Inflatable arches, gazebos and displays for brand events

Inflatable display formats for events

Air does the structural work, so even large pieces stay light enough to carry and set up without tools. Our outdoor inflatables range includes tents, arches, armchairs, tables and counters. The artwork is digitally printed over the whole shape, not confined to a single panel.

Arches suit start lines, finish lines and entrances. An arch over a start line frames every runner who passes under it, so the sponsor appears in the finish photos as well as on the day.

Inflatable gazebos come in 3m x 3m, 4m x 4m and 5m x 5m.

Inflatable counters are the ready-made option for staff. Ours come in three shapes, all 1 metre high:

The price, from $698 excluding GST and freight, includes the counter, a backlit fabric graphic, mains-powered LED lighting, a carry bag and a mains-powered pump. The standard production lead time is 1.5 weeks from order and print-ready artwork. See inflatable counters for the details.

Custom inflatables and replica products are made to order. You can start from a rough sketch, a brief or finished artwork, and the result can be large enough to mount on a building. Use one at a launch or outdoor activation when a single giant object has to carry the brand. Send the brief to sales@displays2go.com.au or see custom inflatables.

Sealed or constant-air: how inflatables are blown up

There are two ways an inflatable keeps its shape, and the difference matters for power and staffing.

• Inflated once, then closed. You pump the piece up, close it off and it holds its shape without power. Our inflatable counters use an internal TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) bladder, filled with a mains, rechargeable battery or hand pump.
• Constant-air. A blower runs the whole time to hold the shape. These pieces need power all day and go down if the blower stops. None of our inflatables need a blower running all day.

Anchoring and wind limits

Wind is the main risk with any inflatable outdoors. The firmest guidance comes from the WHS regulators' rules for inflatable amusement devices, such as jumping castles. It is a sensible benchmark for display inflatables too.

• Anchor at every point provided. Safe Work Australia says inflatable devices should be "secured and anchored with anchor points provided according to the manufacturer's instructions".
• Know the wind limit. Safe Work Australia's sheet says to evacuate amusement inflatables "when wind gusts exceed the manufacturer's guidelines or when the wind gusts are over 40 km per hour". That figure is for amusement inflatables, not a safe rating for display pieces. We don't publish a wind rating for our inflatables, so on an exposed site, deflate early.
• Anchor even on calm days. WorkSafe Victoria says land-borne inflatables "need to be adequately anchored, even when low winds are forecast, or the inflatable device is not operational".
• Measure on site. WorkSafe Victoria recommends an on-site wind speed meter (anemometer) rather than regional forecasts, and says to deflate if the maximum rated wind speed is likely to be exceeded.

On grass, pegs or stakes are common. On asphalt, concrete or in parks where pegging is banned, use water or sand weights instead. Name one trained person on the event team who has authority to deflate, and only re-inflate once the wind has dropped and is forecast to stay down.

Venue, council and safety rules

Council and park rules. For events in the City of Sydney's parks and open spaces, the event guidelines say that "All structures must be weighted and not 'pegged'". They also say no structures may be placed beneath the dripline of any tree. Temporary structures must be secured to the manufacturer's or structural specifications so they can withstand likely wind. Those specifications go to Council before the event, and the installers certify that the structure was put up to them. Other councils and venues set their own conditions, so ask the organiser for the site rules early.

Amusement device or display? Safe Work Australia's information sheet covers inflatable amusement devices that people play on, and says a land-borne device that is continuously blown with a platform height of 3 metres or more needs plant registration. If your activation includes a bouncy castle, slide or obstacle course, it falls under these rules and must be supervised by people competent to operate it. If people will climb on, play in or be enclosed by a display inflatable, check with your state WHS regulator.

Pumps, lighting and power. In NSW, SafeWork NSW lists outdoors as an example of a "hostile operating environment". Plug-in equipment used there must be regularly inspected and tested by a competent person, as a general rule at least once every 12 months, and the test record may be a tag. If you hire electrical equipment, the hire company must have it inspected and tested at the start of each hire and every three months. Where reasonably practicable, workers using plug-in equipment in these environments must be protected by an RCD (safety switch) rated no higher than 30 milliamps for socket outlets up to 20 amps. Rules in other states are similar but not identical, so check with your state regulator. Run leads where the public cannot trip on them or reach the plug.

Printing and branding

Graphics on our inflatable counters are dye-sublimation printed. The ink is bonded into backlit polyester fabric with heat, which keeps colours fast and lets the skins be washed. The graphic skins can be swapped for a new campaign, and they fold down small for storage.

• Design for distance. An arch or giant replica is read from across a field, so keep to a logo and a few words.
• Design for light. Counter graphics are lit from inside, so artwork needs to work when backlit.
• Use the templates. Artwork guides are available for each counter shape. You can supply print-ready files or brief our in-house design studio.

Set-up, pack-down and storage

• Set-up is quick, which helps when the bump-in window at a race or festival is short. The counter graphic stays on when packed, so there is nothing to fit on site.
• Check before use. WorkSafe Victoria recommends inspecting inflatables after assembly, daily before use and annually, and keeping a log book. Look for wear or rips in the fabric.
• Pack down dry. Deflate fully, keep each pump with its piece, and let damp fabric dry before long-term storage.
• Transport. The counters pack into a zip-up carry case with shoulder straps. The rectangular counter weighs 28kg in its bag, so plan for two people.

Frequently asked questions

How long does production take? Inflatable counters have a standard production lead time of 1.5 weeks from order and print-ready artwork, plus freight. Custom shapes are quoted to the brief.

Can we hire inflatables? No. Our inflatables are sold, not hired.

Do inflatables work indoors? Yes. The counters are made for in-store tastings, exhibitions, sales presentations and specialty retail. Check the venue's floor and power rules first.

Next step

Browse our inflatable display products, or tell us the event, the site and how exposed it is through our outdoor events page. You can also call 1300 240 250 to talk through an arch, counter or custom shape.