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 businesses do not have a contingency plan outlining procedures for responding to [...]

Group A building code proposal passes Public Comment Hearing with modifications. A proposal to the International Code Council’s International Building Code (IBC) that affects the tent industry passed in the Public Comment Hearing (PCH) in October, with final results in December. The original proposal to the 2018 Model Code would have resulted in many tent [...]

Winter tent installs offer tent rental businesses opportunities to keep inventory and crews active, taking the edge off of what can be a slow time of year for those companies located or working in severe-weather areas. But as attractive as the prospect of staying busy is, winter installs aren’t right for every company. For one [...]

Free OSHA consultations for small- and medium-sized businesses. The On-site Consultation Program offered by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) provides free and confidential advice to small- and medium-sized businesses, with priority given to high-hazard worksites. This service is separate from enforcement and does not result in penalties or citations. Consultants from state agencies [...]

Q: What mistakes lead to fatalities and injuries on the job? A: Safety starts before you show up on the job site. Safety begins before the job is even sold. There are steps along the way that can make the difference between having a long and satisfying career and being injured, permanently disabled or killed. [...]

Q: What questions should you ask before investing in rental management software? A: Rental management software is an investment with the potential for a high rate of return. However, a basic, low cost system isn’t likely to yield the greatest returns of lowered operating costs and time savings. How do you avoid this common mistake? [...]

Tax deductions are one of many benefits of attending trade shows such as IFAI Tent Expo. Photo: Melanie Ripley Owners, managers and employees of tent and event rental businesses, even shareholder-employees—have long been allowed to claim an income tax deduction for the expenses of attending trade shows, conferences and meetings. Thanks to federal [...]

Code discussions loom over a busy tent and event season. By Jill Lafferty, Editor Much of the North American tent rental industry is at the height of its busy season—and it shows on my Facebook news feed. InTents readers are posting photos and descriptions of tent installations and everything underneath—stunning fabric treatments, fun lounge arrangements, [...]

Outdoor workers may be at risk for tick-borne illnesses. Tick-borne diseases are commonly associated with outdoor recreation such as hunting and fishing, but the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recognize that outdoor workers are also at risk. The CDC offers a Lyme disease fact sheet for outdoor [...]

In addition to event elements from tables to stages, planners need to consider where guests will line up or congregate, says Michelle Hope of Social Butterflies. Photo: Creations Studios Accurately determining space needs is critical for a successful tented event. The strategies of experienced tent and event pros help to make the process [...]