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Supplier Spotlights 2025
Industry News
EU pauses countermeasures on U.S. tariffs for 90 days
April 17, 2025
The European Union (EU) has paused its countermeasures on U.S. trade tariffs for 90 days to allow time for EU and U.S. negotiations. The pause was first announced by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen April 9, and went into effect April 14. The decision was made in response to the U.S. delaying tariffs on imports …
ATA News
Applications open for ATA Board of Directors positions
April 17, 2025
The Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) Board of Directors is seeking volunteer applicants to fill three open positions. The ATA Board of Directors represents ATA’s members and works with the ATA leadership staff, providing guidance on association decisions and activities. Open positions This individual will be the “Chairman-elect” and will automatically become Chairman of the Board …
Industry News
ARA spearheads effort to establish event-specific NAICS code
April 10, 2025
The American Rental Association (ARA) announced its efforts to establish a new code in the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) exclusively for the event rental segment. On Feb. 18, 2025, ARA filed a robust set of regulatory comments with the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as it considers proposed NAICS revisions. An NAICS …
Industry News
H-2B visa limit reached, supplemental visas available for application
April 10, 2025
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has said it has reached the congressionally-mandated cap on H-2B visas for the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2025 (ending Sept. 30, 2025), and has announced conditions and filing dates for supplemental H-2B visas for the remainder of FY 2025. The H-2B visa program enables temporary seasonal (unskilled, …
Industry News
In memoriam: Tom Ross
April 10, 2025
John Thompson (Tom) Ross Jr., 82, Ft. Myers, Fla., died Jan. 7, 2025. Ross was the former chairman and CEO of Alert Rental Software, Colorado Springs, Colo. After retiring from a career in the advertising field, Ross joined Alert as CEO in 2005 and led the company for 11 years alongside his brother and business …
Industry News
President Trump pauses most tariffs for 90 days, increases tariffs on Chinese imports
April 10, 2025
President Donald Trump has announced further changes to the April 2 executive order imposing multiple country-specific tariffs. The president has suspended most tariffs for 90 days, with country-specific tariffs (detailed in Annex I) now effective July 9, 2025. Countries included in Annex I are currently subject to 10% ad valorem rates, with exemptions listed in …
Industry News
Tariffs on imports to the U.S. begin, affecting multiple countries
April 9, 2025
Country-specific tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump in an April 2 executive order are now in effect. The president declared a national emergency in the executive order as a result of “large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits,” which included a reciprocal tariff policy. Tariffs on imports from various countries were determined by rates …
Business
811 Dig
April 1, 2025
In the tenting industry, safe digging and staking are more than just best practices; they’re non-negotiable. Improper staking can lead to serious injuries, costly damage or worse. That’s where the 811 Underground Service Alert program comes in. This free nationwide service marks underground utilities to help you avoid service outages, injuries and expensive property damage. …
Projects
Project Showcase: Element Event Solutions
April 1, 2025
Each summer at Sobeys Stadium, Toronto, Canada, Tennis Canada hosts the National Bank Open presented by Rogers (formerly Rogers Cup)—a tournament that hosts the world’s best tennis players from the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) and WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) tours. And for at least the past 20 years, the team at Element Event Solutions …
Installation Spotlight
Tenting a transformation
April 1, 2025
In the summer of 2024, Houston Tents & Events (HTE) joined the producers of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” to film a special episode in the Houston, Texas, area. The episode, featuring HTE’s behind-the-scenes contributions, aired Jan. 30 on ABC and is available to stream on Hulu. Known for transforming the lives of deserving families …
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Supplier Spotlights 2025
Expo News
Plan your stay: Official housing for Advanced Textiles Expo 2025 now open
March 11, 2025
We are pleased to announce that Site & Stay has been selected as the official housing partner for Advanced Textiles Expo® 2025, taking place Nov. 5–7 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Ind. Hotel booking is now open, offering attendees and exhibitors exclusive access to discounted rates at our official host hotels—all conveniently located …
Expo News
Advanced Textiles Expo 2024 brings more than 4,200 attendees, showcasing innovation and collaboration
October 17, 2024
Advanced Textiles Expo® 2024, the largest event of Advanced Textiles Association® (ATA), concluded with resounding success Sept. 24–26 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Once again held in conjunction with Sun Shading Expo North America—organized by Messe Stuttgart, founders of R + T and the world’s largest trade fair for roller shutters, doors/gates and sun shading …
Expo News
ATA negotiates lower rates for exhibitors at Advanced Textiles Expo
August 14, 2024
The Advanced Textiles Association® (ATA) has renegotiated its General Services Contractor contract for the 2025–2027 Advanced Textiles Expo® shows. By selecting Freeman through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, we have secured rates that significantly lower the cost burden on our exhibitors. RFP process Key achievements This successful negotiation translates directly to cost savings for …
Expo News
IFAI Expo 2022 call for presentations
December 20, 2021
The Industrial Fabrics Association International is now accepting proposals for presentations at IFAI Expo 2022. IFAI Expo will take place Oct. 12-14, 2022, at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C., with education Oct. 11-14. IFAI is accepting proposals for 50-minute classroom sessions in several categories: Advanced Textiles Shade & Weather Protection Specialty Fabrics Marine …
Expo News
IFAI Expo: Leveraging rental tents during and after the pandemic
November 4, 2021
Jim Reyen, business director at Johnson Outdoors Inc./Eureka! Big Tents Division, presented the campfire session “Leveraging Rental Tents During and After the COVID Pandemic” at IFAI Expo in Nashville, Tenn. During the session, Reyen explained the changing demands for tents throughout various stages of the pandemic. “The first wave of tent demand ran from March …
Expo News
IFAI Expo: How to outsell your competition
November 3, 2021
During the education session “Outselling Your Competition: Four Activities Your Sales Team Must Be Doing Post-COVID” at IFAI Expo 2021 in Nashville, Tenn., James Auerbach, vice president—event segment for the American Rental Association, shared four measurable and respectable pillars that all salespeople must excel at in order to outsell their competition. Referred to as the …
Expo News
IFAI Expo: Shade sail engineering software
November 2, 2021
On Nov. 2, 2021, at IFAI Expo in Nashville, Tenn., Timothy Akes, representative for the Americas, MPanel Software Solutions, and Andrew Askwith, senior software developer, MPanel Software Solutions, presented the education session “Shade Sail Engineering—It’s Not Just a Bunch of Numbers.” According to Akes, there is a tendency for shade sail engineering to be relegated …
ATA News
Messe Stuttgart’s Sun Shading Expo North America moves co-location debut with IFAI Expo to 2022
July 6, 2021
Messe Stuttgart announced that its new U.S.-based show Sun Shading Expo North America will not be held in 2021 as a separate trade show but will instead contribute its expertise in internal and external sun shading systems at IFAI Expo 2021 in the form of expert talks, open discussions and more. IFAI Expo 2021 will still take place …
Expo News
Registration is open for IFAI Expo 2021
May 10, 2021
Registration is open for IFAI Expo 2021. IFAI Expo celebrates the 100th anniversary of the show this November, and you won’t want to miss it! After a long hiatus of in-person events, this year’s show is the perfect place to reconnect with your industry. Register now to get the Early Bird rate! Early Bird rates end …
Expo News
Standard for active illumination developed in Europe
November 16, 2020
In a session at IFAI Virtual Expo 2020, “Smart Textiles Standardization, Active Illumination,” Dr. Jan Beringer, senior scientific expert Hohenstein Group, explained the new standard for active illumination that will soon be implemented in European Union countries. Organizations worked together to develop the standards. It is notable, he said that both textile and electronics industries …
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Supplier Spotlights 2025
Features
Weddings that wow
April 1, 2025
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the historic Bellosguardo in Montecito, Calif., has hosted countless parties and events—but none as large or complex as the 500-person wedding recently executed on a hot August night by 24/7 Events, Valencia, Calif. The estate-turned-museum was built in 1902 and presents several obstacles for even the most experienced event coordinators. “Working …
Features
Lighting the mood
April 1, 2025
Lighting is crucial for setting the desired mood for any event, whether it’s providing theatrical flair or showcasing centerpieces or even lighting walkways to ensure guests’ safety. Today’s lighting options seem limitless, ranging from fairy lights and pendants to classic or contemporary chandeliers. As technology improves, specialty lighting companies can do more than ever, often …
Features
Restroom trailers: A better way to go
April 1, 2025
Porta potties have their place, but most agree it’s not at weddings. Even for the most laid-back affairs, the presence of porta potties can have a dampening effect on the festivities, potentially causing guests to leave the celebration early. As David Sauers Jr., CEO and co-founder of Royal Restrooms, asserts, “No one wants to use …
Features
Members only content
Conquering the cold
December 1, 2024
As snow and freezing temperatures take hold in northern climates, tent and event rental business opportunities may slow, but they don’t stop. However, for even the most experienced tent installers, winter weather can present unexpected hurdles. Careful planning and weighing the benefits of taking on a winter project can make all the difference between a …
Features
Members only content
Overcoming the dread of new software
December 1, 2024
If you’re like many business owners, the idea of undertaking a major software upgrade, transitioning to an entirely new platform, or onboarding software for the first time likely fills you with a feeling of dread on par with the prospect of a tax audit. It’s an understandable response, especially for tent and event rental company …
Features
2024 Premier Product Showcase, Part 2
December 1, 2024
Customization, fast installation, easy handling and style—these are the qualities that tent and event rental companies demand. For the annual InTents Premier Product Showcase, we asked our contributors to send us information about their latest products and services that help companies save time and labor, perform safer installations and turn a profit. This issue features …
Features
2024 Premier Product Showcase
October 1, 2024
Customization, fast installation, easy handling and style—these are the qualities that tent and event rental companies demand. For the annual InTents Premier Product Showcase, we asked our contributors to send us information about their latest products and services that help companies save time and labor, perform safer installations and turn a profit. This issue includes …
Features
Members only content
Linens liven up events
October 1, 2024
With unlimited event imagery available at their fingertips, tented event planners and their clients have more decor possibilities to consider than ever before. The challenge, for those pursuing a one-of-a-kind design, is selecting fabrics and accessories unique enough to toe the line between inspiration and replication. And for many, the solution lies in linens—layers of …
Features
Members only content
Training safer drivers
October 1, 2024
In 2021, South Jersey Party Rentals (SJPR) started “playing around” with the idea of implementing an in-house driver’s training program, says Eli Tirado, tenting/project manager for the full-service party and event rental company. It wasn’t because they had experienced a rash of accidents or incidents, he says. Instead, the desire was to get a firmer …
Features
Members only content
Damage control
August 1, 2024
Ideally, once a tented event is over, the structure removed and the site cleared, few traces would remain to indicate that something had taken place at that location. Surfaces would be left unharmed, with the grounds swiftly returned to their original state or at least a very close approximation. Any peripheral/decorative elements—walkways, plantings, lighting, statuary …
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Printed Tents? Yup. We Do That.
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Supplier Spotlights 2025
Industry News
EU pauses countermeasures on U.S. tariffs for 90 days
April 17, 2025
The European Union (EU) has paused its countermeasures on U.S. trade tariffs for 90 days to allow time for EU and U.S. negotiations. The pause was first announced by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen April 9, and went into effect April 14. The decision was made in response to the U.S. delaying tariffs on imports …
ATA News
Applications open for ATA Board of Directors positions
April 17, 2025
The Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) Board of Directors is seeking volunteer applicants to fill three open positions. The ATA Board of Directors represents ATA’s members and works with the ATA leadership staff, providing guidance on association decisions and activities. Open positions This individual will be the “Chairman-elect” and will automatically become Chairman of the Board …
Industry News
ARA spearheads effort to establish event-specific NAICS code
April 10, 2025
The American Rental Association (ARA) announced its efforts to establish a new code in the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) exclusively for the event rental segment. On Feb. 18, 2025, ARA filed a robust set of regulatory comments with the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as it considers proposed NAICS revisions. An NAICS …
Industry News
H-2B visa limit reached, supplemental visas available for application
April 10, 2025
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has said it has reached the congressionally-mandated cap on H-2B visas for the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2025 (ending Sept. 30, 2025), and has announced conditions and filing dates for supplemental H-2B visas for the remainder of FY 2025. The H-2B visa program enables temporary seasonal (unskilled, …
Industry News
In memoriam: Tom Ross
April 10, 2025
John Thompson (Tom) Ross Jr., 82, Ft. Myers, Fla., died Jan. 7, 2025. Ross was the former chairman and CEO of Alert Rental Software, Colorado Springs, Colo. After retiring from a career in the advertising field, Ross joined Alert as CEO in 2005 and led the company for 11 years alongside his brother and business …
Industry News
President Trump pauses most tariffs for 90 days, increases tariffs on Chinese imports
April 10, 2025
President Donald Trump has announced further changes to the April 2 executive order imposing multiple country-specific tariffs. The president has suspended most tariffs for 90 days, with country-specific tariffs (detailed in Annex I) now effective July 9, 2025. Countries included in Annex I are currently subject to 10% ad valorem rates, with exemptions listed in …
Industry News
Tariffs on imports to the U.S. begin, affecting multiple countries
April 9, 2025
Country-specific tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump in an April 2 executive order are now in effect. The president declared a national emergency in the executive order as a result of “large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits,” which included a reciprocal tariff policy. Tariffs on imports from various countries were determined by rates …
Company News
Houston Tents & Events acquires 3 Phase Rentals
March 28, 2025
Houston Tents & Events (HTE), Houston, has acquired 3 Phase Rentals, Conroe, Texas, a provider of portable power and HVAC services. Mike Rape, who founded 3 Phase Rentals in 2008, will now lead HTE’s power division along with his son, Carter Rape, who has been named director of power solutions. “With 3 Phase Rentals joining our family, …
Company News
Quest Events acquires Drape Kings
March 28, 2025
Frisco, Texas-based Quest Events, a provider of event drapery, scenic solutions and full-service rentals, has acquired Drape Kings, an event drapery company with established locations in New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. The company will continue to operate under the Drape Kings name, now identified as “A Quest Events Company.” “We’ve always been committed to …
News
Consumer confidence drops to four-year low
March 27, 2025
On March 26, the Conference Board released the March 2025 Consumer Confidence Index. The index fell 7.2 points to 92.9—the lowest it has been since January 2021. This dip was largely driven by sentiments among consumers 55 and older; to a lesser extent, consumers between 35 and 55 years old also contributed to the decline. However, …
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Printed Tents? Yup. We Do That.
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Supplier Spotlights 2025
Industry News
Join the National Safety Stand-Down May 6−10
May 1, 2019
Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 366 of the 971 construction fatalities recorded in the U.S. in 2017 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data). The National Safety Stand-Down raises fall hazard awareness across the country to stop fall fatalities and injuries. What …
On the Job
Codes set for adoption
December 1, 2016
Code revision process reaches final voting stage. A proposal to regulate outdoor events regardless of the presence of tents or special event structures was approved at the Public Comment Hearing of the International Code Committee (ICC) in October. This proposal (F310-16), submitted by the Fire Code Action Committee, had been disapproved at the code committee’s …
On the Job
Site survey equals site safety
December 1, 2016
A thorough site survey communicates event needs and flags potential safety issues. Ensuring the safety of tented event participants and the tent installation crew starts at the beginning of the job. Before a single rental item is loaded onto the truck, a site survey should be completed by a qualified professional with set-up experience. A …
On the Job
TopTec training goes on the road
December 1, 2016
TopTec Event Tents, Moore, S.C., is taking its long running tent installation and safety training program on the road in 2017. The first Tent School On The Road session will be held at Rent-E-Quip in Colonial Heights, Va., March 7–8. “Our goal was to make Tent School more accessible to our customers across the United …
On the Job
Tent inspections before events ensure safety
October 1, 2016
Inspections will help avoid disaster and add years to the life of a tent. The tent is up and the event is underway. But there may still be work to be done. Especially for installations that will be up for any length of time, inspection and maintenance are top priorities for keeping the tent as …
On the Job
IFAI’s Tent Rental Division works toward standard
October 1, 2016
IFAI’s Tent Rental Division looks to write an industry standard for tent anchorage. With final voting on tent-related code revisions for the 2018 Model Code set for late October, IFAI’s Tent Rental Division (TRD) is looking ahead to writing an industry standard that could be taken up in the 2021 code cycle. “As the 2018 …
On the Job
Moving on up with multiple locations
August 1, 2016
Expanding to multiple locations offers numerous benefits, if the timing is right and both will and cash flow are strong. Delores Crum didn’t see that she had a choice. Sure, her party, tent and wedding rental store in south Austin, Texas, opened in 2000, was doing well. But up in north Austin, another rental company …
On the Job
OSHA fines increase
August 1, 2016
New law directs U.S. Department of Labor to “catch up” penalties to inflation. Fines assessed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) increased by 78 percent as of Aug. 1. OSHA’s top penalty for serious violations rises from $7,000 to $12,471, and its top penalty for willful or repeated violations rises from $70,000 to …
On the Job
Collaboration yields successful code revisions
August 1, 2016
F-CAC work group is a key factor in the code revision process for tents, membrane structures and outdoor assembly events. The International Code Council (ICC) Committee Action Hearings were held in Louisville, Ky., in April. During the International Fire Code (IFC) hearings, stakeholders representing IFAI’s Tent Rental Division (TRD), the ICC Fire Code Action Committee …
On the Job
Ballasting for safety and safety when ballasting
June 1, 2016
Learning to ballast with concrete? Follow these steps to ensure safe and efficient jobsite practices. My crew has forgotten how to use a sledgehammer. Well, not really, but it could happen. In my local tent rental market, ballasting is common. So common that the top priority for my management team has been to figure out …
Sponsored Content
Printed Tents? Yup. We Do That.
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Supplier Spotlights 2025
Projects
Project Showcase: Element Event Solutions
April 1, 2025
Each summer at Sobeys Stadium, Toronto, Canada, Tennis Canada hosts the National Bank Open presented by Rogers (formerly Rogers Cup)—a tournament that hosts the world’s best tennis players from the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) and WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) tours. And for at least the past 20 years, the team at Element Event Solutions …
Installation Spotlight
Tenting a transformation
April 1, 2025
In the summer of 2024, Houston Tents & Events (HTE) joined the producers of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” to film a special episode in the Houston, Texas, area. The episode, featuring HTE’s behind-the-scenes contributions, aired Jan. 30 on ABC and is available to stream on Hulu. Known for transforming the lives of deserving families …
Industry News
CORT Events reveals top event design trends of 2025
February 3, 2025
CORT Events, Chantilly, Va., a furniture rental company for the exhibition and events industry, has announced its top design trends for 2025. “Modern event design is more than just aesthetics. It’s about creating an environment that achieves objectives that resonate with attendees. Every piece of furniture, every detail and every color plays a role in …
Showcase
Project Showcase: Tenting on ice
December 1, 2024
When a Toronto, Ontario-based marketing firm contacted Fiesta Tents Ltd., out of Montreal, Que., Canada, with a request to install a clearspan tent in February on a frozen lake north of Montreal, it sparked the team’s interest. Each year in the winter, Automobili Lamborghini Canada hosts a multiday on-ice driving program—Esperienza Neve—where preeminent customers across …
Showcase
Project spotlight: Organic-Concept Tents
October 1, 2024
For a dance-centered festival that encourages freedom of expression, sustainability and human connection, finding a tent and event company that echoes those values is paramount. WECANDANCE at Zeebrugge beach in Bruges, Belgium, is more than a music festival. It’s a full experience focusing on community, design and impact that features six stages, two weekends, four …
Showcase
Customizing for Coca-Cola
August 1, 2024
What do you get when you combine the rich heritage and innovative spirit of Coca-Cola with the 25 years of experience and creativity embodied by Houston-based Elias Events? An over-the-top customized event that creates wonder and delight. Elias Events created such an event for the Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Association’s 2023 annual meeting that took place at …
Installation Spotlight
A clear success
June 1, 2024
Having a reception beneath a clear top tent has become the dream of many brides, but a logistical nightmare for more than a few event planners and rental companies. “Clients love the clear top tents, but they often do not think about how uncomfortable they can be in the hotter months,” says Jennifer Rodriguez, CERP, …
Showcase
Project Showcase: National Structures Events & Services
April 1, 2024
There may be nothing better than being a part of an event that showcases a company’s expertise and benefits children at the same time. For the third year in a row, National Structures Events & Services of San Antonio, Texas, did just that. The tent and event company erected structures for the annual Shriners Children’s …
Installation Spotlight
A stately challenge
April 1, 2024
When the word “estate” is mentioned, one immediately imagines spacious grounds with room to spare. But when AAble Rents, based in Cleveland, Ohio, was hired to install the tents and flooring for a wedding and reception at a private estate, it quickly became apparent that space, or rather the lack of it, was going to …
Design Spotlight
Project showcase: Houston Tents & Events
December 1, 2023
Looking at the photographs from the wedding and reception, no one would ever guess just how difficult the installation was for Houston Tents & Events in Houston, Texas. “This couple had the dream of hosting their wedding behind the original ranch home on their 110,000-acre property in South Texas,” recalls Darren Randle, the company’s founder …
