Black Mastertent 10x10ft canopy tents set up in a row with peak flags printed with Puma logos. Surrounded by crowd of people for a post-race event.

What to Look for in an Event Tent

Your Comprehensive Guide to Your Next Event Tent

Planning a fundraiser, sports event, or product launch party? From finding the right vendors to booking space and hiring staff, hosting a memorable event requires dozens of decisions and details. Perhaps one of the most important choices? Your event tent.

Landing on the right tent is key to your event’s success. 

At Mastertent, we offer a wide range of mobile equipment designed to accommodate all your event tent needs. We aim to balance durability, design, and ease-of-use in everything we create, so whether you choose one of our inflatable tents, a canopy tent, or a pavilion, you can expect lasting quality and a stunning first impression every time. 

Not sure which Mastertent event tent is right for you? Use this handy buying guide to consider all your options and land on the perfect choice. 

        

1. Event Tent Essentials

Tent Size

Let's start from the beginning. Before you can dive into tent product research and reviews, it’s important to take a step back and assess the basics. A helpful starting place is often the size of the event. Estimating the number of people your event will attract helps to find the tent size you’ll need. For example, if you’re hosting 50 people, a 26x13ft tent might be perfect for a cocktail mingle event, but it would be a bit tight for a seated dinner.

Functionality

Next, consider the functionality you’ll need to support in an event tent. Will you be serving food, selling goods, or demonstrating a product? Each of these activities might lend themselves to a tent feature, such as walls, flooring, counters, lighting, or even heaters. Our Experts can always help if you’re not sure what size or accessories will be appropriate for your event.

      

2. Durable Event Tents

High-Quality Materials

Purchasing an event tent is an investment, so no matter your occasion, it’s important to select a long-lasting option that can serve your needs well beyond a single use. Regardless of the shape, size, or Series, all of our event tents are built with durability in mind.

Our canopy tents and pavilions feature aluminum construction frames and optional add-ons like cast-iron base weights, giving you ultimate peace of mind that your Mastertent will stand strong, even with frequent use. 

User-Friendly Maintenance

Unlike many of our competitors, we create our products to be easily serviceable. Meaning, if you ever need to repair your tent, you can replace individual parts, rather than buy a whole new tent.

Learn more about our 10-Year Spare Parts Guarantee and US customer service team.

Product Spotlight: Our Series 2 Canopy Tents

Our Series 2 canopy tents combine lasting durability with streamlined customization options. Each tent is carefully constructed with an octagon-shaped aluminum frame, designed to withstand repeated usage. If you’re looking for a professional-grade tent with a long lifespan, our Series 2 canopy tent makes an ideal choice.

      

3. Weather-Tough Materials

Wind-Tunnel Tested Tents

While many aspects of your event are within your control, weather is not one of them. Be sure to select an event tent that can stand up to sun, wind, and rain, especially if you’re planning an outdoor event in a harsh climate. We stress-test our tents in high-power wind tunnels to ensure they can endure gusts up to 75 mph. 

Waterproof Fabric & Weather Solutions

Our waterproof fabrics and other innovative solutions, like our canopy tent rain gutters, mean even the dreariest weather is no match for your Mastertent. You can relax knowing that your tent will withstand the elements come event day.

Product Spotlight: Mastertent Pavilions

Robust, long-lasting, and designed to keep people and products shielded from rain and sun, our Pavilions are an excellent choice for events requiring maximum durability and weatherproof materials. Choose from four different shapes, 10 different roof material colors, and custom digital printing options to design an event tent that’s as eye-catching as it is reliable.

      

4. Custom Event Tents

Custom Tent Printing, Colors, & Accessories

Make your event tent YOU. Whether you’re aiming to wow customers or stand out from your competition, a beautiful, custom event tent can go a long way toward helping you make a great impression. Customizable event tents are one of the most effective ways to draw attention. With branded printing options, colors that catch the eye, and other event tent features like walls, flooring, and counters, the right design can be the difference between a forgettable display and a truly memorable experience.

If you want to create an impact beyond what’s available through our standard customization options, talk to us about a truly custom tent. From one-of-a-kind mesh window panels to unique tent configurations, your imagination is the limit, thanks to our in-house manufacturing team. Our Product Specialists will work with you to develop an event tent solution that matches your unique specifications.

Product Spotlight: Fully-Custom Fabrication

Don't see what you're looking for or need something truly unique and custom-made for your project?

As in-house manufacturers of our prducts, Mastertent offers custom fabrication for canopy tents and mobile solutions. With over 30 years of experience, we turn your unique needs into easy-to-use mobile solutions and welcome new challenges. Whether it's pre-designed options or engineered new solutions, we've got you covered.

      

5. Day-to-Night Events

Event Tent Lights & Sidewalls

Any event planner knows that good lighting is critical to setting the right mood. Whether your event kicks off in the morning and lingers into the night or starts at dusk as the sunlight dims, don’t forget to consider how your tent will transform throughout the day. 

Including tent sidewalls not only provides privacy, but also helps block wind. Meanwhile, LED Light Strips create a seamless day-to-night transition for night markets, events, weddings and corporate occasions. The best event tent setup allows for a seamless transition from day to night, so you can make a beautiful statement at any hour.

LED lighting system mounted on the internal trusses of a blue Mastertent event tent.

Product Spotlight: Canopy Tent Lighting

Our Canopy Tent Lighting features an easy-to-use dimmer switch which allows you to adjust the brightness of the light to fit the occasion. Spotlight your products under bright white light or set a soft, conversational mood, depending on the needs of your event. Compact and packable, our power-saving LED light bars snap securely to any of our canopy tents with a simple click.

      

6. Ease of Use

60-Second Event Tent Assembly

On a tight schedule? Aesthetics don’t need to come at the expense of ease of use. We pride ourselves on innovative, beautiful designs that require minimal setup time. Even our largest structures can be assembled in a matter of minutes and break down into just a few modular parts. Event days are stressful enough without the added frustration of tedious tent assembly, so whether you’re hosting 50 people or 500, be sure to choose an event tent option that’s simple and straightforward to use. 

Product Spotlight: Mastertent Inflatables

No detail is overlooked in our eye-catching line of inflatables. Each of our patented inflatable models make setting up your event simple. A continuous blower built seamlessly into the structure of the inflatable means assembly is as simple as plugging in a cord.


A great event starts with the right event tent.

 The best option for your event will depend on your specific event needs. Looking for maximum comfort no matter the weather? Opt for an event tent with weatherproof materials. Want to make a bold statement? Prioritize customization options in your event tent choice.

Whatever your needs, we’re happy to help you find an event tent that strikes the perfect balance of durability, design, and performance. Design your event tent online or contact us to learn more or get started on your custom order.