7 Hot Rental Products for 2009

One day you’re in, the next day you’re out, as Heidi Klum so memorably intoned on “Project Runway.” The events industry, like the fashion industry, is constantly evolving with new styles and products, and there’s no better time to take a look at what’s coming down the runway than in the beginning of a New Year.

So what’s in for our industry in 2009? Rental companies are gearing up to give you new ways to create fresh event looks all year long, from the tabletop down to the floor. Here’s a taste of some of the most exciting products on the market in ’09 that are sure to help you pass the ultimate panel of judges — your attendees.

{walk on water}

what: Liquid Fusion “Aqua” Series Floor System
who: Holo-Walls
where: holowalls.com
They say walking on water is impossible. But with Holo-Walls’ Liquid Fusion “Aqua” Series Floor System, you’ll have your attendees believing in the impossible. Each 40-inch square tile (3/4 of an inch thick) in the Aqua line features a blue and dark blue pattern, creating the illusion that you’re standing on water. When pressure is applied, the two colors revolve around each other, stimulating an aqueous display of colors and formations. As pressure is released, the colored liquid fills back in. Sixty-four light-weight modular liquid-filled tiles, complete with proprietary aluminum interlocking frame system, are available for rental and create a 28-foot by 28-foot floor. The tiles can also be used for walkways and platforms. Easy shipping within the United States makes the Aqua Series Floor System ideal for events, trade shows or exhibits.

Illuminated Linens: Courtesy: PBG Event Productions

{let there be lighted linens}

what: Illuminated Linens
who: PBG Event Productions
where: pbgevents.com
Impress your attendees with a unique table setting including illuminated linens from PBG Event Productions, the exclusive distributor of LEDecor. These wireless LED fixtures are state-of-the-art, color-changing, remote controlled and environmentally friendly units. The wireless linens are powered by battery-operated fiber-optic fabric that lights up any table or display. The illuminated linens are available in 20 color options and four trims (gold, white, black and silver) and five illuminations (white, blue, yellow, red and green). Sizes range from a 12-inch by 12-inch placemat to a 72-inch by 30-inch runner. Pillows (18 inches by 18 inches) and chiavari chair jackets are also available.

Crinkle fabric: Courtesy: A-1 Tablecloth Co.

{get crinkly}

what: Crinkle fabric
who: A-1 Tablecloth Co.

where: a1tablecloth.com
New in 2009 from A-1 Tablecloth Co. is its crinkle fabric. This polyester/nylon blend with a single-direction crush is enhanced with a slight luster, creating a bark-like texture. The linen is available for purchase in 21 colors. Other new fabrics available from A-1 Tablecloth include ribbon taffeta, sequins and circle taffeta.

Ultra-Wide Program: Courtesy: Ultimate Textile

{go wide}

what: Ultra-Wide program
who: Ultimate Textile
where: ultimatetextile.com
It’s no secret in the hospitality and special events industry: the standard basic polyester line runs 72 inches, which means cloth wider than that has seams. However, Ultimate Textile is looking to change that convention with its new Ultra-Wide program, which upgrades the basic polyester to a seamless width of 132 inches and woven up by 5 percent, for a more heavy-weight feel and better-looking cloths that perform better and last longer. This also means cloths will shrink evenly all the way around. Additionally, Ultimate Textile is expanding its Spun Poly, Duchess Satin and Poly-Stripe to an Ultra-Wide width of 122 inches. Like the Basic Poly, these fabrics will be made with the same heavier-weight products, without price increases.

Printed Velon by Robert Fountain: Courtesy: Velon Designs Inc.

{velon like you’ve never seen it}

what: Printed Velon by Robert Fountain
who: Velon Designs Inc.

where: velondesigns.com
Imagine a simple white tent. Now, imagine the same white tent splashed with any design, pattern or logo of your choice. That’s what Printed Velon by Robert Fountain offers. Velon, also commonly known as convention taffeta, has previously only been available in a limited number of solid colors. Now, you can provide a drawing, photo or swatch, and Velon Designs will duplicate it to create a customized look. Or, choose a design in Velon Designs’ in-stock collection, library collection or extensive custom collection. Made from recycled plastic, the material is lightweight and easy to hang. More importantly, priced at $3.72 a yard (compared to $20 per yard for a higher-end fabric), you can astonish attendees with walls draped in what looks like expensive fabric at a fraction of the cost.

Lilybelle Chair Sleeve: Courtesy: Wildflower Linen

{bring back luxe}

what: Lilybelle Chair Sleeve
who: Wildflower Linen
where: wildflowerlinens.com
For 2009, the team at Wildflower Linen predicts luxurious chair covers will be big for events. And from the look of the company’s Lilybelle Chair Sleeve, shown in black (the color was custom-created for one of its events), Wildflower’s right. The chair sleeves are also available in gold for Chameleon Chairs. Get ready to completely transform your rooms.

Emma Apple and Bingo Linens: Courtesy: La Tavola Linen

{a time for texture}

what: Emma Apple and Bingo Linens
who: La Tavola Linen
where: latavolalinen.com
According to La Tavola, textured linens will be a hot commodity for 2009, which is why the company has introduced Emma Apple and Bingo, two of the new linens available from Tavola’s 2009 collection. Charm your guests with the Bingo linen, a playful yet classic white linen with black sewn polka dots. Extend the theme with chair covers also available in Bingo with black dots, black piping around the edges and a double-layered skirt. The nature-inspired Emma Apple is a light green sheer with apple-green leaves and flowers. Both linens are available in 134-inch round and 8-foot king’s drape.