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Inflatable arches, gazebos and displays for brand events
Published
Quick answer
Inflatables give you a big branded shape that travels light and goes up in minutes. Use an arch to frame a start line, entry or sponsor zone, a gazebo for shade and sampling, a counter for staff, and a custom shape when you want your product or logo at giant scale. Before you book a site, check how it is inflated and anchored, who will decide when to take it down in bad weather, and what the venue or council allows.
Inflatable display formats for events
Air does the structural work, and many standard pieces are portable; check the handling and installation needs for custom shapes. 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.
| Format | Typical use at fun runs, sport and festivals | What to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Inflatable arch | Start and finish lines, event entries, sponsor zones | Clear height and width for the crowd, anchoring at both feet |
| Inflatable gazebo or dome | Sampling, merchandise, hospitality, first aid, shade | Anchor points on every leg, side walls if needed |
| Inflatable furniture | Sponsor lounges and rest areas | Keep clear of walkways, and check how each piece is anchored outdoors |
| Inflatable counter | Registration, sampling, tastings, sales | Power for the internal lighting, or a battery |
| Custom inflatable or replica product | Photo opportunities, product launches, roof or building displays | Design time, plus the anchoring method for the shape |
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:
| Counter shape | Size | Gross weight in bag |
|---|---|---|
| Round | 600mm diameter | 12.5kg |
| Square | 600mm x 600mm | 12kg |
| Rectangle | 1,000mm x 600mm | 28kg |
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 can make an inflatable unsafe outdoors. Our display inflatables have no supplier wind rating. Rules written for amusement inflatables, such as jumping castles, are not a safe wind-speed limit for these displays.
- Anchor at every point provided. Follow the instructions supplied with your display and the site's anchoring rules.
- Agree who calls pack-down. Name one person on the event team to watch conditions and decide when to deflate; don't wait for a number borrowed from another product.
- Anchor even on calm days. Conditions can change while the display is standing.
- Watch the site. Check conditions where the inflatable is standing, not just the regional forecast.
On grass, pegs or stakes may be allowed. Where pegging is prohibited, ask the organiser what anchoring and weights it will accept. Only re-inflate when the organiser agrees conditions are suitable.
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 need specifications showing they can withstand likely wind; those go to Council before the event, and installers certify the set-up. Because our display inflatables have no supplier wind rating, ask the organiser whether your proposed structure can meet the council's requirements before booking. Other councils and venues set their own conditions.
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. Check your state regulator's electrical requirements. 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. Inspect the display fabric and anchor points for wear or rips, and keep a record of any repairs.
- 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 get help moving it if needed.
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. Your team can use the counters for 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.