Each exhibitor has a unique vision for his or her booth. Depending on time, experience and budget for a show or event, exhibitors have a multitude of choices ranging from basic, cost-effective budget rentals to fully customized, intricate structures.
Fashioning an exhibit rental that mimics the look and feel of a custom exhibit without the burgeoning expenses of storage, maintenance, transportation, etc., can be a good option for certain exhibitors. Rental structures can be adapted to each show or event venue with additional accessories while branding can be as easy as adding fabric graphics.
Building a rental exhibit specifically tailored to one’s budgetary needs is illustrated through Orbus’ The Exhibitors’ Handbook Rental. Exhibit rental kits can be suited to the individual exhibitor by considering the lead time before a show or event, materials used, overall height and width of the structure and the level of complexity.
BUDGET RENTALS ($)
Client
A budget rental exhibit would be best suited for a client who may be starting to just dip their toes into exhibiting at tradeshows and does not have a large budget with which to work. The low expense and high functionality of budget rental exhibits make them well suited to be a “try before you buy” solution, especially for new exhibitors with a non-aggressive show schedule.
Timing
Typically, a two-week lead time is needed before the show or event.
Height/width of booth or structure
It is easiest to find budget rental solutions for 10’ x 10’ and 10’ x 20’ inline booth size configurations as the additional customized elements and features involved in a unique booth design typically lead to a higher price.
Material
Budget rental exhibits feature a lighter weight and less complex look and feel than standard or custom rentals using aluminum tube frames and aluminum extrusion. They typically feature basic booth features, such as a simple backwall and optional counters or accessories.
Complexity
Budget rental exhibits typically do not feature the same complexities as standard and custom exhibits. They tend to be more simplistic backwalls, counters and accessories for a maximum impact at a minimum expense, with easy, fast assembly.
Exhibit Profiles
- Formulate VC 10: Backwalls are a sophisticated and lightweight fabric rental display. They combine state-of-the-art purchased zipper pillowcase fabric graphics with lightweight rental aluminum tube frames to form fashionable and functional exhibit spaces. Counters add additional brand messaging space while LED lighting illuminates the exhibit.
Product line: Formulate Tension Fabric 10′ Vertical Curve Backwall
Estimated purchase MSRP: $3,700-$4,400
Percentage saved through renting: 35% – 45%
- Vector Frame Kit 19: Fits neatly into a 10’ x 20’ exhibit space. The aluminum extrusion frame combines with purchased push-fit fabric graphics to create a strong and lasting impression. Literature holders and counters provide additional space for brand messaging.
Product line: Vector Frame Geometric Kit 19
Estimated purchase MSRP: $7,200 – $8,500
Percentage saved through renting: 45% – 50%
STANDARD RENTALS ($$)
Client
Clients with a moderate budget and the desire for an “off-the-shelf” exhibit solution would be well suited to a standard rental exhibit. They would likely be slightly experienced exhibitors looking for a sophisticated and partially custom booth feel at a lower price point.
Timing
Typically, standard rental exhibits are ideal when a client has a two- to three-week timeframe in which to work before a show or event.
Height/width of booth or structure
Standard off-the-shelf rental solutions are best in 10’ x 10’, 10’ x 20’ and 20’ x 20’ booth size configurations.
Material
Standard rental exhibits feature more sophisticated, off-the-shelf hardware solutions, with optional accessories and counters to be added for functionality. Hardware incorporated into standard rental solutions include extrusion-based or modular systems and steel truss systems.
Complexity
Exhibits are typically at a medium complexity, featuring frames that expand beyond the straight backwall system into modular, layered designs and purchased graphics.
Exhibit Profiles
- Hybrid Pro Kit 09: Standard 10’ x 20’ rental exhibit incorporating an aluminum extrusion frame with push-fit fabric graphics for a sleek, sophisticated appearance. Counters and monitor mounts add extra space for brand messaging and product display while LED lights illuminate the space.
Product line: Hybrid Pro Tension Fabric Kit 09
Estimated purchase MSRP: $15,000 – $18,000
Percentage saved through renting: 45% – 55%
- Dorado Orbital Truss 20×20: Island exhibit with easy-to-assemble and eye-catching organic curves. The unique, flowing design encourages traffic flow and the open floor plan provides plenty of space to add counters, accessories, digital media and collateral materials to boost any brand. The kit also features tool-less assembly.
Product line: Dorado Orbital Truss 20 x 20 Exhibit
Estimated purchase MSRP: $35,000 – $42,000
Percentage saved through renting: 45% – 55%
CUSTOM RENTALS ($$$)
Client
Custom rental solutions are ideal for clients who have a significant budget to work with, and invest well in tradeshows, but are looking for savings in areas that make sense.
Timing
Typically, custom exhibits take between 21 and 30 days from exhibit design approval to manufacture.
Material
Custom rental exhibits typically incorporate a wide range of aluminum extrusions, laminates, fabrics, media and graphics for exhibits reflective of a company’s persona. Custom-crafted and laminated wood display structures and accessories, such as cabinets, counters and panels, can also be incorporated into the design of a custom booth.
Complexity
The complexity of custom rentals depends on desired size and scale of the booth. Exhibits can be designed around inline or island spaces, or around double-deck systems for maximum impact. The materials included in a custom design determine the complexity – the more that are included, the more complex the exhibit will become.
Height/width of booth or structure
Custom rentals can be created for any booth space, from 10’ x 10’ to 20’ x 20’ and larger, including double-deck systems and hanging signs.
Exhibit Profiles
- Datatrak: This 20’ x 20’ island exhibit from Nimlok features a tall fabric structure that elevates the brand messaging across the show floor. To one side of the structure, multimedia kiosks engage visitors with branded messaging. To the other side of the structure, an open space can be used as a reception, lounge or product demonstration area. This booth was designed by The Rogers Company for Datatrak and incorporates both rental and purchase-only components in the build.
Product line: Datatrak 20 x 20 Island
Estimated purchase MSRP: $22,000 – $26,000
Percentage saved through renting: 23% – 25%
- Utopia: This 30’ x 30’ island exhibit from Nimlok features a fabric hanging structure and canopies suspended above multimedia kiosks, product displays and fabric banners. A double-deck structure maximizes floor space and creates two private conference areas for one-on-one meetings. This booth was designed by Nimlok Chicago for Utopia, and incorporates both rental and purchase-only features in the build.
Product line: Utopia 30 x 30 Island
Estimated purchase MSRP: $120,000 – $150,000
Percentage saved through renting: 15% – 20%
