The question of how much ballast is necessary to safely secure a tent is one that tent rental companies have been struggling with for decades. While most newer tents are certified by engineers to require a set amount of ballast, there are still many – particularly older tents or tents that have been modified from their original design – that do not have the corresponding documentation that can be used as a guideline for installers, but also shown to local code officials as verification that the structure has been properly secured.

After many years of study and research, this new tool allows us the opportunity to better answer that question and give code officials something tangible to know this tent was set up safely. Join us for an overview and demonstration of the Non-Engineered Ballasting Tool and a discussion on why the Tent Rental Division (TRD) and American Rental Association (ARA) partnered up to develop this additional ballasting tool.

The webinar will be held September 28 at 1:00 pm EDT. It is free for members and will be presented by Michael Tharpe, Alex Renaud and Dan Hooks. Michael Tharpe is the TRD Chairman & National Sales Manager, Rainier Industries. A 40-year veteran of the equipment and party rental industry, Michael Tharpe’s name is synonymous with tent safety and training. As National Sales Manager with Rainier Industries, based in Tukwila, Washington, Michael has helped build the company’s strong reputation for putting quality and safety first, making it one of the leaders in the tent manufacturing industry. Michael has served on the American Rental Association (ARA) Board of Directors, Manufacturers and Tent Renters Association (MATRA) Board of Directors and is presently the Chairman of the Tent Rental Division (TRD) Steering committee.

Alex Renaud is the President and owner of Fiesta Tents Ltd. He has been on the TRD Steering Committee for the last eight years and has taken on the TRD code committee chair a few years ago. Alex has been in the tent industry for 25+ years and has experience in both manufacturing and rental. Alex has actively participated in many non-staking tent installations ranging from 10×10 marquees to 25M clear span tents and has been involved in many permit applications and engineer certifications for temporary fabric structure installations.

Dan Hooks is the President/CEO of Party Reflections, Inc., a full-service special event rental company.  He is the second-generation leader of the family-owned company that has been in operation since 1958. Dan began his career delivering equipment for the company in 1987 and worked his way to president of the organization by 1995. Dan has been a member of the American Rental Association for over 20 years and now serves as Chairman for the American Rental Association.

This webinar is FREE for TRD members. To register, visit textiles.org/event/webinar-non-engineered-ballasting-tool-overview-and-demonstration/.