WE SHIP WORLDWIDE | TOLL FREE (800) 438-3226
WE SHIP WORLDWIDE | TOLL FREE (800) 438-3226
IFAI Tent Expo 2017 Update
by Jill C. Lafferty | February 1, 2017
More than 600 tent professionals gathered in Orlando, Fla., in January under more than 40 tents on display at IFAI Tent Expo 2017.
The two-day event included Tent Rental Division (TRD) Boot Camp and Leadership Track training sessions, networking with fellow tent renters and vendors, equipment demonstrations, the Tour of the Tents, a campfire session discussion including owners and crew members and much more. Attendees had plenty of time to socialize as well, at the opening reception, the Brazilian carnival-themed Party on the Pad, and the pre-show golf tournament and “Wild Florida Airboat and Gator Park” experience.
In his keynote address, Scott Burrows shared his story of overcoming a serious car accident that left him paralyzed, transcending his circumstances through the three principles of vision, mind and grit.
During the TRD Boot Camp, participants got hands-on experience in how to square a tent perfectly every time. Leadership sessions addressed how to prepare your business for a disaster, the fine art of job costing, TRD efforts in code revision, and time management on complex projects.
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important things you should know
The highlight of the TRD annual meeting and awards luncheon was the honoring of industry leader Spencer Etzel with the Bruce W. Wodetzki Award. Named for founding member and the f
irst chairman of IFAI’s Tent Rental Division, the Bruce W. Wodetzki Award is the tent rental industry’s most prestigious honor. In Etzel’s four decades of innovation, he contributed to features and functionality of fabric structure design that have developed into industry standards. He is a lecturer and leader for the fabric structure industry regarding tent design, engineering standards, code compliance and installation practices. Etzel contributed to numerous custom fabric structure designs and turnkey installations, including the 2011 International Achievement Award of Excellence for Tent Manufacturing and Design.
Also at the TRD meeting and luncheon, Sarah Lapping, Economy Tent Intl., Miami, Fla., was elected to her first three-year term on the TRD steering committee. Tom Markel, Bravo Events, Buffalo, N.Y.; Alexandre Renaud, Fiesta Tents Ltd., Saint-Laurent, Que., Canada; and Tommy Wilson, All Occasions Event Rental, Cincinnati, Ohio, were each elected to their second three-year term. TRD thanked outgoing steering committee member David MacArthur, Losberger US LLC, Frederick, Md., for his contributions.
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Rental vs. Purchase
Deciding whether to purchase or rent your event tent can depend on several factors, including frequency of use, budget, and storage capabilities.
Benefits of Renting
- Affordability: Renting might be more economical if you host a one-off event or occasional gatherings.
- Storage: Event tents can take up significant space. If you lack adequate storage options, renting eliminates this concern.
- Variety: Rental services often have various types and styles of tents. You can choose a different tent for each occasion, ensuring your events look fresh and exciting.
Benefits of Purchasing
- Long-term Investment: If you frequently host events, purchasing a tent can save you money in the long run.
- Customization: Owning your tent lets you personalize it according to your style preferences.
- Immediate Availability: When you own a tent, you don’t have to worry about availability conflicts during peak seasons.
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Key Features of ETI Tents
Built for commercial use with premium materials and engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Contact our sales team at (800) 438-3226 for available sizes.
ETI ships from Miami, Florida. Most orders ship within days.
Yes, all ETI tents are commercial-grade.
Frame tents work on concrete. Pole tents need grass or soil.
Contact our sales team for warranty details.
About the Author: Sarah Crews
Sarah Crews brings over 25 years of experience in the tent and event industry to her role as Marketing Manager at Economy Tent International. She has been with ETI for more than a decade, helping tent rental businesses, event companies, and party planners find the right commercial-grade tent solutions for their needs.
Sarah writes about tent specifications, setup tips, and industry trends to help customers make informed purchasing decisions. Connect with Economy Tent International at (800) 438-3226 or visit Email Us.