"The Current" - Newsletter, November 2009

6 Rentals That Set Up In A Snap
Industry All-Stars
Product Spotlight
How To Win & Keep Clients

6 Rentals That Set Up In A Snap

Great scenic setups shouldn't require a degree in physics to install. At CDP, we keep it simple so you can focus on creating a great event. Here are six products that set up in a snap!

Bradford Panels
When you want a do-it-yourself set with punch, try the Bradford Panels. With stretched fabric over square-tube steel frames, they're simple as pie to install. Frames come in foldable "books" that can be bolted together to make a set of any size. Click here to watch the video tutorial!

Triosks
It's tension fabric with a twist. Triosk Panels are free-standing framed fabric pieces that curve at the top for a unique effect. Setup is easy — just velcro the fabric onto the frame and you're set to jet. Triosks can be used as standalone pieces or placed together to make a wall of scenic goodness. Click here to watch the video tutorial!

Sails
Nothing could be simpler (but more effective) that stretched fabric sails for your next stage set. With no frames, these pieces can ship via FedEx in a little box — saving you big bucks on freight. Snap-together corner ties make install a breeze. All you need are hang points and a ladder — you're all set!

Framed Shapes
For max variety, try our stock of Framed Shapes. Borrowing from the Bradford concept, these square-tube steel frames come in many different organic shapes and can be self-supported. Tension fabric velcros right on top for a quick and easy setup that you can do in-house.

Waterwalls
These bold backdrops make a big impact right out of the box. Accordion folded into your crate, just hook Waterwall onto your arbor or truss and fly it right out of the box into position. It's that easy! When you're done, this user-friendly product folds right back up, ready for strike.

Podiums
We've saved the simplest for last! When you want scenic punch for your event but don't want to stress with a complicated setup, try one of our podiums. They ship in one crate, already put together. Just dolly it into position and you're done!

Industry All-Stars

Here at CDP, we're proud of our products and always strive to give the industry the best in scenic designs. However we're not the only ones who make good events great. Industry All-Stars is a brand new feature where we showcase design excellence from other companies across the nation in an effort to recognize innovation and encourage scenic production during these difficult times. This month's Industry All-Star is Atomic Design from Lititz, PA. We recognize them for their game-changing product: Wafer Wall.

The Wafer Wall is one of Atomic Rental's most popular products. Its modular design allows the product to adapt to even the most unusual space constraint and instantly add dimension and depth to any event. Perfect for backdrops, screen surrounds, and space delineation, these dimensional shapes take light and projection with stunning results. Here's the scoop:

Installation Guidelines
Tie on to pipe or truss. Wafers easily connect together with snaps.

Specifications
Size : 24" H x 24" W
Fire Rating : FR
Weekly Pricing : $15 per wafer

Want to rent Wafer Wall? Click here to learn more about Atomic Design and how you can support this Industry All-Star!

Product Spotlight

Mini Crescent

Make a statement with the Mini Crescent, a bold, back lit graphic carrier that prominently displays your message for all to see. This item can stand alone or be used as part of a group for a spectacular wrap-around effect!

Weekly Rental Price

7-Day Rental: $600 (Full Color Graphic: $800 in addition)

Dimensions

10'H x 4'W

Brushed Aluminum Pedestal

A classic, clean look makes this product a must have for any event. The Brushed Aluminum Pedestal is perfect for product displays, workstations, or featured as a podium at your next presentation.

Weekly Rental Price

7-Day Rental: $400

Dimensions

42"H x 40"W x 20"D

How To Win & Keep Clients

Every client counts. In a time when the industry is rapidly changing, it's more important than ever to generate new business and nurture long-term loyalty in your customers. So how can you have that edge that will help you rise above the rest? Read on and learn how you can be sure to win and keep quality clients:

Quick Turnaround

Don't be late to the party! Chances are, your prospect is getting RFP's from several companies when they have an upcoming event. Give them a preview of your professionalism by getting your proposal out quickly — before everyone else. It's an easy way to stand out from the crowd and win that next project.

Superior Service

These days, "service with a smile" seems like a relic of the 50's — it's been replaced by answering services, scripts, and endless policies. Get back to basics! People buy from people, not from institutions. Give your clients positive, genuine customer service and they will come back again and again. That's something to smile about!

Really Listen

Listen to what your clients are saying. Take the time to ask thoughtful questions and get him or her talking. Plenty of useful information will come your way if you can find ways to help your prospect open up. Try to look for the story behind the story. Your clients will call with what they "need"... try to give them what they "want."

Relationship Build

Your clients are more than just an email address and a phone number. Take the time to build a relationship that goes past the individual project. Help clients out even if you don't get the job — they will always remember your willingness to go the extra mile for them. Relationships are everything in this business and your dedicated efforts will keep your customers fiercely loyal.

Radiate Integrity

The buck stops with you. Always accept responsibility for mistakes and be transparent with your process. Honesty and integrity are key. When you make decisions, try to think: would I be proud if this was printed on the front page of my hometown newspaper? Projects come and go but your reputation lasts forever.