If you own a trade show display, you own a trade show kiosk, counter, or pedestal. If you don’t, then you should purchase or rent one for your next show. I’m not kidding. Visualize the last time you attended a trade show or expo either as an exhibitor or as an attendee. Probably 80% of the conversations were at or near a kiosk in the booth.
So, let’s chat about two topics. Why kiosks, counters, or pedestals are indispensable as a trade show accessory and why rental exhibits are a good idea, especially if you participate in more than 3-4 trade shows a year.
Trade Show Kiosk Options
Topic #1
Let’s start by acknowledging there are hundreds if not thousands of kiosk designs. Some are basic, just a frame or case and a graphic, and some have a laundry list of options. Prices vary as well from ridiculously cheap to absurdly expensive. However, if you are considering a custom kiosk or kiosk rental, then start by listing each must-have feature. We’ve created a checklist below to make this a bit easier.
- Graphics
- Portable Packing and Assembly
- Modular Assembly
- Specific Shape (rectangle, round, asymmetrical, custom)
- Fully or Partially Assembled
- Tablet Mount
- Locking Storage
- Monitor Mount
- Internal or External Shelves
- Weight Bearing Countertop
- Specific Size for the Countertop
- Backlit Graphics
- LED Accent Lights
- Literature Tray Option
As the list shows, kiosks can be more than simple rectangle boxes with a vinyl graphic. And they should be. Well-chosen kiosks should contribute to the overall design of the exhibit and have a purpose(s).
Why Kiosk Rental?
Topic #2
Let’s use a comparison – rental cars. There are three possibilities when you rent a car. You get the vehicle you requested (for example, a Honda Accord). Or you get to choose one from a row of similar vehicles. OR, someone blesses you (probably because you’ve been nice and patient while waiting in line) and you get upgraded.
Driving a new and different car, SUV, or truck is simultaneously nerve-wracking and exhilarating. It takes a few minutes to learn where the lights are, how to turn on and adjust the radio, and discover features you don’t have in your vehicle. You may discover that automatic high-beam headlights are indispensable but lane warning buzzers are just annoying. Renting a kiosk isn’t really much different, but unlike a rental car, you can explore the features before making a final decision.
Of course, marketing objectives change for any company. What made sense for a show in January may not be appropriate for a show in June. Also, many exhibitors shift from inlines to island exhibits depending on the trade show. Renting gives you flexibility, both in price and features. For example, an island exhibit may need an impressive reception counter/kiosk with backlit graphics and locking storage for promotional products. However, your inline display may require something smaller, but one with a monitor or tablet for product videos or to explore your website.
5 of Our Favorite Kiosk Exhibit Rentals
1. RE-1580 | Double-sided Kiosk. 8 ft. high kiosk includes (2) laminated shelves, (2) monitor mounts, and direct print graphics.
2. RE-1563 | Custom Counter. Popular custom reception counter with vinyl graphic, LED accent lighting, and locking door and internal shelf.
3. RE-1584 | Backlit Counter. Custom counter (no assembly) with locking storage and backlit fabric graphic.
4. RE-1587 | Backlit Counter. Impressive reception counter with double storage and a 48” x 30” backlit fabric graphic.
5. RE-1565 | Reception Counter/Kiosk. Lightweight modular construction with direct print graphics and locking storage. Includes a rotating iPad stand in the rental price.
4 Benefits of a Rental Kiosk vs. Purchasing
There are 4 benefits to renting vs. purchasing a kiosk, counter, or pedestal.
#1. Flexibility. Most exhibitors consider this to be the most important benefit. When you rent, you’re not “locked in” to a specific kiosk for multiple shows. You can make changes depending on your marketing goals, budget, and exhibit design. Go larger. Go smaller. Need specific features like backlighting or wireless changing? Not a problem.
#2. Cost. Simply put, the upfront cost of renting vs. purchasing is cheaper. If you plan to reuse a graphic multiple times, then you’re only renting the hardware each time. Long-term costs are a bit fuzzier and should include the cost of storage and prep time when owning a kiosk. If you don’t plan to make any changes to your booth design over the course of multiple shows, then a purchase makes more sense. However, many exhibitors value the flexibility and low maintenance of a rental and consider those to be more important than a lower long-term cost.
#3. Storage. When you buy an exhibit, you are taking possession of hardware, graphics, and cases/crates. You own them. As such, they have to be stored somewhere when not in transit or at the show. You can choose to store it with your exhibit house, which is convenient but comes with a monthly expense. Or you can handle the storage yourself, which takes up space and can be a hassle. Renting eliminates both. You don’t own it so you don’t have to store it. And, as a bonus, many exhibit houses will safeguard your graphics (which you do own) for a year at no or minimal expense.
#4. Preparation. If you’ve ever had an “Oh shit!” moment during an exhibit install, you know how stressful it can be to find a solution, along with the cost. Rentals are staged before shipping to the show, thereby significantly reducing unpleasant surprises.
Kiosk Rental with Classic Exhibits
Classic Exhibits has been designing and building solutions since 1993. We’ve been honored as an Exhibitor Magazine Find-It Top 40 Exhibit Producers and an Event Marketer Fab 50 Exhibit Builders multiple times. Along with numerous Portable Modular Awards.
With over 200 Distributor Partners throughout North America, there’s a Classic representative close by to assist with any rental project. Contact us today whether you need an inline rental display, a double-deck island exhibit, or a contemporary kiosk rental. At Classic, we’re not just different. We’re better.