Tents & Rentals

It is impossible for any venue to replicate the true beauty of nature, observes Melani Kodikian, CERP, president, A to Z Party Rental and Benchmark Event Services. “It is more than how it looks; it’s how a person feels - the air they breathe. Most people spend too much time indoors and a break from HVAC is good for the body and mind. There are so many options when it comes to designing an event outside. Each property contributes to the event in its own way, and no two events will ever be the same.”

Tents provide clients with variety, options, and custom design. The size of the tent is only limited by the available space of the location, assures Kodikian. “So, regardless of how large or small your event is, what type of event it is, or the date of the event, there always is a variety of tent sizes available to meet your needs.”

In addition to tenting, A to Z Party Rental can provide planners of outdoor events with portable bleachers, stages, flooring, games, concession equipment, cooking equipment, restroom trailers, and so much more.

When it comes to dealing with Mother Nature, Kodikian says outdoor events should always include an evacuation plan in the event of severe weather. “Better to be prepared than caught off guard with panicked - or worse - injured guests. Know what alternative space is available where guests will be safe. Determine who will make the decision to evacuate and what the conditions would be to direct your guests to a safe location. Tents are temporary structures - not shelters in storms.”

A great deal of planning needs to be done for any outdoor event. Kodikian says it is important to prepare for a wide range of possible challenges. “Do not put your head in the sand and think ‘that won’t happen to me,’ or ‘it’s going to be a beautiful day.’ Be prepared for all scenarios. Work with reputable companies that have decades of experience in outdoor events and quality equipment, vendors who ask you the hard questions and who assist you in preparing for multiple situations. You want to make sure your event will be memorable for positive reasons.” the thrilling Steel Pier amusement park.”

In addition, meeting in Atlantic City’s Marina District provides panoramic views of the Back Bays from each casino resort for a sophisticated and upscale setting.

"Whether an event is hosted indoors or outdoors, our team is well-prepared for any weather-related situation… equipped to swiftly transition your event to one of the many indoor venues nearby,” notes Sieg. “These venues are carefully organized and equipped with amenities to provide a comfortable and convenient alternative for your event.”

Atlantic City is an ideal choice for outdoor functions due to its combination of natural beauty, diverse event spaces, and favorable weather. The city’s beachfront views, sandy beaches, and world-famous boardwalk provide an atmosphere that enhances the ambiance of any event.

"Outdoor events are typically more relaxed and laid-back,” says Sieg. “An event outdoors in a natural environment can lower stress and improve people's overall moods. It also gives the planner a unique space to bring people together for enjoying the destination.”

Atlantic City’s versatile event spaces, ranging from casino resorts to waterfront venues, offer the flexibility to create an unforgettable experience. The city’s mild climate and long summers make it ideal for hosting outdoor functions, along with its variety of activities and amenities that can be tailored for each event.

“With numerous outdoor event spaces, incorporating Atlantic City’s panoramic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and the city’s skyline is a unique feature that can enhance the ambiance of your event,” explains Sieg. “Consider adding local cuisine or seafood specialties to showcase the many diverse flavors of Atlantic City. As part of our commitment to the environment, we encourage all event planners to embrace regenerative tourism by incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly products.”

Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, MD is home to over 500-miles of scenic Chesapeake Bay shoreline, making it an ideal destination in which to gather for an outdoor party, convention, or corporate event.

For exploring the county’s waterways by boat, consider a cruise by Watermark or book a private charter on the Schooner Woodwind or Schooner Liberté. Whitehall Manor is a grand venue with stunning views along Whitehall Creek's shores. Or see why Annapolis is known as America's Sailing Capital with a bespoke event at the Annapolis Maritime Museum and its waterfront event space looking out toward the Chesapeake Bay.

Choose a historic home of one of the nation’s founding fathers, like the William Paca House and Gardens. Venture to the countryside for bucolic views and scenic waterways at Historic London Town and Gardens and Herrington on the Bay. North of Annapolis in Pasadena is Kurt's Beach, a popular venue with water views, gazebos, and plenty of outdoor meeting space.

Farms also provide a fantastic backdrop where meeting planners can create a memorable event. Pemberton Farm Events offers rolling hills, alpacas, and a party barn, while Hidden View Farm in Crownsville offers historic charm on over 100 woodland acres just outside the city.

Restaurants like The Choptank Annapolis provide guests with banquet and meeting space and fine dining while taking advantage of historic views of Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay on their outdoor patios and decks.

Anne Arundel County is well known for its location on the Chesapeake Bay, but its historic downtown and rolling countryside help to set it apart. And getting here is easy - accessible by plane, train, or boat.

Many venues here offer both indoor and outdoor space at the same venue, so planners can talk with the host site to see about incorporating both areas into their event. It adds cover in case of inclement weather, while also offering variety for attendees.

Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County suggests preparing guests for their outdoor experience by recommending appropriate attire and footwear. Keep an eye on the weather, too, of course, and have a contingency plan in place. But above all, be creative. Hosting an event outdoors allows guests to take in the beauty of their surroundings and enhances their experience.

Amanda Metzger, marketing director, Lake George, NY Regional Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau suggests gathering attendees and planning a meeting or event on a boat. “There are several options from private charters to large cruise ships that sail Lake George.”

Alternatively, there are many lakeside locations at which to hold group functions both large and small. There also are outdoor team building options with adventure courses that traverse tree tops, embark on rafting adventures on rivers, or provide the opportunity to explore a historic fort.

Groups in the Lake George Region can enjoy hikes, rent mountain bikes or fat bikes, or snowshoe in winter while choosing from a variety of terrain to suit different abilities. Another option is to visit a rodeo with open air covered seating at the country’s longest running family-run weekly rodeo in the summer.

“If you don’t like the weather, wait five-minutes,” exclaims Metzger. “Even when rain is in the forecast, we rarely have washouts. Just after the rain can be the perfect time to spot rainbows outside, too. In the event of a washout - or a whiteout in the winter - there are many beautiful meeting spaces with incredible views so your attendees can still feel inspired as you bring the outdoors in, so be sure to have a backup meeting place or a tent. Many venues offer both indoor and outdoor spaces.”

Enjoy restorative, scenic settings in Lake George, “the Queen of American Lakes,” which Thomas Jefferson wrote was “the most beautiful water” he ever saw. “In addition to the natural beauty, we also offer beautiful indoor locations that provide views of the outdoors,” says Metzger. “Many venues have invested millions of dollars into renovating spaces over the past couple of years to specifically bring the outdoors in, so you’ll experience the latest improvements and technology while enjoying the outdoors and excellent hospitality.”

“The outdoors offers a meeting space without boundaries,” says Metzger. “The possibilities for inspiration are limitless. Sunshine, the sound of water, and the scent of mountain air can elevate senses and make attendees more receptive, offering a restorative experience they will never forget.”

Outdoor destinations provide more than the chance to bask in the sun and play in the park. Planners can create unique, memorable, and fun functions in a wide range of settings. Whether out on the water, up in the mountains, out on the golf course, or enjoying the view from a rooftop space, there are so many options and opportunities for attendees to experience the outdoors in a whole new way.

Looking for a New Way to Engage with Event Guests? Try a Wine Tasting Experience.

One of the biggest challenges that event planners face is needing to come up with new, creative ways to connect with attendees. And when the event is online, it is an especially tricky endeavor. How do you keep it original, interesting, and entertaining?

One idea - plan an online or in-person wine tasting.

One company that has settled comfortably into this niche is Philadelphia-based Sommsation. The company offers virtual and in-person wine tastings, as well as hybrid events where attendees can choose to attend either in-person or online. Sommsation pours only premium wines produced by independent wineries that fall outside the mainstream, so they can offer even the most seasoned wine connoisseur a new, exciting taste experience.

But these events involve a lot more than just the tastings. Each is facilitated by one or more world-class sommeliers who share their knowledge about each vineyard, winemaker, and wine with guests. Even more importantly, the “somms” make these events enjoyable for everyone, from guests who know next to nothing about wine to connoisseurs or collectors.

Host organizations enlist Sommsation to curate wine experiences for just about every occasion, such as celebrating positive sales numbers or recognizing a hard-working team. They are a vital solution for companies that are desperately trying to connect with employees, customers, and investors in a way that will make guests feel appreciated.

Sommsation’s digital platform is uniquely built for virtual events, and the company handles all details, including making sure that the wines and food pairings are sent to guests in advance.

For in-person events, the company partners with chefs and caterers to create unique pairing options for any occasion. Recently, they teamed up with the award winning BYOB At the Table in West Chester, PA, where guests mingled with sommeliers and learned about wines from several wineries. What made the event even more delectable was the fact that each wine was paired with “heavy bites” created by At the Table’s chefs Alex Hardy and Tara Buzan.

Sommsation has established a traveling Lounge that pops ups at prestigious destinations, including: Park City during the Sundance Film Festival; Art Basel Miami; and high-profile Super Bowl parties. If guests fall in love with a wine that they have tasted, they can order the label at Sommsation’s online Marketplace and have bottles delivered directly to their homes.

For event planners searching for memorable ways to engage with guests - whether virtually or in-person - a Sommsation wine experience offers an educational, fun, and meaningful way for attendees to discover new wines, connect, and feel like they have been treated to something special.

Sommsation is a West Chester-based wine-experience technology platform that connects independent wineries, sommeliers, and customers through tastings to help people discover lesserknown wines, as well as the histories and stories behind them. www.sommsation.com