A light at the end of the tunnel?
A year ago, when we sent the April–May 2020 issue of InTents to the printer, virtually every tented event was being cancelled, and the whole world was shutting down. The outlook for the live events industry was worsening on a daily and hourly basis, and the grim realization that 2020 would be a year unlike any other was setting in.
Now, as we prepare to send the April–May 2021 issue of InTents to the printer, the world is slowly beginning to awaken from its pandemic-induced state of preservation. The outlook for the live events industry continues to improve on a day-to-day basis, and suddenly it appears as though 2021 might not be as bleak as 2020.
This issue of InTents is packed with the latest news, developments and how-to information to keep you at the forefront of the tent and event rental industry.
While tents continue to play important roles at medical facilities and COVID-19 testing sites, they are now being utilized to support drive-through vaccination efforts. Turn to page 14 to see how one New York-based tent and event rental company is helping to bring vaccination sites to the New York Tri-State Area.
Our feature “To the Rescue” (page 28) explores the important role that tent and event rental companies play during disaster response efforts. From providing shelter and sleeping quarters for victims, to creating spaces for responders and medical personnel to gather, tent companies and their crew members play an integral role in helping to create structure and order during times of disarray and chaos.
As the weather warms, the days grow longer and COVID-19 vaccination efforts increase around the country, I cannot help but think that—if we play our cards right—the darkest portion of the pandemic will remain behind us and brighter days will be ahead. Cheers to a sunny outlook and (hopefully not) wishful thinking.