People are often surprised to find out that most of the island exhibits we manage are rented. There are certain misconceptions that come with the word rental as it pertains to trade shows; such as a lack of customization and a worn out look, but that is not the case! Many island exhibits on the show floor these days are at least in part built with rental components. Let’s talk about why people are renting trade show displays and when it makes the most sense to do so.
Why rent a trade show exhibit?
The most important reason people rent is budget. Rental displays offer hardware at a 60-70% discount compared to purchasing, allowing those dollars to be put to use elsewhere in the space. Another reason is flexibility. Clients that rent are not stuck with the same booth year to year or even show to show, which lets them evaluate the space and change it based upon performance, audience, show type, etc. So if they decide they need more lounge area or a larger storage closet, the design can be updated for the next outing. Additionally, renting keeps a fresh look for those attendees that see the booth show after show. So a company that rents their booth isn’t stuck in the same booth for the 5th, 8th, or 10th year in a row, but is able to keep it current with a modern look and technology. Lastly, rentals are a great option when a show weekend is double-booked or there is no way someone’s display can make it from one show to the next in time.
When should a company rent their trade show exhibit?
Rental trade show displays are often used to allow a company to level up into a new space size. Generally, when we’re working with companies looking to transition from linear booth spaces to island booth spaces, the best way to accommodate this is with rental exhibits, as they allow a lower cost barrier to entry. Rentals are also great when a company has one or two shows a year that they need to have a larger presence. The important shows that “make the bacon” are a great place to set the 10×10 or 10×20 aside and bump up into a nice, sleek 20×20 rental exhibit. We also rent 10×10 and 10×20 exhibits for all of the same reasons. Generally, a client will rent a 10×10 when looking to do one to two shows a year, but have a nice presence that with the ability to adapt year to year.
Rentals do not have to be the full booth space either; different components can be rented as well. Maybe someone wants to try out a tower, or a larger reception counter, or a video wall, etc. All of those things could be rented alongside their existing booth setup.
If you’re concerned about custom capabilties within a rental display; here are a few cool things we’ve executed in them recently: “museum” style wall with photo frames and individual mounted lights/plaques, painted dimensional letters, LED video walls, soffit lighting, custom wall for painting, numerous scenes and settings for themed booths, etc. We love coming up with cool custom projects with you! Even to rent!
Rental trade show exhibits have long been a part of the fabric of what we do at FrontLine Exhibits. We have the ability to offer customized designs, deliver from warehouses all over the country, and offer the full array of turn-key services along with them to make the customer experience as smooth as possible. We would love to discuss how we can help you utlize rental displays to level up your presence at your next show! Contact us today!