The Stage Advice Blog

Iowa's Floyd County Fair Elevates Event Space with Portable Stage

sales@stagedrop.com — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 13:30:00 -0500

The United States of StageDrop is a series highlighting customer success stories from each state. This installment of the United States of StageDrop features the Hawkeye State ... Iowa!

When the Floyd County Fair Society talks about strength and durability, they speak from experience.

Located in Charles City, Iowa - best known as the birthplace of America’s first gas-powered tractor - the Floyd County Fair is a 161-year-old tradition in the community, featuring a week of entertainment and showcases every summer, with a focus on the Youth Junior Achievement Show and agriculture education. More than 200 4-H and FFA members showcase their exhibits at the fair each year.

The first fair in Floyd County took place in October 1859 in Charles City with the intention of showing the county’s farmers how to improve their methods. Over its 161-year history, the fair has changed locations and has had to evolve with the community’s waxing and waning interest in agriculture, while still honoring its mission of education by keeping pace with new agricultural technologies. Today, the fair remains a place where “the farmers of tomorrow apply the skills they are learning today.”

But in 2019, the Floyd County Fair faced a new kind of challenge. “We had a tornado go through the fairgrounds on Memorial Day weekend in 2019,” explains board president Amy Staudt. The storm completely destroyed 5 buildings and caused cosmetic damage to 4 others. Thankfully no one was injured, but the rebuilding challenge would be daunting.

Not surprisingly, when the board went looking for a new portable event stage, strength and durability were at the top of their wish list.

“We were looking for an aluminum frame stage that would be durable,” remembers Staudt. “When we have fair acts, bands, or full wedding parties on there, we wanted to make sure we wouldn’t have any problems with stability.”

“When we have fair acts, bands, or full wedding parties on there, we wanted to make sure we wouldn’t have any problems with stability.”

Amy Staudt, Board President

After reading the customer reviews on the StageDrop website and spending time on the phone with our sales team, they decided to purchase a Biljax AS2100 portable stage system.

The Biljax AS2100 16'x16' Portable Stage & Storage Cart Package they purchased is composed of 8 Biljax AS2100 4'x8' portable stage platforms, 2 complete sets of stage legs in 12" and 24" heights, and a rolling storage cart for easy storage and transport. They also added on one additional 4'x8' stage deck with legs and a Biljax Ultra-Stair.

The Biljax AS2100 portable stage system features 4'x8' heavy-duty stage platforms with a black textured vinyl surface in an aluminum frame, supported by heavy-duty galvanized steel square tube legs with an adjustable rubber foot. Platforms and legs lock together easily with built-in mechanisms for tool-free setup. And since the stage system is completely modular, it’s easy to replace or add pieces down the road to expand the stage. Its versatility combined with its strength and durability makes the AS2100 the ideal choice for venues needing a long-term, portable solution.

Their new stage resides in the Youth Enrichment Center, a large building on the fairgrounds that houses youth activities during the fair and is used for event space rentals the rest of the year, including weddings, craft fairs and wine-tastings. The Floyd County Fair Society is very happy with their purchase.

“It is a durable stage and we needed it,” says Amy. “We have nights where we need to put 9 or 10 sections together to make a huge stage, and we set up and tear it down after every event. It is holding up and lasting great.”

“We have nights where we need to put 9 or 10 sections together to make a huge stage, and we set up and tear it down after every event. It is holding up and lasting great.”

Amy Staudt, Board President

With the fairgrounds put back together and the final damaged building nearly restored, Floyd County Fair is ready to reopen for another summer of fun in 2021 - complete with their new stage from StageDrop!

StageDrop would like to thank the Floyd County Fair for their business and for allowing us to highlight their event space, representing Iowa in this week's United States of StageDrop. We wish them all the best with the 2021 county fair!

Looking to purchase a new stage for your facility? Check out our extensive selection of Portable Stages or call or email us today for a free quote!

Based at the Jersey Shore in Forked River, NJ, StageDrop LLC is a leading provider of stock and custom portable stage systems, stage accessories, truss and event furniture to businesses and consumers nationwide. We specialize in delivering custom stage configurations for business, government, education, religious, fitness and nonprofit organizations. We offer free quotes with expert recommendations to fit our customers' specialized needs.

Hawaii Congregation Transforms Space With New Event Seating

sales@stagedrop.com — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 08:10:00 -0600

Surrounded by lush tropical foliage, the Beit Shalom Synagogue sits in the foothills of the Haleakala volcano on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Read how this unique congregation in Maui transformed their worship and event space with new event seating from StageDrop.

How to Set up a QuickLock Stage in Less Than 60 Seconds

sales@stagedrop.com — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -0600

Picture this: You’re running late for your gig. You arrive at the venue with barely enough time to set up your gear and get the show started.

We’ve all been there. And when it happens, you need a stage system that's hassle-free and a breeze to set up. The QuickLock stage system provides all this and more.

Today, we're taking a close look at the QuickLock 3'x3' Portable Stage Unit at the 8" height, which is composed of a QuickLock 3'x3' Industrial Finish Platform paired with 8" fixed-height legs. We’ll show you how to assemble the 3'x3' unit in less than a minute as well as how to combine multiple units to create a larger stage. We'll highlight QuickLock's many wonderful features and even include some pro tips on how to make your setup time even faster.

First, a few highlights. The QuickLock stage platform has a sleek textured black vinyl surface with an aluminum frame around the edges. The finish is water-resistant, so no worries if there's an occasional spill or drizzle. Each 3'x3' platform weighs about 40 lbs and has an impressive standard uniform load rating at 153 lbs/square foot, which means this little stage can hold over 1300 lbs of evenly distributed weight.

Now, let's put this stage together. The first (and only) step in attaching legs to your platform is simple. Just flip your platform over, slide each of the four legs into the four corners, tighten the cam lever, and you’re done. Really, that's it.

You’ve just assembled your first platform! No extra parts, no extra tools. The whole process takes less than 60 seconds.

Now that you’ve got yourself a 3'x3' stage, let’s see what it looks like when we combine four of them to create a 6'x6' stage.

The first step is to slide two self-leveling panel inserts into one side of each platform and tighten them into place using the long hex key (these parts can all be found in the hardware bag attached to the underside of the platform). The self-leveling panel inserts ensure that adjacent platforms stay level with each other.

The next step is to push the sections together and use the shorter hex key to turn the built-in locks to secure the panels to each other.

And just like that...our 3'x3' squares have joined together to become a 6'x6' square.

Setup complete! Now let’s see how it looks when we put some instruments on our 6'x6' stage. First, a bass ... and then some drums to complete the rhythm section

And when the show’s over and it’s time to pack up, just use the shorter hex key to unlock the panels, and they’ll detach instantly.

Pro Tip: As long as you set your stage up the same way each time, there’s no need to remove the self-leveling panel inserts. This will save you lots of time in the future, and you won’t have to worry about losing them.

Each panel is about 3" thick, so stacking them flat on top of each other takes up very little room. (Another pro tip: place cardboard between each platform to keep the surfaces clean.) Ready for the next show.

With QuickLock, the name says it all. It doesn’t matter how late you’re running ... with this stage you’ll be up and running in no time.

Looking for a quick and easy portable stage for your gigs? Check out our QuickLock 3'x3' Portable Stage Unit and QuickLock 4'x4' Portable Stage Unit, shop our extensive selection of Portable Stages, or call or email us today for a free quote!

Based at the Jersey Shore in Forked River, NJ, StageDrop LLC is a leading provider of stock and custom portable stage systems, stage accessories, truss and event furniture to businesses and consumers nationwide. We specialize in delivering custom stage configurations for the event, venue, business, house of worship, government, military, and education markets. We offer free quotes with expert recommendations to fit our customers' specialized needs.

Indiana’s Strick Trailers Elevates Trade Show Display with Portable Stage

sales@stagedrop.com — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 21:06:00 -0600

The United States of StageDrop is a series highlighting customer success stories from each state. This installment of the United States of StageDrop features the Hoosier State, Indiana!

Located in Monroe, Indiana, Strick Trailers LLC is a leading manufacturer of custom semi trailers and commercial truck equipment, including dry freight semi trailers and converter dollies. They specialize in sheet and post dry vans and produce everything from 22-foot pup trailers to 60-foot drop deck trailers.

Strick Trailers has a long and storied history in the U.S. dating back to the 1930s, when founder Frank Strick built the first "frameless" monocoque trailer body - a revolutionary development in the trucking business. Monocoque construction and the use of aluminum rather than steel led to bigger and lighter trailers, allowing more freight to be hauled by one truck. Today, that pioneering spirit continues at Strick Trailers with innovative trailer design and manufacturing techniques that allow shippers to haul more freight and reduce their operating costs.

One such innovative design is embodied in Strick Trailers' new Elevator Trailer, a state-of-the-art 28-foot pup trailer with a motorized internal system to provide increased cargo space. The trailer utilizes three elevator platforms to drop the trailer floor segments down, using the space between the axles, so that three pallets can be fit in vertically instead of two, resulting in a 25% increase in cargo space.

The Challenge

Strick was set to debut their new Elevator Trailer at the American Trucking Association’s Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting last February in Atlanta. When designing the exhibit booth for the big launch, the company decided to incorporate a portable stage with stairs to provide easy access to the trailer. They contacted StageDrop for portable stage recommendations and a quote.

“We needed to stand out among the crowd and wanted a focal point to draw attention to our booth.”

LESLIE ADAIR, STRICK TRAILERS MARKETING STRATEGIST

"We needed a solid and safe platform that could support multiple people at a time allowing them to explore our new Elevator trailer being launched at the TMC Annual Meeting," says Leslie Adair, the company's marketing strategist. "We needed to stand out among the crowd and wanted a focal point to draw attention to our booth."

The Solution

With StageDrop's recommendation, Strick Trailers purchased a ProFlex Staging 8'x12' portable stage with stairs, safety guard rails and Ameristage skirting. ProFlex Staging is a heavy-duty yet lightweight indoor/outdoor stage system that features aluminum frame 4’x8’ platforms with a water-resistant textured black vinyl finish and aluminum legs that adjust telescopically for setting the stage to a precise height. All components are modular for easy expansion and replacement, and ProFlex Staging boasts a 10-year manufacturer's warranty.

The Ameristage stage skirts provide an elegant finishing touch to the stage system. Made of inherently flame-resistant fabric, the stage skirts feature hook and loop sewn into the upper edge for easily attaching to the stage with hook and loop skirt clips.

The Result

Strick Trailers' launch of the new Elevator trailer went off without a hitch. The ProFlex stage provided a safe and easy way for people to access and explore the new trailer, and it provided an attractive and professional display that commanded a presence in the exhibit hall. "Worked out fantastic. Setup was quick and easy. Extremely durable and safe," says Adair. "The stage made our trailer stand out among the crowd."

“Worked out fantastic. Setup was quick and easy. Extremely durable and safe. The stage made our trailer stand out among the crowd.”

LESLIE ADAIR, STRICK TRAILERS MARKETING STRATEGIST

Strick Trailers plans to use the stage at future trade shows and meetings as well. "We will be able to use the stage over and over again, as it can be modified and flexible to meet our needs at future shows. The pieces allow us to have a small stage setup or a big stage setup, and we can add pieces as needed to modify the overall layout," says Adair.

The company especially likes how the Ameristage stage skirts turned out. "We definitely like the stage skirts because they are flame-resistant, which meet convention safety requirements, and they easily attach to the stage with the included skirt clips," Adair says. "They hide any cords or equipment that may be hanging out underneath the stage. They make a great hiding storage space to stow all of our extra show materials like cleaning supplies, literature, vacuum cleaners, give-a-ways, etc. It just gives it a clean, finishing touch."

“We definitely like the stage skirts because they are flame-resistant, which meet convention safety requirements, and they easily attach to the stage with the included skirt clips.”

LESLIE ADAIR, STRICK TRAILERS MARKETING STRATEGIST

StageDrop would like to thank the Strick Trailers LLC for their business and for allowing us to highlight their company, representing Indiana in this week's United States of StageDrop. We wish them all the best.

Looking to purchase a portable stage for your events? Check out our extensive selection of Portable Stages, or call or email us today for a free quote!

Georgia Church Finds Creative Uses for DJ Facade

sales@stagedrop.com — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 15:00:00 -0500

The United States of StageDrop is a series highlighting customer success stories from a different state each week. This week's United States of StageDrop features the Peach State, Georgia!

Located in Savannah, Georgia - the “Hostess City of the South” - the Church at Godley Station is a Baptist (SBC) church that aptly describes itself as “a friendly, welcoming group of folks who want to help people connect to God and to each other.”

The church’s current building, a 12,000-square foot worship center built in 2009, features a large area devoted to its children’s ministry, the Godley Kidz Clubhouse. When Associate Pastor of Children and Families Steve McAliley needed a soundbooth for the Clubhouse, he sought out a portable solution. “I needed to figure out a way to do the soundbooth, and I didn’t want to build one just in case I got in there and used it for six months and said, ‘you know what, the soundbooth really needs to be over here.’”

Pastor McAliley came across StageDrop’s selection of DJ facades, which seemed to fit the bill, so he called to request a quote and ended up purchasing 2 ProX 4 Panel Collapse-and-Go DJ Facade Packages for the children’s ministry classrooms. DJ Facades provide the look of an elegant professional work area, hiding cables, protecting equipment and managing crowd control for the operator. Made with lightweight, powder-coated, scratch-resistant aluminum, DJ Facade panels are easily removable for cleaning and can be interchanged for color combinations using the black and white scrims included.

Pastor McAliley is thrilled with the new facades. “We love the DJ facades,” he says. “I didn’t want to build a permanently located soundbooth. We got the first one as our soundbooth, and that solved a big problem. I didn’t have to build anything - I just put a table that fit behind the facade, and it works beautifully.”

“We love the DJ facades. I didn’t want to build a permanently located soundbooth. We got the first one as our soundbooth, and that solved a big problem.”

STEVE MCALILEY, ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES

The church uses the second DJ facade as a barrier for the indoor playground area during Sunday School. “The pre-schoolers (3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds) basically come in there and they do worship, but with the playground visible they get very distracted,” Pastor McAliley says, “so we use the facade to block it off so they can focus on what they need to, and then we pull it so they can go play, and that works amazing.”

The church also uses the DJ facade for their shadow puppet theater shows. They place a bright light behind the white scrims and tell a Bible story with characters and scenery held by sticks. “We’ve found a lot of creative uses for the DJ facades - they are really easy to handle, easy to put together, easy to store.”

“We’ve found a lot of creative uses for the DJ facades - they are really easy to handle, easy to put together, easy to store.”

STEVE MCALILEY, ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES

StageDrop would like to thank the Church at Godley Station for their business and for allowing us to highlight their church, representing Georgia in this week's United States of StageDrop. We wish them and their congregation all the best.

Looking to add a DJ facade or soundbooth to your setup? Check out our extensive selection of DJ Facades, or call or email us today for a free quote!

Florida Church Revives Student Ministry Room with ‘Built-in’ Portable Stage

sales@stagedrop.com — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 12:35:00 -0500

The United States of StageDrop is a series highlighting customer success stories from a different state each week. This week's United States of StageDrop features the Sunshine State, Florida!

“To make and send disciples who love and live like Jesus” - that is the mission of Riverside Church, a Baptist (SBC) church located in Fort Myers on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The church focuses on creating relational environments for disciple-making rather than programs or classes; members meet regularly in small groups to support each other and grow together in their faith. In recent years, Riverside has also become a training center for other churches and groups wishing to implement the disciple-making church model.

Riverside Church has a long history serving the Fort Myers community since its origins in 1916, when founding members met in a wooden, one-room building of Edgewood School. Their current building was erected in 2001 on the church’s 80-acre campus on Daniels Parkway.

This past spring, Riverside decided to remodel their student ministry room. The space was in dire need of a complete overhaul after years of temporary upgrades and fixes, and it had no stage. “Our student space was kind of a 10-year-old pile of duct tape, years’ worth of duct tape solutions,” says Cody Franklin, Creative Arts Technical Director. “This is a space that we’ve wanted to remodel for the longest time.”

“Our student space was kind of a 10-year-old pile of duct tape … this is a space that we’ve wanted to remodel for the longest time.”

CODY FRANKLIN, CREATIVE ARTS TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

The room remodel involved taking the room back to a shell, keeping only the audio console, while everything else would be brand new. With the exception of design and trussing, the church kept most of the room’s construction in-house. When it came to planning for a built-in stage, concerns arose over building codes and the location of fire sprinklers - building a permanent stage would be more time-consuming and complicated than they desired. An easy solution evolved - install a heavy-duty portable stage that would give the room the same aesthetic as a built-in stage.

Franklin contacted StageDrop for a portable staging solution, sending in a quote request along with the technical drawings for the remodel. The design specified an irregular-shaped stage to accommodate a doorway on the backside, as well as a specific height requirement to allow for speakers underneath the stage. The church also desired a stage system that would last at least a decade. StageDrop put together a quote for a Biljax AS2100 portable stage system that fit the church’s vision, specifications and budget, and with a few slight modifications, the purchase was finalized.

The stage system Riverside Church purchased from StageDrop was composed of 23 Biljax AS2100 4’x4’ portable stage platforms, stage legs, leg bracing and a set of stairs to create a 12’D x 36’W stage (with cutouts for the rear doorway and front stairs). The Biljax AS2100 portable stage system features 4-foot square platforms with a black textured vinyl surface in an aluminum frame, supported by heavy-duty galvanized steel square tube legs with an adjustable rubber foot. Platforms and legs lock together easily with built-in mechanisms for tool-free setup. And since the stage system is completely modular, it’s easy to replace or add pieces down the road to expand the stage.

“I told the students who were putting the pieces together that it would take a professional 2 hours to assemble it, so let’s see if we can do it in a day. It took us 2 hours.”

CODY FRANKLIN, CREATIVE ARTS TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Once the stage arrived and it was time to set it up, Franklin and a small crew of students set to work. “I told the students who were putting the pieces together that it would take a professional 2 hours to assemble it, so let’s see if we can do it in a day. It took us 2 hours. It went together really easy,” he says.

Franklin speaks highly of the stage’s construction. “The Biljax is a better build quality of stage,” he says. “It functions like a mock permanent stage in its build quality which makes it really nice.” Another feature is the openness underneath the stage - since there’s 4 feet between legs, Franklin can use a mechanic’s creeper for easy access to run cables. He also installed J-hooks under the stage for cable management and built several custom recessed cable port boxes into the stage surface.

“The Biljax is a better build quality of stage.”

CODY FRANKLIN, CREATIVE ARTS TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

The student ministry room remodel project finished in September 2020, and the result is magnificent. The new stage looks like it was custom made for the room, and it provides a spacious platform for ministry and live music. The design includes an LED video wall behind the stage and stage lighting on overhead truss for a dramatic effect.

Riverside Church’s newly remodeled student ministry room has its grand opening next week for their first RSM Live service of the school year for middle and high school students. The church also plans to use the room for the young adult ministry, special events and for overflow during Sunday worship services, as the church’s membership is growing. “We’re trying to maximize that room,” Franklin says. “And that stage is definitely a part of that.”

StageDrop would like to thank Riverside Church for their business and for allowing us to highlight their church, representing Florida in this week's United States of StageDrop. We wish them and their congregation all the best.

Looking to add a new portable stage to your music venue? Check out our extensive selection of Portable Stages, or call or email us today for a free quote!

Delaware Church Shares Stage with Local High School

sales@stagedrop.com — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 17:00:00 -0500

The United States of StageDrop is a series highlighting customer success stories from a different state each week. This week's United States of StageDrop features the First State, Delaware!

“Look, love and lead like Jesus” - this is the mission of Christ Community Church (C3) of Wilmington, Delaware. C3 is a nondenominational Bible-based community church that meets at the Thomas McKean High School on the western edge of Wilmington near Hockessin.

Founded in 1995, C3 evolved out of Pastor John Nelson’s desire to create a new kind of church - without any denominational restrictions or ties to traditional strategies - dedicated to reaching people who had lost touch with God. Pastor Nelson and fellow organizers rented the cafeteria of a local elementary school for C3’s grand opening in October 1995, and the church has grown steadily in membership and reach ever since, inviting all to “come as you are.” C3 has always met at local schools over the years; in 2015 they moved to their current meeting place, McKean High School.

Setting the Stage

C3 began using McKean High School’s auditorium and lobby for its weekly services and special events. Like most high school auditoriums, McKean’s auditorium has a magnificent built-in stage that can accommodate large groups of students for concerts and drama performances, but C3 wanted to create a more personal feel for its worship services.

“It was about how do we make it feel not like a school on Sunday morning,” says Carrie Bartkowski, C3 Director of Operations. “The pastor didn’t want to be standing on the school stage. When he was preaching, he wanted to be more relatable, but he couldn’t stand on the floor because then people couldn’t necessarily see him.” The church decided to purchase a portable stage to place at a lower height - closer to the audience - in front of the built-in stage. Pastor Nelson called StageDrop for help in choosing the right portable stage system.

Taking the Stage

After discussing their needs with our sales team, C3 purchased 10 ProFlex 4'x8' Portable Stage Units from StageDrop, along with stairs, skirting and a storage cart. ProFlex Staging is a height-adjustable portable stage system constructed of strong, yet lightweight 4'x8' aluminum platforms and telescoping legs. Its modular nature allows you to simply combine multiple platforms together to create the exact size stage you need. C3 also purchased ProFlex telescoping legs in two height ranges, giving them the ability to set each stage platform to any height from 20" to 51" tall.

C3 has found many uses for its new stage. For their regular worship services, they set up the stage in a T-shape, using 4 platforms to create an 8'x16' stage for the praise band, with an extra 4'x8' platform in front for the pastor. They set the stage height to 24" to allow them to be closer to the audience.

For children’s ministry activities like "Kids Take Over Sunday" and holiday performances, the church sets up 4 platforms in a long line to create a 4' deep by 32' wide lower tier in front of the built-in stage, so there’s plenty of room on the two levels for every child to be visible to the audience.

Sharing the Stage

The high school has also benefited from C3’s portable stage. C3 generously allows the school to use their portable stage anytime they need it. The stage usually stays set up in the auditorium during the week, and the school often incorporates the smaller stage into their events, from awards ceremonies to music and drama productions to community functions. The high school also provides a closet for storage of the stage when needed.

Bartkowski says the ProFlex stage system they purchased from StageDrop is easy to set up, which in turn makes it easy to train staff and volunteers from both the church and the school on how to assemble it and break it down. “They can walk people through it very quickly,” she says. “Once they show them how to set up one leg, they can do them all.”

“We love the stage,” Bartkowski continues. “Whether it’s a children’s Sunday or when we do baby dedications, we’ll add panels and move them around so we can get the families up there. But it’s always great that it can adjust to what we need. We try to be a creatively minded team, and it’s great that that stage allows us to be really creative, because there’s not a lot of limitations.”

“We love the stage … it’s always great that it can adjust to what we need. We try to be a creatively minded team, and it’s great that that stage allows us to be really creative, because there’s not a lot of limitations.”

CARRIE BARTKOWSKI, C3 DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

C3’s creatively minded team was put to the test last March, when COVID-19 forced the closure of Delaware schools, which included the church’s meeting venue. C3 made the transition to virtual worship services and has incorporated several creative ministry ideas - like virtual nature walks, Wednesday worship and prayer services, and a card ministry - to keep members connected and engaged. Just last week, they led their first in-person worship service since March, held outdoors at a local community pool. The church and their members, however, are eager to return to their space at McKean High School when safety and accessibility allow.

StageDrop would like to thank Christ Community Church (C3) for their business and for allowing us to highlight their church, representing Delaware in this week's United States of StageDrop. We wish them and their congregation all the best.

Looking to purchase a portable stage for your organization? Check out our extensive selection of Portable Stages, or call or email us today for a free quote!

District of Columbia Diversity-Focused Tech Incubator Grows Revenues With Portable Stage

sales@stagedrop.com — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 19:00:00 -0500

The United States of StageDrop is a series highlighting customer success stories from a different state each week. This week's United States of StageDrop features our nation's capital ... the District of Columbia!

Inclusive Innovation Incubator (In3DC) is Washington DC's first co-working incubator intentionally focused on diversity and inclusion in the District's entrepreneurial and creative space. In3DC's mission is clear-cut: "We are committed to creating an environment where Black and under-resourced entrepreneurs, technologists and creatives have access to the services needed to build or grow a successful business or career."

“We are committed to creating an environment where Black and under-resourced entrepreneurs, technologists and creatives have access to the services needed to build or grow a successful business or career.”

INCLUSIVE INNOVATION INCUBATOR WEBSITE

In3DC opened its doors in 2017 through a public-private partnership with the DC Mayor's Office and Howard University. Situated in a newly redesigned 8,000-square-foot space on the university's campus, In3DC rents out work and event space, while also hosting tech workshops, business boot camps, training seminars, and mentorship and networking events. The space houses 65-70 open desks, 12 offices, 4 classrooms and a convertible meeting space for larger events.

Workspace memberships and event space rentals provide revenue for In3DC's programming, which allows them to provide free and low-cost offerings. When In3DC founder and CEO Aaron Saunders decided to purchase a stage to enhance the facility's event space last fall, he contacted StageDrop for stage recommendations and to request a quote.

Saunders chose a customized stage package composed of 8 NPS TransFix 4'x4' carpeted stage panels to create an 8'x16' stage that can be set up at 16" or 24" tall. With built-in folding legs, TransFix stage panels set up and connect together quickly and easily, since they require no tools or extra hardware. The black carpet surface also provides a clean, elegant look. The stage height can be set to 16" or 24" tall, or as a multi-level stage with tiers at 16" and 24".

In3DC's stage package also included stage steps, skirting and a storage cart, all designed for quick and easy setup. The coordinating NPS stage steps roll into place and attach in seconds. The AmeriStage black box-pleat stage skirt attaches to the stage easily using our AmeriStage Skirt Magnets. When it's time to clear the floor, the stage panels can be loaded onto the Ameristage StageKart and rolled into storage.

In3DC has used their new stage for several programs, workshops and private events since receiving it last October. Saunders says the stage has elevated the look of the space, drawing more business for event space rentals and increasing revenues. He especially appreciates the ability to set up and take down the stage quickly. "We have a space that is used for multiple purposes," Saunders explains. "Having the ability to convert it into a professional looking space and then quickly break the stage down and store it was critical to our purchasing decision."

“We have a space that is used for multiple purposes. Having the ability to convert it into a professional looking space and then quickly break the stage down and store it was critical to our purchasing decision.”

AARON SAUNDERS, FOUNDER & CEO

In3DC's February Grow & Glow event featured an on-stage discussion of two women's stories as mothers, entrepreneurs and leaders in the community. In3DC's Grow & Glow series is an ongoing program of leadership panels, entrepreneurship seminars and networking events for women entrepreneurs, technologists and creatives.

In March, In3DC hosted a launch party for The Nile List to promote its new website, a digital community that connects consumers with Black-owned brands online. The party included food, drinks, curated vendors, music and giveaways, and attendees could meet some of the entrepreneurs from the local community that are featured on the site.

When COVID struck in March, In3DC shifted most of its programming online, offering coding classes, a tech-enabled business boot camp and entrepreneurship workshops virtually. They are currently working on expanding their online community, In3Nation, to make the content from their in-person programs available to a wider audience.

In3DC is also working on adding more content to their coding program, The Future Is Written in Code (FiWiC), which provides technology training for individuals looking to up-skill for better employment opportunities or find entry-level job opportunities in the innovation economy. When conditions allow, they hope to host a FiWiC Developer Days tech event in person, where adults and youth interested in tech can learn to code and network with other technologists.

StageDrop would like to thank Aaron Saunders and Inclusive Innovation Incubator for their patronage and for allowing us to highlight their organization, representing the District of Columbia in this week's United States of StageDrop. We wish them all the best!

Looking to purchase a portable stage for your organization? Check out our extensive selection of Portable Stages, or call or email us today for a free quote!

Connecticut Fitness Teacher Gives Fitness Fun a Boost With Portable Stage

sales@stagedrop.com — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 14:00:00 -0500

The United States of StageDrop is a series highlighting customer success stories from a different state each week. This week's United States of StageDrop features the Constitution State ... Connecticut!

Jessica Quintero-Munier’s passion is inspiring people to get fit while having fun. Based in Stamford, Connecticut - a bustling city on the northern shore of the Long Island Sound just 29 miles from Manhattan - Jessica’s business, Fit to the Beat, provides dance fitness classes, personal training and health coaching to hundreds of women across the metropolitan area.

Fit to the Beat began in 2013 when, after 10 years working as a marketing professional in the hotel industry, Jessica pursued her certification to become a Zumba® instructor as a way to stay fit and share her passion for dance fitness. It was the turning point that changed her life and launched her fitness career. She’s been teaching fitness for the last 7 years, helping clients transform physically and mentally through dance fitness, which inspired her to continue her own journey by also becoming certified as both an ACE Personal Trainer and ACE Health Coach.

Fit to the Beat offers private training sessions and group classes for women at all fitness levels, with a focus on making fitness fun and a healthier life achievable. Jessica’s Dance to the Core and Zumba® dance fitness classes combine fitness with great music and a fun, high-energy atmosphere. “For somebody that is wanting to get into fitness, dance fitness a great starting point because there's no equipment and because of the nature of the fitness format, being dance fitness, they feel like they're a little bit more in a party than a workout class,” Jessica says.

“For somebody that is wanting to get into fitness, dance fitness a great starting point because there's no equipment and ... they feel like they're a little bit more in a party than a workout class.”

Jessica Quintero-Munier, Owner

Her Fit Tribe is also an especially popular program - small group training sessions tailored toward women who may not feel comfortable at a regular gym or in larger group fitness classes. Participants sign up and join a fitness “tribe” that is the same small group of people working out together regularly over 8-12 weeks. The tribe model creates a sense of community where members get to know each other - “It's the idea of being in a space where you feel comfortable, confident,” Jessica says. “It’s not like a regular group fitness class where you walk in and you’re not sure who’s showing up this week.”

In addition to classes, Jessica also started hosting events last year to bring women in the community together for fitness fun. When she began planning her first event, a Halloween-themed dance fitness girls night out, she knew she would need a stage. Renting had been a hassle in the past - it was too much work to find a truck and go pick up the rental stage - so Jessica decided to purchase her own portable stage. She turned to StageDrop for a lightweight and easy staging solution.

Jessica chose the IntelliStage Lightweight 3'x6' Portable Stage Kit. IntelliStage is a lightweight stage system that features 3'x3' and 4'x4' stage modules that can be locked together to create a larger stage. The 3'x3' platforms weigh only 32 lbs each and come in a gray carpet or black textured Tuffcoat surface finish. The system is also completely modular, so you can add more pieces if you decide to expand your stage down the road. StageDrop shipped out Jessica’s stage on the day she ordered it, and it was delivered to her doorstep the next day.

Fit to the Beat’s Halloween Glow Night was a glowing success. Attendees came dressed in costume or bright colors to be able to glow with the black lights, and in a light-up tutu, Jessica led the room in a fun dance fitness party from atop her new portable stage, incorporating glow sticks and props into the routines.

Jessica is pleased with the stability of the stage: "The stage feels great. I'm not just holding a mic and giving a speech - I am legitimately moving in different ways for an hour straight. I’ve had no issues, and it’s stable considering that there's a lot of shifting weight.”

"The stage feels great. I'm not just holding a mic and giving a speech - I am legitimately moving in different ways for an hour straight. I’ve had no issues, and it’s stable considering that there's a lot of shifting weight.”

Jessica Quintero-Munier, Owner

When it’s time to clear the floor, Jessica’s 3'x6' stage breaks down into two 3'x3' platforms and two risers that collapse accordion-style like a camping chair, fitting easily into the back seat of a car. “The 3'x3' dimensions made a big difference. The stage that I had rented before - the platforms were 4'x4'. But I felt like that would be a little bit too bulky. And what's great is that I don't need an SUV for the 3'x3' size,” Jessica explains.

Jessica has used the stage at other events as well, including a private 40th birthday party where she led a dance fitness class for 25 attendees. “Having that smaller stage was perfect. I'm only 5'2", and having that many people, it just makes it easier for them to see me and follow along.”

“Having that smaller stage was perfect. I'm only 5'2", and having that many people, it just makes it easier for them to see me and follow along.”

Jessica Quintero-Munier, Owner

Since the advent of COVID-19, Jessica has taken Fit to the Beat online, with most fitness classes hosted remotely on Zoom. Her dance fitness and Fit Tribe classes are still going strong meeting remotely. Jessica has also been working on planning some socially distanced fitness events outdoors in the near future; she’ll be doing her first outdoor event of the summer, a beach-themed Zumba® class on the front lawn of the Italian Center Stamford, on August 14.

One class at a time Jessica is showing people of all ages that working out can be fun, and she focuses on training them to make fitness a habit. “What I care about is that when you're 80 years old, you can get out of bed. When you're 90 years old, you're sitting on the ground with your grandkids and you can get up by yourself. That's why we're doing this.”

StageDrop would like to thank Jessica Quintero-Munier of Fit to the Beat for her business and for allowing us to highlight her fitness company, representing Connecticut in this week's United States of StageDrop. We wish her and her fit tribe all the best!

Looking to purchase your own portable stage for teaching fitness or dance? Check out our extensive selection of Portable Stages, or call or email us today for a free quote!

California Production Co. Creates Unique Stage Designs for Ballroom Dance Competitions

sales@stagedrop.com — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 15:00:00 -0500

The United States of StageDrop is a series highlighting customer success stories from a different state each week. This week's United States of StageDrop features the Golden State, California!

Based in Rancho Santa Margarita, California - a suburb of Irvine located in Orange County - Frogmouth Productions has been providing audio visual production services for the competitive ballroom dance community for over 20 years. From small, intimate shows to world-class competitive events, Frogmouth Productions is known for its creative stage designs at dance competitions and events across the country.

Owner Mark Weiss has been involved with the performing arts since childhood, both on stage as a performer as well as working behind the scenes, where he learned every aspect of producing a successful show. As a former professional dance competitor, Mark truly understands the dance business from the inside out.

Frogmouth Productions came about in the year 2000 when Mark, inspired by his theater background, started working on the production side of dance events. He started out providing lighting for dance competitions to enhance the presentation and add some sparkle to the ballrooms. Soon after, he added a sound system and started using pipe and drape to make things look pretty behind the stage and dance floor. Over the years, Mark has built the company to provide everything needed to put on a dance competition.

Evolving Main Stage Design

More recently, Frogmouth Productions ventured into main stage design for dance events. At dance competitions, the main stage is an elevated area behind the dance floor where the emcee and some of the officials are located. It can also double as a grand entrance for the dancers to enter the competition floor. Event organizers had been asking for more in terms of the look of their main stage, so Mark began developing unique stage designs that were more visually exciting and helped differentiate each competition from other events.

“I started utilizing stage design and changing up the design,” Mark relates. “And one of the elements was the actual stage itself. But most of the hotels, you know, they have their own risers and they're usually wobbly and stained, and you're limited as to what you can do with it. You can create an elevated platform and that's about it.” To create the unique stage designs that he had in mind, Mark would need to find a stage system with more options and provide the staging himself.

A Stage System with Myriad Design Options

When Mark decided to build up his own stock of portable staging he chose IntelliStage staging from StageDrop. IntelliStage is a lightweight portable stage system that is composed of 3'x3' and 4'x4' stage platforms with interchangeable collapsible risers. Platforms and risers come in a variety of shapes - square, circular, right triangles, equilateral triangles and rectangular steps. Risers are available in 4 heights - 8", 16", 24" and 32" - and can even be stacked for taller applications.

“IntelliStage’s unique design gives us the flexibility to create almost any configuration you can think of.”

MARK WEISS, OWNER

Frogmouth Productions has been a frequent StageDrop customer since 2015. As Mark formulates a new stage design and sketches out his vision for an upcoming dance competition, he’ll often reach out to StageDrop for specific stage pieces to fill in the gaps and make his new design a reality. His inventory of IntelliStage pieces from StageDrop has built up extensively over the years. “It is quite possible that we have the largest rental inventory of Intellistage in Southern California,” Mark laughs.

“IntelliStage’s unique design gives us the flexibility to create almost any configuration you can think of,” Mark says. “I love all the different shapes so that I can create different angles and do something different than just rectangular platforms. I can take it to the next level, get very creative with it and make it different for each event. And so each organizer feels they have a special look to their event.”

Some events, like the Ohio Star Ball, change their theme each year but want to have a lasting look that people will recognize. “I created a look for them that they maintained for several years so that when you see pictures of dancers, in the background you see their whole stage design and everybody knows what event that is. It's recognizable as the Ohio Star Ball,” Mark explains. “And that's done through various stage elements - drapes and set pieces and the stage itself.”

“It is quite possible that we have the largest rental inventory of IntelliStage in Southern California.”

MARK WEISS, OWNER

Mark also says he often leaves the risers exposed in his configurations and lights them up with different colors to make them part of the stage design, creating a clean, industrial look that adds texture and color to the stage.

Variety is the Spice of Life

While based in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, Frogmouth Productions travels the country to provide their services to dance competitions nationwide, also maintaining a satellite facility in Nashville. Mark often also personally participates in the competitions as a coach, judge or emcee. “It's a lot of traveling,” he says, “and that can be challenging. But I like it because I like the variety.”

Since COVID-19 hit in March, most of Frogmouth Productions’ events have been on pause, but the hiatus has allowed the company some time to perform maintenance on their AV and stage equipment, plan their next events, and work on some fantastic new stage design ideas. “We're just waiting to bust out and start putting things back together,” Mark says. “I'm pretty sure everybody's anxious to get back to it. We're really just waiting for the go ahead again.”

Indeed, in business as in dance, pauses can be powerful, and we can’t wait to see Frogmouth Productions’ next big design ideas come to life on the main stage.

StageDrop would like to thank Mark Weiss of Frogmouth Productions for his continued business and for allowing us to highlight his AV production company, representing California in this week's United States of StageDrop. We wish him and his company continued success!

Looking to create a unique stage design for your events? Check out our extensive selection of Portable Stages, or call or email us today for a free quote!

Based at the Jersey Shore in Forked River, NJ, StageDrop LLC is a leading provider of stock and custom portable stage systems, stage accessories, truss and event furniture to businesses and consumers nationwide. We specialize in delivering custom stage configurations for business, government, education, religious, fitness and nonprofit organizations. We offer free quotes with expert recommendations to fit our customers' specialized needs.

Portable Stage Load Ratings: A Beginner's Guide

sales@stagedrop.com — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 19:15:00 -0500

If you’re looking into purchasing a portable stage, you’ve probably come across the term “load rating.” What does it mean? Let’s break it down...

What Is a Load Rating?

Load rating means the amount of weight (load) an object will safely support before it fails or becomes unstable. All reputable portable stage manufacturers publish the load ratings for their stage systems. They determine the load ratings by setting up a stage module in a testing facility and putting weight on top of the stage until the structure fails.

An All-Terrain Stage is set up for load rating testing.

The stage is loaded with weights, evenly distributed.

What Is Standard Uniform Load Rating?

The most common load rating spec for portable stages is Standard Uniform Load Rating. Some manufacturers may refer to this as “load bearing capacity” or “weight capacity.”

A standard uniform load is weight that is evenly distributed over the entire surface of an object. The standard uniform load rating of a portable stage is the maximum amount of evenly distributed weight that the stage can safely support.

The standard uniform load rating of a portable stage is the maximum amount of evenly distributed weight that the stage can safely support.

How Is Load Rating Measured?

Standard Uniform Load Rating is measured in pounds per square foot and is usually expressed as “XXX lbs/sq ft.” The higher the standard uniform load rating, the more weight a stage will support.

For example, a Staging 101 4’x8’ Portable Stage Panel (shown above) has a standard uniform load rating of 153 lbs/sq ft. This means the stage panel can safely support up to 153 lbs of evenly distributed weight per square foot of surface area.

Many building codes require a minimum load rating of 150 lbs/sq ft for portable stages, but that number may be higher or lower in some areas - check with your municipality or local fire marshal for more information.

So What’s the Total Capacity of the Stage?

At first glance, the Staging 101 4'x8' Portable Stage Panel’s standard uniform load rating of 153 lbs/sq ft may seem small. But that rating only applies to 1 square foot, and our 4’x8’ stage module is 32 square feet. If we multiply the standard uniform load rating of 153 lbs per square foot x 32 square feet, we find the total uniform weight capacity for the stage panel is 4,896 lbs.

153 lbs/sq ft x 32 sq ft = 4,896 total weight capacity

Whoa, now that number seems really large! So does that mean that that single stage panel can hold 4,800 lbs? Well, yes and no...

Limitations of Standard Uniform Load Ratings

It’s important to note that the test for Standard Uniform Load Rating has some limitations. The weights used during testing are distributed evenly across the entire stage surface, so it doesn’t exactly duplicate real-world use conditions.

Additionally the standard uniform load rating test does not address ‘“dynamic live load’ from having lateral (side to side) movement on the stage, like dance or fitness routines. It also does not take into account “point load,” which is the amount of weight that can be placed on a single point on the stage deck without denting or damaging the stage surface; the most common example where this applies on stage is a grand piano, which concentrates 1/3 of its entire weight on each of its 3 legs.

Also, standard uniform load rating for certain stages may change depending on at what height the stage legs are set. For example, BilJax AS2100 Event Stages have a standard uniform load rating of 125 to 175 lbs/sq ft, depending on platform size and leg height.

The Takeaway on Portable Stage Load Ratings

Standard Uniform Load Rating is an excellent starting point for understanding and comparing the strength of different portable stage options. It’s also an important spec to consider if your local building code has specific load rating requirements for portable stages.

Make sure the stage you choose has a high enough load rating to support the people and equipment you plan to put on it. And if you are planning to put very heavy items like a piano or car on the stage, always consult with the stage manufacturer and/or an engineer to find out if you need to increase the stage’s load capacity through extra parts or reinforcements to ensure your stage can safely handle the load.

Here at StageDrop we sell portable stages with industry-standard uniform load ratings, we work with these products hands-on every day, and we love to talk about this stuff. Contact us today at (609) 971-9200 or sales@stagedrop.com or Request a Free Quote online and we’ll help you find the right portable stage for your needs.

Colorado Music Studio Pivots Business to Livestreaming Services During COVID-19

sales@stagedrop.com — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 13:00:00 -0500

The United States of StageDrop is a series highlighting customer success stories from a different state each week. This week's United States of StageDrop features the Centennial State, Colorado!

Dog House Music is a hub for Colorado bands and musicians, providing a professional space to create, rehearse, record, produce, and perform live music. Located in Lafayette, Colorado - a charming Denver suburb just east of Boulder - the studio has been open since 2003.

With four hourly rehearsal spaces, 18 private studios for local artists, and a full production studio, Dog House Music caters to local musicians as well as national touring bands. They offer quick access to Red Rocks Amphitheater, 1stBank Center, Boulder Theater, The Fox Theater, and venues up and down the front range and have become Colorado's go-to rehearsal studio for touring artists, from the Indigo Girls to The Pixies.

When new owners Liz and Kenny Vasko took over the studio in 2019, they retrofitted it to cater to modern bands and artists, adding a full range of engineering, production and videography services. They also made plans to turn part of the space into a 1000-square-foot popup live music venue, aptly named "The End" for its location, at the end of the hallway.

Time to Do Something Different

Then in March, COVID-19 struck and Colorado's stay-at-home order forced nonessential businesses to close for several weeks. During the closure, the Vaskos came up with a brilliant plan to pivot their business during the pandemic: provide livestream production services to help bands stay connected to their fans virtually.

"We thought, 'This is the time to do something different so let’s figure it out,'" says Kenny. "We decided we could either turn this into the best livestream facility in the Rockies, or we could sit out the next 6 months."

“We decided we could either turn this into the best livestream facility in the Rockies, or we could sit out the next 6 months.”

-KENNY VASKO

The team at Dog House Music put their new plan into action, converting the former popup venue space into a livestream studio and giving "The End" a new beginning. To make it work, they realized they would need to add a stage to the space, so they got in touch with StageDrop to purchase a professional portable stage solution in time for their reopening in early May.

The Vaskos decided on an IntelliStage Lightweight 12'x16' Portable Stage Kit with textured black vinyl industrial finish. IntelliStage is a completely modular stage system composed of 4'x4' platforms and fixed-height collapsible aluminum risers. Each platform weighs only 55 lbs, so it's easy for one person to assemble and rearrange the pieces, and they store compactly when it's time to clear the floor. The 12'x16' size is spacious enough to accommodate most bands, along with equipment and monitors.

Dog House Music was able to finance the stage through StageDrop's partnership with Behalf, which offers net 30 terms and 6 months of extended payments for qualified businesses. With a mortgage to pay on their building and uncertain times ahead for the live music industry, the studio appreciated having the flexibility to make payments. The application process was quick and easy, and once everything was finalized, their new portable stage from StageDrop was delivered just 7 days later by freight truck.

Livestream Business Takes Center Stage

Did the pivot work? Kenny gives a resounding yes. Dog House Music has clocked more than 65 hours of livestream services since they reopened in May. They have averaged 2-3 bands livestreaming per week, and they also hosted the Underdog Music Festival, a livestream festival in July that featured their artists in residence and generated more than 50,000 views in just 2 days.

ToneShakers

When Darkness Falls

Trickster Carousel

The Vaskos are especially pleased with the role the new stage has played. "COVID hit, and we realized we needed to make the room look like a venue we were proud of, a place where people would want to hang out as part of a VIP experience, and that’s what the stage gave us," Kenny recalls. The modular aspect of the stage even helped one band that needed extra physical distancing during their session; they set up the stage modules as several smaller stage "islands" and used a super wide angle lens to catch it all on camera.

“COVID hit, and we realized we needed to make the room look like a venue we were proud of, a place where people would want to hang out as part of a VIP experience, and that’s what the stage gave us.”

-KENNY VASKO

The studio has also recently completed a proof-of-concept demonstration concert with Medium Labs and the band Ramakhandra for a new type of live music experience: augmented reality concerts. The audience wears VR headsets and can see fantastic 3D images and effects that enhance the concert experience. "You look up at the rafters and see the sky," Kenny says, "and then you look at the band and there is a dragon snaking between them on the stage." The new technology offers up exciting possibilities.

Ramakhandra

Dirt Monkey

The livestream business is still booming today at Dog House Music. Bands can pay an hourly rate to use the room, the portable stage, the multi-camera setup and the Midas console, or they can purchase a livestream package that gives a full-service on-stage concert experience with videographer and lights. What a great way to stay connected and support local music as the beat streams on!

Want to see more? Take a 3D virtual reality tour of Dog House Music's facility and check out The End!

StageDrop would like to thank Dog House Music for their business and for allowing us to highlight their music studio and livestream service, representing Colorado in this week's United States of StageDrop. We wish them and their “underdogs” continued success!

Looking to add a new portable stage to your music venue? Check out our extensive selection of Portable Stages, or call or email us today for a free quote!

Drum Risers: Do You Really Need One?

sales@stagedrop.com — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 11:24:00 -0500

Do drummers belong on their own riser? Of course they do!

Drummers have an important job. They set the pace, find the groove and keep the band running smoothly. And sometimes they do all this without ever being seen … unless they have their own riser!

But a drum riser does a lot more than just making sure the drummer is seen:

A drum riser provides isolation from the ground or stage on which the rest of the band is performing, which makes for a better drum sound and less rumble under your feet.
It provides a visual focal point on stage and breaks up the straight line of performers.
It sets the drummer at eye level with the rest of the band for better communication.
It also brings the kick drum and snare closer to the band's ears so they can hear the beat better.
And considering most drummers are relegated to the basement for practicing, a drum riser is essential to protect your drums from water damage in the event of flooding.

How Big Does It Need to Be?

Most drum kits can fit comfortably on a 6'x6' drum riser, and in many cases there's even room left over for a monitor. Four Intellistage 3'x3' Portable Stage Units is all it takes - just lock them together to create your 6'x6' drum riser.

Need more room? Got a larger drum kit or lots of cymbals and percussion? Create an 8'x8' drum riser with four Intellistage 4'x4' Portable Stage Units.

What Are My Finish & Height Options?

IntelliStage Portable Stage Units are available in two distinct finishes...

TuffCoat
(water-resistant, easier to clean)

Carpet
(less sound reflection, lower cost)

... and four distinct heights: 8", 16", 24" and 32"

Anything Else?

One more pro tip: By placing a step in front of the drum riser, you can easily create a tiered effect. Check out this 16" tall 8'x8' Drum Riser with a 4' wide step in front:

Adding a simple step, even one that's just 8" off the ground, takes any drum riser to the next level. It connects the rest of the band members to the drummer, providing a nice little walkway where everyone can meet. And the criss-cross pattern of the contrasting risers is an eye-catching look, sure to draw the attention of even the most faraway fans. Choose from a 3' step or a 4' step to take your setup a step up!

So let's get those drummers noticed. Let's get them up where they belong ... ready to rock and rule the world!

Arkansas Event Venue Boosts Revenue With Portable Stage

sales@stagedrop.com — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 11:25:00 -0500

The United States of StageDrop is a series highlighting customer success stories from a different state each week. This week's United States of StageDrop features the "Natural State," Arkansas!

Located in the River Market District in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas, Club 27 is a chic event venue available for private events of all types - weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthdays, holiday parties, community group meetings, fitness classes and more. On Tuesday and Friday nights, Club 27 also opens to the public for salsa classes, followed by dancing to salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia and reggaeton late into the night.

The 3300-square-foot venue's unique style with big chandeliers, accent lighting, stylish lounge furniture and a gorgeous facade lends itself to an unforgettable experience. The space features a 1000-square-foot professional hardwood dance dance floor and a full bar, making it especially attractive for dancing and entertainment events.

Choosing a Lightweight, Modular Stage

When Club 27 decided to purchase a stage to accommodate a salsa band for an upcoming event, general manager Jorge Gutierrez contacted StageDrop to request a quote for a lightweight portable stage.

StageDrop suggested IntelliStage to fit Club 27's requirements for a stage that's lightweight, modular and easy to set up and store. Gutierrez purchased (8) IntelliStage Lightweight 3'x3' Portable Stage Units at a 24" height to create a 6'x12' stage.

The IntelliStage Lightweight Stage System features lightweight stage platforms (only 32 lbs per 3'x3' platform) and collapsible aluminum risers that are easy to carry and set up by one person, and the 3'x3' units can be connected together to create stages of different shapes and sizes, from a simple rectangle to a T-shape, L-shape or runway.

Gutierrez also ordered StageDrop's Ameristage black box-pleat stage skirting for the front and sides of his new stage. Ameristage stage skirts are made of inherently flame-resistant polyester and attach to the stage easily with the included skirt clips. They hide any cords or equipment that may be hanging out underneath the stage and provide an elegant finishing touch.

“Honestly, I love my stage, because the pieces allow me to have a small stage setup or a big stage setup, and I can grow through acquisition.”

JORGE GUTIERREZ, CLUB 27 GENERAL MANAGER

Club 27 offers their customers the stage as an additional rental option to use during events, and the customers are thrilled, because it is cheaper than bringing in an outside rental company to provide the stage as well as one less vendor to manage. "Honestly, I love my stage," Gutierrez smiles, "because the pieces allow me to have a small stage setup or a big stage setup, and I can grow through acquisition."

Doubling in Size

The IntelliStage Lightweight Stage System is also completely modular, so it's easy to expand your stage down the road - which is exactly what Club 27 did a few months later. Gutierrez returned to StageDrop to purchase 10 more 3'x3' stage units for a total of 18, which can create a stage up to 9'x18' in size. "It's so great that you can grow the size of the stage with a little investment at a time," Gutierrez says.

“It’s so great that you can grow the size of the stage with a little investment at a time.”

JORGE GUTIERREZ, CLUB 27 GENERAL MANAGER

Some of the events that have utilized the stage have included weddings, concerts, the Yarn Storytelling, and the Save 10 Kickoff for the Women's Foundation of Arkansas.

Club 27's stage has more than paid for itself, not only in rental fees but also in convenience for their customers. It's a small investment that has gone a long way toward providing added value to their customers and boosting revenue for their thriving venue rental business.

StageDrop would like to thank Club 27 for their continued patronage and for allowing us to spotlight their event venue, representing Arkansas in this week's United States of StageDrop. We wish them continued success as their venue rental business and salsa dance nights grow and shine (that's a salsa term)!

Looking to add a new portable stage to your venue? Check out our extensive selection of Portable Stages, or call or email us today for a free quote!

Arizona Karaoke Bar Raises the Bar With New Runway Stage

sales@stagedrop.com — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 10:08:00 -0500

The United States of StageDrop is a series highlighting customer success stories from a different state each week. This week's United States of StageDrop features the Grand Canyon State, Arizona!

One of the area's best kept secrets, Kobalt is the premiere karaoke bar in Phoenix, Arizona. Since its opening in 2006, Kobalt has filled a niche in the local scene, describing itself as "a blend of neighborhood bar and trendy without the 'tude' feel ... with some of the friendliest and best bartenders in town."

"A blend of neighborhood bar and trendy without the 'tude' feel … with some of the friendliest and best bartenders in town."

Located in the heart of central Phoenix, the bar sits inside Park Central open air mall and features an upscale indoor lounge and outdoor patio, serving locally produced liquors and craft cocktails along with craft beer selections.

While Kobalt is best known for their award-winning karaoke - they've been voted "Best Karaoke Bar in Phoenix" several times - the bar also hosts watch parties, live comedy, fashion shows and unique performance art events. Their theme nights, local entertainment and special events have become community traditions. One such tradition is their wildly popular 4Some Revue show every Friday night.

When Kobalt decided last March to purchase a new stage for 4Some Revue's upcoming anniversary show, they looked to StageDrop for a versatile portable stage solution.

Creating a New Runway Stage

Kobalt ordered 9 Biljax ST8100 4'x4' Portable Stage Units at a 16" height to create a custom shaped runway stage. Biljax ST8100 is a heavy-duty, modular stage system that utilizes 4'x4' steel frame platforms that can be locked together to create a larger stage. With its steel frame and heavy-duty galvanized steel legs, Biljax is one of the strongest portable stage systems on the market; it's also one of the best values costwise.

StageDrop shipped Kobalt's new stage out a few days later, sending it on its way across the country by freight, and Kobalt’s stage was delivered just 10 days after ordering, in plenty of time for the upcoming 4Some Revue anniversary show.

Kobalt set up the new Biljax stage in front of their video wall in a custom runway configuration - an 8'x12' rectangular stage at the back with a 4'x12' runway projecting from its center. Adding a gray box-pleat stage skirt around the perimeter, the result was stunning. Elegant, robust, spacious - the new runway stage commands a presence in the room, and the 16" stage height raises performers so they can be seen from the farthest reaches of the bar.

The Show Must Go On

Just days before the anniversary show, when Kobalt was set to debut the new stage, Arizona's governor issued an executive order limiting business activities due to COVID-19, and Kobalt was forced to close temporarily. But Kobalt kept the entertainment flowing for their loyal community throughout the closure with frequent livestreams of karaoke regulars, 4Some Revue shows and several live fundraisers to benefit food and beverage industry workers - all performing on the new stage.

Kobalt has recently reopened, taking a measured approach with reduced capacity and safety guidelines to keep customers and staff safe. Karaoke performers wear face masks and sing on the stage behind a Plexiglass screen. And what do they call these karaoke theme nights? Well, what else but "The Masked Singer" of course!

StageDrop would like to thank Kobalt for their business and for allowing us to highlight their karaoke bar, representing Arizona in this week's United States of StageDrop. We wish them and their performers all the best as they make sure the show goes on!

Looking to add a new portable stage to your venue? Check out our extensive selection of Portable Stages, or call or email us today for a free quote!

Stage Height: How Low Do You Wanna Go?

sales@stagedrop.com — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 09:00:00 -0500

With most portable stage systems, height options go no lower than 8" from the ground. But what if you want to go even lower than that?

With the Intellistage Lightweight 3'x3' Portable Stage Unit with 6" Screw-in Legs, you have the option of going as low as 6 inches!

This low-profile portable stage consists of a 3'x3' stage platform with 5 IS6LEG 6" screw-in legs. The IS6LEG is a unique screw-in style leg that is just high enough to get your platform off the ground without the use of traditional accordian-style risers.

The legs simply screw into the holes located in the center and corners of the underside of the platform (five in all) and you're done. Your platform's elevated. No tools, minimal effort.

And the rubber feet on the bottom of each leg keep the platform from sliding around or scuffing your floors.

The Intellistage Lightweight 3'x3' Portable Stage Unit with 6" Screw-in Legs is perfect for casual settings such as VFW Halls, retirement communities, fairgrounds or even in your own backyard. What's more, when the show's over, it's easy to disassemble and store. Just unscrew the legs and you're good to go!

Alaska Performer Grows Rental Business With Outdoor Staging

sales@stagedrop.com — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 09:21:00 -0500

The United States of StageDrop is a series highlighting customer success stories from a different state each week. This week United States of StageDrop features the Last Frontier, Alaska!

Zack Daniels has been performing for close to 20 years around Alaska. Based in Kenai, Alaska - a picturesque city world-renowned for its salmon fishing and located about 150 miles south of Anchorage on the Kenai Peninsula - Daniels has made a name for himself in the Alaska music scene with his signature flavor of acoustic rock. He also provides live music, emcee and DJ services for weddings and special events across the state and provides lighting and equipment rental through his business, Zack Daniels Entertainment Rentals.

A Need for Affordable Outdoor Stage Rentals Emerges

In recent years, Daniels noticed a need for affordable outdoor staging rentals for the events he played. Many of his customers couldn't find or afford staging for their outdoor events. Daniels decided to invest in his own outdoor stage system to rent out as part of his live entertainment, lighting and tent rental packages and contacted StageDrop to request a quote.

Seeking a rugged and versatile outdoor stage solution, Daniels chose the All-Terrain 12'x16' Outdoor Stage System with water-resistant industrial finish. All-Terrain Staging is a completely modular outdoor stage system composed of 4'x4' stage platforms, aluminum side rails, and adjustable-height aluminum legs that can be set at 24", 32", 40" or 48" tall.

All-Terrain is uniquely suited for outdoor events with its water-resistant stage surface and the ability to be set up on sloped or uneven ground. The 12'x16' size allows ample room for a multi-piece band, and the stage can be configured into other shapes like a "T" or "L" for custom setups. And, the modular nature of the stage system allows for easy expansion down the road.

After finalizing the purchase and working out the shipping details for the stage's 4500-mile journey to Alaska, StageDrop got Daniels' stage system out the door the next day via freight truck, and Daniels received the stage a few weeks later.

The Rental Business Takes Off

Since purchasing the All-Terrain outdoor stage, Daniels' rental business has taken off. "I currently offer package deals with staging, stretch event tent for cover, and live entertainment that is considerably more affordable than customers having to outsource each individual thing," Daniels said. "A one-stop shop kind of deal makes things so much easier for events on a budget, as well as less stressful planning, like for weddings and nonprofit organizations.

"I currently offer package deals with staging, stretch event tent for cover, and live entertainment that is considerably more affordable than customers having to outsource each individual thing."

ZACK DANIELS

Most of his customers (outside of the bar scene) have been weddings, local nonprofit fundraisers, company parties and city chamber events. He also provided the tent and staging and helped coordinate a 2-day music fest, Rock'n the Ranch, with Rusty & Ravin Swan at the RustyRavin Plant Ranch. "While things have progressed, and with a lot of venues being shut down because of COVID-19," Daniels says, "I am now seeing a lot more interest for bigger events with big name acts."

Most recently Daniels provided his equipment for a Solstice Festival, coordinated with Lara McGinnis at the Diamond M Ranch Resort, that featured country music artist Aaron Tippin (best known for his single "You've Got to Stand for Something") performing on his staging. This opened the door for other bigger production companies around the state to see his stage setup. Since then, Daniels has booked a Tim Montana concert and is waiting on confirmation of a Parmalee show. Another large annual local event, the 3rd Annual Soldotna Backyard Country BBQ, will feature several national touring country music acts performing on Daniels' stage this August.

"I have had nothing but amazing feedback from my customers about the look and usability of my stage and tent set up, and my future customers are very excited to use it as well," Daniels affirms. "The tent and stage combination is very appealing to the eye, which has a huge impact on making the sale to anyone that sees it."

"I have had nothing but amazing feedback from my customers about the look and usability of my stage and tent set up!"

ZACK DANIELS

The future looks bright for small equipment company Zack Daniels Entertainment Rentals, and Daniels intends to continue growing the business by adding more staging and bigger tents in the near future.

StageDrop would like to thank Zack Daniels for his business and for allowing us to highlight his entertainment rental company, representing Alaska in this week's United States of StageDrop. We wish him and his business continued success!

Looking to add portable staging to your rental company's offerings? Check out our extensive selection of Portable Stages, or call or email us today for a free quote!

Alabama Church Sets the Stage for Drive-in Worship Services During COVID-19

sales@stagedrop.com — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 09:00:00 -0500

The United States of StageDrop is a series highlighting customer success stories from a different state each week. Our first United States of StageDrop feature starts at the beginning of the alphabet, with the great state of Alabama!

Founded in 1901, the New Bethlehem Baptist Church (NBBC) has a long history serving its community as a "mission minded, soul winning church, for Jesus Christ." Located in Bessemer, Alabama - a southwest suburb of Birmingham known as the "Marvel City" - NBBC provides numerous vital ministries to the surrounding area, including weekly bible study, membership classes, youth outreach, sisterhood/brotherhood fellowship, sack lunches for the homeless, a van ministry, a get-it-done ministry and spiritual retreats.

"We are a mission minded, soul winning church, for Jesus Christ."

NBBC Mission Statement

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Alabama in March 2020 and case numbers began to rise, Gov. Ivey instituted a Safer at Home order that included a ban on non-work indoor gatherings of more than 10 people, including indoor worship services. NBBC would have to find a different way to gather its flock for worship.

Maintaining Safety in the Face of Coronavirus

After much prayerful consideration, NBBC Pastor T. Jefferson Rogers Jr. devised a plan for alternative ways to assemble the congregation, with the safety of his members a top priority.

"I watch and care about your souls! And, I also want you to know, I’m concerned for your safety. The Coronavirus is impacting individuals, in all areas of life. Therefore, we will take every precautionary action possible to maintain a safe environment, by implementing the following, to combat the Coronavirus," he said in a press release to the congregation.

Pastor Rogers's plan included broadcasting a Livestream of weekly Sunday school, worship services and Bible studies, as well as a monthly "Praise in the Parking Lot" drive-in worship service. "Every 1st Sunday there will be Parking Lot Service so that we can assemble and worship as we maintain the recommended Social Distancing as described in the CDC guidelines," he continued. "We will use wisdom, but we will not be ruled by fear."

"We will use wisdom, but we will not be ruled by fear."

Pastor T. Jefferson Rogers Jr.

NBBC's first "Praise in the Parking Lot" filled the church parking lot to capacity that first Sunday in May. Pastor Rogers preached from a platform out front of the church, with the praise team a short distance to the side, and churchgoers in the parking lot could listen to the service on the radio in the comfort of their cars. In spite of the pandemic, this church family had found a way to come together - safely distanced in their cars - to worship.

A Durable & Affordable Outdoor Stage Solution

When NBBC decided to purchase a new stage system for their drive-in worship services, they turned to StageDrop for a durable and affordable outdoor portable staging solution, choosing the TotalPackage 8'x16' Dual Height Portable Stage Kit, featuring water-resistant 4'x4' portable stage panels that can be set at 24" or 32" tall. The stage can easily be set up by one person, and each stage panel has wheels for easier positioning.

The TotalPackage also includes stairs with handrails, stage skirting and a storage cart, all at discounted package pricing. The church customized the stage skirt to be a vibrant royal blue to match the church's decor, at no extra charge. A week and a half later, the complete stage kit was delivered, in time for their next outdoor service.

NBBC debuted their new outdoor worship stage at their next Praise in the Parking Lot worship service to a once again packed parking lot. The result was an elegant and professional stage setup that elevates the pastor to see and be seen from the multitude of churchgoers' cars attending each service. The beautiful royal blue skirting combined with floral and fern decor added an elegant finishing touch.

"But, as for now, let's have church, and give the Lord our praise!"

Pastor T. Jefferson Rogers Jr.

NBBC has used their new outdoor worship stage several times since and, pleased with the stage's performance, placed a second order for additional stage panels. Several more parking lot events are planned for the summer, and the church continues to successfully fulfill its mission-minded calling in this new era of social distancing.

StageDrop would like to thank the New Bethlehem Baptist Church for their patronage and for allowing us to highlight their story, representing Alabama in this week's United States of StageDrop. We wish them good health and Godspeed in their endeavors!

Looking for a stage solution for your worship services? Check out our selection of Outdoor Worship Stages, or call or email us today for a free quote!

Adjustable-Height vs. Fixed-Height Stage: Which Is Better?

sales@stagedrop.com — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 09:25:00 -0500

If variety is the spice of life, height is the spice of portable stages. There is a huge variety of stage height options available in the world of portable stages - fixed-height, dual-height, telescopic, removable.

With so many height options available, you're bound to be asking yourself: Do I need an adjustable-height stage, or will a fixed-height stage do just fine?

It's a great question, and there's really no right or wrong answer. It all depends on your needs and preferences. Let’s take a look at the benefits of each type:

Adjustable-Height Stages

When a portable stage has adjustable-height legs, that means the height of the stage legs can be adjusted within a range. This allows you to set up the stage at a different height each time you use it. It can also allow you to create a multi-level stage, where stage panels set at different heights create 2 or more tiers - for example, a lower tier for the presenter and a raised section for the musicians in the rear.

Adjustable-height legs always include a height range in which the stage will operate. Some adjustable-height stages are dual-height, meaning they can only be set to 2 heights, like this NPS TransFix Stage Panel, which can be set to 16 inches tall or 24 inches tall.

Other stage systems like StageQ, QuickLock and ProFlex Staging have telescopic legs, which can be set to any height within a range, like from 12 inches to 18 inches and every height between. Telescopic legs are especially helpful if you have an exact height requirement. They're also well-suited to setting up on an uneven surface or over a curb or structure, which requires each leg to be set to a different precise height.

Benefits of Adjustable-Height Stages:

Cost savings - you get 2 or more heights for the price of one
Flexible - you can use your stage for may different applications
Easy to decide - you can pick a height range to buy and settle on the exact height once it's assembled

At first glance, it may seem like adjustable-height is the better choice for a portable stage, but fixed-height stages have many advantages too...

Fixed-Height Stages

A fixed-height portable stage means the height of the stage legs cannot be changed - an 8-inch tall stage system with fixed-height legs can only be set up at an 8-inch height. Some examples are NPS portable stages and Midwest Folding fixed-height stage panels. The primary advantages of fixed-height stages are easy setup, predictable accessories and affordability.

Fixed-height stages are simply easier to set up. They require less training for the setup crew, since you just attach or unfold the legs and go - you don’t have to worry about the additional step of adjusting each leg to the proper height. They also usually have less parts and hardware to keep track of since there is no height-adjustment mechanism on the legs.

Because a fixed-height stage will be used at a predictable height each time, it's also easier to purchase accessories - you only need one height of stairs and skirting to purchase, and you will know in advance if the stage height requires guard rails and/or cross-bracing for safety and stability (check with your fire marshal or township - local ordinances vary).

Finally, fixed-height stages are the all-around cost-effective option. They generally cost less per square foot and again, require accessories in only one height.

Benefits of Fixed-Height Stages:

Easy setup - less time, training & parts
Predictable - accessories are only needed in one height
Cost-effective - usually less $ per square foot

The Best of Both Worlds

Some systems like Biljax and IntelliStage Portable Stages have removable fixed-height legs or risers that can be detached from the stage platform when the stage is disassembled. For this type of stage, it's possible to purchase multiple sets of fixed-height legs in different heights, creating the opportunity to change the height of a fixed-height stage by swapping out the legs. This is a more expensive option because you are purchasing additional legs, but it's a good solution for a retrofit or for gaining the benefits of a fixed-height stage while retaining the flexibility of having multiple heights.

One more important thing to note ... if you need a low height (under 12 inches tall) for your portable stage, you'll need to get a fixed height. Any height below 12 inches is only going to be available in a fixed-height stage model. But if your stage has removable legs, you can always purchase another set in a taller height.

Still Deciding?

StageDrop offers an extensive selection of both fixed-height and adjustable-height portable stage systems. We work with these products hands-on every day, and we love to talk about this stuff. Get in touch with us today at 1-800-887-8243 or sales@stagedrop.com or fill out our free Quote Request Form, and we'll guide you to the right portable stage solution for your needs.

Hook and Loop ... Your Stage Skirt’s Best Friend

sales@stagedrop.com — Mon, 25 May 2020 07:24:00 -0500

Hook and Loop ... if it's good enough for astronauts, it's good enough for us!

No stage is complete without skirts, and no stage skirt is complete without hook and loop fasteners!

Whether it sticks, clips, or magnetizes, we've got all your hook and loop options covered. Easy to put on, easy to peel off.

So the next time you're ordering stage skirts, don't forget to ask about your hook and loop options!

5 Factors for Choosing the Right Portable Stage

sales@stagedrop.com — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 08:56:00 -0500

With so many portable stage options on the market, how do you find the right portable stage for your needs? Consider these 5 factors to help you narrow down your choices:

Overall Size of the Stage

How large of a stage do you require? How specific does the size need to be?

The first and most important consideration for choosing a portable stage is the overall size. Measure the width and depth of your planned stage area as well as ceiling height if you plan to use it indoors in a room with ceilings less than 12 feet high. Also, make sure to include room for steps (for stages over 8" tall) and a ramp, if necessary.

Most stage systems use 4'x8' or 4'x4' stage platforms, so it is easiest to plan your overall stage size in 4-foot increments. For spaces that require more precise sizing, there are stage systems that offer 1-foot or 2-foot wide (Biljax) or 3-foot wide (IntelliStage, QuickLock, NPS and Midwest Folding) platforms, but this will increase your cost per square foot.

Fixed Height or Multi-Height

Will it be used at one height or multiple heights?
Will it be set up on uneven ground or over a curb that requires each leg to be adjustable?

If you require a dual-height or adjustable-height stage, this will quickly narrow your options when choosing a portable stage system. Here are the options offered by each brand:

Built-in Fixed-Height Legs (NPS, Midwest Folding, Lumo Stage)
Built-in Folding Dual-Height Legs that can be set at two heights - 16" & 24" or 24" & 32" tall (Staging 101, NPS, Midwest Folding)
Detachable Fixed-Height Legs that can be swapped for a different size (IntelliStage, Biljax, QuickLock, StageX)
Detachable Telescopic Legs for adjusting height on uneven ground or over a curb (Pro-Flex, QuickLock, StageQ)
Adjustable-Height Legs that can be set in 1" height increments (Biljax)
Adjustable-Height Legs that can be set in 8" height increments from 24" to 48" tall (All-Terrain)

Surface Finish

What type of surface do you require?

Most portable stage brands offer carpeted and/or textured vinyl finishes. Carpet is usually less expensive and tends to show less wear, dirt or scratches, while a textured vinyl finish will usually be water-resistant (though not waterproof) and may provide better traction for activities such as dance or fitness.

Using your stage outside? The fully weatherproof aluminum finish offered by the All-Terrain brand is ideal for stages that will be used outdoors long-term. For temporary use in good weather, our water-resistant industrial finish works well (IntelliStage, QuickLock, Pro-Flex, Staging 101, All-Terrain).

On a budget? Hardboard finish is usually the most economical (Staging 101, NPS, Midwest Folding).

Setup Crew

Do you have a crew of multiple people to set up your stage, or will it be set up by one person?

Larger platforms like 4'x8' stage decks from Staging 101 and Pro-Flex can weigh as much as 200 lbs and will require multiple people to carry due to weight and size. Some 4'x8' platforms have built-in wheels (NPS, Midwest Folding) to make solo setup easier but will still require some muscle to maneuver.

Smaller platforms like 4'x4' and 3'x3' are much easier to carry and maneuver if the stage will be set up by one person. IntelliStage is ideal for lightweight one-person setup, with platforms weighing in at only 55 lbs apiece.

Storage & Transportation

Will the stage stay set up in one place, or will it be put in storage when not in use?
Will the stage need to be transported by car?

If you plan to keep your portable stage set up long-term, then storage and transport are not a concern. However, if you will be storing it regularly, think about where you will be storing it and if there are narrow passages or doorways it will need to travel through. Most stage systems offer a transportation cart or dolly for moving and storing your stage, but the widths differ. Some carts store the platforms horizontally, which for 4-foot wide platforms would require at least 50" wide clearance for passageways and doors. Other carts store the platforms vertically on their side, and for 4'x8' platforms, this would require ample clearance if it must turn a corner.

Larger pieces like 4'x8' platforms will not fit into a car or SUV. Regular 4'x4' platforms will not fit into most cars either. If you plan to transport your stage pieces by car, we recommend using either IntelliStage or QuickLock 3'x3' platforms or IntelliStage folding platforms, which are 4'x4' or 3'x3' platforms that fold in half.

Still have questions? Call StageDrop at (800) 887-8243 (Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm EST) or email sales@stagedrop.com, and we'll be happy to help you find what you need and send you a quote.