Benefits of Renting a Trade Show Display for Your Next Event

Key Notes: 

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• Renting trade show displays can save money by offering premium booths at a lower cost than purchasing.
  
  
• Rental displays offer less overall stress since rental providers typically handle shipping, setup, and teardown.
  
  
• Renting a trade show booth gives you access to the latest trends and technology without the need to purchase.
  
  
• There's no need to worry about storage or maintenance between events with a rental display.
  
  
• Renting allows you to test trade show booth layouts before committing to a full purchase.
  
  
• Pricing is transparent and predictable with rental displays, helping you stay on budget with fewer shipping and labor surprise fees. 

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Why Trade Show Rental Displays Are the Smart Choice for Your Next Event

Participating in trade shows is an excellent opportunity for businesses to gain exposure, build brand awareness, and engage with potential customers. 

One major decision exhibitors face is whether to purchase or rent trade show displays. While ownership has its advantages, trade show display rentals offer significant benefits that can make your next event more cost-effective, flexible, and stress-free.

In this article, we'll explore why renting a display booth may be a good fit for your upcoming event.

1. Cost Savings Without Compromise

One of the most compelling reasons to rent trade show displays is the cost advantage. Purchasing a large, custom exhibit often involves a substantial investment. In contrast, trade show display rentals provide access to high-quality, professionally designed booths that look custom made, at a lower initial spend with zero storage and upkeep costs. 

For example, buying a premium 10x20 display could cost $35,000 to $45,000 dollars or more, whereas renting the same display would only cost $14,000 - $18,000 dollars.

Saving money by renting a display allows many companies to spend more on the booth space itself. Having a larger booth space, a prized location, and a high-end display lets that brand maximize their impact at their most important events.

2. Flexibility to Adapt to Different Events

Each trade show is unique, and what works for one event might not be suitable for another. Renting gives you the flexibility to customize or switch up your display booth depending on the size of the venue, your target audience, and the event theme.

Rather than being locked into a single booth design, businesses can select trade show displays for rent that best align with their goals for each event. Many brands will purchase a 10x10 display for smaller events and rent larger, high-end displays for bigger booths at their most important shows. 

3. Easy Logistics and Hassle-Free Setup

Installation and Dismantle for Rental Trade Show Displays: 

When it comes to setup, we hear three common questions

Who assembles rental trade show displays?

 Typically, the rental provider offers install and dismantle (I&D) services, or they may contract with show services or third-party labor companies.

How much does it cost to assemble and disassemble a rented trade show display? 

On average, you can expect to pay 25% to 35% of the booth price in labor fees. Costs vary depending on venue pricing, booth complexity, timing (weekday versus weekend or holiday), and venue-specific rules.

Is setup labor worth it for my trade show rental display?

Yes. Professional install saves time, reduces stress, ensures your booth looks perfect, and lets your team focus on networking. While it adds cost, most exhibitors see it as a smart investment.

Logistics for Rental Trade Show Displays: 

When it comes to rental display logistics, exhibitors want to know..

Who schedules the shipment to and from the event and will the truck be there on time?

Most rental providers will schedule the shipping to and from your event for you. Trade show logistics can be a little tricky due to the strict deadlines and potential long freight lines at the event. Using a trade show specific freight option helps guarantee the truck is on-time and willing to wait for delivery or load-up. 

By letting your booth provider handle the logistics, your team can focus on the other important facets of the event. 

4. Access to the Latest Design Trends and Technology

Technology and design trends in trade show displays are constantly evolving. By choosing trade show display rentals, you gain access to the latest features without needing to upgrade or modify a purchased booth.

Rental providers often refresh their inventory regularly, offering innovative designs, high-definition graphics, interactive elements, and modular components that enhance visitor engagement. This keeps your brand looking modern and competitive on the show floor.

Not only does your brand look and feel cutting-edge, it will also look and feel fresh and new at each event you attend. By renting your display, you have the ability to build excitement around your new booth at nearly every show you exhibit at. 

Pro Tip for smart exhibitors: Save a little money by working with your rental provider to re-use some of your generic branded graphics in the new display layout without anyone realizing it. 

5. Space and Storage Savings

Owning a trade show display comes with logistical challenges such as storage, maintenance, and transportation. These hidden costs can add up quickly and create additional burdens for your team.

When you rent trade show displays, storage concerns vanish. Your team will usually keep the display for the length of the event or 30 days total and then the rental company handles the upkeep and warehousing of the booth components between events, freeing up valuable space and eliminating storage costs.

6. Test Before You Buy

Renting provides a valuable opportunity to test a booth concept or design before committing to a purchase. If your company is considering investing in a custom display, renting a similar model first can help you evaluate its functionality, aesthetic appeal, and ROI.

This "try before you buy" approach allows you to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. If a particular layout or feature doesn’t work as expected, you can make changes before making a major investment.

7. Transparent Pricing and Predictable Budgeting

Understanding how much it costs to rent a trade show display is easier than estimating the total cost of ownership. Rental providers typically offer all-inclusive packages that cover the design, graphics, hardware, and labor.

This transparency allows for accurate budgeting and financial planning. You avoid unexpected costs such as repair fees, replacement parts, or storage rental, giving you greater control over your event expenditures.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a seasoned exhibitor or attending your first event, renting trade show displays offers numerous benefits. From affordability and convenience to design flexibility and peace of mind, trade show display rentals are an ideal solution for maximizing impact while minimizing risk.

With so many advantages, it’s no wonder that more companies are choosing to rent trade show displays rather than buy. Let your next event be a showcase of your brand’s potential without the burden of ownership.

Shop our trade show display rentals now!

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