In memoriam: Robert Mastromatteo

August 27th, 2024

Robert (Bob) J. Mastromatteo, 78, Brewster, Mass., died Aug. 12, 2024. Mastromatteo was an entrepreneur at heart, starting a lawn company, co-founding a chemical manufacturing company, and eventually establishing Party Cape Cod in 1984 with his wife, becoming the Cape’s first one-stop party retail and rental supplier. Thoughout the 40 years of growing Party Cape […]

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Aggreko mid-sized energy storage systems

August 27th, 2024

Aggreko, Houston, has introduced two mid-node — 500 kW/250 kWh and 250 kW/575 kWh — battery energy storage systems (BESS) to its Greener Upgrades line of temporary power options. The new storage systems are designed for on and off-grid applications while also enabling reduced emissions, energy consumption and costs, the company said. Both batteries are […]

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In memoriam: Robert ‘Bob’ MacFarland

August 15th, 2024

Robert “Bob” MacFarland, 91, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, died Aug. 12, 2024. MacFarland — who served as the 28th president of the American Rental Association (ARA) in 1989 — became involved in the rental industry in 1963 when, after spending 10 years in the construction industry, he opened R.H. MacFarland in Halifax. MacFarland helped organize […]

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State of the industry report

August 1st, 2024

Each year, Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) surveys the readers of all its publications, members and nonmembers both, to take the pulse of the current state of our industry. The survey asks questions on business sizes, revenue projections and recent sales context, top concerns, future plans, and a bit about the many different markets that our […]

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Chasing the “perfect event”

August 1st, 2024

I vividly recall a meeting for a six-figure event with a client who, at the end of my sales pitch, asked me, “You are going to guarantee my event is perfect, right?” My candid response was, “No.” The astonished look I received in return was unforgettable. Does the perfect event even exist? Early in my […]

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Customizing for Coca-Cola

August 1st, 2024

Elias Events created this custom western-themed event for Coca-Cola® and the company’s attendees, featuring a photo backdrop made out of hundreds of Coke® cans, and custom chandeliers with rope and Edison lightbulbs. All photos courtesy of Amber Magic Studio LLC. What do you get when you combine the rich heritage and innovative spirit of Coca-Cola […]

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Damage control

August 1st, 2024

Huge expanses of well-tended lawn are among the most challenging surfaces when it comes to preventing damage. Classical Tents and Party Goods takes a proactive approach, making sure before the install begins that everyone on the site is fully informed about the procedures in place to protect the grass. Photo courtesy of Classical Tents and […]

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Safety first

August 1st, 2024

Understanding the type of equipment required to keep installers safe is the cornerstone of a good safety program. Photo courtesy of L&A Tent Rentals. Years ago, little attention was paid to jobsite safety within the tent rental industry. Rather than being given hard hats, safety vests, steel-toed shoes and safety straps, new hires would be […]

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Showrooms: not just for show

August 1st, 2024

While clients often use the company’s digital showroom as a starting point, Saxon says many still prefer to visit the showroom in person. Photo courtesy of Event Source. Beauty, they say, is in the eye of the beholder, and never is that more true than when hosting an event. Whether it’s throwing a lavish wedding, […]

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Dealing with difficult customers

August 1st, 2024

Every business at some point is forced to deal with difficult customers. Perhaps they are unhappy with the level of service, the product or a member of your team. Or maybe their expectations are just unrealistic. Understanding how to navigate challenging interactions, however, can turn a negative situation into a positive experience that builds stronger […]

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