A question always emerges when planning a trade show or exhibition: whether to rent or buy the booth. Many businesses hesitate to choose an exhibition stand rental, assuming it means sacrificing quality, customisation or flexibility.
The term “rental” sounds so simple, like something basic or second-hand, leading to the misconception that rented booths look cheap or fail to make an impact.
But that’s just not true. Rental exhibition booths can be just as high-end, fully customisable and attention-grabbing as purchased ones without the massive price tag. But myths and misconceptions are holding businesses back from the benefits of exhibition hire. Some think that rented booths look cheap, while others think they can’t customise them to fit their brand. Sound familiar? Well, it’s time to clear up the confusion.
This guide will break down these myths once and for all. If you have ever wondered whether renting a booth is right for your brand, keep reading; you might be surprised by what you learn.
Problem? Exhibitions Can Be A Costly Headache
Before exploring the myths, let’s address the actual challenge: exhibitions can be expensive and overwhelming. Putting on a good show at an exhibition can be a proper pain. You’ve got the cost of the space, the stand itself, the marketing, the travel; it all adds up. For smaller businesses or those just starting out, it can feel like you’re emptying your pockets before you’ve even had a chance to meet any potential clients.
This is why many businesses hesitate when deciding how to approach their exhibition booth.
Smart, Stylish, & Savvy Exhibition Stand Rental
But don’t give up. Hiring an exhibition stand can be a brilliant way to get all the impact without the massive upfront cost. It allows you to create a fantastic space that reflects your brand, draws in the crowds, and helps you make those all-important connections. And the best part? It doesn’t have to break the bank.
Now, let’s get down to debunking some myths.
Myth #1: Rental Exhibits Are Low Quality
- Reality: They’re built to impress.
Rental exhibits are not only affordable, but they also offer the same level of quality as custom-built booths.
Yet, some people still believe that if they choose exhibition stand rental, they get flimsy materials. This myth comes from older stories where rentals were just plain backdrops with weak frames.But clearly, things have changed.
| Quick Fact: Would a company like EMS Exhibitions, with over 25 years of experience, provide shoddy products like exhibition stands for rent? Of course not. |
Today’s rental booths are created with the same premium materials and sturdy structures as custom builds. The only difference? You get all the benefits without the hefty price tag of ownership.
Even better, modern rental booths are fully modular, allowing you to scale and customise your setup based on your event’s needs. Whether you prefer a sleek, minimalist design or a bold, high-impact display with custom graphics, rental booths deliver flexibility without compromising quality.
A well-designed rental stand can make a big impact. Over 80% of trade show attendees say that booth design strongly affects their impression of a brand.
In fact, modern rental booths are:
- Sturdy and durable.
- Made with high-end materials.
- Designed to meet your branding needs.
| ♂️ Pro Tip: To be on the safe side, you must ask your rental provider to show you photos of their recent installations at venues. |
Myth #2: “I Won’t Work with My Current Exhibit”
- Reality: Rentals are super flexible. You can mix & match.
Some worry that a custom rental booth won’t fit with existing displays or brand elements. They feel mixing rental pieces with owned parts won’t match and will look sloppy.
Think about buying everything new? Not a good idea. Rental booths are modular and can seamlessly integrate with your existing elements. Modern exhibition stand rental solutions offer incredible flexibility. You can:
- Choose custom graphics and branding.
- Select different layouts and configurations.
- Add digital displays and interactive elements.
- Incorporate unique lighting solutions.
Additionally, you can try a hybrid approach: purchase the base structure you know you’ll use for years, then rent extra parts when you need to grow or change your layout.
For example, if you’ve already got a great table or display case, you can combine your existing display by renting additional walls, counters, or shelves. That way, you are not wasting what you already have.
| ♂️ Fun Fact: Many UK businesses use modular stands because they can be customised to fit any space or theme. |
Myth #3: “Rental Booths Are Only For Small Displays”
- Reality: They scale to any size, from small to large businesses.
A common myth you might hear is if you need a big or complex exhibit, you must buy it outright, but this is simply not true.
Whether you need a small pop-up display or a massive double-decker setup, rental options can be customised to fit your needs.
| Quick Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask about larger rental options if your booth space is bigger. Rental companies often provide flexible solutions for larger spaces. |
Many booth rental suppliers, like EMS Exhibitions, offer exhibition booth hire in many shapes and sizes. If you need a huge, multi-level structure, you can rent a modular system that’s big enough to wow the crowd.
Here’s a quick breakdown of sizes available with custom rental booths:
| Booth Size | Rental Option Available? |
| Small (3x3m) | Yes |
| Medium (6x6m) | Yes |
| Large (10x10m) | Yes |
| Double-Decker | Yes |
Myth #4: “I Can’t Customise Rental Booths To Match My Brand”
Reality: Rental booths are fully customisable.
Some people believe rentals are dull, with no way to add your own flair. They think you’re stuck with generic walls and no branding. But gone are the days of boring, generic stands.
If you are worried that your booth won’t look branded? Don’t be. With custom fabric graphics and modular designs, you can tailor your rental exhibit to match your brand’s colour, logo, and message.
Here’s a quick glance to customise your rental booth:
- Large format graphics: Cover walls with vibrant images of your logo or products.
- LED Screens: Show product demos or customer testimonials in an eye-catching video.
- Lighting Effects: Use spotlights and coloured lights to highlight special areas.
- Unique Furniture: Add branded counters or seating for a cosy, welcoming feel.
Myth #5: I Can Only Rent The Structure, Not The Additional Features
- Reality: Rental booths can include everything you need, from flooring to audio-visual equipment.
It’s easy to think that the rental just includes walls and basic frames. Some believe they’ll have to buy or borrow all the extras, like screens or furniture.
| ♂️ Fact: Do you know incorporating interactive elements, like touch screens or games, can increase engagement more than expected? |
When you think of renting an exhibition booth, you might think it only includes the basic structure. You can rent almost everything you need, from counters and chairs to digital gadgets. Many providers offer a full “modular stand” solution, including LED panels, touchscreen kiosks, and more. This means you don’t have to worry about renting each element separately.
| Quick Fact: Some companies, like EMS Exhibitions, even offer additional services such as exhibitor management, exhibitor websites, and online portals to help streamline the entire process. |
Here is a quick checklist to hire exhibition equipment for your next trade show:
- Shell scheme or modular stand
- Graphics and printing
- Furniture (tables, chairs, counters)
- AV equipment (screens, speakers)
- Lighting and power
Myth #6: Deciding Between Renting And Buying Is Too Complicated
- Reality: Renting is a simple, cost-effective choice.
Choosing between renting and owning an exhibition booth doesn’t have to be difficult. Hybrid solutions are a great option for those who want both benefits.
Renting allows you to test new layouts, experiment with different designs, and adapt to each event, while ownership can give you long-term stability for large, recurring shows. Here’s a quick breakdown to weigh the pros and cons of renting vs buying a custom exhibition stand:
| Factor | Renting | Buying |
| Cost | Lower upfront | Higher upfront |
| Flexibility | High – adapt per event | Limited – fixed design |
| Storage Needs | None required– return after the event | Yes, needs permanent space |
| Maintenance | None – handled by the supplier | Your responsibility |
| Customisation | Fully customisable | Fully customisable |
| Pro Tip: Make a simple list of your needs, like booth size, how often you exhibit, and how much storage space you have. A rental specialist can use this info to suggest the perfect match. |
Bottom Line
UK trade shows are an exciting opportunity for businesses to connect with potential clients, build brand awareness, and grow their presence. With so many myths surrounding rental booths, it’s important to understand that renting an exhibition booth can be just as effective, if not more, than owning one.
If you’re ready to take your trade show experience to the next level, why not give EMS Exhibitions a call? We have been helping businesses like yours make a splash at exhibitions since 1997. We’re a specialist supplier with over 25 years of experience, offering an all-in-one solution for all our customers. Whether you need a modular stand, exhibition stand rental, or full exhibition booth hire, we offer:
- Custom-built rental booths tailored to your brand.
- Full setup & dismantling services.
- Interactive tech solutions like LED screens and kiosks.
- Seamless integration with your existing setup.
- A stress-free experience from start to finish.
Ready to discuss your exhibition needs? Give us a ring at 0207 820 8006 or send us an email. Our team of exhibition specialists would love to help you create a stunning presence at your next show.