Custom Trade

Show Exhibits

Custom craftsmanship that brings your brand to life on the show floor.

Custom Trade Show Exhibits

Custom craftsmanship that brings your brand to life on the show floor

Custom craftsmanship that brings your brand to life - and a management approach that keeps it performing show after show.

Custom Build Exhibits

Built for impact. Crafted for durability.

Designed for you.

Custom-built exhibits are more than structures - they’re expressions of your brand, designed to connect with audiences and create lasting impressions. Each exhibit is purpose-built to meet your exact needs and reflect your unique identity on the show floor.

Our designers, carpenters, painters, craftsmen, and technicians collaborate seamlessly to bring even the most complex ideas to life. From concept and engineering through fabrication, installation, and final detailing, every element is handled with precision and care.

And when your exhibit is complete, our Program Management team can help you plan, coordinate, and maintain it across multiple shows - ensuring consistency, performance, and value over time.

Learn More About Program Management

Browse our Custom Rental Catalog

Custom Build Case Studies

See how our team has designed and built custom exhibits that bring brands to life and deliver lasting results on the show floor.

More Case Studies

More About Custom

Build Exhibits

Behind every custom exhibit is a team of designers, project managers, and craftsmen dedicated to bringing your brand vision to life. At 21st Century, we approach each build as a creative partnership - blending design innovation, technical precision, and attention to detail from the first concept to final installation.

Our work is grounded in industry best practices and decades of experience in face-to-face marketing. We understand how to turn environments into spaces for engagement and interaction - places where people connect, learn, and grow. Each design is thoughtfully planned to support attendee flow, highlight your products or messaging, and create meaningful brand experiences that last well beyond the show floor.

Every custom exhibit project starts with discovery. We take the time to understand your goals, audience, and brand personality before designing a space that communicates your message clearly and powerfully. Unlike rental exhibits, which are adapted from existing structures, a custom build is designed and fabricated specifically for your brand - giving you complete creative freedom, distinctive form, and unmatched presence. Our fabrication team then transforms that vision into reality, combining premium materials, expert craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail.

Whether it’s a one-time showpiece or a multi-use property, our focus is always on quality, function, and brand consistency. The result is an exhibit that not only makes a statement but performs reliably from one show to the next.

View Our Portfolio

Transforming creative vision into environments that inspire engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions about Custom Build Exhibits

What makes a custom build different from a rental exhibit?

A custom build is designed and fabricated specifically for your brand, giving you complete creative freedom, distinctive form, and a one-of-a-kind presence on the show floor. Rental exhibits, while flexible and cost-effective, are based on pre-existing structures that can be adapted and customized to your needs.

How long does it take to design and build a custom exhibit?

The timeline depends on size, complexity, and scope, but most custom projects range from 8 to 16 weeks from approved design to completion. Early collaboration helps ensure the best results, the smoothest schedule, and better cost control.

Can a custom exhibit be reused or reconfigured for future shows?

Yes. Many custom builds are designed with modular elements, allowing for reconfiguration or partial reuse in different booth sizes and configurations. We can also integrate rental components to extend flexibility and reduce long-term costs.

What materials are typically used in custom exhibits?

We use a wide range of materials based on design intent and performance requirements, including wood, metal, acrylic, glass, tension fabric, and LED integration. Every selection balances aesthetics, durability, cost, and transport efficiency.

How involved will I be in the design and build process?

We treat every project as a creative partnership. Your input and feedback are integral during concept development, design reviews, material selections, and milestone approvals. Our goal is to make the process collaborative and transparent from start to finish.

Do you handle installation, dismantle, and shipping for custom exhibits?

Yes. Our Project Management team coordinates all show logistics, including freight, labor, and on-site supervision, to ensure your exhibit is installed safely, correctly, on time, and ready before show opening.

Can you store and maintain our custom exhibit between shows?

Absolutely. Our 40,000-square-foot warehouse provides secure storage, detailed inventory tracking, and maintenance services to keep your exhibit show-ready year after year.

How does Program Management support our custom exhibit?

Program Management provides long-term coordination and strategic oversight for clients with multiple shows per year. It ensures your custom exhibit is managed efficiently across all shows, maintaining consistency, quality, and brand integrity throughout the program.

21st Century Expo Group Celebrates 35 Years of Excellence, Legacy, and Innovation in the Exhibitions and Events Industry

News

March 04, 2026•3 min read

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2026

21st Century Expo Group Celebrates 35 Years of Excellence, Legacy, and Innovation in the Exhibitions and Events Industry

Hyattsville, MD – 21st Century Expo Group (21st CEG) proudly marks its 35th anniversary today, celebrating more than three decades of leadership, craftsmanship, and impact in the exhibitions and events industry.

Founded in 1991 by Ray McFarland, 21st CEG began as a family vision grounded in excellence, integrity, and opportunity. What started as a bold entrepreneurial pursuit has grown into a nationally respected exhibit and event agency serving Fortune 500 companies, global brands, government agencies, associations, and institutions across the United States.

“For 35 years, we have built this company on relationships and trust,” said Ray McFarland, Founder of 21st Century Expo Group. “From day one, our goal was not simply to deliver services, but to create opportunities - for our clients, for our team members, and for the communities we serve. This anniversary is a reflection of the people who believed in us and grew with us.”

Today, 21st CEG proudly operates as a second-generation, family-owned and operated business. Leslie McFarland has been part of the company’s journey since its earliest days, and the next generation of leadership continues to help shape its future direction, ensuring that the company’s foundation remains strong while its vision continues to expand.

To commemorate the milestone, 21st CEG has unveiled a special 35th Anniversary logo and launched a “Year of Celebration” that will extend into 2027. The initiative will highlight milestone projects, long-standing client partnerships, team achievements, and forward-looking investments designed to position the company for its next chapter of growth.

As part of the Year of Celebration, 21st CEG will deepen its commitment to community impact through meaningful financial contributions to selected charitable organizations and organized employee volunteer initiatives. Giving back has long been embedded in the company’s culture, and this anniversary year formalizes that commitment in an intentional and visible way.

21st Century Expo Group is proud to be an African American and woman-owned company -and the only General Services Contractor in the event industry certified by both WBENC and NMSDC. Diversity, mentorship, and workforce development remain central to its mission, supported by internships, community partnerships, and intentional leadership development efforts.

For 35 years, 21st CEG has designed and delivered custom exhibits, rental programs, portable displays, corporate events, and community activations that empower organizations to connect, learn, and grow. Powered by creativity, operational precision, and long-standing partnerships, the company continues to evolve alongside an industry that is constantly redefining experience.

Looking ahead, 21st CEG will unveil a series of strategic initiatives and leadership developments in the coming weeks and months, signaling an expanded vision for growth and innovation. These announcements will enhance the company’s creative infrastructure, executive leadership framework, and national reach.

“This is not just a celebration of where we have been,” added McFarland. “It is a statement about where we are going. The next chapter will be just as bold as the first.”

Anniversary highlights and updates will be shared throughout the year across the company’s digital platforms and industry channels.

For more information, visit www.21stceg.com.

About 21st Century Expo Group

21st Century Expo Group is a full-service exhibit and event agency specializing in custom exhibits, rental programs, portable displays, and corporate and community events. Headquartered in Hyattsville, Maryland, in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, the company serves clients nationwide and is known for delivering high-impact experiences grounded in strategy, craftsmanship, and collaboration.

Media Contact:

Jeffrey S. Hannah
Chief Growth Officer
21st Century Expo Group
[email protected]
678-429-4309

events industryAfrican American and woman-owned companyGeneral Services Contractor

Jeffrey S. Hannah

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Need Help with Program Management?

Once your custom exhibit is built, our Program Management team can help you plan and manage it across multiple shows. We coordinate scheduling, logistics, and asset management to keep your exhibit performing at its best from one show to the next.

More About Program Management

Want to Submit an RFP to 21st?

You can quickly and easily submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) to 21st Century Expo Group using the form below. Our team will review your request and follow up right away to discuss your project and next steps.