As the Trump Administration introduces new tariffs impacting a wide range of imported goods and raw materials, businesses across industries are feeling the pinch — and the trade show world is no exception. Increased costs for materials like aluminum, steel, and electronics are creating challenges for many industries, including those like us, who design and build custom exhibits for our clients.
We understand how important it is to maintain a strong presence on the trade show floor without breaking your marketing budget. That’s why we’re encouraging our clients to consider rental exhibits as a smart, flexible, and cost-effective solution during this period of economic uncertainty.
The new wave of tariffs affects many of the materials and components that go into custom-built trade show exhibits — from structural framing and lighting to digital displays and furnishings. This means:
Higher Production Costs
Longer Lead Times due to possible Supply chain disruptions
Unexpected budget overruns
For businesses planning multiple events per year, these added costs can quickly multiply.
The Case for Rental Exhibits
Rental exhibits offer a timely solution to the challenges created by rising material costs. Here’s how:
1. Immediate Cost Savings
Renting an exhibit can cost 30–50% less than building a custom one — even more when material prices are inflated by tariffs. With rentals, you pay for usage, not ownership. Rentals are mostly insulated from any potential changes in cost due to tariffs.
2. No Long-Term Storage or Maintenance Fees
Avoid the added expenses of storing and maintaining your exhibit between shows. Rental exhibits are turnkey — they arrive ready to go and are removed when the show ends. The assets used in your rental are then made available for the next project, with no client-associated storage costs.
3. Design Flexibility
Think rentals can’t look custom? Think again. Our modular rental inventory includes modern, customizable components that allow your brand to stand out — with high-end finishes, digital integrations, and tailored layouts.
4. Scalability for Multiple Events
Need different booth sizes or configurations for various shows? Rentals make it easy to scale your presence without re-investing in new hardware each time.
5. Faster Turnaround Times
With tariffs slowing down supply chains, rental options reduce risk and improve speed-to-show. Our ready-to-go inventory helps you meet deadlines — no matter how tight.
Cost Saving Tips (beyond rentals)
Reuse Graphics: Design modular graphic panels that work across multiple shows and booth sizes.
Bundle Services: Work with a single provider for design, logistics, and show services to consolidate costs.
Plan Ahead: Early planning can help you avoid rush fees and lock in favorable rates before tariff impacts escalate.
Let us help you stay ahead
Tariffs may be outside your control, but how you respond to them is not. Whether you’re looking to pivot to rentals, refresh your design, or strategize for your full event calendar, Apogee Exhibits is here to guide you.
Let’s talk about how to make your next event more cost-effective — without compromising on impact.
For more information on rentals see our recent blog post about them!
