Build your company's image and achieve corporate goals with rented equipment, whether you're planning the office Christmas party, the company picnic, an awards banquet or an important product launch.
What's for Rent?
Just about every type of special-event equipment you can imagine is for rent--gigantic tents, small canopies, fine serving pieces, party decorations, food service equipment, coolers, roasters and grills, tables, chairs, silverware, china, gazebos, linens, candelabra, portable bars, dance floors, casino equipment....the list goes on and on. And it's all for rent.
Renting the special equipment for meetings and conventions, health fairs, receptions, open houses, dedication ceremonies, groundbreakings and product launches is the economical solution to the problems of many corporate meeting planners.
Often, rental stores carry most of the extras you'll need for your event, including paper disposables, like napkins and cups, decorations and even engraved invitations, for convenient one-stop shopping.
What Do I Need to Tell the Rental Store?
Decide on the date, time, location and approximate number of people who will attend. Set your budget and in addition to the type of special event you wish to have (a dinner, for example), decide what ambiance you wish to create. Should it be informal or formal, simple or elaborate? (a buffet versus a catered, sit-down dinner.)
If you are planning to rent a tent, find out if there are underground sprinklers, wires, cables or sewer easements at the site. When erecting the tent, rental personnel otherwise will assume the location is free of these potential dangers.
Selecting a Rental Company
The rental company you select may depend on the size and type of event you have in mind. Event-related businesses range from the small--a department in a general rental store--to the huge, a party and event rental operation. You will need to find a firm that has the resources your event requires. Larger operations, of course, have more diverse inventory and more resources to pull together.
Look for a rental center that is a member of a business or trade association, such as the American Rental Association, whose member rental businesses set high standards for business practices.
Ask to see the center's selection of inventory. And ask yourself these questions. Do you feel the salesperson may be over-promising resources? Do you feel confident the operation is organized? Can it accommodate last-minute changes that often make or break an event? Can it supply you with references?