Safe driving in winter weather

December 1, 2015  |  On the Job, Safety & Codes

Lives can be saved by following safe winter driving practices. Employers cannot control roadway conditions, but they can promote safe driving by ensuring that their commercial drivers recognize the hazards of winter weather and are properly trained for driving in those conditions. Here are some tips…
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Bold predictions

December 1, 2015  |  Projects, Trend Watch

In 2016, expect subtle to showstopping colors and furniture that power immersive experiences. A new year brings new event trends and new strategies to interpret traditional themes. Pantone® describes its spring 2016 color report as “transporting and transformative.” “Colors this season transp…
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From humble roots

December 1, 2015  |  Event Production, Projects

A former summer-only business becomes one of Chicagoland’s most reputable tent vendors. As a college student who needed to earn extra income during the summers, David Cesar launched a small part-time tent and event rental company in 2006 in Chicago, Ill. Operating out of a single truck and trailer…
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On exhibit

December 1, 2015  |  Event Production, Project Briefs, Projects

Five large structures welcome attendees to an international robotic and intelligent equipment exhibition. Although the Chinese economy has slowed recently, the event and exhibition market is growing quickly, with 40-meter, 50-meter and 60-meter-wide tents in demand for high-end, large-scale events. …
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Winter wise

December 1, 2015  |  Features

As tents and heating options improve and more cold-weather events take place, tent rental companies are eyeing winter installations with interest—and caution. Howling 30-mile-per-hour winds. Crews having to go inside every 15 minutes to warm up. Snow for the entire 10 days of setup, so much of it …
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Taking it to the next level

December 1, 2015  |  Event Production, Features, Projects

A play-by-play of how Shaffer Sports and Events designed, built and installed a triple-decker structure. Faced with the dilemma of how to accommodate more hospitality suites at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships when all available ground space was already taken led Shawn Smith to think like an …
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Above water

December 1, 2015  |  Event Production, Projects

With no space to expand on land, a wedding installation is extended into a lake. When you’ve already provided an “all out” wedding installation for a client, how do you top yourself when daughter #2 sets a date? That was one of many challenges Hank Parker’s Party and Tent Rentals of Rocheste…
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Brand new brand

December 1, 2015  |  Features, Management, Markets

A strong brand identity can drive sales, while a weak one can hold a business back. Is it time for your company to rebrand? Your special events business may be keeping up with economic and market changes, but is your brand keeping pace? There’s no denying that 21st-century business culture is fast…
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Managing cyber security

December 1, 2015  |  Management, On the Job

Don’t fall asleep at the computer. Today, even with almost every specialty fabrics business involved with some form of Internet connection or data storage (customer lists, employee information, books, records, job estimates, receipts and tax documents, for example), nearly 83 percent of small busi…
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Expert Q&A: Installing and removing tent stakes

December 1, 2015  |  On the Job

Q: How can I use tools to install and remove tent stakes more easily and safely? A: Tent stakes are an important part of most tent rental businesses, regardless of the type of tent used, from pole tents to engineered structures. Installing and removing tent stakes can be the toughest aspect of the j…
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