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Supplier Spotlights 2025
Company News
In memoriam: Bill Pedersen
June 17, 2025
William (Bill) Harry Pedersen, 84, died May 16, 2025. Pedersen was the president of Pedersen’s Rentals in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Pedersen joined the family-owned business in 1967. Under his leadership, the business expanded to additional locations and focused its inventory on event rental offerings exclusively. Industry service was a priority for Pedersen, as seen in …
Industry News
OSHA offers new heat safety resources
June 17, 2025
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Heat Illness Prevention campaign has developed two new education resources for employers and workers. The first resource is a fact sheet highlighting young workers and heat illness and the precautions this group of workers should take before starting their work in the heat, as well as what to look out …
Company News
Mike Stephenson promoted as Herculite’s director of manufacturing
June 17, 2025
Herculite Products Inc., an innovator and manufacturer of high-performance and custom fabrics, announced the appointment of Mike Stephenson as the new director of manufacturing. Mike joined Herculite in 2010 and has served in progressively responsible roles within manufacturing for the past 15 years. In his most recent role as production manager, he has played a …
ATA News
ATA Japan hosts site visit, networking reception in Osaka
June 11, 2025
ATA Japan held its Spring Event May 16, which included a visit to the site of World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, followed by a networking reception. The site visit featured a guided tour by two Advanced Textile Association (ATA) member companies, Taiyo Kogyo Corporation and Yamaguchi New Shelter Industry Inc., both of which were …
Industry News
President Trump doubles tariffs on steel, aluminum imports
June 4, 2025
President Donald Trump has increased tariffs on most steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%, effective June 4. The U.S. and the U.K. previously reached a trade deal May 8, agreeing to negotiate an alternative arrangement for the 25% Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum. According to President Trump’s June 3 executive order, …
Industry News
U.S. Court of International Law ruling about tariffs put on hold
June 2, 2025
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal District granted the Donald Trump administration’s request to put a temporary hold on the New York-based U.S. Court of International Trade’s judgment May 29. The Court of International Trade Law’s May 28 judgement ruled in favor of six American-based companies, ruling that President Trump overstepped his authority …
News
Proposed code changes for temporary structures
June 1, 2025
The 2024 International Building Code has a major revision that impacts temporary structures. It allows them to remain in place for up to 365 days. Any building or structure that is erected for one year or less that serves as an Assembly occupancy or other public use will be classified as a Public-Occupancy Temporary Structure …
News
2025 State of the industry
June 1, 2025
The fact that a survey captures a moment in time was never more apparent than in the Advanced Textiles Association’s annual State of the Industry survey that occurred during the late February and early March period when the tariff rules being proposed by the federal administration were changing daily, in addition to other policies. The …
News
The real cost of a tent
June 1, 2025
Have you ever thought about the real cost of a tent purchase? When a business owner considers investing in new equipment, the decision often revolves around the upfront price tag. However, the real cost of purchasing equipment extends beyond its initial purchase price. In this edition of “Covered Conversations,” I wanted to open a discussion …
Showcase
Project Showcase: Arena Americas tents the U.S. Open
June 1, 2025
Steeped in tradition, North Carolina’s Pinehurst Resort has hosted more golf championships than any other site in America—and providing structures to uphold that kind of history calls for nothing less than tenting excellence. As a provider of event rental solutions, Arena Americas, based in Oak Creek, Wis., specializes in tenting, flooring, seating and event management …
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Printed Tents? Yup. We Do That.
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Supplier Spotlights 2025
ATA News
Registration now open for Advanced Textiles Expo 2025
May 1, 2025
Advanced Textiles Association® (ATA) is excited to announce that registration is now open for Advanced Textiles Expo® 2025, taking place November 5–7 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Ind. As the industry’s leading trade show for specialty fabrics, advanced textiles, and shade and weather protection, the Expo draws thousands of professionals for three days …
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 …
Sponsored Content
Printed Tents? Yup. We Do That.
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights 2025
Features
Bringing in outside help
June 1, 2025
Due to the seasonal nature of the workload, it has always been a challenge for tent and event rental companies to recruit enough employees each year. Since the pandemic dramatically reduced the labor pool, this process has grown even more difficult, leading many to outsource. There are several ways for this industry to obtain outsourced …
Features
Improving ladder safety
June 1, 2025
Familiarity may breed contempt, but when it comes to ladders, it’s more a case of familiarity breeding carelessness. Ladders are such everyday pieces of equipment that people tend to forget how dangerous using them can be. Figures provided by Patrick McAuliffe, vice president of the American Ladder Institute (ALI), illustrate the risks ladders pose. Located …
Features
Tent styles and trends
June 1, 2025
As tents continue to evolve beyond functional backdrops and become more integral to the overall event experience, manufacturers are offering a wider range of styles and options to better meet customer aspirations as well as growing demand. While traditional tent styles are always popular with consumers, there also are always requests for new and different …
Features
Members only content
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
Members only content
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
Members only content
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 …
Sponsored Content
Printed Tents? Yup. We Do That.
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights 2025
Company News
In memoriam: Bill Pedersen
June 17, 2025
William (Bill) Harry Pedersen, 84, died May 16, 2025. Pedersen was the president of Pedersen’s Rentals in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Pedersen joined the family-owned business in 1967. Under his leadership, the business expanded to additional locations and focused its inventory on event rental offerings exclusively. Industry service was a priority for Pedersen, as seen in …
Industry News
OSHA offers new heat safety resources
June 17, 2025
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Heat Illness Prevention campaign has developed two new education resources for employers and workers. The first resource is a fact sheet highlighting young workers and heat illness and the precautions this group of workers should take before starting their work in the heat, as well as what to look out …
Company News
Mike Stephenson promoted as Herculite’s director of manufacturing
June 17, 2025
Herculite Products Inc., an innovator and manufacturer of high-performance and custom fabrics, announced the appointment of Mike Stephenson as the new director of manufacturing. Mike joined Herculite in 2010 and has served in progressively responsible roles within manufacturing for the past 15 years. In his most recent role as production manager, he has played a …
ATA News
ATA Japan hosts site visit, networking reception in Osaka
June 11, 2025
ATA Japan held its Spring Event May 16, which included a visit to the site of World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, followed by a networking reception. The site visit featured a guided tour by two Advanced Textile Association (ATA) member companies, Taiyo Kogyo Corporation and Yamaguchi New Shelter Industry Inc., both of which were …
Industry News
President Trump doubles tariffs on steel, aluminum imports
June 4, 2025
President Donald Trump has increased tariffs on most steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%, effective June 4. The U.S. and the U.K. previously reached a trade deal May 8, agreeing to negotiate an alternative arrangement for the 25% Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum. According to President Trump’s June 3 executive order, …
Industry News
U.S. Court of International Law ruling about tariffs put on hold
June 2, 2025
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal District granted the Donald Trump administration’s request to put a temporary hold on the New York-based U.S. Court of International Trade’s judgment May 29. The Court of International Trade Law’s May 28 judgement ruled in favor of six American-based companies, ruling that President Trump overstepped his authority …
News
Proposed code changes for temporary structures
June 1, 2025
The 2024 International Building Code has a major revision that impacts temporary structures. It allows them to remain in place for up to 365 days. Any building or structure that is erected for one year or less that serves as an Assembly occupancy or other public use will be classified as a Public-Occupancy Temporary Structure …
News
2025 State of the industry
June 1, 2025
The fact that a survey captures a moment in time was never more apparent than in the Advanced Textiles Association’s annual State of the Industry survey that occurred during the late February and early March period when the tariff rules being proposed by the federal administration were changing daily, in addition to other policies. The …
News
The real cost of a tent
June 1, 2025
Have you ever thought about the real cost of a tent purchase? When a business owner considers investing in new equipment, the decision often revolves around the upfront price tag. However, the real cost of purchasing equipment extends beyond its initial purchase price. In this edition of “Covered Conversations,” I wanted to open a discussion …
Industry News
Tablescapes Event Rentals expands to Milwaukee with new showroom
May 23, 2025
Tablescapes Event Rentals has announced the grand opening of its new showroom located in Milwaukee. The showroom opened to the public on May 1, 2025, offering event planners, venues, caterers and private clients the opportunity to explore a wide range of rental products firsthand. A soft opening for industry vendors will be hosted later in May, …
Sponsored Content
Printed Tents? Yup. We Do That.
Sponsored Content
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.
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights 2025
Showcase
Project Showcase: Arena Americas tents the U.S. Open
June 1, 2025
Steeped in tradition, North Carolina’s Pinehurst Resort has hosted more golf championships than any other site in America—and providing structures to uphold that kind of history calls for nothing less than tenting excellence. As a provider of event rental solutions, Arena Americas, based in Oak Creek, Wis., specializes in tenting, flooring, seating and event management …
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 …
