How to Customize a Rental Trade show Display for Maximum Impact

Trade show exhibit rentals offer cost-effective and flexible solutions, but that doesn’t mean they have to look generic or boring. With the right customizations, a rental booth can be just as eye-catching and brand-focused as a fully custom exhibit. Here’s how to make a rental trade show booth stand out and reflect your unique brand identity.

20x20 island trade show booth rental at the Global Energy Show in Calgary. Two fabric pillars frame the outside corners, connected to an overhead canopy. The back awall section features a monitor sitting atop of a rental counter. The pillar on the right as a bulliten board, while the pillar on the left features a wall-mounted monitor. Green pot plants frame the booth display.
rental 20×20 exhibit with customized graphics, features, and rental furniture

Start with a Strong Branding Strategy

Your rental booth should feel like an extension of your brand, not an off-the-shelf display. Keep these branding essentials in mind:

  • Illuminated Signage – Backlit logos or LED displays can boost visibility from across the show floor and create an elevated custom look.
  • Custom Graphics – High-quality branded graphics can be produced on panels of all types that you can also reuse for future exhibits: fabric, ACM, PVC, and more.
  • Consistent Colours & Fonts – Ensure your booth matches your existing brand materials. Working with a company that does in-house printing ensures your brand colours show up perfectly.
  • Branded Flooring – A customized floor can help define your space and reinforce branding, from colours to printed decals.
10x20 rental trade show booth at the energy transformation show in Calgary. The back wall features graphics on attaching solar panels to metal roofing. A section on the left protrudes towards the front of the booth, which features a door to a concealed storage room, and a tv monitor attached to the front. A branded counter sits at the front of the booth on the left, and on the right is a freestanding product display.
10×20 booth with seamless graphics, product displays & DIGITAL MEDIA SHOWCASES

Upgrade with Customizable Components

Many rental booth providers offer modular elements that can be customized to fit your brand’s aesthetic. Consider:

  • Custom Counters & Podiums – Add branded graphics wraps and/or customized signage that gives your name a great first impression.
  • Modular Walls – Walls can create a stunning visual backdrop and highlight key information, but can also feature different textures, finishes, or shelving to showcase products while creating a distinct space.
  • Hanging Banners – Elevate your presence with an overhead fabric sign that draws attendees in.
Customized 10x20 modular trade show display for an industrial machinery company in Calgary. The back wall showcases industrial machinery imagery with bold red graphic panels. A front panel supports the company sign at the top, which is connected to an angled overhead canopy extending to the back wall. Two branded Octanorm counters are positioned on either side of the panel for a balanced and functional layout.
10×20 rental octanorm trade show display with custom signage

Incorporate Engaging Technology

Tech elements can make a rental booth feel more interactive and memorable. They can also demonstrate your products and business without creating information overload on your display:

a man sits in front of a touch screen kiosk, where a camera is inserted into the wall. A graphic of a windmill on the prairie is in the background.
Touch screen & VR Station for a trade show Event
vr station with chair and monitor at the front of a 20x20 booth. Freestanding graphics panels are angled on each corner, with a wall-mounted monitor facing outwards. The back of the booth is set up with a modular wall display.
VR station in a 20×20 exhibit
virtual reality station set up at a Calgary trade show. A red gaming hair facing a tv monitor, with a wheel-like controller in front to demonstrate industrial equipment scenarios.
VR station Setup for a trade show exhibit
  • Touchscreens & Kiosks – Offer digital demos or product catalogs.
  • LED Video Walls – Display eye-catching animations, featured products, or customer testimonials.
  • Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences – Let visitors interact with your brand in an innovative way.

Personalize the Space with Unique Design Elements

Small details can make a big impact. Try:

  • Custom Furniture – Lounge areas or branded seating create a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Greenery & Decor – Plants, lighting accents, or textured walls add personality and atmosphere.
  • Creative Displays – Feature product showcases that align with your brand’s style.
a close up of a planter box with green ferns hanging over a white frame. This sits atop of a slated wall feature that surrounds an L-shaped seating bench area.
Greenery surrounding a TRade show exhibit seating area

Optimize Layout for Flow and Functionality

A well-planned rental booth layout improves traffic flow and visitor engagement:

  • Open Concept Design – Avoid barriers that discourage entry to create an inviting space.
  • Defined Meeting Areas – Include a small space for one-on-one discussions.
  • Easy-to-Navigate Stations – Guide attendees naturally through your booth experience with well-placed features, displays, and visual information.
20x20 peninsula trade show booth at a trade show event in Calgary. The back is a video wall with a seating area placed in the centre. Two graphic pillars are at the front of the booth on the corners, and a counter on the right perimeter of the booth.
Open-concept rental trade show booth with a media wall and meeting area

Equipt Your Booth Staff for a Cohesive Brand Experience

Your booth is only as effective as the team representing it. Ensure staff:

  • Dress in Branded Apparel – Reinforce brand identity with matching outfits.
  • Deliver a Consistent Message – Keep pitches clear, concise, and on-brand.
  • Engage Proactively – Encourage meaningful conversations and lead generation.
trade show floor team wearing branded shirts for a building manufacturer company
Branded apparel for knowledgable and engaging staff on the show floor

Final Thoughts

A rental trade show booth doesn’t have to feel temporary or generic. With strategic branding, technology, and design upgrades, you can create a high-impact presence without the cost of a fully custom exhibit.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR IDEAL RENTAL EXHIBIT

Make your rental display stand out at your next trade show event! Talk to our friendly and knowledgeable staff about configurations and customization options for any booth size.

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