I have approximately a 10 ft wide by 8.5 ft deep LED-lit booth set-up using the moonbeam colored Propanels (light grey). So far, I have only made one $350 mistake by ordering panels which wouldn't allow me to hide my deep cycle marine batteries or use my tent weights...
I am hoping to be accepted into a Howard Alan event. I was accepted into one in Baltimore which got cancelled b/c it was the same weekend as the Baltimore Gran Prix.. Their booth guidelines suggest flooring other than asphalt or grass... Of course, their booth guidelines also ask for no exposed metal, suggest potted plants and other booth accents which most events do not ask for..
If I have to put down flooring, I am thinking it's to my advantage to put down something light dirt colored and easy to maintain in case of excessive mud and water/traffic. I would also like it to be of reasonable cost. My budget will likely be in the $100 maximum range.
I have seen everything from woven grass and bamboo mats to oriental area rugs.
I salvaged several from an flash-flooded summer show which folks left behind in either disgust or decided were too much to deal with. None of these is large enough to fit the space or they do not have the right colors to match the panels...
Thoughts?
Comments
Propanels sells a carpeted skirt that matches their panel colors that will extend the look of your panels all the way to the ground and velcros on. http://www.propanels.com/panels/ (scroll all the way to the bottom)
You can also make your own out of any suitable cloth and velcro. Hem fabric, sew on the velcro, and they are lighter and take up less space than the carpet variety. Here's a shot, showing the cloth skirts in place. They hide the sta-bars and any other low-hanging fruit, like weights.
An inexpensive flooring alternative is the indoor-outdoor carpet at Home Depot and Lowe's. It's comes in 12' widths, and they sell it by the yard. It runs about $4.50/yard. If it gets mangy, you can toss it, or hose it down. It works well on pavement, but not as well on grass.
I use the same charcoal colored indoor/outdoor carpet as Brian Billings does. Except that I cut them into 8x5 ft pieces so they fit well. I also Velcro them together which eliminates the seam down the middle. To store they roll up into light manageable tubes.
Mark, I have a 10x10ft set of used SoftTiles for sale. I have offered them on this site for $75 if you are willing to pick them up from just outside DC.
They are black, which hides just about everything except for white debris (like straw wrappers and such). They are slightly dusty from use, but clean enough to use at any outdoor show right away. Carrying case included.
I really like them, they look nice and feel great for your feet, and they make customers say "ahhhh." I stopped using them because I have a fairly small car, and decided I need to pack more boxes of inventory, rather than the tiles.
Email mea(at)goodelephant(dot)com if you're interested.
If you want to get into Howard Allen shows I would suggest looking at the booth samples on their website. As far as flooring, Home Depot & Lowes sell patio rugs that come in charcoal, light grey & tan and happen to match the color of Pro Panels! They are 6'x8' but maybe you can double them up to fill your space. They are thin and very light weight and are only $20. I have one on my patio and has held up to the weather pretty good. I was setting up my display in the backyard one day and realized they match the pro panels perfectly!
I have used Soft Tiles for years and I love it. They can fit different configurations, and have a "ledge" to prevent people tripping. The only problem I encounter is that water will lie under the mat for days, so that after a rainstorm the top will dry out fine, but on breakdown, you still have wet tiles to set out to dry later. The tiles clean up well, fit perfectly into the bag that they sell, are light weight to carry and provide a nice cushion to stand on all day, especially if you are set up on asphalt.
I use the grey color, which does not show dirt and fits with my booth decor. They do come in a wide variety of colors.
I switched to two standup displays but still use a 5' table. I also know that the inside railing of the tent must be covered. Personally, I am considering not applying for outside venues. Just exhibited at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. My booth, although it was a corner one, was across from a vacant lot between two building, ie WIND TUNNEL.
I also have the beige indoor/outdoor nylon rug. It folds up nicely. I got mine at Campers World on sale for $59. It is also reversible.
I have tried applying to Howard Allen Events to no avail, to date. I even went as far as having someone professionally enhance my artwork and booth photo. Still nothing. I would love to get into The Villages in Central Florida, anyone have any ideas?
It sounds like you've put a lot of thought and effort into your booth...and $$$. I am very streamlined in my booth set-up as it all has to go flat and fit into my Saturn Vue (luckily I am a fiber artist and not a potter, lol!) but I have an 8'x10' indoor/outdoor nylon rug which I got at Lowes...it was meant for decks or porches, but has served me well at shows. It is a classic design in neutral browns, and it really does add appeal and definition to my 10'x10' area. It was under $100, and I can hose it down and dry it out when it gets nasty. I don't know if Howard Allen would like it, but you could try it and let me know as I'd like to be invited to a couple of his shows too!
An RV mat from Camping World works. Can be ordered as 10x10, is plastic and washes off with a hose.
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