When it comes to hosting events in Australia, having the right stage is everything. If you are organizing a music festival, a corporate conference, a school fete, or a community gathering, stage hire comes into play. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about stage hire in Australia and how to make smarter choices when planning your next event.
Types of Stages Available for Hire
From conferences to concerts, Australia has stage solutions to meet your requirements. Some common types you may come across include:
1. Modular Stages: Panels allow for stages to be made into varying shapes and sizes by simply setting it up. They’re great for indoor and outdoor events alike, and the heights can be adjusted.
2. Trailer Stages: These are stages that come pre-constructed on a trailer and can be easily transported and set up for outdoor events. Big-batch meals are especially popular at festivals and community events.
3. Custom Ground Support Stages: In situations where a larger stage is needed and the ability to suspend heavy lighting and sound equipment is key, custom ground support stages are highly adaptable and can be tailored to your event type.
4. Scaffold Stage: These kind of stages are designed and constructed with scaffolding materials, scaffold stages are ideal for those types of events that require a raised platform or events need multi-level setup.
5. Portable Stage Panels: Lightweight and easy to transport, these individual panels can be quickly assembled to create small to medium-sized stages, perfect for speeches, presentations, or intimate performances.
Factors to Consider When Hiring a Stage
Here are the main points to consider when choosing a stage for your event:
1. Event Type/Size: Think about the type of event but more closely (how many people will be on stage at a time). This will help establish the proper stage size and load-bearing ability.
2. Venue: The design of your stage will depend on if your event is indoors or outdoors. Open-air stages may need added elements such as weather shielding or ground leveling systems.
3. Technical Considerations: Consider your lighting, sound, and audiovisual needs. Some include built-in systems, while others will need to be hired separately or integrated.
4. Budget: Prices to hire one vary hugely. Defining your budget and looking for alternatives that fit your needs is the key.
5. Setup and Teardown: Do you want a full-service option that includes professional setup, or are you willing to DIY?
The Stage Hire Process
The process for hiring a stage in Australia generally involves the following steps:
1. Research: Research stage hire companies in your area. Find those with good reputations and experience in events like yours.
2. Hold a consultation: Have a discussion with the hire company about what you need for your event. They will be able to advise as to the best options and provide a quote.
3. Site Inspection: Taking measurements or viewing photographs of your venue may not be enough for a larger or complex setup, so the company may send an agent to your location to ensure the stage will fit.
4. Stage booking Stage hire contract: Once the above details have been settled, you’ll book the stage and be presented with a hire contract.
5. Delivery and Setup: On the day of your event (or sooner for larger setups), the stage will be delivered and set up.
6. Day of the Event: Have a professional stage set up for your event!
7. Teardown and collection: At the end of your event, the hire company will break down and collect the stage.
Safety and Compliance
Safety is paramount when it comes to stage hire. In Australia, all hired stages must comply with strict safety standards. A leading company will have its stages built to ISO 9001 Quality Assurance Standards and regularly maintained as well as safety checked.
For lifts within a certain height (in most cases 500mm), extra safety measures like guard rails are required. Always talk safety with your hire company, make sure best practice is in place.
Customization and Add-ons
Many of the stage hire companies in Australia will also offer you some customization options so you can make your stage unique. These can include:
– Custom branding and signage
– Special lighting packages
– Sound system integration
– Green rooms or backstage areas
– Amenities like ramps for lower mobile access
Talk about these possibilities with your hire company to arrive at a stage that perfectly meets your event requirements and style.
Conclusion
Stage hire in Australia offers a wide range of options to suit any event, from intimate gatherings to large-scale festivals. By taking into account the specific needs of your event, your budgeting to spend, and your venue requirements, you can discover the ideal stage for your occasion. And, of course: always put safety first; book as far ahead as possible; and collaborate closely with your hire company to guarantee an effortless, successful event.
With the right stage you can ensure your Australian event is a success, offering the perfect professional platform for performances, presentations and precious moments that live with attendees for a lifetime.