When preparing for a major trade show, one of the biggest decisions your team will face is whether to rent a booth or build one from scratch. Both paths can make a powerful statement — but the right choice depends on your goals, frequency of exhibiting, and budget.
Here’s a clear breakdown from the experts at Design Factory Las Vegas to help you decide which direction delivers the best return for your brand.
1. Booth Rentals: Flexible, Fast, and Cost-Effective
Booth rentals are perfect for brands that want a professional presence without the long-term investment.
Advantages:
- Lower upfront cost — You avoid fabrication expenses.
- Quick turnaround — Rentals can be customized fast for upcoming shows.
- Flexibility — Perfect for testing new messaging or branding before committing to a permanent structure.
Ideal For:
- Startups or small businesses attending their first trade shows.
- Companies participating in several shows per year with different audiences.
- Brands that want variety without storage or maintenance costs.
Our booth rental options include modular frameworks that look fully custom — allowing you to refresh your look without starting over.
2. Custom Booth Builds: Tailored for Impact
Custom builds are the gold standard for brands that need a distinctive, fully branded presence.
Advantages:
- Total creative control — Materials, architecture, and layout are unique to your brand.
- Long-term value — A well-built booth can be reused and adapted for years.
- Stronger brand recognition — Visitors instantly know who you are and what you represent.
Ideal For:
- Established brands with consistent trade show schedules.
- Companies emphasizing design, innovation, or premium positioning.
- Exhibitors seeking a competitive edge and brand permanence.
Our custom booth design services handle everything from concept and engineering to installation and storage — so you can focus on the connections that matter.
3. Which Option Is Best for You?
Ask yourself:
- How often do we exhibit each year?
- Are our visuals and messaging stable or evolving?
- Do we need a show-stopping statement piece or versatile flexibility?
If you exhibit occasionally or want to experiment, a rental booth is often the smart move. But if your trade shows are a cornerstone of your marketing strategy, investing in a custom build pays off over time.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single right answer — only the one that fits your brand’s strategy. Whether you choose to rent or build, success comes down to one thing: design that reflects who you are.
At Design Factory Las Vegas, we help brands make that decision confidently. From booth rentals to fully custom builds, our team delivers creative solutions that make your trade show presence unforgettable.

