What to consider before investing in a specialty structure

By Janice Kleinschmidt

What should tent rental companies and their clients consider before investing in a specialty structure?

George Strickland, Karl’s Event Services: Building custom tents using in-stock materials provides a unique space while maintaining a lower cost than a new-structure design.

Nate Albers, TentLogix: As with all purchases, a tent rental company needs to make return on investment
a top factor. If the company only has a use for a specialty structure a handful of times, it may make more sense to subrent than commit to such a large capital expenditure.

What technological advances are on the tent horizon?

Michael Hall, C6(n): Composites will make a huge difference to the temporary structure industry and be the next evolution of infrastructure. As more clever people turn to elevation, there will be amazing developments that are so obvious once made and the complexity is eliminated.

Nate Albers, TentLogix: I think the tenting industry will continue to move toward more engineered and wind-rated structures than the Western-style frame tents and standard pole tents of the past.

Janice Kleinschmidt is a freelance writer based in Palm Springs, Calif.