Rent or buy?
| Rent | Buy | |
|---|---|---|
| Up-front cost | Lower; pay per show | Higher; pay once |
| Storage and repairs | Handled by the exhibit house | Yours to pay between shows |
| Flexibility | Change size and layout each show | Fixed unless you add parts |
| Best for | First shows, one-off shows, changing booth sizes | Many shows a year with the same footprint |
Steps to rent a booth
- Get your booth size, location, and exhibitor manual from show management.
- Write a short brief: size, booth type, goals, products, and must-haves such as storage, monitors, or a meeting room.
- Ask two or three exhibit houses for drawings and itemized quotes on the same brief.
- Approve the design, then send graphics files by the printer's deadline.
- Order show services and confirm who installs and dismantles.
Exhibiting in Las Vegas? Read the Las Vegas booth rental guide for venue and timeline details.
Questions
What does a trade show booth rental include?
A rental exhibit is usually the structure (frames, walls, counters, towers) lent for one show. Printed graphics are usually made for you and often yours to keep. Shipping, installation and dismantle (I&D), and storage may be quoted separately. Carpet, electrical, internet, and material handling are normally ordered from the show's official contractors, not the exhibit house.
How far ahead should I book a booth rental in Las Vegas?
Six to eight weeks before move-in is comfortable for a standard 10×10 or 10×20 rental. Allow longer for islands, custom add-ons, and anything before CES, NAB Show, or SEMA, when Las Vegas shops are busiest.
Is renting cheaper than buying a booth?
For one to three shows a year, renting is often cheaper once you count storage, repairs, and shipping crates. Buying makes sense when you exhibit often with the same footprint. Get both quotes for your actual schedule.