How To Choose The Best Rental Trade Show Display

Feeling overwhelmed by the range of rental display systems for your next trade show or event in Calgary? With so many event rental companies to choose from, finding the right fit can be tricky. Trade shows need specialized solutions that meet industry regulations and capture the attention of potential leads. Each event has its own set of requirements and deadlines, so it’s important to get it right. You’ll need tailored solutions that reflect your branding and support your marketing goals. We break down the different rental system options to help you find the best match for your marketing needs and event budget!

10x10 trade show exhibit for a contracting company in Alberta. This Octanorm exhibit features a custom branded counter, a 8ft wall backdrop with built-in storage from the left side, and built-in overhead pot lights. The graphics outline their services and contact info, with geometric black, blue, and green shapes in the background.
Octanorm Rental trade show system for a 10×10 booth

Key Considerations for Choosing a Trade Show Rental Display System

1. Budget

Whether you’re working with a modest or substantial budget, defining your range is key. Determine if your budget covers just the display or if it needs to include extras like shipping, carpet rental, show services, installation/dismantle, and accessories. Collaborate with a team experienced in trade show logistics to make the most of your budget and choose the most effective solution for your needs.

2. Trade Show Event Location

Is your event in your hometown, or will you be traveling across Canada, to the USA or even overseas? Working with a nearby display company can help reduce shipping and handling costs. At least make sure the company is familiar with the local area or has experience managing display rentals on the road. Also, consider booth location—is it indoor or outdoor? Consider any specific requirements, such as a tent, lighting, flooring, power or other accommodations for outdoor events.

Customized 50×50 rental trade show Exhibit at the Calgary BMO Centre

3. Exhibit Booth Size

The size of your space will influence the type of rental display that will work best. A portable display might be perfect for a small 10×10 space but may not suit a larger 20×30 booth. Think about how the booth layout will affect visitor flow and what type of display will make the most impact while adhering to venue regulations.

4. Your Event Timeline

Are you planning months in advance, or is the event just a few weeks away? The event timeline will determine the availability of rental options. Custom rental displays may not be feasible with a tight deadline. You may have to rent a pre-determined rental display kit from the display company you work with from their booth rental inventory. Give yourself enough time for design and graphic printing. Ensure a team is available for setup and takedown to avoid any last-minute issues.

5. Your experience with trade show planning

Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor or new to trade show marketing, working with professionals can help you find the right display solution. Choose a company that offers a range of rental options, graphic choices, and customization possibilities. An experienced production team can help you keep costs down while delivering a high-quality display that meets your needs.

20x20 island trade show booth rental for a trade show event at the calgary BMO centre in Alberta. White rental chairs and tables and a branded counter are placed in front of a backlit fabric display.
20×20 backlit rental display & furniture

By addressing all of the above considerations, you’ll be better prepared to select the ideal rental display system that aligns with your event goals and budget.

Trade Show Rental Display Options

Modular rental Exhibits

PROS: Highly customizable shapes, sizes, and graphics options.
CONS: Crated and heavier than portable systems, requiring shipping or local transport and material handling. Budget for professional installation and dismantling services, which will add to your costs.
20x20 rental trade show booth in Calgary, Alberta. The back wall features a wall-mounted monitor on the left. The middle has rental furniture for seating. The front of the exhibit features a branded counter and two freestanding wall towers with planter boxes placed in front.
20×20 modular beMatrix trade show rental in Calgary

Modular systems are perfect if you need a versatile and customizable setup. They can be adapted to any booth size, including 10×10, 10×20, 20×30, or larger. These systems use specialized aluminum frameworks, such as Octanorm or beMatrix, to support graphics panels or fabric walls. This flexibility allows for creative and tailored designs that suit your booth’s exact needs.

Booth graphics are typically printed in-house, ensuring high quality and a polished look. Modular systems can also include customized lighting, dimensional signage, built-in storage, and other features to enhance your exhibit.

Custom rental exhibits

PROS: Tailor-made to fit your specific needs; allows for unique features and elements that stand out.
CONS: Typically more expensive and requires more planning; may involve additional costs for design, production, and setup.
20×20 custom rental island booth for a trade show in Calgary, Alberta

For a truly one-of-a-kind solution, a custom rental trade show display offers the ultimate in personalization. Custom displays can be built using rental framework systems and additional elements like flooring, furniture, cables, and accessories. Whether you need a 3D sign, a unique visual display, or a custom product demonstration model, custom elements can be crafted to meet your exact specifications.

Interactive rental displays

high striker game being played for a calgary stampede event
branded high striker game rental for trade shows & events
PROS: Engages visitors with interactive elements; can enhance brand interaction and attract more attention.
CONS: Can be complex and potentially more expensive; may require additional setup and maintenance.

If your goal is to create a dynamic experience that encourages visitors to interact with your brand, interactive rental displays are a great option to add to your booth. These displays can include branded games and other engaging elements for both indoor and outdoor events, adding an extra layer of excitement to your booth to draw in visitors.

Questions to ask When Choosing a Rental Exhibit

What are my customization options?

Renting a trade show exhibit doesn’t mean you have to settle for a generic setup. Inquire about the different configurations and systems available, as well as the options for customizing your display graphics. Can the graphics panels or fabric be reused for future events? What materials and finishes are offered? Are there options for overhead signage, lighting, storage, or shelving? Ensure your rental exhibit looks as polished and professional as any other trade show booth, aligning with your branding and display needs.

10x10 trade show booth with a video wall background for an energy management company in Calgary, Alberta. There are two white bucket chairs on the left, on the right there is a branded white octanorm counter. A coffee station is set up to draw in trade show visitors.
10×10 trade show exhibit rental with a video wall & furniture

What are the logistics for shipping, installation, and show services?

For larger, non-portable displays, check if the rental company can handle the logistics of shipping, setup, and takedown. Can they deliver the booth to your event and manage the installation and dismantling? Will your exhibit need to be shipped in advance and require warehousing? If you’re not using an exhibit company for these services, make sure you have a reliable team that has considered every detail.

What is the process for rental display design, production, and fabrication?

Understand how the rental exhibit company manages design, production, and fabrication. Do they offer full in-house services, including design, print production, and fabrication? If they rely on third-party vendors, how might that impact your timeline and overall display? Working with a full-service display company can streamline the process, help keep costs down, and ensure high-quality results.

Final Thoughts on Selecting Rental Displays

10x10 Octanorm trade show booth for an insurance company. The back wall is blue with a tv monitor in the middle, below it is a white cabinet with sliding doors that takes up the entire length of the back wall. Another wall runs perpendicular to create an "L'" shaped booth.
10×10 Octanorm booth rental with storage & wall monitor

Selecting the right rental display system for your trade show in Calgary or another city can seem overwhelming with so many options available, but with careful consideration of your specific needs, it becomes a manageable process. Start by evaluating your budget, booth size, event location, and timeline to narrow down your choices. Whether you opt for a portable, modular, custom, or interactive display, each type offers unique benefits tailored to different requirements.

Ask the right questions about customization options, shipping, installation, and the design and production process to ensure that your chosen display system aligns with your event goals. By partnering with a knowledgeable and experienced rental company, you can secure a display that not only meets industry regulations but also maximizes your impact on the show floor.

Once you consider all of that information, you’re on your way to choosing a display solution that enhances your trade show presence, attracts potential leads, and contributes to a successful event. Embrace the opportunity to showcase your brand with confidence and make a lasting impression at your next trade show event!

10x20 rental trade show video wall and furniture for an exhibit in Calgary, Alberta.

NEED A Rental Trade Show DISPLAY In Calgary?

We offer rental systems big and small for trade shows, brand activations, plus other indoor and outdoor events. We take care of every detail to ensure your branded rental display looks amazing.

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