Practicing sustainability in the tent rental industry

August 1, 2009  |  Features, On the Job

Tent renters benefit the environment—and their own profitability—when they get the most use possible out of their tents. By Peder Engebretson Hybrid cars, compost piles and recycling bins are signs of the times. But what does sustainability mean in regard to event tents? On the one hand,…
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Mood lighting

June 1, 2009  |  Event Production, Features, On the Job, Tent Décor

Tent rental companies take on the latest lighting technology, techniques and trends to create events that shine. By Holly O’Dell A well-designed tented lighting scheme can add elegance to a wedding, bring a party’s theme to life or enliven a corporate function. Tent rental companies are …
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Anchoring in wet soil

June 1, 2009  |  On the Job

By Michael Tharpe Q: What should I consider when anchoring in wet soil? A: Therein lies the problem: the ground on which the tent sets. Anchoring is accomplished by fastening guys (ropes, webs or cables) to the top of the side pole or bracket and attaching the other end to an anchoring device, such …
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The holding power of stakes

April 1, 2009  |  On the Job

By Michael Tharpe Q: What is the holding power of stakes? A: More than a decade ago, industry leaders met to discuss staking, anchoring and the issues in setting industry standards—standards to address questions like: How much staking is adequate for my tent? How do loose soil and high winds a…
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Why staking is critical

December 1, 2008  |  On the Job

By Michael Tharpe Q: Why must tents be anchored? A: Proper anchoring is the most important part of ensuring your tent installation is safe. Frame tents must be anchored to hold them down. Pole tents must be anchored to shape them and hold them up. A tent (whether frame, pole or otherwise) will not r…
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Top to turf: Lighting and flooring options

December 1, 2008  |  Event Production, Features, On the Job, Tent Décor

Today’s lighting and flooring options have a universal appeal for tent customers. By Maura Keller It’s not surprising that lighting and flooring have become key tools in tent design. For decades, interior lighting and flooring in tents were simply considered utilitarian amenities, as wer…
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Tent repair tricks

August 1, 2008  |  On the Job

By Michael Tharpe Q: How do I repair a damaged tent? A: There are a few things to consider before repairing your own tent. First, you should determine whether you can repair the tent at your shop, or whether you’re more comfortable sending it out to a professional. Professional repair shops, s…
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How to square a tent

June 1, 2008  |  On the Job

By Michael Tharpe Q: What is the correct way to square a tent? A: A tent that’s properly laid-out or squared is structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. Pre-staking or squaring the stake line is the preferred method of squaring your tent. If you are using another method or are new to the…
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Comparing barrel weight and strength

April 1, 2008  |  On the Job

By Ken Keberle Q: Water or cement—which barrel is heavier? A: Concrete weighs about 2.4 times as much as water for a given volume. Generally accepted values for a cubic foot are 62.4 pounds for water and 148 pounds for concrete. A standard “55-gallon” drum actually holds more than …
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Creating cool lighting design for events

April 1, 2008  |  On the Job, Trend Watch

By Jill C. Lafferty Well-designed lighting can set the mood for a tented event—from whimsical to romantic to dramatic. “People are realizing what an impact or component lighting can bring to an event to establish the overall ambience,” says Doc Waldrop of Infinite Designs LLC, Atla…
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