Forming relationships with tent companies

By Abbie Yarger

Building a good relationship with tent companies helps event planners learn to create detailed plans for tented events, resulting in the execution of a successful event. In addition, tented events give planners an appreciation for the tent industry.

“I enjoy working with planners who are knowledgeable and empathetic to our business while able to understand what it takes to supply an event with tents and equipment,” says Mike Carleton, owner of Happenings Party Rentals, Collingwood, Ontario, Canada.

Many tent companies are willing to mentor the inexperienced event planner.

“If you’re not familiar with tents, get the tent company involved as early as possible,” says Dawn Westermann of Skyway Classic Events, Bloomington, Minn. “If you’re a rookie, having their experience will help you answer the questions you never thought to ask. And don’t be afraid to ask!”

Stacy Stern, president of The Special Events Group, Boca Raton, Fla., says she had a lot of questions when she first started planning tented events, so she hired a consultant for help. “He advised me and made me understand what it took and what to look for in these events,” she says. “That’s what it takes to educate yourself: hiring people who know more than you do.”

Abbie Yarger is an editorial intern for IFAI.