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Weathering the Tariff Blues While Saving Green: How beMatrix's Enhanced Rental Program Delivers Epic Experiences for Less

6/2/2025

In an industry where standing out is everything, the last thing exhibitors need is budget constraints that limit their event presence. Yet with recent tariffs pushing costs higher across the exhibition landscape, that's exactly the challenge many face. But what if there was a way to still create those inspirational exhibits without the increased price?

Enter beMatrix's© expanded rental program – your key to sustainable exhibits within your clients budget.

The Tariff Squeeze: What's Really Happening

Let's address the elephant in the exhibition hall: Tariffs are impacting everyone in our industry. With inflation holding at 2.31% this spring and new tariffs adding an 8% surcharge to beMatrix© exhibit materials, creating memorable brand experiences is becoming more challenging.

"We've been watching the tariff situation closely," says David Freeman, Director of Sales and Marketing of beMatrix© USA. "Many of our parts are affected because although much of our catalog is manufactured here in the USA, they use imported materials.

“However, beMatrix© prioritizes sustainability and that includes offering a financially sustainable solution. So rather than just passing those costs along, we decided to pivot and offer a better solution,” he adds. That solution? beMatrix is not only maintaining their rental program but enhancing it – with a 5% price reduction and significantly expanded rental inventory.

Why Rent Instead of Buy?

Renting has always made good business sense for many exhibitors, but in today's economic climate, it's becoming the smart money move. Here's why:

No Capital Expenditure Required
In a time when budgets are under microscopic scrutiny, avoiding large capital expenditures can be a way to preserve your margins. Renting allows you to allocate costs to your operating budget rather than tying up precious capital.

Reduced Storage Costs
While they shine when it counts, exhibit components spend more time in storage than they do on the show floor. Rental prevents the need for year-round storage of frames.

Predictable Expenses
With rental, you know exactly what you're spending for each show – no surprises, no maintenance costs, no refurbishment expenses.

beMatrix's© Rental Program: Not Your Average Rental Experience

But not all rental programs are created equal. beMatrix© has turned exhibit rental from a last-minute compromise into a strategic advantage.

"We're not just offering rental as an afterthought," Freeman explains. "We've built our program to be a legitimate first-choice option for exhibitors who want premium quality without premium ownership costs."

While most suppliers are passing tariff costs to customers, beMatrix© is going the opposite direction – reducing rental rates by 5%. This isn't just holding the line; it's actively making exhibits more affordable when exhibitors need it most.

With rental service centers in both Atlanta and Las Vegas, beMatrix© positions inventory strategically to reduce shipping times and costs. This bi-coastal approach means shorter delivery distances and lower transportation expenses for most major show venues.

Unlike many rental programs that require significant deposits, beMatrix's© program requires no initial deposits, so you can maintain a positive cash flow.

With a minimum rental period of just one month (4 weeks) and no maximum time limit, you can keep components as long as you need them – perfect for road shows, multiple back-to-back events, or long-term campaigns.

The Complete beMatrix© Experience
Rental doesn't mean compromising on quality or options. beMatrix© offers their most popular products through the rental program, including:
  • Their signature frames with the "big holes" (according to the 62mm grid)
  • beTruss components for larger structural elements
  • Double Deck options for multi-level exhibits
  • Tooless™ connectors, M8 bolts, and other common hardware
  • beConstruct, for building large spans
Real World ROI: How beMatrix© Rentals Stack Up

Let's break down a real-world scenario: A 20×30 island exhibit built with beMatrix© components.

Purchase option with tariffs: Base cost plus 8% tariff surcharge, plus ongoing storage, maintenance, and replacement costs.

Rental option: Rental fee minus 5% rental discount, no storage expenses, no maintenance costs, and the flexibility to change designs for each show.

The difference becomes even more dramatic when you factor in the opportunity cost of capital tied up in owned exhibit properties versus that same capital invested in your core business.

"We've had clients who've done the full cost analysis and discovered they could rent for nearly five years before reaching the equivalent cost of purchasing – and that was before the current tariff situation," notes Freeman. "Now, with our reduced rental rates and the tariff surcharge on purchases, that equation tilts even more favorably toward rental."

More Than Just Saving Money

While the financial benefits of renting an exhibit are compelling, smart exhibit and event builders are also discovering strategic advantages to the rental approach:

Sustainability Benefits
Renting aligns perfectly with beMatrix’s growing corporate sustainability initiatives. Shared resources mean fewer materials manufactured, less waste, and reduced carbon footprints – something beMatrix© is passionate about, as evidenced by their ECO Frames and Carbon Footprint Calculator.

Try Before You Buy
Not sure if a particular configuration will work for your needs? Rental lets you test concepts before committing to a component you know you’ll need for the long term.

Peak Season Flexibility
Own your baseline needs but rent additional components for your busiest show seasons. This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds.

Focus on Experience, Not Infrastructure
When you're not investing heavily in physical infrastructure, you can allocate more budget toward the elements that truly engage your customers – technology, interactivity, and memorable moments.

How the Rental Program Works: Simple, Straightforward, Successful

beMatrix© has streamlined the rental process to make it as frictionless as its toolless connectors:
  1. Consult with beMatrix© to determine your exhibit needs
  2. Select from their extensive rental inventory
  3. Coordinate with logistics to fit your delivery needs
  4. Create a standout exhibit or event
  5. Return when you're finished – no hidden charges
Our rental program aims to reduce or eliminate the most common pain points of owning an exhibit system while still offering complete access to one. There are no complicated contracts, no excessive wear-and-tear charges, just straightforward service focused on making our customers successful.

Making the Most of Your Rental

To maximize the value of the beMatrix© rental program, consider these expert tips:
  • Plan ahead. While rental gives you flexibility, securing the exact components you need is easier with advance notice.
  • Consider a hybrid approach. Own your most frequently used basics, rent specialty items or components for larger shows.
  • Take advantage of beMatrix's© CAD team. Our team can help you create maximum impact with rental components.
The Bottom Line: Epic Exhibits and Events Without Epic Expenditures

In today's challenging economic environment, beMatrix's© enhanced rental program offers a compelling alternative to purchasing exhibit and event products outright. With reduced rates, expanded inventory, and strategically located distribution centers, it's the smart choice for exhibitors looking to create memorable brand experiences for their clients while managing costs effectively.

"We're in this together with our customers," Freeman emphasizes. "By decreasing rental rates and expanding our inventory, we're giving exhibit and event builders a viable way to continue creating amazing spaces despite the tariff challenges. It's about keeping our industry vibrant and successful."

For exhibit and event builders tasked with making every dollar count while still delivering standout brand experiences, beMatrix’s rental program isn't just an alternative – it's increasingly becoming the strategic first choice.

Ready to discover how beMatrix's© rental program can help you beat the tariff blues while creating unforgettable exhibit and event experiences? Contact the beMatrix team to explore your options and start planning your next show-stopping exhibit or event – no surcharge required.


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