As an exhibition sales house with decades of experience, we’re taking a big leap and advising our clients to reconsider purchasing. As your needs change, your trade show exhibit changes. As your company grows, your trade show presence must evolve as well. Show schedules fluctuate, and so do requirements for booth size and configuration. In Europe, very few companies own their stands. Once you understand the economics, you realize why renting a trade show exhibit is the more logical choice. Europeans have relied on rentals for so long that they think Americans are foolish for continuing to “sell exhibits.”
The Case for Renting
The average lifespan of a purchased trade show exhibit is about five years. Before each show, it comes out of storage, receives a refurbishment, and returns to the floor as the “same old booth.” Refurbishment costs add up quickly, and eventually the booth shows its age. That tired look reduces impact and undermines objectives.
By contrast, renting a trade show exhibit provides a professional, up-to-date presence without the burden of ownership. Renting reduces upfront costs by as much as 75% compared to buying. That frees up valuable budget for sales, marketing, and promotions. Renting also eliminates hidden ownership costs: storage fees, warehouse handling, maintenance, and logistics. Instead, you pay only for the show you attend.
Financial Advantages of Renting
Ownership typically requires a large capital investment that must be depreciated over years. Rentals, however, can be expensed immediately. That alone makes them attractive to financial managers. In addition, resale of a used custom exhibit rarely returns more than pennies on the dollar. We are often approached by companies desperate to unload old booths, but few buyers exist. Renting avoids this financial trap entirely.
Moreover, renting a trade show exhibit allows you to change your look for every show. Custom graphics, AV, and flooring create impact without long-term commitment. If your company signs multiple-show contracts, you benefit from discounts and reduced costs on repeat graphics.
Renting Offers Impact Without Burden
At the end of the day, exhibit builders sell solutions. The booth itself is simply a tool to promote your products and services. Renting delivers impact and prestige without tying you down to a single configuration for years. With renting a trade show exhibit, you can refresh your design frequently, adapt to new show requirements, and present yourself competitively on every floor—all without ownership headaches.
The Bottom Line
The debate between renting and purchasing will continue, but the economics are clear. Renting a trade show exhibit is logical, flexible, and financially sound. It provides freedom to evolve, saves money, and ensures your brand looks fresh at every show. For many exhibitors, renting isn’t just an option—it’s the smarter way forward.
