Have you thought about renting your next trade show exhibit? For many companies, exhibit rentals solve common challenges—conflicting show schedules, changing booth sizes, or the need to “test the waters” before making a big purchase. Whether you are new to exhibiting or simply want flexibility, renting a trade show exhibit can be a smart option.
Why Consider a Trade Show Exhibit Rental?
Rental exhibits address problems that often frustrate exhibitors:
- Flexibility: If your owned booth doesn’t fit a new space, a rental can scale up or down.
- Lower commitment: Rentals are ideal if you want impact without a long-term investment.
- Budget efficiency: Save on custom build costs, storage fees, and sometimes even shipping.
- Professional setup: Many rental providers include onsite show supervision, reducing labor costs and ensuring proper installation.
- Fresh designs: Rentals give you the freedom to use a different booth design at each show.
Buying vs. Renting a Trade Show Exhibit
| Factor | Buying | Renting |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | High initial investment in custom design | Lower upfront cost, pay-per-show |
| Flexibility | Limited to one design, size, and configuration | Adapt size and design for each show |
| Storage & Shipping | Ongoing costs for warehouse storage and transport | Often included or reduced in rental agreements |
| Sustainability | Long-term use reduces waste, but requires upkeep | Exhibits reused across clients, reducing material waste |
| Customization | Full creative control over design and branding | Semi-customizable, with modular components |
| Long-Term Value | Better for frequent exhibitors with consistent needs | Better for new or occasional exhibitors |
Rental Exhibits and Sustainability
In the past, many international shows followed a “build and burn” model—constructing booths onsite and then discarding them immediately after. By contrast, renting in the U.S. is more sustainable. Rental exhibits are reused, transported back to exhibit houses, and dismantled for future use. As a result, companies reduce waste and avoid the environmental impact of one-time builds.
The Bottom Line
Renting a trade show exhibit is not just a cost-saving measure. It is a flexible, sustainable choice that allows companies to maximize impact without long-term commitments. For exhibitors balancing multiple shows, adjusting booth sizes, or exploring their first trade show, rentals often deliver the right mix of value and convenience.
Pro tip: Absolute Exhibits provides U.S.-built rental solutions that combine cost savings, design flexibility, and sustainability—helping companies stand out without the expense of ownership.
Trade Show Exhibit Rental Checklist
- Conflicting booth schedules across shows
- New to exhibiting and want to test the market
- Need flexibility for changing booth sizes
- Want to avoid storage and shipping costs
- Prefer sustainable solutions with reusable exhibits
- Want fresh design options at each event
