A 20x20 island rental from AMG runs $30,000 to $45,000. That covers custom design, graphic production, shipping, installation and dismantle, and show support. It doesn't cover the services the show sells you directly: electrical, drayage, rigging, internet and cleaning. Those are ordered from the show and billed by its contractor, so your real budget is our number plus theirs. If you're comparing builders, line every quote up against those same ten items before you look at a single total.
What changes at 20x20
A 20x20 is 400 square feet, and at most shows it's an island, with aisles on all four sides and no back wall. That changes the design job more than the extra floor space does. There's no wall to hang the brand on, so it has to read from every aisle. And the layout has to decide where people walk in, where the demo goes, and where the storage, coats and boxes disappear to.
What the $30,000 to $45,000 covers
| Included | What it means |
|---|---|
| Custom design | A layout drawn around your products, your traffic and what you want out of the show, not a stock kit with your logo on it |
| Graphic production | The graphics we design for the booth are produced and installed as part of the package |
| Shipping | Freight for the booth, timed to the show's advance warehouse or direct delivery window, as spelled out in your quote |
| Installation and dismantle | Our crew puts the booth up before opening and takes it down after close |
| Show support | An AMG contact through the show for anything in the booth that needs fixing |
Where you land inside the range comes down to the design you approve, how much graphics it carries, and the logistics of that particular show. Once the layout is settled you get a written quote.
What the show bills separately
| Service | What it is |
|---|---|
| Electrical | Power to the booth, ordered from the show's electrical contractor against your floor plan |
| Drayage | Moving your freight from the dock or advance warehouse to your space, storing the empty crates during the show, and bringing them back for move-out |
| Rigging | Labor and equipment to hang a sign or truss from the ceiling, if the design has one |
| Internet | A wired or wireless line for demos, payments or staff |
| Cleaning | Vacuuming and trash removal during the show |
None of these are in any AMG price. The venue and its contractors set the rates and the deadlines, and in most halls they're the only ones allowed to do the work. Your exhibitor manual lists every one, with an early-order deadline. Order before it, because the rates go up after.
People mix up drayage and shipping all the time. Shipping gets the booth to the building. Drayage gets it from the loading dock to your 400 square feet and back again. Two different lines on two different bills.
Comparing quotes
Ask every builder the same six questions:
- Is the design custom, or is it a kit with our graphics on it? - Are the graphics produced and installed, or only designed? - Does the price cover both installation and dismantle? - Where does the shipping start and where does it stop? - Who do we call during the show? - Which show services will we order ourselves?
A quote that's lower because it leaves out dismantle or return freight isn't cheaper. You just pay the difference later.
Rent it or build it?
A custom-built 20x20 runs $80,000 to $200,000. If you'll take the same island to three or more shows a year, owning starts to make sense, and we've written up the break-even math. For one or two shows a year, renting usually comes out ahead, and you're free to change size next time.
Questions people ask us
Does an all-inclusive rental include electricity?
No. Electrical is a show service. You order it from the show's contractor and pay them directly.
Is drayage the same as shipping?
No. Shipping moves the booth to the venue. Drayage moves it inside the venue, from the dock to your space and back.
Why is the price a range?
Because two 20x20 islands can be very different booths. The design, the graphics and the show's logistics set the final number, and the quote spells it out.
How early should we book a 20x20?
For a major show, start about four to five months out. Our planning timeline walks through it week by week.
What do the other sizes cost?
Rentals run $10,000 to $14,000 for a 10x10, $16,000 to $24,000 for a 10x20, and $24,000 to $34,000 for a 10x30. The cost guide has custom builds too.
Artsolute Media Group (AMG) has designed and built more than 500 trade show exhibits since 2009. See rental booths or get a quote.
Calvin Yee
Co-founder, Artsolute Media Group
Author of the AEDM exhibition design method. M.S. Exhibition Design, Cal State Fullerton. Building trade show exhibits since 2009.