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 Names Second-Generation Leader Iman McFarland as CEO During 35th Anniversary Year

News

March 18, 2026•3 min read

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2026

21st Century Expo Group Names Second-Generation Leader Iman McFarland as CEO During 35th Anniversary Year

Hyattsville, Maryland (Washington, DC metro area) – 21st Century Expo Group (21st CEG), a full-service exhibit and event agency specializing in custom exhibits, rental programs, portable displays, and experiential events, today announced that Iman McFarland has been named Chief Executive Officer.

The appointment marks a defining moment for the company as it celebrates its 35th anniversary and enters a new era of leadership, growth, and continued industry impact.

A second-generation leader, McFarland steps into the role with more than two decades of hands-on experience within the organization. Having grown up in the business and built her career across operations, client service, and strategy, she brings deep institutional knowledge and a clear vision for the future.

“Iman has earned this opportunity through her leadership, discipline, and commitment to excellence,” said Ray McFarland, Founder of 21st Century Expo Group. “She understands what it takes to build strong teams and deliver for clients, and she is well prepared to lead the company into its next chapter.”

McFarland’s leadership approach has been shaped by a lifelong foundation of teamwork, accountability, and performance under pressure. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she captained the women’s basketball team, she later earned her Executive MBA from Howard University and is an alumna of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. Her experience as both an athlete and business leader informs her ability to guide teams, navigate complexity, and drive results.

“Iman brings a strong sense of purpose, a deep respect for people, and a clear understanding of what this company stands for,” said Leslie McFarland, President of 21st Century Expo Group. “I’m confident in the future she is helping shape.”

In addition to her work at 21st CEG, McFarland has founded and led her own ventures, including ILM Solutions and TMG Events, further strengthening her entrepreneurial perspective and industry expertise.

“As we celebrate 35 years as a company, I’m honored to lead 21st Century Expo Group into its next chapter,” said McFarland. “Our team is exceptional, and our focus remains clear: helping our clients create meaningful experiences that bring people together to connect, learn, and grow.”

Under McFarland’s leadership, 21st CEG will continue strengthening its position as a full-service exhibit and event agency, building on its foundation of innovation, service excellence, and long-term partnerships. The transition reflects the company’s continued commitment to stewardship and growth, with additional strategic and leadership announcements to follow in the coming weeks as part of its 35th anniversary year.

About 21st Century Expo Group

21st Century Expo Group is a full-service exhibit and event agency delivering custom exhibits, rental exhibits, portable displays, and event experiences for clients across industries. Headquartered in Hyattsville, Maryland, in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, the company has spent more than 35 years helping organizations create environments that inspire connection, learning, and growth.

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

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

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21st Century Expo Groupcustom exhibitsrental exhibitsHyattsville MDevent agencyWashington DCportable displays

Jeff Hannah

Jeff Hannah serves as Chief Growth Officer at 21st Century Expo Group, where he leads strategic initiatives focused on brand development, market expansion, and long-term growth. Drawing on more than two decades of global experience, Jeff brings a unique combination of creative insight, business strategy, and cross-cultural expertise to help propel 21st CEG into its next phase of evolution.

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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.