Equipment That May Be Needed

With most businesses there is a certain amount of equipment that may be needed to run things and the events industry is no different.

The equipment needed to run your business may be the biggest expense you incur and you will have planned for it carefully, or it might be something that creeps up and catches you unawares, presenting you with a start up cost you hadn’t accounted for! What you need will of course depend largely on what kind of events or service you’re offering but as a guideline, here are few things to think about.

Office Equipment

Whether you're a sole trader operating from the spare bedroom or you’ve set up a large office with a team of staff and a large storage area, you’re going to need a certain amount of equipment to run things. It’s hard to imagine trying to do anything these days without a computer so you’ll need one of those! Plus all the internet paraphernalia to get connected to the worldwide web. Office furniture, printer, telephones, filing cabinets – all of these will play a part too, so sit carefully and plan what you‘ll need and how much it’s going to set you back!

Lighting, Sound, Staging etc

Operating any kind of specialist production company is going to take some serious funding to set up. Lighting kit, stage structures and sound rigs cost a lot of money and not only will you need high initial outlay, you’re going to need considerable storage space, and a means of transporting the equipment safely – i.e., a large vehicle. It might be worth renting vehicles as and when you need them but that’s unlikely so you will need to allow for transport costs too.

Think too about the construction side of this sort of business. Apart from the storage and transportation issues, you need to look at rigging too. This can mean anything from lots of ladders or scissor lifts, to more basic equipment such as tools and tool boxes or belts

Props And Décor

An event management theming company will need space for all kinds of weird and wonderful props and bits of creative décor. It might be draping, chair covers and table linen, or it could be large pieces of scenery and freestanding statues, but one thing is guaranteed with a company like this. Assuming it is all successful, the stock of props will grow, and quickly.

Costumes And Theatrical Props

Certain event companies offer costumes for hire so that performers and guests can dress up in authentic outfits, and there are also events companies offering theatrical experiences, such as historical re-enactments, and the equipment needed for that can be complicated and high volume.

Catering Equipment

Events companies offering a catering business will need to think not just about food storage and preparation areas, but glass, crockery, cutlery, utensils etc. and for companies like this there is generally a need for a lot of storage space. Also to consider is the possibility of catering in outdoor spaces or venues without suitable kitchen equipment – this will mean refrigeration units, mobile prep areas and heated cabinet or mobile stoves too. There’s a large outlay for all this, and like the production companies, moving everything has to be considered.