Four Tips For Portable Stage Selection
Posted on: 19 September 2019
Your event's portable stage will be the focal point of attention for nearly everyone in attendance. Not only is it important to make the right aesthetic decisions, but it is also important to make the right functional decisions. Everything from the stage's construction to its surface material to its size matters, and overlooking any of these aspects can have surprisingly large ramifications for your event. Stage selection is so important and can influence so many other aspects of your event that it should be one of the first steps you take during planning. These four tips will help you to select the right stage for your needs.
Know Your Minimum Requirements
Before you can begin your stage selection process, you will need to be able to answer two important questions:
- What is the smallest possible size that will work for your event?
- How much weight must the stage support?
Together, these two questions will form your minimum requirements. This is an important concept since these are the requirements that must be met regardless of budgetary or location constraints. It is generally a good idea to tack on an extra 10% to each number for safety considerations.
Decide on Accessories First
Many stage accessories are designed to be universal, but this doesn't mean that every accessory is well-suited to every stage. If you will be adding guardrails, extra ramps, or other accessories, then decide on this before you choose a stage. When speaking to the stage provider (rental or otherwise), discuss your accessory choices with them so can direct you to stages that are a good fit for your accessory needs. It is better to rule out stages during the selection process than to discover during setup that your accessories are creating serious headaches for your stage crew.
Consider Transportation and Setup
The steps necessary to transport and set up a stage will vary depending on the size of the stage, how it is constructed, the material it is constructed from, and any number of other factors. If you are renting a stage for your event, then consider a rental company that handles transportation and setup for you. If not, you will need to carefully consider how the stage will actually make it to your event's location. Is it modular enough to fit into smaller trucks or vans? Do you have enough workers to assemble it and tear it down once the event is over? This is one area where it is not possible to plan too much.
Don't Ignore Surface Material
The material that your stage is constructed from is the number one factor that determines its strength, weight, and overall appearance, but the surface material is important as well. Most stages use either a laminate coating or carpet. Laminate board surfaces are usually cheaper and they can potentially be more durable when exposed to the elements, which can be important if your stage will be used primarily for outdoor events. On the other hand, carpets offer a more upscale appearance, and they can deaden the sound of footsteps.
By following these tips, you will be able to select a stage that is both functional and attractive. Getting this important decision out of the way early in the planning process also allows you to plan the rest of your event around your stage, making later decisions that much easier.
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