IFAI 2018 State of the Industry report highlights trends in the tent rental industry

The U.S./Canadian tent rental market grew in the mid-single digit figure range in 2017 and is projected to be similar in 2018. Notable trends in the tent rental market in 2017 include:

• Better weather in the spring and summer of 2017 contributed to an increase in the number of events held in 2017.
• Increased demand for flooring and lighting helped increase revenues for event operators.
• Customers continue to demand shorter lead times.
• Sailcloth tents continue to be popular.
• Government regulations and permitting remain a challenge for tent installers; event operators spend too much time obtaining permits to remain in compliance with codes.

2018 tent rental forecast

Special Events magazine’s 2018 Event Planner Forecast reports that 83 percent of independent event planners expect to stage the same number or more special events in 2018 versus 2017. In addition, 92 percent of in-house event planners expect to produce the same number or more special events in 2018 compared to 2017, and 62 percent of independent event professionals expect their revenue to increase in 2018.

Leading challenges facing independent event professionals in 2018 include shorter lead times, increased competition, reduced client budgets and labor shortage/lack of skilled labor. Common steps independent event professionals plan to undertake to improve their business in 2018 include forming partnerships with other event professionals, broadening their client base, marketing more aggressively than they have in the past (more social media) and focusing their business on more profitable customers.

By Jeffrey C. Rasmussen, IFAI director of market research. He can be reached at jcrasmussen@ifai.com.