Shipping containers are versatile structures increasingly used creatively for various purposes beyond simple cargo transportation. Due to their durable steel construction and customizable design, containers work perfectly for setting up temporary spaces at events large and small. Whether you’re organizing a festival, conference, wedding, or outdoor party, repurposed shipping containers can add function and flair to your event space.
Here are 12 clever ways event planners in Ontario are utilizing shipping containers:
1. Food Stalls and Concessions
Renovated containers make for durable, secure food vendor stalls. Fit them with serving windows, electrical hookups, and storage to create food trucks or pop-up kitchens on a budget.
2. Bar and Beverage Service
Transform a container into bar-style with a service window, taps, fridge, and small countertop. Some event planners install bar stools outside for a unique social space. You can keep drinks cool and protected from the elements by using shipping containers as bars. Consider a second container nearby for storage and supplies.
3. Merchandise and Retail Booths
You can sell event merchandise, arts and crafts, sponsor products, or tickets from secure yet stylish container retail booths. All you need to do is customize the interiors with shelves and display units so vendors have everything.
4. Photo and Video Booths
Give your guests a fun, photo-worthy space to capture memories with a party photo booth container. For the ultimate experience, decorate the interiors with props, lighting, and a camera or phone mount.
5. Lounges and Seating Areas
Group several containers together and furnish the space with sofas, chairs, and decorations for cozy lounge areas. Install windows, siding and a roof for a modern outdoor seating structure. For multi-container lounges, connect containers with covered walkways.
6. Green Rooms and Artist Spaces
You can provide performers, speakers and presenters with a comfortable green room to relax in before and after their time on stage. Don’t forget to stock the containers with snacks, mirrors, and comfortable seats.
7. VIP and Sponsor Areas
Did you know you can create an exclusive sponsor lounge or VIP viewing area inside a lavishly outfitted shipping container? Design the interiors with premium furnishings and finishes to impress clients.
8. Kids Play Areas
Designate a safe, fun space for children with a play area container with interactive games, toys and supervision. Consider installing artificial grass, windows and age-appropriate décor. Fit the container with windows, allowing parents to supervise from outside easily. Add a play structure, ball pit or climbers.
9. Offices and Workspaces
Event organizers can use containers as on-site mobile offices, check-in points and back-of-house command centers. Equip the interiors with essential furniture, technology and storage. Provide a table and seating configuration for on-site meetings. Install power sources and lighting suitable for productive working.
10. Sound and Production Storage
Secure event production equipment, audio-visual technology and staging elements in climate-controlled storage containers near the site. Install locks, ventilation and organizers for efficient storage.
11. Onsite Accommodations
For multi-day events, shipping containers can be used as basic accommodation units or “glamping” cabins with custom beds, lighting, and stylish interiors. You can also provide private bathrooms in separate containers.
12. Guest Sign-In and Registration
Greet guests and collect registrations from a branded welcome container decorated with your event logo, signage and comfortable registration furniture.
As you can see, shipping containers offer countless possibilities for imaginative event spaces. Their weatherproof construction, customizable designs and mobility make them ideal temporary structures.
With the help of experts like Boxtainer, organizers can bring their big ideas to life affordably using innovative container solutions. With over 15 years of experience providing container solutions, we have the skills to find the right container for you.
Contact us today to learn more about our shipping containers!