Renting portable staging and flooring is an easy, economical way to provide the focal point for activities at all kinds of special events. Attractive, durable, easily assembled stage and floor components are available for indoor and outside use and for installation inside tents and other temporary structures.
"Staging is a great investment for any rental store and particularly party rental stores, large or small," said Eric Short of Bil-Jax, Archbold, Ohio. "The initial investment is minimal, and the return on investment is very good."
Portable stage sections create elevated areas for speakers' platforms or fashion-show runways; large stages are used for concerts and other performances. Some staging products can be assembled as multi-tier risers. Stages in dimensions of 3 by 4 feet, 3 by 8 feet and 4 by 8 feet are popular sizes with rental customers. Heights range from 16 to 40 inches. Several optional deck surfaces are available.
Many floor products are marketed as dance floors, but they can be used at any function where temporary flooring is necessary. Some flooring is intended only for indoor use; other floor systems can be installed on almost any level outdoor surface and are weather-resistant. But before installing flooring "very uneven ground should be leveled using soil, sand or plywood," said Arnon Rosan of Portafloor Division of Teletek Industries, New York.
In addition to providing a rugged all-purpose floor, roll-out flooring also protects surfaces underneath. Locking floor panels come in oak, teak and other wooden parquets, colored vinyl tile and other durable materials. Black and white floor tiles assembled in a checkerboard pattern also are popular with rental customers.

Installation and dismantling
Modern flooring products are easy to install - some flooring now can be installed without tools, which is "ideal for rental companies and their customers," said Debra Shipper of Event Equipment Sales, Countryside, Ill.
Portable staging products also are designed to be easy to transport, set up and disassemble quickly after an event.
"To eliminate damage by inexperienced people, it's better for the rental store to set up and take down stages and flooring - especially dance floors," said Kenneth Hufstater of Midwest Folding Products, Chicago.
Most manufacturers and businesses experienced in renting flooring and staging agree that rental companies should deliver and set up both items. A truck is required to transport staging and material for larger floor setups. Setup can be time-consuming for users not familiar with the steps necessary for assembly. Improper assembly can be unsafe.
Stages must include proper bracing, guard and hand rails, and steps for safe access. Incorrect assembly also can damage floor and stage components.
"Dance floor products can be set up by the end-user, but the product will last longer in the rental store provides the setup service," said Stephen Gardner of SICO North America, Minneapolis. "Flooring needs regular upkeep. Follow the directions of the manufacturer. Dance floors can remain in service 12 to 18 years."
When rental center personnel do the job, they can identify any damage during disassembly. It is important that crews understand correct assembly procedures and follow them exactly. Manufacturers provide written setup and care instructions for their products. Video instructional programs also are effective in training employees.
Another option is available from Tropical Event Equipment Fabricators, Miami. Tropical Events offers an expandable truss system that can support staging of any size and shape on any type of terrain, according to Lawrence Keller, president of the company.

Customers may need add-ons, too
Any person or organization planning a special event may also want portable staging and flooring. Alert counter personnel ask questions about each event. The information not only ensures that the right equipment is rented, but often identifies additional rental and sales opportunities.
Whether the event is a small family gathering, a wedding or large corporate meeting or party, stages and portable floors can enhance a variety of occasions. Regular renters include individuals, businesses, schools, churches, civic organizations, country clubs, hotels, restaurants, meeting facilities, wedding and special event planners, catering companies and organizers of festivals and holiday celebrations. Television and movie production companies often need por-table floors for sets. Some companies that specialize in renting stages and flooring subcontract their services on a turnkey basis to other businesses.
Renters of flooring and staging likely are in the market for many other special events items. Suggest draping to cover exposed sides of staging. Tables, linens, chairs, food service items, servingware, sound equipment and aisle runners also may needed at the special event.
"Always purchase quality products, have good personnel, maintain a good service schedule, and dance floor rentals can be very profitable," said Phil Maxwell of California Portable Party Sales, La Habra, Calif.