Nearly 40 rental store employees and owners participated in the Northeast Ohio Rental Association (NEORA) first-ever tent demo on April 26 at Dix Stadium at Kent State University, Kent, Ohio. Anchor Industries, Evansville, Ind., demonstrated the setup and takedown of its 40-ft.-by-80-ft. Navi-Trac frame tent, a hybrid clearspan.

“We really haven’t done this before. We invited both members and non-members as well. Based on how well it went, we would definitely plan another event like that again. It seemed to be a valuable experience,” said Molly Kelly, co-owner, ABC Rental Center, Maple Heights, Ohio.

Dan DeLeo of Rental Outfitters, Evansville, Ind., and Anchor team members Mike Post, Neil Cobb and Steve Lipking, had parts laid out for the tent and started the installation around 1 p.m. They began with the first section of the tent and then brought in participants to help assemble the remaining three 20-ft. sections.

Kelly said Lipking talked the installers through the process via microphone, while the Anchor team assisted individuals. All emphasized safety precautions, helpful shortcuts and troubleshooting ideas, and answered questions from observers.

The team also learned about vinyl track systems and was able to help thread sections of vinyl into the tracks as participants on the opposite side pulled the 20-ft.-by-45-ft. piece of vinyl over the peak. Lunch was provided by Anchor Industries before the group dismantled the tent. The tent was dissembled by 5 p.m.