A
n increasing number of WFEA member supplier members are providing much-needed products and quick service to the hard-hit healthcare industry in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Event professionals are no strangers to setting up venues with supplies on very short notice. So their expertise is coming in handy for hospitals and other venues. Several WFEA members are offering their services and giving back to their communities during these trying times. The events industry is well-suited for assisting in these areas. “One of the reasons that most of us are in the events business is that we thrive on coming up with fast solutions,” said Eddie Redman of Grant Event Rentals, who is providing tents for testing sites and other medical facilities. “We are hoping that we can help make a difference so that we can be a part of the solution.” In addition to providing tents to hospitals, Grand Event Rentals is also donating tables and chairs to go with them, said Redman. “We want to do our part to help out.” The biggest plus to Redman is that he is able to help his employees. “We were looking at laying a lot of people off, so we’re glad that there is a demand. “However, we have to be a lot more careful. Employees are wearing full masks, gloves, eye protection, and they take cleaner with them.”
Grand Event Rentals Contact Information
Bucket pivoted quickly. “Our team came up with an ingenious solution. We took our temporary fence stand and attached our hand sanitizer to it. After a few prototypes, we came up with a two-headed hand sanitizer dispenser stand for hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other businesses that were running out of hand sanitizer. “This was a product that didn’t exist a month ago, and now it’s helping customers and saving lives, “Rice continued.
Honey Bucket Contact Information
Seattle Children’s Hospital Alexander Party Rentals of Kent has supplied tents to Seattle Children’s Hospital for fundraisers. But they received a different kind of call from them a few weeks ago. After their bookings for tent rentals fell by 50 percent during the first week in March, the hospital contacted them and said that they needed tents for a drive through testing clinic. “We had to decide how we were going to do this, as supplying tents to a hospital is much more complex than a typical event,” said company President Scott Alexander. “All of the tents they need have to be fully floored, walled and heated, and you have to follow strict healthcare guidelines” he said. “And when you bring them back to our building, we have to make sure that the virus is dead. Protecting our employees is a priority. Alexander said it’s been very stressful managing the financial piece, “as we had to make investments to take care of significant accessories.
Alexander Party Rentals Contact Information
“But in the end, it’s been very satisfying. We were looking at laying people off, then all of a sudden there is a demand. I’m glad we’ve had a part to play, and that we can continue to employ our people.”
Click here to view a video of one of Alexander Party Rentals larger instillations
Honey Bucket, who supplies portable toilets, sinks and other products to the special events industry, was first contacted by hospitals and other medical facilities that were need of hand sanitation solutions. “We have a lot of hot water sinks,” said Denise Rice, Director of Event Sales for Honey Bucket Portland Restrooms, “but there was a run on all of them. Our sink suppliers had a long wait time, and there was a back order in most markets.” Since the healthcare industry needed a solution fast, Honey
Inside Event & Festivals, March 2020
17