InTents December 2023-January 2024 - 19

Exclusive Events' carpentry shop and
given an aged, distressed look in the
company's paint shop (there is also
an in-house scene shop and fabrics
department). Liberal use of props and
dressings-metal lanterns strung
between the tent poles, pirate flags,
rope ladders, realistic-looking parrots,
metal compasses, maps, books and so
on-placed throughout the tent and
juice stations contributed to the piratethemed
atmosphere.
The venue presented several challengExclusive
Events began its design
by envisioning the poles as the ship's
masts, using canvas fabric for the sails,
feeding natural hemp rope through the
hems, and connecting these to the walls
at select points.
" The flexibility of the rope in the hem
created a curved end on each of the
sails, making a very different look from
that of traditional tent draping, " Schulte
explains. " Then, at the base of each mast,
we created wooden crow's nests. These
were finished with fake cannonballs,
barrels, distressed sacks of flour and
other large decor and dressing. "
Wooden ship rails with bollards
and ropes flanked the archway to the
tent's entrance, while opposite was
a structure fabricated to resemble
the wooden walls and door of the
" Captain's Quarters. "
Inside the tent were wooden buffet
tables and two juice bars, built in
Exclusive Events was tasked with carrying
out the pirate theme at multiple locations at
the resort campground where the corporate
event was held. Shown here is one of several
vignettes the company created throughout the
site. Photo courtesy of Exclusive Events Inc.
InTentsMag.com 19
es, one being its remote location. A gravel
road provided the only access to the
campground, requiring large, box-style
trucks to navigate this rural route that
sometimes washed out. Additionally, once
on-site, the event's different areas often
necessitated some creative thinking when
it came to transporting heavy equipment.
The summer heat presented another
concern, says Schulte, adding that
only some people were able to work
in shaded areas. As such, numerous
cooling breaks were required. The
tent's placement by a body of water also
became an issue.
" The bugs flew everywhere, " he says.
" The water also created a lot of wind, so
we had to think of ways to keep the photo
ops and things from blowing away. "
TIPS FOR THEMED SUCCESS
" Focus on preplanning, especially for
themed events that require various
elements to come together seamlessly.
Coordination with other vendors is also
crucial. And never underestimate the power
of details-small thematic touches can
significantly elevate the guest experience. "
Shlomo Deutsch, operations manager,
ABC Fabulous Events Ltd.
" Have comprehensive logistics
preplanned. Details such as site surveys,
thorough production schedules and
communication with other vendors allow
a better understanding of roles and timing
hurdles. It is imperative to success to have
even the most minor details ironed out to
avoid significant conflict. "
Bryan Schulte, creative director,
Exclusive Events Inc.
" Work with a great designer who can
really get behind the theme and the
fun of the events to bring it to life.
Small, fun elements really make
the setting and the experience. "
Dany Fremantle, events director,
Oasis Events Ltd.
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InTents December 2023-January 2024

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