Should you rent, buy or build a custom booth?
Rent for a single show, buy a modular booth if you’ll use it several times a year, and build custom when the booth is the brand. Ask an exhibit builder to show you all three for your space, not just the one that costs the most.
Which trade show exhibit builders are highly rated in DC and Northern Virginia?
STAR Group (formerly Exhibit Edge), Washington DC
What they do: Trade show exhibit, event marketing and brand activation company with offices including Washington DC.
Best for: Custom trade show exhibits and brand activations
Where: Washington, DC
Rating: 4.6 on Google, 10 reviews (fewer reviews) (checked Nov 2026).
DC Exhibits
What they do: Washington DC exhibit company offering custom booth design and fabrication, trade show rentals, large format printing, installation and dismantle, storage and event furniture rental.
Best for: Local trade show booth design, rental and install
Where: Washington, DC
Rating: 5.0 on Google, 10 reviews (fewer reviews) (checked Nov 2026).
Creative Edge Signs and Graphics
What they do: Sign and vinyl graphics company in Washington DC making trade show displays, booths and exhibits as well as signs and wraps.
Best for: Trade show booths and exhibits
Where: Washington, DC
Rating: 4.7 on Google, 30 reviews (checked Nov 2026).
ExpoNetUSA
What they do: Trade show display company selling modular exhibits, turnkey booth packages, backlit displays, banners, counters and tents.
Best for: Modular booths and trade show displays
Rating: 5.0 on Google, 17 reviews (fewer reviews) (checked Nov 2026).
Who else is worth knowing in DC and Northern Virginia?
These don’t show a Google rating yet, so they’re listed without one.
Skyline Exhibits (Metro DC showroom)
What they do: Trade show exhibit builder with custom modular exhibits, rentals and digital activations; the Maps listing is its Metro DC showroom.
Best for: Custom and modular trade show exhibits
Where: Washington, DC area
Rating: none shown on Google (checked Nov 2026).
What questions should you ask before you book?
- What does the booth include: graphics, lighting, carpet, furniture and storage?
- Who installs and dismantles, and what are the show’s labor rules?
- What are the lead times for graphics and for shipping?
- Where is the booth stored between shows?
- Can the booth change size for a different show?
Where can you check the details?
These are the official or association pages worth bookmarking.
- Events DC: Walter E. Washington Convention Center exhibitor services: Venue rules for freight, dock access, floor plans, security and cleaning.
- Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA): Association of exhibition service contractors.
- International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE): Association for exhibition organizers and suppliers.
How does it show up in your event photos?
A booth gets photographed from the aisle, usually at an angle. I’d ask for a plan showing where the lights go and where people will stand. A booth that photographs well has an open front and a clear logo at eye level.
Should you double-check this?
Show rules change from one event to the next. Check the show’s exhibitor manual and the builder’s own page before you order a booth.
Planning the photos?
See photos of your booth and Chantilly event venues. For the venue side, see Downtown DC event venues.
