Incorporating tents into your next corporate picnic, marketing initiative, ground breaking, or even on a construction site can do more than protect you and those you are with from the elements. Tents help keep your event organized, they dress up your party, and they encourage people to settle-in and enjoy what’s going on around them.

Often times, when tents are mentioned people picture a simple pop-up tent or cheap fabric on stilts then begin to wonder how such a device could make any event better. But at The Tent Guys, we have tents that create rooms, tents that create an atmosphere. And, best of all, our tents are able to withstand the elements and can be decorated and morphed and moved to fit your exact needs. Let’s have a look at how our tents can drastically benefit your next get-together, whether it’s meant to be formal, fun, or work-related.

Corporate Picnics

As the weather gets nicer, people like to spend more time outside. Even businesses like to find ways to incorporate the outdoors, and there is no better way to boost morale and enjoy some sun than having a corporate picnic.

Organizing a company picnic can be a lot of work, as there’s a lot to cover. You have to think about how many families will attend, what activities are planned, what about food, will there be a full meal and servers to help with cleanup? Adding tents to the mix can only aid in a situation like this, as the more organized your are the better off everyone will be. Here are four reasons incorporating tents into your next company picnic is a good idea:

• Less Stress. Predicting the weather doesn’t always work out, and having tents set up can save the day if rain makes an appearance. But tents are also a wonderful way to give opportunity for attendees to get out of the sun if it is a hot day, and we know how hot it can get in Charlotte. Tents also reduce stress because they can help separate groups. You can have a tent full of toys and games reserved just for the kids; another for food and drinks; maybe a third with tables and chairs for those who want a little cover as they sit and relax.
• It is much more comfortable sitting in a luxury tent than in extreme elements, but tents can also be decorated and positioned to provide extreme convenience. You can open a window to generate a breeze, sit and relax, maybe even lounge. Ever seen a hammock inside a tent? We can make that happen.
• We can even take this idea of comfort a bit further by adding lights and decorations. We like to set up a “selfy wall” where guests can take funny photos to post and remember your event by. Another idea is to bring a few Bluetooth speakers and have them positioned in separate areas with comforting music playing. You can even decorate the exterior of the tent by hanging wreathes or signs, even more lighting. A great thing about adding tents to your company picnic just how versatile they truly are!
• For a family picnic throwing a blanket on the ground works just about anywhere, but throwing a company picnic requires much more planning. While it is fun to have families get together for fun and food, there are often a few words spoken, prizes offered, etc. Tents provide the required privacy for such a corporate event by strategically separating you and your guests from other groups or individuals who happen to be in the same public area. Moreover, even if your company picnic is on company grounds, having tents set up depicts your picnic as a true event. This way there aren’t people just scattered about, talking and walking around aimlessly. With tents there is an obvious atmosphere depicting forethought and precise planning—a great way to wow your attendants.

Marketing Initiatives

There are many methods to marketing goods, but sometimes—especially when the weather is nice and people are out—your best bet is to set up a tent and show what you have to offer.

Whether you are setting up at a job fair or somewhere on your own, using a tent in your marketing setup can help by providing a professional look. For example, consider how pipe and drape can make your goods look their best by helping to advertise and draw-in your customers in a sophisticated and unassuming way. We’re not talking some ten-foot, plastic billboard to take up space. Incorporating pipe and drape can make all the difference in the world. Here’s how:

• Use drape that matches your color scheme to tie everything together. Rather than use something that screams your company name at potential customers, utilize a more soft-touch method to advertising your company or product. Using the same colors ties your setup together seamlessly by inviting individuals in to see what you have to offer, showing you are there for them—not the other way around.
• Add an image to your drape. This can be your own image, or one that creates a happy feeling. This is a great way to instill your company in the minds of clients and generate image recognition.
• If you like the idea of pipe and drape but need a bit more, consider adding some Extras. We would be happy to dress-up your booth quickly and efficiently. Just think, extras such as lights and textures and colors could be the catalyst that draws in more customers.

Not sure which type of drape to use? We know it can be confusing, and seem like just another thing to worry about, but be assured of the power of drapes—they can make all the difference in the world! Here are a few options to choose from:

• Banjo Drapes: this type of drape has a medium sheen and features an open weave (strong, yet sheer fabric). The cloth itself is inherently flame retardant, and is usually used for corporate events and trade shows, but they can be used for just about any event.
• Premier Drapes: premier offer a bit more class, and are most commonly used as curtains for a school, business, banquet hall, or church. These are also inherently flame retardant.
• Commando Drapes: mostly only available in black, this drape is perfect for economical privacy drapes, blocking out 99% of light when backlit. Commando drapes feel similar to suede, and are usually used for dressing rooms or conditions needing to be blacked out.
• Velour Drapes: velour drapes are the most flame retardant of the bunch and come in polyester. We usually see these used for VIP events and theatrical performances, but they can really be used for anything—just as the others.

Groundbreaking

Whether it’s cutting the ribbon on a new development or the opening day of a new business, renting a tent can help make your groundbreaking one to remember.

Since groundbreaking is a ceremonious event, it’s all about the ambiance. Having a tent, or multiple tents, up and available provides cover, but it also helps solidify the fact that this is a momentous occasion, one you have worked hard to get to.

We rent tents for many groundbreakings, and we have gathered a few tips along the way for having a successful day. Here are just a few things to consider when planning a groundbreaking ceremony:

1. Allow for at least six weeks to plan the event—this includes location, tent rental, and invites. This is not an event to be rushed, so you want to be sure you have plenty of time to make this perfect.
2. Once you have created your guest list, send invitations out 3-4 weeks prior to the event. Your guests will be hand picked for such an event, so giving plenty of notice helps ensure all your desired guests can attend. This also gives some time for you to move the date around if needed.
3. If you have others who have worked with you, ask them to say a few words. Groundbreaking is a ritual, and is one where people can spread a good word about the process it took to get here, and discuss hopes and plans for the future. Also, have a short speech written to share yourself; this can be a simple “thank you for being here,” or it can be more heart-felt and personal. It’s all up to you, but we do recommend having something prepared to say to your guests.
4. You may consider having a tent with drinks and hors d’oeuvres provided, in which case it would be a good idea to have a host or hostess to help out. This can also provide a more professional feel.
5. Visit the site of the groundbreaking regularly to get ideas for placement of tents, podium, etc. We can even come with you to help you plan where everything will take place.
6. Check the weather and have a plan for extreme conditions—which could simply be a tent set up to keep everyone dry and happy.

No matter your reason for a groundbreaking, The Tent Guys wants to help make this moment extra special.

Construction Sites

Like it or not, the way your construction site looks says a lot about your company. Imagine trying to decide on a contractor and you see a site with tools lying here and there, mud and materials scattered about; now picture a construction site with tents set up to keep things organized and clean. This is the contractor you want!

There’s actually more to it than that. Adding tents to your construction site can keep you on schedule. Deadlines can induce stress. They can even cause you to lose work when you are unable to keep them. Don’t let weather stop you from making progress on that job site.

At The Tent Guys, we have long-term rentals available so you can keep working until everything is complete.

Depending on the size of the job, we have tents that can provide cover of a specific area so rain does not interfere. Tents can also be set up on site to house blueprints and plans so you can have quick, spur-of-the-moment meetings and readings right there where the building is taking place.

Setting up tents on any construction site will also help keep everyone organized. There is something about having structures, places to house materials, that helps keep everyone feeling productive.

If you are having an event such as a corporate picnic, marketing initiative, ground breaking, or creating a new construction site, call The Tent Guys at 980-228-6999 today to see how we can make your gathering the best it can be.

Not only will we provide detailed information on all the tents and extras we have available, we can also give pointers on how to organize your event. Once you decide on the tents best for you, we take care of everything else so you can focus on what is most important.

-Andrae Bergeron