When to Purchase, Rent or Go Hybrid With Your Trade Show Booth

Now that trade shows are opening their doors again, there are many questions surrounding a successful return to in-person events. One of the earliest and biggest questions is whether to purchase or rent your display – or go for a mix of the two.

This article will help you identify the pros and cons of each option so you can decide which makes the most sense for your budget and goals. 

First and foremost, be sure to have a firm grasp on your exhibit budget. That way, you’ll know how much you have to spend on making your display stand out. 

Once that’s ironed out, carefully examine the benefits and drawbacks of the buying, renting and hybrid options. 

Renting Your Booth

Pros: Just like a house, renting a booth eliminates the higher price of exhibit ownership, which includes storage, refurbishment and insurance costs. 

Additionally, some full-service renting options allow you to simply show up to the show and walk into your already-set up booth. 

Cons: When renting a booth, you may be limited in the level of customization. While there is some flexibility when it comes to design choices, you won’t have the full ability to make all the decisions you might want to. 

Buying Your Booth

Pros: You’ll have the ability to make your exhibit look and function exactly how you want it to. You’ll also be able to take that exhibit to multiple events. 

Cons: Unlike with renting, you have to dedicate the time and energy to set the exhibit up and tear it down entirely on your own. And, of course, buying a booth is almost always more expensive than renting one. 

Hybrid Approach

There’s nothing that says you have to commit fully to either renting or buying your trade show booth. If there are some areas where you want the savings and ease provided by renting, work those into your exhibit. And if you like the idea of the full control provided by buying certain parts, you can always do that too. A mix-and-match approach might be the one that best fits your budget and needs. 

Just be sure to consider things like set up and tear down time, who is handling the logistics for the show itself and how you want your exhibit to look. 

For more info to help you stay ahead of the curve and think critically about the options available, visit:

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