Trade show carpet is an essential piece of your event setup. Use it to keep booth workers comfortable while they're standing on their feet for hours and trade show visitors comfortable while they're walking around and standing to listen to your presentation.

Choose commercial grade carpet tiles instead of wood or vinyl to give the extra comfort and color you need to stand out among the other event exhibits. Find carpet in multiple colors, thicknesses and styles to create your own custom look.

Consider renting or purchasing event carpet to:

1. Give visitors a reason to stay at your booth. Display rugs give everyone a break from the constant concrete often surrounding exhibits.

2. Make a statement among the other exhibits by using company colors, logos or other designs in your trade show rug.

3. Divide the spaces used for various pieces of your presentation. Use display carpet to designate children's play areas, information centers or sign up tables.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search online display carpet vendors to find carpet flooring on sale

Many carpet sellers and trade show vendors offer carpet flooring products for sale or rent online. You don't even need to leave your office to finalize your event carpet choices. Browse vendor websites to view inventory, price lists and shipping information.

I recommend: Pick carpet rugs or tiles from Carpet Corporation of America, Carpet Bargains and Airborne Displays for quick service and lots of choices. These vendors offer carpet and vinyl flooring products at discounted prices to make your event planning easier and more cost efficient.

Decide whether to rent or buy your carpet flooring products

Choose between carpet tiles for sale or rent by considering how often you'll need the carpet. If you're planning a one-time event or an event that always changes theme, consider renting carpet. If you have sufficient storage space and plan to reuse the flooring, purchase the color, size and style that you know you'll be able to use most often.

I recommend: Look at interlocking carpet flooring and rugs from Brumark, Exhibitors Carpet Service and Structure Exhibits & Event Management. These vendors allow you to rent flooring by the day or week and will assist you with the setup, tear down and shipping process if necessary.

Customize your order with specific sizes, colors and styles of display rugs

Interlocking carpet tiles and rugs come in standard 10x10 inch interlocking blocks, 10x10 foot squares or large custom dimensions so you can order exactly what you need for the event. Choose your pile and padding thickness, colors, dimensions, textures and patterns.

I recommend: Create your own digital carpet mat or trade show rug, using a photo or company logo, from greatmats.com. Find vendors such as Trade Show Direct, American Turf & Carpet and The Trade Show Display Store for carpets with beveled or interlocking edges, a variety of colors and a choice between plush or berber styles.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Work with the company to make sure you get what you want. You can order trade show carpeting online and never speak to anyone directly, or you can call and let someone talk you through the order.
• •  Before you place a final order for carpet and vinyl flooring products, ask to see samples of finished products similar to what you're ordering, to make certain it's what you want.