IMEX America is one of the largest trade shows in North America dedicated to the global meetings, incentive travel, and business events industry. Held annually at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, the event brings together event planners, hosted buyers, hospitality brands, travel providers, and technology companies from around the world.
Known for its scale and networking opportunities, IMEX America regularly attracts thousands of industry professionals and exhibitors representing more than 150 countries. With extensive hosted buyer programs, pre-scheduled business meetings, and educational sessions covering topics like AI, event strategy, and attendee engagement, the show is a major opportunity for companies looking to generate leads and build industry relationships.
For exhibitors preparing for the event, one of the biggest decisions is whether to rent or buy a trade show display. Both options offer advantages depending on your exhibiting goals, budget, and long-term trade show strategy.
Renting a Trade Show Display for IMEX America
Cost-Effective for Occasional Exhibitors
If IMEX America is one of only a few trade shows your company attends each year, renting a booth can be the most cost-effective solution. Renting allows you to create a professional, custom appearance without the large upfront investment that comes with purchasing a display.
This is often ideal for:
- First-time IMEX America exhibitors
- Companies testing new markets
- Businesses with limited annual trade show schedules
- Brands looking to control upfront exhibit costs
Flexibility in Booth Design and Branding
IMEX America features exhibitors from across the hospitality, travel, and events industries, making competition for attendee attention extremely high. Renting gives you the flexibility to customize your booth design around your latest marketing campaigns, branding updates, or event goals.
Whether you want to create a modern lounge-style casual environment, technology-focused presentation space, interactive meeting area or all three, rental displays offer the flexibility to create the experience you want attendees to remember.
Experiment with Different Booth Layouts
Not every booth configuration works the same at every show. Renting allows exhibitors to test different layouts, sizes, and traffic flow strategies before committing to a permanent exhibit purchase.
You may want to experiment with:
- Open-concept meeting spaces
- Demo stations
- Hospitality-style environments
- Private meeting rooms
- LED video walls and technology integrations
This flexibility can be especially valuable at IMEX America where networking and face-to-face meetings play a major role in booth engagement.
Reduced Storage and Maintenance
One of the biggest advantages of renting is eliminating the need for long-term storage, maintenance, repairs, and logistics management. Rental exhibits are managed by the exhibit house, allowing your team to focus on event preparation and lead generation instead of exhibit upkeep.
Buying a Trade Show Display for IMEX America
Long-Term Cost Savings
If your company attends multiple trade shows each year, purchasing a trade show display may provide better long-term value. While the initial investment is higher, ownership can reduce costs over time for frequent exhibitors.
Companies exhibiting at several industry events annually often find purchasing more economical after multiple uses.
You Still Have Customizable Flexibility
When you purchase a component-based custom modular display system, you are investing in reusable frames, structures, graphics, and design elements that can adapt to different events and booth spaces. While your exhibit may initially be designed for a specific layout such as a 10×20 display or 20×20 booth, many modular systems can be reconfigured into new layouts and sizes as your exhibiting needs evolve. Additional components, technology features, and accessories can also be rented or purchased to further customize the display for different shows like IMEX America.
Potential Resale Value
Purchased exhibits may also retain resale value depending on the structure, condition, and materials used. If your branding changes or your exhibit strategy evolves, some of the investment may be recovered through resale or refurbishment.
Key Factors to Consider Before Deciding
How Often You Exhibit
If your company attends fewer than three trade shows annually, renting is often the better financial option. Companies with larger yearly exhibit schedules may benefit more from purchasing.
Your Budget
Renting minimizes upfront costs while still delivering a custom appearance. Purchasing requires a larger initial investment but may lower costs over time for active exhibitors.
Booth Design Flexibility
If your marketing strategy changes frequently or you want a different booth experience for various events, renting offers maximum design flexibility.
When Renting Makes the Most Sense for IMEX America
Renting may be the ideal solution if:
- You are exhibiting at IMEX America for the first time
- You only attend a few trade shows per year
- Your company has multiple overlapping events
- You need different booth sizes for different venues
- You want maximum flexibility in branding and layout
- You want to incorporate the latest exhibit technology without purchasing it outright
Should You Rent or Buy for IMEX America?
Ultimately, whether you rent or buy your trade show display for IMEX America depends on your company’s exhibiting goals, budget, and event schedule. If you only participate in a few trade shows each year, renting can provide the flexibility and cost savings many exhibitors need. However, for companies with larger annual trade show programs, purchasing a custom modular display may offer greater long-term value and branding consistency.
Whether you are preparing for your first IMEX America appearance or planning a larger exhibit strategy, choosing the right Las Vegas trade show display solution can help maximize your visibility and return on investment at the show. Book a design session with E&E Exhibit Solutions to explore custom rental and purchase options tailored to your brand and event goals.
