It's Your Right To Know

Choosing an Inflatable Supplier

Is the unit you would like to rent new or used equipment?Finally, trust your gut to subconsciously pick-up on non-nonverbal clues. If something feels not quite right it's worth a little due diligence.

When selecting an inflatable interactive supplier it is important to know they are a reputable vendor who is trained, licensed, insured.We hope by offering fact-based information and insight into our industry we can help you make better informed decisions and avoid the pitfalls associated with sub-par suppliers. 

The following questions are designed to help you select a vendor: 

COMPANY 

How long have they been in business locally? 

Is the staff primarily full-time employees or part-time contractors? 

Are they trained/experienced in inflatable operations?

What is their safety rating?

Does the vendor have the requested rental equipment?

Do they make claims without support? (ie: we are the largest rental..

REFERENCES

What professional affiliations do they have?

Have other vendors heard of them?

Are they currently working with any of your competitors?

Do they have a Facebook page?

Do they have any references to be found on the internet? Listed in online directories? BBB? Chamber of Commerce?

Can they provide you with references from previous clients?

"I can't thank you enough...your attention to all the details and your knowledge of event making were without a doubt what made it so outstanding...many said it was the best they have attended!"  ~ Intel 

CLEANING

How often are inflatables cleaned? Are their products Eco-Friendly?

Do they regularly inspect for mold, damage, excessive wear and tear? 

Is the equipment allowed to dry thoroughly before being stored? 

Do they have inspection logs recording the maintenance? 

The industry standard for cleaning inflatables is to vacuum and wipe down the surface with an all-purpose cleaner after each rental.

QUALITY
The vinyl used for Inflatables comes from two sources China & Korea. The quality is then determined by the construction.

What kind of guarantee or warranty Is offered?

TECHNOLOGY 

Are they current with industry trends including computer technology that can document/track and detail maintenance and usage reports? 

Is their website up to date with photos of real product? 

Is the product shown the one you will be renting? Watch for: "Looks like...or Similar to...". 

Portland PartyWorks is a fully insured vendor with an experienced staff equipped to handle any situation. Our clients know they can count on us to deliver a successful event every time. As the leading supplier of inflatables in the Northwest we are determined to raise the bar on customer service. Visit our FAQ page if you would like to read about Portland PartyWorks and our commitment to customer satisfaction.

2013 New Interactives Arrive For Your Renting Pleasure!

  They are finally here! 

Are you ready to have some serious fun!

Portland PartyWorks Unveils 2013's New Attractions.

This year our dauntless PartyWorks trio (also known as Mike, Roy and Kristina) came home from their annual New Game Hunt with some really heart-stopping events that are already in hot demand. The 3 of them search through thousands of water slides,  mechanical bulls and bounce houses looking for fun to bring back home to us. Its a tough job, and on behalf of thrill seekers everywhere we thank you for your tireless commitment to your task.

International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)

For our new PartyWorks friends let me share a little insight about the annual trek to IAAPA. Each January these fearless 3  brave the hot and humid climate of Florida in January to attend a trade show full of amusement park attractions and other fun games to add to their already massive list of attractions. Their relentless hunt for new, and unique, and bigger, and better, and faster, and higher is on behalf of all us, the thrill-seekers in Oregon. 

But this year they outdid themselves. 
So now that Mike is back in his office dreaming up the next Gyroscope and Roy is done making room in the warehouse, and Kristina has skillfully managed the shipment to their new home in Clackamas they are finally here. If you are looking for that perfect, never-before-enjoyed perfect show stopping event...

YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE 

 

Below are the 2013 New Products For Portland PartyWorks. Give us a call if you need more information. That's why we are here, to help you make your event unforgettable. 

• Beat The Bucket

A fresh twist on the time-honored dunk tank. The dunkee can try and block the balls before they hit the target. If a ball happens to make it past the blocker and hits a target, a refreshing bucket of water dumps from above on the player,

Easily transported, the game runs off of a standard garden hose water supply, and a 12V rechargeable

 

 

• Rejuvenation Station

 Our basic station comes with three vibrating foot massage's (don't worry - you can leave your shoes on!) like you see at various locations around town.  Add our hand held back and shoulder massager or even a real life masseuse with an upright back chair for even more relief. 

• Mega Wire

Don't get zapped on this game. This is the grown-up version of the spinning corkscrew game, remember that one? You had to maneuver around it all the way to the bottom to win.. In this game, the player holds the loop in one hand and attempts to guide it along the curved wire without touching the loop to the wire. When the loop and the wire touch, a alarm signaling that the game has been lost. A lot harder than it looks. You and an opponent can race to the middle by grasping a wand and maneuvering through the zig-zags all while "trying" not to get zzzzz'inged!  Or play solo if you think you can make it from beginning to end. 

• 

  Wild West Shootout 

Perfect at any carnival or company picnic.  It's great for all ages!  Laser and suction gun options available to meet each clients needs.

• Quad Jumper

Designed with the High Flyers in mind AND the custom needs of youngsters this interactive has different rope systems so everyone can get a taste of flying. This Quad Jumper can also be tailored to you custom means. It can be customized to match your event or team colors.

 

If you are curious about the line-up from past shows pop over to our New Attractions Page.

It's Not To Late To Make This New Year's A PARTY!

Friends of PartyWorks it's not to late to book your New Year's parties with us!  We have many interactive  things to help you and your clients ring in the new year.  

Weather it be table games!  Air hockey, foos ball, shuffle board and more.....  we have it!
Our Horse racing - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpP4tibk_kc - Horses can be customized to any "theme."  Maybe you still have a holiday party to host.....we can have reindeer races!  The photo booth and new flip book are always a great way to remember the night!  Both options STILL available for December 31st. 
 - PLUS if you book this year for am event in 2013 we'll take $200 off the list price.
 
Entertainers, casino tables, DJ's and games and palm readers, "what does your 2013 year hold?"  Our palm readers will answer that for you!

Enlarge your party with our Giant Checkers, Giant Operation and a GIANT Twister board. 

Many themes and possibilities!  Large or small we have options for you and your clients.  Whether an adult's party or teen event we are here to cater to you and your guest's!

Please email me for more information on any of our interactive entertainment.  Plus check the web site for other fun ideas. 

http://youtu.be/Tbr15g0vlc8

Children's Party Locations

Inside Candyland

Inflatable Home Party VS Inflatable Facility Party

If you have ever thought about renting an inflatable game for a child's party, chances are you have come across one of the indoor inflatable arenas that have recently popped up.
Why choose an Inflatable Home Party over going to a Arena?

1. You choose location. You control what setting you would like to have for your party. At home, at a favorite park, at a community center, at a friend or relatives home. Home is a safe environment to have fun, especially for younger children where the loud noise and bustling activity isn't overwhelming.
2. You choose food, beverage and snacks. You control what your children eat. Many times children's party facilities offer just pizza and a non-juice artificial drink.Many times over-priced cake and sweet drinks end up untouched or spilled in the commotion of an arena and the limited time at the table.
3. You choose the time and date. You control how long you want the party to last. 2 hours, 8 hours, 24 hours, the price is the same. You control the date. No date restrictions. Equipment is available anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are inviting families this can be a more cost-effective approach that allows siblings and parents to be included without breaking the bank.
4. You choose your budget. You control how much to spend on equipment  food, goody bags, extras, decorations. Children's party facilities usually have pre-made packages you have to adhere to.  A home party allows grandma to bring the cupcakes and dad to showoff his Bar-B-Que talent.
5. You choose the size of the party. You have total control on the amount of people to invite. Whether it is 10 or 100, if you have the space, you decide. If you have people RSVP at the last minute, there's room for them. Facilities have minimums and maximums- some as low as 25 guests. They need a head count in advance and may not allow changes close to the party date.
6. Last minute party? You have options! Book the day before your event if you need to. There will always be something available that you and your guests will love. Facilities are many times booked well in advance.
7. Privacy. You control the privacy of your party. You decide who attends. Facilities may have more than one party at a time or have open play time when your party is scheduled. This can be really stressful on you trying to keep track of everyone and your guests as they run around looking for each other.
8. Bonus: At home you control the pace and focus of the party. Your little birthday girl (or boy)won't get left behind as her guests run off without her in the noisy arena. If you have ever seen this happen it's heart breaking.

Kids Inflatables and Bounce Houses 

The choice is yours. Choosing Portland PartyWorks is choosing options, value, service and most of all FUN!!!

Budget Cuts That Won't Cheapen Your Event

Smart Planning Is Key: Negotiate Upfront for Discounts & Extras

THE GOOD NEWS: The boss grudgingly gave the okay for a Company Event
THE BAD NEWS: The budget is going to require EXTREME CREATIVE THINKING

Don't panic, you have plenty of time to put together an event with guaranteed smiles from bosses and employees alike. Everyone is stretching dollars these days and creative financing is more the standard than the embarrassing. The most important tool in your arsenal is PRE-PLANNING. After all, asking for reduced corkage fees will be a lot more attainable before the bottles are corked. Following are 15 tips to help ease your budget crunch and free up some dollars for the entertainment. Some of the tips might sound nagging (see 3), but in today's environmentally conscious society, waste is not only burning cash, its wasteful.

1. Try to limit your coffee breaks. Coffee breaks are the most wasteful type of F&B. If you have ordered a coffee break, give instructions that at the end of the break, dirty cups, and dishes are to be removed and that coffee, tea, and decaf are to be consolidated and left in place until lunch or until breakouts begin again. that way a few thirsty people can still have their thirst quenched, and you will have used your money's worth. Always pay "by consumption' instead of 'per person."   treat continental breakfasts the same. Consolidate everything for latter use.
2. Have large breakfast rolls (Danishes) cut in half when serving continental breakfast. They're easier to eat and discourage heavy consumption.
3. Have food stations attended by a waiter to discourage over-indulgence. People tend to eat less if they see an attendant.
4. Know the history of all of your events. track them carefully so you can give accurate guarantees.
5. Use drink tickets at all bars. The bars hosted and you pay only on the number of tickets taken in.
6. Limit drink tickets to two. And have attendees pay cash after using the two tickets. 
7. Buy liquor by the bottle. If you expect 300 or more guests to be in attendance at your party, and if the duration of the event is two hours or more. Estimate three drinks for each guest, per two-hour period. If your estimate reaches 900 drinks or more, you should purchase liquor by the bottle.
8. Insist on a measured pour for each drink. The number of drinks each bottle can yield is determined strictly by the size of the shot that is poured from each bottle.
9. Don't order shrimp unless it is in a "passed" hors d'oeuvre. When it's gone, don't reorder.
10. Avoid salty snacks. They Simply make your attendees thirsty and make them drink more.
11. Utilize leftovers. If you order a cheese display and it is relatively undamaged after the cocktail hour, have the cheeses sent to the presidential suite.
12. Explore food options. In some cities, you can actually have a sit-down dinner for less money than a reception. (as long as you have a cash bar)
13. Think about hosting only wine, beer, and soda. Provide other alcoholic drinks at a cash bar-especially today when everyone is trying to discourage chemical and alcohol dependency.
14. Shop Around. If you have a particularly expensive event, place it on a bid basis with three hotels who could handle the numbers. 
15. Don't over serve. 
16. Price compare using an Event Planner to help you. Often times they have discounts already negotiated.

Most important. Have fun, it's a party.

Proper Party Planning Prevents Problems

Real World Examples Demonstrate The Importance Of Planning

When you are throwing a party for a very large crowd, detailed planning becomes your best weapon against disaster ruining all your hard work. Rather than give you a list of "Do's and Don'ts", I am going to share some real world examples from a recent wedding. Turns out that party had a few embarrassing problems, one that started before the event even took place!

1. PROBLEM: Kim Kardashian Axes 50 From Wedding Guest List...The issue was a problem with space--"namely not enough of it--at the home of Google's Eric Schmidt in Montecito, California. Wouldn't you think this would have been recognized sooner than two days prior to the big event?" It is worth noting, the wedding was planned in under three months. Standard wedding planning guidelines recommend six months to a year. Invitations generally are mailed out 2 months in advance, with a Save The Date mailer 3-6 months prior to that.
• Solution: When selecting a venue remember to count the staff. Kim's staff of 125 rousted some invited guests. You will also need to determine if you will have other items requiring a large quantity of  the venues square footage. Will you have a dance floor, band, photo booth? All of this will reduce your maximum attendance capacity.  A formula often used by meeting planners is 10 sq. ft per person*. Then the seating arrangement, table size, exhibits, etc are deducted from this to determine the maximum attendance the room will allow. (*reference: meeting planners international)