7 Common Exhibit Problems Rentals Can Solve

August 24, 2014

Justine Savage

Justine Savage is the Marketing Coordinator and blogger for Nimlok, designer and builder of custom trade show display exhibits and portable displays.

Before jumping into these 7 problems that can be solved by trade show display rentals, I’d first like to dispel a major myth about trade show exhibit rentals.

Some may equate rentals with boring or basic displays and imagine an attendee pointing and discussing how generic their booth is or how much it looks like that other rental over there.

Fortunately, rentals have come a long way, running the gamut from basic portables to practically custom exhibits. Used well, trade show rental displays can fit a variety of needs and solve some basic problems. Now, to the problem solving!

1. Your custom booth is aging

Years ago, your company decided to go all out and invest in a beautiful custom exhibit. It cost a pretty penny, so everyone took great care of it, and while you’ve made small updates over time, your fundamental needs are changing and continue to change year after year. If you can’t afford to redesign, you may be stuck with temporary “band-aids” on your existing booth.

Trade show rentals give you the freedom to make more frequent, temporary updates without added costs. Plus when you’re ready for something completely new, it takes less time and money to go a different direction.

2. You’re hoarding displays for individual shows

It’s not your fault you need a different display for each of the many shows your company exhibits at during the year. Different audiences call for different design and/or marketing approaches with your booth. While one show may call for AV, another may call for a private meeting space.  

Instead of holding onto several displays, you can rent what you need show-to-show, then at the end of the year you’re free to do something completely new for your shows the following year. Plus, if you have several larger options, you’ll likely be saving the cost of storing those booths all year long.

3. You keep buying expensive one-time use booths

This situation is the polar opposite of #2.  In this scenario your company only exhibits once a year with one large-scale exhibit and replaces it every other year. Those costs add up. Instead try renting a large-scale booth to fit all your needs, then change it up every year without the fear of being stuck with a booth you won’t use next year.

4. You have Exhibit Commitment Issues

Your company just can’t commit to one kind of display, and they change their mind constantly. Chances are, the frequent changes are adding up. Moving over to rental can feed the need to mix things up as often as you like without worrying about a large investment in one trade show display.

5. You jumped into a long-term solution, but it was the wrong choice

Forget commitment issues, your company saw the display booth of their dreams and jumped right in only to realize a few shows later that it wasn’t everything they thought it’d be. Sometimes you just don’t know if something is going to work on the trade show floor (for example integrated technology or a double-deck) until you try it. Most rental display solutions could eventually be purchased if you like, so why not try things out before taking a regrettable leap.

6. It’s not broke, but you want to improve it

Many brands will make updates and improvements to current booths (like mentioned in #1) to avoid the cost of an entirely new one. Instead of adding and adding, use rental as your unlimited source for the parts you want to add for example, technology kiosks, hanging signs, seating and more. Think of it like a library where you can check in and out without permanently taking on a new exhibit piece.

7. You needed a booth yesterday

Whether it was a last minute decision to exhibit or just procrastination (no judgment), your company needs a booth ASAP and it must at least create the illusion of being a custom solution. Starting from scratch with a designer and putting a custom booth into production takes time. Fortunately in the rental game there are plenty of unique kits that look custom. Since rental kits are pretty much ready to go hardware wise, you save a lot of days off the process because now only your graphics have to be produced. 

Has your company gone over to the trade show display rental side before? What made them make that decision? Share your experience!

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.