supporting multiple footprints with a single investment.

When you compare the two at the same footprint, the strengths are clear: custom maximizes presence; modular minimizes operational spend. Both support brand growth depending on the show’s objective. That’s why many companies blend approaches, pairing a custom centerpiece for flagship events with a modular system for recurring shows—and adding rentals when they need to scale. This hybrid strategy ensures teams invest where impact is needed and stay cost-efficient everywhere else.

At a glance:

• Custom: high-impact storytelling and brand moments.
• Modular: flexibility, lighter weight, and long-term cost control.
• Best practice: use both strategically to match each event’s purpose and ROI.

Renting and purchasing aren’t opposites, they’re complementary strategies. 

For companies attending one or two shows, renting can make sense. But for recurring exhibitors, those doing three or more shows per year, ownership quickly becomes more cost-effective. Each use reduces the cost per show, while rental costs reset every time. 

The most effective programs often combine both: owning a 20x20 system and renting additional components to expand into larger footprints when needed. This hybrid model keeps expenses flexible while ensuring brand consistency and quality. 

When exhibitors rely solely on rentals, every event resets the cost clock. In this example, a company attending three 20×20 shows annually and one 40×40 every two years would spend roughly $300 K over four years renting for every appearance. By instead purchasing a 20×20 Featherlite system and renting components only when scaling up to 40×40, total program costs drop to $122 K — a 59% savings. 

The hybrid approach balances flexibility with fiscal sense: own what you use most, rent what you need occasionally. It delivers the visual impact of a large exhibit without committing