The Tent Conference returns to Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 11–13, 2027, with a refreshed format that combines classroom education with behind-the-scenes access to two working tent rental operations. Hosted by the Tent Rental Division (TRD) of the Advanced Textiles Association, the conference continues to focus on education, networking and industry collaboration while placing greater emphasis on learning through real-world experiences.
Rather than spending nearly all of the conference in a classroom setting, attendees will have the opportunity to tour one to two local tent rental company warehouses, offering an inside look at different approaches to operations, inventory management, logistics and workflow.
Monday, Jan. 11 will kick off with a Nashville Spirits, Stories & Socializing Tour that will include two distillery stops and a “honky tonk” to finish. Attendees will learn Nashville history and hear stories on how the city was built while team trivia runs throughout the tour to keep everyone on their toes and give folks a chance to engage and meet new people.
Regular conference programming begins Tuesday morning with classroom sessions addressing timely issues facing tent rental companies. One presentation explores practical applications for artificial intelligence, demonstrating how AI can be integrated into day-to-day business operations to improve efficiency, simplify administrative tasks and enhance customer service. The session will highlight tools and strategies companies can begin using immediately.
Safety remains a central theme throughout the conference. Another session will examine evacuation planning, with presenters discussing how rental companies can communicate emergency procedures to clients in a way that promotes preparedness without creating unnecessary concern. As more venues and municipalities expect comprehensive emergency planning, the session will provide guidance that companies can incorporate into their own event planning processes.
Attendees will also receive updates from the TRD Board on initiatives currently underway, including authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) education, Safe Tenting programs and additional resources being developed to support the industry. The session will provide insight into TRD’s ongoing efforts to strengthen safety, improve education and promote consistency across the tent rental profession.
Tuesday afternoon shifts from the classroom to the field as attendees visit one, possibly two, of the local tent rental company warehouses. The tours will provide an opportunity to observe different operational models, ask questions and exchange ideas with fellow rental professionals. Seeing another company’s facility firsthand offers practical takeaways that are difficult to replicate in a traditional classroom environment.
The day’s programming concludes with networking activities and the annual Next Gen/OG Happy Hour, creating opportunities for newer industry professionals and longtime business owners to connect and continue conversations started during the day’s sessions.
Wednesday’s program focuses on industry discussion and problem-solving. A town hall session will invite attendees to participate in conversations about the future of the tent rental industry, offering a forum to discuss challenges, emerging trends and opportunities facing companies of all sizes.
Another educational session addresses one of the industry’s more complex topics — engineering and permitting. As municipalities continue to refine permitting requirements, tent rental companies are often faced with questions about engineered drawings, documentation and project approvals. The session will explore when it makes sense to work with a private engineer versus relying on manufacturer resources, along with the information municipalities typically require during the permitting process.
Although unconfirmed as this issue is going to print, additional learning opportunities may continue with Safe Tenting Certification courses and hands-on training tentatively scheduled for Thursday and Friday at a nearby location. These post-conference courses would provide participants with additional technical instruction and practical experience designed to reinforce safe installation practices and industry standards.
The revised conference format reflects a broader approach to professional development by combining classroom instruction with opportunities to see successful operations in action. Along with educational sessions, attendees will have multiple opportunities to network with peers, connect with suppliers and discuss common challenges facing the industry.
As the tent rental industry continues to evolve, the 2027 Tent Conference aims to provide practical information that attendees can take back to their businesses and put to work immediately. From emerging technology and safety planning to engineering requirements and operational best practices, this year’s program emphasizes both knowledge-sharing and hands-on learning.
For more information and to register, visit textiles.org/tentconference.
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