Post by TMM guest blogger
Lauren Stout, DMCP, CTA, Director of Sales
TMM’s parent company is the majority owner in a local event rental company. The rental company has a diverse clientele and services weddings, local golf courses and social events within Southern California. The added seamlessness of our in-house rental division is perhaps one of our greatest assets and what sets us apart in a highly competitive business environment (and.. selfishly…. It makes my job easier!) Our offices are adjacent to 16,000 square feet of warehouse space, housing linens, centerpieces, lighting, tenting, chairs, heaters and a myriad of other special event rentals. We are lucky enough to physically have seamstresses onsite that can create custom linens when the request comes in –or fill a last minute order.
The business advantages of the rental company are easy to see – flexibility, quality control and superb value:
- Supreme flexibility – Rarely does an event NOT have a last minute change or addition… when another dining round is added 2 hours before a dinner, we can provide a coordinating linen, chairs and napkins for it.
- Quality control – by managing event rentals we are aware of all products that leave the warehouse, and know their quality and accuracy of the order. If a client needs 300 fruitwood chivari chairs, they will all be fruitwood… not mahogany, red, and espresso (unless of course that’s what they ordered).
- Value Add– We are able to remain more flexible with the cost of rentals for our clients and industry partners. This is perhaps the top concern on everyone’s mind in a sensitive environment. It also allows us to make the most of the budgets we are given and ensure a quality, cohesive event within a wide variety of financial parameters
While it is extremely valuable from a professional standpoint, the personal advantage is not to be overlooked. It is a luxury to have décor at my fingertips for creative inspiration. When I’m tasked with designing a new event, I walk 50 feet behind me to the warehouse and am presented with a veritable maze of linens, fabrics and chairs. It is an event planners version of heaven…
