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Storage Containers: Create Completely Unique Event Spaces

Susan Nalevac • Jun 13, 2022

The use of shipping containers is trending upward for more than just shipping and storage. One way that companies utilize containers is by turning them into booths and event spaces for conventions!


In our guide, we’ll examine why businesses are using storage containers to create completely unique event spaces and answer some frequently asked questions regarding containers. Keep reading to learn more!


Why Containers Are Ideal for Event Spaces

If you’ve been to any trade show or industry event with booths and demonstrations over the past decade, you’ve almost certainly noticed companies using storage containers for their event spaces. They’ve become so popular that they’re nearly the standard booth structure for significant events. So what makes them ideal event spaces?


Catch the Eye

The primary goal of event space is to catch the eye of visitors and guests and draw them inside. Unlike a tent or other temporary structure, a container does that, as it’s a sturdy steel structure that stands apart from the rest.


Even before a company customizes and makes their container event space their own, guests notice it over the typical, routine event spaces. It’s eye-catching, and in an event space where every booth is vying for the attention of passing visitors, that quality is crucial.


Consistent Quality

It can be tricky to find a high-quality temporary structure when deciding on an event space. Companies can opt for a large tent, but that requires research to ensure the tent is high-quality and looks right.


The same goes for any alternative temporary structure like one made with trusses. However, with a storage container, the quality is consistent across the industry. Almost all containers are made in the same country, using the same materials and adhering to the same production process. The consistency of quality means buyers won’t need to be concerned about purchasing a cheap or sub-par unit.


Limitless Creation

Perhaps the most significant benefit of using a container as an event space is the seemingly endless customization options! Since storage containers are so structurally sound, durable, and simple, companies can transform them into completely unique event spaces for retail, tech, automotive, food and beverage, or anything else!


Companies can customize containers by adding windows, doors, awnings, bars, retractable roofs, etc. Businesses can even stack containers for a multilevel event space. Good luck making a two-story event space with a tent!


Easy Setup & Teardown

Conventions and industry events typically go on for days, which means that booths have to be set up every morning and torn down every night. Containers make this process easier and simpler because they’re already sturdy storage containers!


With a container, setup and cleanup are as simple as putting everything inside and locking up! You have to take a tent down every night, then shuttle everything inside away to a secure location and bring it back for setup the following day. That’s hours of labor cut down from the schedule over a week, saving businesses time and money.


Manufacturers design and build containers to protect valuable goods safely and securely, so companies can rest assured their valuable items in booths aren’t going anywhere!


Mobile

Conventions and industry booths happen all over the country, sometimes in days or weeks. Companies have to be mobile with their stalls, and having an event space that they can transport quickly and efficiently is an absolute must.


Obviously, a shipping container is already mobilized! Manufacturers design containers to move freely and efficiently all over the world via ship or truck, or even railway. Plus, instead of finding a transportation structure to move the event space, the event space itself is a mobile structure.


Sturdy & Secure

Many industry events occur outside since there are so many booths to fit in one spot. Naturally, the weather isn’t always cooperative, and event booths are sometimes required to withstand rainy or windy conditions.


In a tent or flimsy temporary structure, this can lead to serious problems and headaches for the booth organizer. With a storage container space, it’s no problem! Storage containers are built to withstand high winds, torrential rain, and much more, so they won’t blink at a bit of drizzle and wind!


Affordable

All of the benefits of storage containers sound nice, but it must mean they’re much more expensive, right? When compared to the cost of a high-quality tent or other temporary structure, a shipping container is cost-effective and practical for many businesses.


Containers are simple and easy to transport, reducing the costs of transporting and building the structure. Businesses can also opt for used containers at an even lower price with minimal reduction in quality.


Frequently Asked Questions About Storage Containers and Event Spaces

Although shipping containers become more prevalent as event spaces every year, there are still many misconceptions and questions people have about them. We’ve compiled some of the most common questions for the record.


What Sizes Are Available for Shipping Containers?

Typically, shipping containers come in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes. Those numbers correspond to the length of the containers, while their width (8 feet) and height (8 feet, 6 inches) are consistent across all lengths.


So whether you have a 20-foot used or a 40-foot new shipping container, they will be the same height and width. These universal dimensions make stacking and combining containers straightforward and effortless.


Is It Better To Buy New or Used?

When purchasing a shipping container, customers can choose a new or used container. New containers are also sometimes referred to as “one-trip” containers, as they only transport goods once before being decommissioned.


A new container will have less wear and tear, but the difference between a new and a used one can be negligible. Storage containers are built to last well beyond 25 years—for as many as 50 years or more!


Do I Need a Permit for a Container Event Space?

Typically, yes. Every event has its regulations and zoning codes, but most classify a storage container as a temporary structure requiring specific permits and documentation.


If using a container as an event space, make sure to go over the local zoning laws and regulations. That will help you ensure that there’s no confusion over its legality when it arrives at the event.


We hope now you see the benefits of storage containers as temporary event spaces for conventions and conferences. If you’re ready to purchase your shipping container and get to work or, if you have more questions, contact us, the container experts at Container Management, Inc.

Storage Containers: Create Completely Unique Event Spaces
By Susan Nalevac 06 May, 2024
Are you looking to buy a shipping container but can’t decide between new or used ? Do you want to better understand the advantages and disadvantages of choosing either option? Let us help with our overview of the pros and cons of buying your shipping containers both new and used! Our guide describes what to consider when deciding between a new or used shipping container , and the benefits that each unit brings to the table. We address which choice provides better value, and the considerations for each type of container. Considerations for a New Shipping Container Definition of a NEW Shipping Container: When considering a new shipping container, one important point to keep in mind is that shipping containers are manufactured overseas. Therefore, “NEW” shipping containers for sale in the United States have had a one-way trip from overseas, from a port near its manufacturing facility to a U.S. port. In other words, these cargo containers were built overseas, loaded with products bound for the United States, and then unloaded here. This means that NEW shipping containers for sale have had a one-way, loaded move from the overseas manufacturer to the United States. A NEW shipping container is also called a “one-way” or, more commonly, a “one-trip” container. In shorthand, these may be abbreviated as “1-trip” or “1-T.” Better Condition/Appearance The primary appeal of a new container—otherwise known as a “one-trip” container—is that you’re getting a unit in its best possible condition. One consideration when buying new or used shipping containers is the appearance—do you want a shiny new unit, or is it OK if it looks a little weatherworn? If the appearance of the steel container is as significant as its utility to you, a one-trip unit is likely your best option. Longevity Steel shipping containers are built to last decades under brutal conditions crisscrossing the world’s oceans. When you buy a new container, you’re getting a unit in its ideal state. You can be certain it’ll last for the long haul. Used containers can still last for years and even decades with proper maintenance. But if long-term durability is essential for your container, one trip is the way to go. Immediately Ready for Use Are you on a tight schedule and need a container ready for use right now? Your best bet is a one-trip unit that’s had only a one-way loaded move from the manufacturer in Asia and is in ideal condition. When a new container is delivered to you, it’s ready to go immediately with little to no maintenance or repairs needed. Appropriate Use of a NEW Shipping Container All new containers will be suitable for both storage or export. They will also be ready for modification if you choose to repurpose it. Considerations for a Used Shipping Container Definition of a Used Shipping Container: When deciding on the purchase of a used shipping container, you must consider the grade. Licensed surveyors assign used shipping containers to one of three shipping container grades : USED – Cargo-Worthy (also called CW) USED – Wind and Watertight (also called WWT) USED – “As Is” USED – Cargo-Worthy Shipping Containers “USED – Cargo-Worthy” (CW) shipping containers are the best quality USED shipping containers available. Some people refer to Cargo-Worthy containers as seaworthy containers or ocean shipping containers . A “Cargo-Worthy” designation signifies that a qualified shipping container surveyor has inspected the container and certified it as cargo-worthy. You can load a cargo-worthy container for domestic or export use. In other words, the USED – Cargo-Worthy shipping container meets all U.S. domestic and overseas shipping requirements. However, be aware that the shipping container grade does NOT assess the cosmetic appearance of the container. Instead, a licensed surveyor assesses the container for factors related to its structural integrity. (See the 7-Point Container Ocean Certification Checklist .) Therefore, a certified USED – Cargo-Worthy container is structurally sound. It also meets the manufacturer's original factory specifications. If you want to ship materials or products overseas in a used shipping container, it must be Cargo-Worthy. Appropriate Use of a USED – Cargo-Worthy Shipping Container Your USED – Cargo-Worthy container will be suitable for storage or export, or you may repurpose it to meet your unique personal or business needs . USED – Wind & Watertight Shipping Containers Container Management, Inc. guarantees that your USED – Wind and Watertight shipping container will be delivered: Wind and watertight Including a floor without any holes (usually a laminated, marine-grade plywood with steel cross beams underneath) Featuring fully functioning doors Appropriate Use of a USED – Wind and Watertight Shipping Container Your USED – Wind and Watertight container will be suitable for all uses on land: as storage containers or repurposed for innovative uses . USED – “As Is” Shipping Containers At Container Management, Inc., we sell only NEW shipping containers and the top two grades of USED shipping containers: USED – Cargo-Worthy USED – Wind and Watertight We NEVER sell the third grade of USED shipping containers: “As Is.” That’s because we want our customers to appreciate our value and service. We won’t sell you “as is” shipping containers because we deem their inferior quality poor, unpredictable, and unacceptable. Pros of Buying Used Shipping Containers There are many advantages to choosing a used shipping container, but the primary benefits are affordability, durability, and sustainability. More Affordable The primary benefit many owners cite for a used shipping container is that it’s more affordable than the alternative. For many, the difference in condition or appearance between a new or used container is negligible or irrelevant, so why not go easy on your budget and opt for the used unit? Durability A used container may not last as long as a one-trip unit, but it will still serve you well for storage or other purposes for years and even decades to come. If a used container is maintained and cared for properly, there’s every reason to expect it to last at least another 30 to 50 years after purchase. Promotes Sustainability Do you love sustainability and making what’s old new again? You can do just that with a used shipping container! After so many years, a container may no longer be graded suitable for export transport, but it still has a lifetime of utility for storage or other purposes. Whether it’s a shipping container, cars, furniture, or practically anything else, the used option will always be the more environmentally friendly choice. Used shipping containers are still very capable and can get the job done. By deciding on a used container, you use the resources on hand instead of spending time, energy, and materials to create new units. Cons of Buying Used Shipping Containers There are definitely fewer cons compared to the pros of purchasing used shipping containers. The primary negative of a used shipping container is that it has more wear and tear than a new container. Wear & Tear The main concern with a used container is that buyers aren’t getting a unit in its prime condition. While a used container probably won’t last as long as a new one, it can still last many years, and even decades, which serves its intended purpose for most buyers. Plus, our thorough inspection and grading process ensures that the used container you purchase from us is still more than capable of serving your specific storage needs! Conclusion: Now that you understand the pros and cons of buying new and used shipping containers, are you ready to decide? At Container Management, Inc., we have a wide assortment of shipping containers for sale in over 32 depot sites across the country. Contact us to get your container today!
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