These days, smart planners on a tight budget (which seems redundant) look for the most cost-effective ways to optimize their financial resources by partnering with rental suppliers. From the standard rental items (chairs, linens, tents) to the unique (custom-designed backdrops, lighting, chair caps) rental suppliers have an abundance of ideas and inventory at a planners’ disposal. Twin Cities Ultimate Events Sales Manager, Mike Whaley, shares his expertise with planners interested in getting the most bang for their buck through rentals.
Q. Tell me about Ultimate Events and what you do there.
A. As the region’s leading resource for tent, party and event rentals, Ultimate Events offers a complete inventory for any size event, from small private dinner parties to large outdoor festivals. As Sales Manager, I work with the sales department to serve all aspects of our clients’ needs, making sure that Ultimate Events is a trendsetter at the forefront of the market.
Q. How do you work with planners who are trying to stay within budget?
A. The first step is to consider the budget and what they want to accomplish. In partnering with planners, we’ll consider those two factors first, then lay out their options. From soup to nuts, we present them with all the bells and whistles that their budget allows, then adjust as directed. Ultimate Events has a vast inventory, so we can lend our expertise to help a planner meet their budget and still see the results they had envisioned.
Q. What are some items planners might find surprising that they can rent?
A. Custom décor. At Ultimate Events, we have a creative director who can pull out people’s ideas and custom build things like backdrops, tabletop items, trinkets or decorations.
Q. What are the hottest trends for rentals this season?
A. The color palette this year features bright, vibrant colors — periwinkle, pink, lime and mango tangerine. Colors are very hot, as are textures. Coming down the pike in the months ahead — incorporating lighting for mood by using colored lights or lights that change color. Also LED light fixtures that “dance” with music.
The focus on fabrics continues to be softened sets — whether in a ballroom or tent — that incorporate a custom drape package with lighting integrated into the design.
At Ultimate Events, we have a wide range of pricing and a great array of items from which to choose. The thing to keep in mind is that there are hundreds of ways to make an event look upscale, even within a limited budget.
For example, we have a magnificent baron’s table that seats twenty, but if your budget doesn’t allow for that, we can duplicate that same kind of look utilizing different tables and table covers. The same goes for chairs. A planner can take a basic chair and cover it with some type of chair cap or runner, as opposed to renting a full cover or high-end chair. The point is, there’s lots of flexibility.
Q. Any other tips or advice?
A. The most resourceful planners are extremely educated when it comes to what’s trending. Partnering with someone in the rental business and preparedness will save a planner time and money every time.
Mike Whaley has been working in the event rental industry for eighteen years. He began his career in Phoenix, Arizona in the spring of 1996, then relocated to Minnesota in the spring of 2009. He is currently the Sales Manager for Ultimate Events, Inc. Mike enjoys any and all sports and outdoor activities with his son, family, and friends.
Spotlight | December 13, 2018
Twinkling lights, a stylish atmosphere, gourmet food — all critical ingredients for an unforgettable gala. Read more...
Spotlight | September 13, 2017
Making your event a smash hit can often rest on the services of vendors outside your organization. Read more...
The Scoop | By Alie Witthans | December 01, 2015
Simplicity is elegant in holiday décor this season. Dark blues and shimmering metallics are trending in holiday themes, from navy velvet-covered bulbs to glitter gold-trimmed poinsettia stems to dress up your tablescape. Read more...
Ask the Expert | By Mike Whaley, Sales Manager | June 30, 2015
Meeting and Event Planning Tip: How do I Calculate Space Needs for My Event? Read more...
Your Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Colorado Event Venues and Services Directory, Meeting Management Tool and Conference Planning Resource.
Now meetingpages.com™ makes event planning, meeting planning, and conference planning easier than ever before.
Copyright © Mighty Dog Media 2024
meetingpages
Mighty Dog Media LLC
Savage MN 55378
P 952 233 1195
F 952 233 1117
E info@meetingpages.com
