There are a lot of decisions to make when choosing a trade show exhibit, like the size, design, budget and materials. The first question, however, fits in with them all: will you decide to rent your exhibit? Whether you’re an experienced exhibitor or new to the world of trade shows, it’s a big question. Let’s go over important things to consider when choosing a custom trade show booth rental.

1. Renting Your Exhibit Lets You Test Drive

If you’re new to exhibiting, a custom trade show booth rental can be a smart way to test the waters. Like we mentioned, there are a lot of decisions that go into your exhibit. Perhaps you’d think you’d like an inline trade show booth, but aren’t sure if an island trade show exhibit would be better. Perhaps you’re not sure about size. Most of all, your brand might not be ready to commit to a design and theme without ever having exhibited. That’s where a custom trade show booth rental can come in handy. But even if your business is already an old trade show pro, exhibits can let you test drive new design ideas or try out a new booth size for a show. Custom rental trade show exhibits are perfect for brands participating in multiple shows each year with multiple configurations so you can still achieve cohesive brand exposure without investing in the purchase of all the exhibits.

2. Custom Trade Show Booth Rental Is Cost Effective

It’s true that renting can be the less expensive choice. When you rent an exhibit, you don’t have to worry about storage, and install and dismantle are often included, cutting down on the hassle. But many first-time exhibitors don’t realize that even generic exhibits rented from the general show contractor can be pricey when you factor in all the fees. For new exhibitors or businesses that don’t attend a large number of shows, a custom trade show exhibit is the perfect option to stay on budget while also increasing your trade show marketing ROI.

3. Rentals Can Still Be Highly Custom

When you think ‘rented trade show display,’ you probably think ‘generic.’ It doesn’t have to be. We offer highly custom trade show booth rentals so that your brand doesn’t have to compromise between cost and design. When considering exhibit companies and rental options, don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions about the customizability. You can often add many different design fabrication elements, like curves, arches, or lightboxes, as well as colors, graphics, and complete branding to make your custom trade show booth rental fit your brand’s unique needs.

4. Not All Trade Show Booth Rentals Are Equal

Just because trade show booth rentals can be custom does not mean they all are. When exploring your options, remember that many trade show booth rentals are designed to be highly generic, blank options that will fit any business. Trade show marketing, no matter how you approach it, is an investment for your business. It takes time, resources, and manpower to get your brand on the show floor. We suggest considering custom trade show rentals because they help you with the most difficult (and important!) task for any exhibitor: standing out. Renting a custom trade show display gives you the look you want without being tied to the booth, vastly increasing your trade show marketing ROI. That’s just one of the many benefits of custom trade show exhibits.

Don’t you hate it when you go to get your haircut and end up with a style you didn’t want? Or your server in the restaurant thought you said extra dressing when you said no dressing? The problem is – they didn’t listen to what you wanted. Fortunately for you, that won’t happen at ColorCraft.

Design Discovery

Listening to our clients and asking key questions about their trade show exhibit needs is what sets us apart from our competition. Typically, trade show coordinators rush through the design discovery process when it really needs to be thought out and creative. Asking the right questions, really listening to what is being said and not said slows the client down and helps them brainstorm what they really want.

When we first get together we get to know you and your company. We explore what you like and dislike from shapes to colors. We talk about your challenges, competitors and your branding and marketing goals, opportunities and restrictions. This process also allows you to Get to Know Us by asking questions and making sure we are who you want to work with on your trade show exhibit.

We get you involved in the design process. We develop white study models after the initial meeting. From these models we take likes and dislikes of the concepts and morph them into something that is created with the clients’ direct involvement, giving them ownership of the design. That’s how we roll! It’s not – here’s your design, here’s your price. It’s here’s some different directions you might consider exploring that you haven’t thought about before, what do you think? Then back to the drawing board, refining it till it’s perfect and everything the client wanted – with all the bells and whistles – and still within budgetary guidelines. The R.O.I is a custom branded marketing environment that generates leads by standing out on the show floor with great form and functionality with the latest in interactive technology and it was all designed with the client’s involvement.

Let us help you make your exhibit dreams come true.

Exhibiting at trade shows is all about marketing your company to a captive audience – bringing folks into your exhibit and engaging with them one-on-one. And while your pre-show marketing efforts should go a long way to book appointments for your sales team (ahead of time) – standing out on the show floor IS just as important.

Not only can having an outstandingly designed and fabricated trade show booth help to attract visitors and prospects to your exhibit, but the appearance of your booth is a direct reflection of your brand. It’s your duty to make sure it shines on show day!

Here are a few ingredients for standing out on the show floor with custom design & fabrication.

Maximizing Your Show Floor Location

Of course, choosing the right space at the show for your booth is important to traffic and visibility – but making your exhibit easy to spot from across the show floor is important too. By designing and fabricating eye-catching, legible hanging banners, signs, and custom graphics – attendees will be able to easily spot your location from the next aisle over or further.

Custom Graphics in Your Exhibit Design

Well-designed, custom graphics not only function to demand immediate attention from show attendees but also to create a voice for your exhibit. Custom trade show graphics should be clean, easy to read from a distance, and marry with your overall brand. Your company should be instantly recognizable by those walking the aisles and should communicate and support your latest, most innovative products and services.

Consider an Open Footprint to Let Attendees See Inside from the Outside

When designing the footprint of your trade show exhibit, consider keeping the layout open – so that attendees can see into your booth from the outside and have easy access to coming inside. Pay specific attention to the arrangement of walls, furniture, and other displays, so that your booth feels welcoming and approachable.

Lighting and Setting the Mood for Your Exhibit

Did you know that people receive 85% of their information through their sense of sight?

Having the appropriate lighting in your exhibit not only ensures the safety of your guests but also goes a long way setting the appropriate mood in your environment. From back-lit graphics to cabinet lighting you’ll be able to set the appropriate mood, depth, and focus in your exhibit by planning creative and functional use of lighting fixtures.

The Structure and Materials that Create the Architecture of Your Exhibit Matter

Like the skyline of a major city, the skyline of your trade show exhibit – not only helps you visually stand out, on the trade show floor – but creates an instant impression on attendees. Through the innovative design of your trade show exhibit you should be creating an eye-catching, yet functional structure that demands the attention of those walking by. And then welcomes and accommodates them as they enter.

Don’t Forget About Custom Flooring – There’s More Out There Than Just Carpet

When thinking about the design of your trade show exhibit, the floor could be the last thing you have your mind on. But wait a second. There’s more to trade show booth flooring than just carpet.

Consider creating a more memorable experience by getting creative with the floor of your exhibit! From faux wood flooring to synthetic flooring choices – they are durable, resistant to stains, and versatile. And why not add a bit of backing to make it comfortable for your staff and guests who are on their feet all day?

The experts at ColorCraft know a thing or two about custom design, materials, and trade show exhibit fabrication. If you’d like an award-winning team of experts to help with your next exhibit design, give us a call! We’d love to show you what we’re capable of.