Tapping the millennial market

October 1, 2014  |  Markets, Trend Watch

Follow these tips to reach millennial clients. By Kelly Treadway Have you ever wondered why we’re always being told how important social media is to businesses? It isn’t just because people go online to shop. Online is simply where people are—especially millennials (people born in …
Jane Austen-inspired nuptials

October 1, 2014  |  Project Briefs, Trend Watch

Two tents bring romantic literature to life for a wedding ceremony and reception. By Michelle Hope and Jaime Newsom A client of Social Butterflies LLC of Memphis, Tenn., was inspired by author Jane Austen for a fall wedding and reception. At first she was skeptical of tents, but a plan to begin with…
Bigger, better, different

October 1, 2014  |  Features, Trend Watch

Heeding the call for unique event experiences, manufacturers of tents and fabric structures offer tent rental companies plenty of options to satisfy customers. By Pamela Mills-Senn It’s a request event planners and tent rental companies hear a lot. Although it’s always been preferable fo…
Traditional meets contemporary

April 1, 2014  |  Event Production, Trend Watch

A wedding reception on a southern plantation pulls together old and new elements for a complete design. By Becky Harris The Ford Plantation just outside Savannah, Ga., is a natural setting for a wedding reception that embodies traditional charm. But when a couple desired a modern approach in combina…
Stretch of the imagination

April 1, 2014  |  Features, Trend Watch

Stretch-style tents offer boundless possibilities and new opportunities for events. By Janice Kleinschmidt Flexible, artistic, attractive, good communicator. Graydon Ilderton is looking for a long-term—and long-distance—relationship with anyone looking for the above qualities. “We …
Shaping the future of tent technology

December 1, 2013  |  Features, Industry News, Trend Watch

Tent innovator Todd Dalland discusses what’s on the horizon for new clearspan technology and tent designs. By Todd Dalland Editor’s note: With a 35–year history as a tent and temporary structure innovator, Todd Dalland has a resume that reflects the evolution of the industry. Profe…
Luxury, drama and new heights in special event trends

December 1, 2013  |  Tent Décor, Trend Watch

All that glimmers and shimmers for 2014 event design. Special event trends constantly challenge event designers to find new ways to show off their best. From thematic design statements to technological advances, these eight trends are the ones to know in 2014: Return of the black tie: Thank Hollywoo…
Tricky and trendy feats in flooring

October 1, 2013  |  Event Production, Features, Products, Trend Watch

Challenging surfaces and demand for fresh aesthetics keep tent rental companies busy. By Janice Kleinschmidt When Sur-Loc Flooring Systems LLC of Kearneysville, W.V., installed flooring on a lawn in Washington, D.C., the crew had to hide from view each time the residents passed by. “It took a …
Pantone announces Spring 2014 color report

October 1, 2013  |  Industry News, Trend Watch

Calling it a modern twist on the traditional, color authority Pantone® filled its Spring 2014 palette with a combination of soft pastels and vivid bolds. With many of the contrasting pastels and brights inspired by nature, especially blooming flowers, the colors are a natural fit for outdoor wed…
Start with the right tent

October 1, 2013  |  Event Production, Trend Watch

Which tent style will bring your vision to life? By Melissa Paul In today’s special event market, tents are more than simple canopies. They can be airy, light spaces barely contained by translucent sailcloth or fully-constructed buildings with anterooms and elegant ballrooms. When designing a …