Renting vs. Owning - Which Exhibit Strategy Works for You?

One of the first decisions I help clients make is whether to rent or invest in a custom-built exhibit. It’s not a simple yes or no - it depends on your event strategy, usage frequency, storage space, and budget. But I can say this: there’s no one-size-fits-all.

Renting has its place, especially if you’re new to shows, experimenting with formats, or working internationally. We’ve had clients from Europe come into North America and opt for a full rental because shipping across borders was too expensive, time-consuming, or risky. With rentals, we provide a turnkey solution - design, build, install, dismantle, and even AV. You show up, shake hands, and we do the rest.

Custom ownership, on the other hand, makes sense when you’re showing up often, want full control over your message and layout, and plan to use the booth across multiple events. You get the benefit of tailoring the build exactly to your brand, and over time, it can save you money - if you're using it often enough.

But here’s the big question I always ask: How often will you use it, and who’s setting it up?

I’ve worked with clients who had amazing booths stored in their offices - but no plan, no staff, and no understanding of how to transport or install it. A great exhibit doesn’t do you much good if it lives in a crate.

That’s why we sometimes recommend a hybrid: own key pieces that define your space (like branded counters or display towers) and rent the rest to adapt to different show needs. It’s flexible, smart, and cost-effective.

Whether you rent, buy, or do a bit of both, the most important thing is making sure the exhibit reflects your brand and supports your business goals.

At WX, we’ve built and managed both - from lightweight modular rentals to full-scale multi-show custom builds. Either way, we’re in your corner.

Need help choosing? Let’s talk!