MATRA Tent Show 2024 Recap

So, this was my fourth trip to the MATRA Tent Show—can you believe that? My very first show was right here at Mohegan Sun Casino, back before I’d officially stepped into the event rental business. Back then, I was just scoping things out, not intending to become a “repeat offender,” but… here we are! One thing led to another (South Carolina, Atlantic City…), and now I’m back, familiar faces, genuine connections, and all. I guess it’s safe to say I’m hooked.

Why keep coming back? Well, for starters, this industry has a way of pulling you in once you get to know the people. There’s an energy in the air that’s hard to describe but very real. These shows are a goldmine, way beyond what you pick up in the Facebook groups. Don’t get me wrong, those groups are great, but a lot of the voices there are still figuring things out. And while that has value, at these shows, you get to pick the brains of seasoned operators, ask the tough questions, and get answers from people who’ve been in the trenches. You can talk to everyone, from the owners to the first-year installers they brought along.

This year—and every year—I attended solo, but eventually, I’d like to bring a general manager or business partner. There’s just so much to absorb, and having someone else on my team to share these insights would be a game-changer.

One of my big takeaways came from a conversation with an operator a while back, and this year’s show only cemented it: their strategy is to cap frame tent offerings at 30 wide and use pole tents for anything 40 wide or bigger. It sounds simple, but sticking to that focus is harder than you’d think—especially when clients start making requests that push those limits.

Honestly, the thought of moving up to larger tents is intimidating. And that’s hard for me to admit. People always say it takes the same effort to build a million-dollar house as it does a hundred-thousand-dollar one. It’s not just the bigger inventory; it’s the machinery and labor costs, too. And for what? More equipment that can’t sit idle once you’ve bought it. I don’t want to end up on a hamster wheel, constantly chasing the next big gig just to keep the gear moving.

Seeing some of the bigger setups in Atlantic City really drove this home. I arrived early that year and watched as forklifts, hard hats, and what looked like an entire construction crew came in just to raise these tents. It almost felt like I was in the wrong industry. I’m here to put up tents for a party, not break ground on new real estate!

So, I left this year’s show with some renewed clarity: I’m after a streamlined, repeatable process—not a monster machine that needs constant feeding. I want Peachy Party ATL to be built around a focused, value-driven model, not a constant scramble for more.

Oh, and next year’s show will be in Greensboro, North Carolina. It’s a bit of a haul, but doable for someone not named Ramon. If you’re considering going, here’s a pro tip: manufacturers and distributors sometimes presell products at a discount—so they don’t have to pack it all up. If we’re moving with intention, it’s a solid chance to grab some deals.