One of the most common questions we hear from our clients at Proctor Productions is:
“Should we rent our trade show exhibit or invest in owning one?”
It’s a great question – and the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every brand has unique needs, goals, and challenges, which means the right path forward depends on several factors, including budget, timelines, and long-term strategy.
To help you make the best decision for your brand, we’ve outlined the pros of both renting and owning a booth, along with insights into when each option makes the most sense.
Why Renting Might Be Right for You
Renting an exhibit is a flexible, cost-effective way to make a big impact without committing to a permanent build. Many of our clients choose to rent when they need adaptability or have budget considerations to keep in mind.
Here are a few key benefits:
- Stay on Budget Without Sacrificing Quality
When a client’s budget is on the lower end, but their list of must-haves is long, renting can be a smart solution. It allows you to include all the design elements you need – like product displays, technology integrations, and specialty graphics – while staying within budget.
- Faster Turnaround Times
Custom fabrication takes time. If you have a tight lead time, renting is a great option since it allows us to pull from our extensive rental inventory, which is stored right in our centrally located Colorado facility. That means less time waiting and more time focusing on your event strategy.
- No Storage of Post-Show Hassle
When the show is over, you don’t need to worry about where to store your exhibit or how to transport it back and forth. Everything comes right back to us, saving you space, logistics headaches, and additional costs.
- Perfect for Transitional Branding
If your company is in the middle of a rebrand – or if you’re still figuring out what direction your brand will take in the future – renting is ideal. It gives you flexibility for now, without locking you into a design that may not reflect your updated branding later.
- Trying Out a Market or Show
Many clients have opted for renting when they are just starting out in the trade show circuit, or are participating in a new show for the first time – they want to gauge the show’s attendance, success, and buyers’ market, as well as see what their competitors are showcasing, before committing to their exhibit.
Why Custom Rental Might Be the Perfect Middle Ground
Many of our clients at Proctor Productions find themselves in between the two extremes of renting and owning. That’s where custom rentals come in–a flexible, hybrid option that blends the best of both worlds.
A custom rental combines rented components with purchased, brand-specific elements, giving you a space that feels truly yours without the commitment or pricing of a fully owned booth.
Here’s why it’s such a popular choice:
- Tailored to Your Brand Without the Full Investment
A custom rental gives you a branded, polished look while using rental inventory for core structural pieces. This keeps costs manageable while ensuring your exhibit still reflects your brand identity.
- Flexibility for Growth and Change
As your brand evolves, it’s easy to swap out certain elements without starting from scratch. This is ideal for companies that expect to refresh their look or expand their exhibit footprint over time.
- The Best of Both Worlds
You get the impact of a custom-designed booth with a smaller commitment. It’s the perfect balance of creativity and practicality, especially for brands that want to stand out without going all-in on a full purchase.
At Proctor, custom rentals are one of the most common solutions we deliver for our clients. They provide the WOW factor of a custom build while keeping things efficient, scalable, and budget-friendly.
Why Owning Might Be the Right Move
For brands with clear vision and consistent show schedule, owning an exhibit can be a worthwhile investment. It’s an opportunity to build something truly unique that reflects your brand identity while offering long-term value.
Here’s why many clients choose to own:
- Build Equity in Your Exhibit
When you purchase your booth, every dollar you spend goes toward something lasting. Instead of paying repeatedly for rentals, you’re investing in a structure you can use again and again, year after year.
- Modular Designs for Flexibility
Owning doesn’t mean being locked into a booth layout forever. With our Aluvision frame system, you can reconfigure your exhibit to create different shapes and layouts for future shows. This flexibility keeps your booth looking fresh and adaptable as your needs evolve.
- Pride in a Custom Exhibit
There’s something special about owning a one-of-a-kind exhibit designed exclusively for your brand. It’s a showpiece that represents your company and makes a strong impression on attendees.
- Maximum Customization
With the right budget, purchasing your booth gives you the freedom to include premium elements–like specialized lighting, rigging, and unique features–that make your exhibit truly stand out on the show floor.
- Making a Lasting Impression
Owning your exhibit means endless possibilities for creating a space that’s entirely yours. From eye-catching designs to fully immersive experiences, a custom booth draws buyers in, excites them about your brand, and encourages deeper engagement with your products. This tailored approach not only elevates the attendee experience but also empowers your sales team to share a compelling story about why your product or service is the right choice.
So Which Option is Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision to rent or own comes down to your budget, timeline, and long-term trade show strategy.
- If you need flexibility, speed, and a lower upfront cost, renting is likely the best fit.
- If you want a cost-effective way to make a big impact with brand-specific elements & adaptabiltiy, a custom rental solution might be the right choice.
- If you have a consistent show schedule, a clear long-term brand vision, and room in the budget, investing in ownership may deliver better value over time.
At Proctor Productions, we work closely with our clients to understand their goals and guide them toward the solution that makes the most sense – whether that’s a beautiful and reliable rental, a fully owned exhibit, or even a hybrid approach. Whichever option you choose, we’ll make sure your brand is seen, understood, and a real showstopper at your next event.