There are many different styles of custom tents on the promotional display market - pop-up tents aren't the only choice available these days. One of the most important points to keep in mind when shopping for a tent is to consider what type of custom tent canopy is best suited for your event.
Not quite sure how to decide? Here's how to break it down to make sure you're choosing the best branded display tent for you.
Frequency of Use
No two organizations' event schedules are the same. You should first consider how often you would be using your new custom tent.
If you only plan on participating in one or two events per year, or if the events you'll be attending will be mostly indoors, choosing a more basic custom tent option may make the most sense. Custom pop-up tents provide cost-effective, traditional display settings with basic protection against the elements, and can be used indoors or out. Basic pop-ups typically come with entry-level fabric and features, and may not have significant warranty coverage.
For more frequent and/or extended outdoor use, it's probably a wise idea to invest in a sturdier model with element-resistant coating and a long-term warranty, which will provide extra protection.
If you need to haul your tent out for an event every weekend or even more frequently, a pop-up tent could become cumbersome - 10x10 frames typically weigh around 45-55 lbs on average! This is where Inflatable Dome Tents make a great option, both for easy installation and a temporary setting at events where you want to stand out from the sea of traditional pop-up canopy tents.
Event Type and Scale
10'x10' and 10'x20' tent sizes, most commonly found in the pop-up style, are best for vendor booth spaces or limited seating in the shade. When you need a structure to accommodate more guests, or if you have a particularly large set-up space you're looking to fill, it's appropriate to consider alternative custom tent styles. Inflatable Domes can commonly extend well beyond the standard 10'x10' tent, exceeding even 20'x20'.
However, it's important to remember that Inflatable Dome tents may not be the best option for a long-term outdoor structure, and you will need to make sure there's a power source readily available to inflate your display. A portable generator can easily remedy this problem, but if you need a custom tent that is large, no-power-required, and weather-resistant, a star-shaped tent is likely your best option.
Star-shaped tents are most commonly used for large festivals and activations taking place outdoors. They offer some of the largest footprints by default - some all the way up to 72' x 50' or more! These tents usually feature ultra-sturdy steel and aluminum hardware, plus a weather-resistant canopy to face any forecast.
Your Budget
Cost is a significant factor when choosing a custom tent. Your allocated budget may scale depending on organization or event size, but if you aren't in the market for something big, classic pop-up tents are the way to go. Luckily, with the improvements made in the pop-up canopy industry over the years, you have many options available in terms of print, material, hardware, and warranty.
Inflatable Dome tents will be more expensive than your typical custom pop-up, but if you have a little extra to spend and you're looking to stand out, this would be the option for you.
Lastly, star-shaped tents tend to run on the higher end of the custom tent range, but are well worth the investment to promote your brand in a big way.
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