Juggling the Moving Parts of a Major Event

Planning any large-scale event comes with its fair share of logistical headaches. When that event is expected to attract over 15,000 guests for a weekend of amusement rides, educational shows, and talent competitions themed around animals, those headaches can become migraines.

The months leading up to Animal Fest see organizers orchestrating a range of critical components key to delivering an exceptional event. These include things like booking performers, coordinating vendor partnerships, marketing promotions across media channels, preparing equipment and amenities across the festival site, and organizing volunteers. With so many moving parts to manage, having the flexibility to store important items securely and then access them efficiently is paramount.

Over the last decade, the Animal Fest planning committee has increasingly utilized Surrey’s self storage facilities to assist with the festival’s logistical demands. The storage units provide ample space to house items by type and date needed, allowing much easier access during the frenzy of event execution.

Costume and Prop Storage

In the initial planning stages, self storage units house the elaborate animal mascot costumes and handheld creature props used in parades and performances across the event. Given their vibrant colours and intricate detailing, properly storing these items prevents damage and fading before performers have a chance to bring them to life.

As show date nears, organizers can conveniently access the stored costumes from the climate-controlled units and transport them to the site. The ability to quickly stash the costumes after performances also helps preserve the magic for guests visiting multiple times over the weekend.

Equipment and Promotional Storage

Weeks before the festival, organizers stash audio and lighting equipment, vendors’ booths, amusement ride tools, and maintenance supplies in available storage units. Storing these bulky items at a self storage facility right outside the event grounds allows everything to be easily transported during load-in and load-out.

Additionally, self storage offers ample room for the vast amount of promotional products that help keep Animal Fest top of mind all season long. Collectible plush animals, t-shirts, hats, bags, and other giveaway items are loaded in storage upon delivery before being taken to the designated distribution booths and merchant shops.

Securing Sponsor Materials

Another benefit self storage provides Animal Fest is securely housing sponsor assets used across the event until organizers dictate their placement. This includes things like custom-printed signage for sponsored attractions, product samples or coupons for distribution, banners and flags to marker sponsored zones, and more. With shared access between planners and sponsors via unique access codes, approved contacts can add or remove materials as needed with the assets safely stored otherwise.

Supporting Smooth Event Execution

Once Animal Fest kicks off, the versatile storage units continue facilitating efficient operations behind the curtain. For instance, should inclement weather or technical difficulties cause an unexpected cancellation, fragile props and equipment can be quickly transported back into secure storage rather than left vulnerable on the event grounds.

The units also provide backup inventory storage for sponsor giveaways and maintenance tools in case of shortages or malfunctions. When broken rides need quick fixes or popular prizes run out faster than expected, the remedy is as close as the self storage site just down the road.

ALSO READ: How to become a member of a cat show?

Closing the Curtain with Self Storage

As Animal Fest organizers wave goodbye to attendees at the end of the last day, their closing duties are just getting started. The bulk of event materials from vendor booths to amusement park rides must be swiftly transported off the grounds that night. This is when access to spacious self storage units just minutes away proves clutch once again. Equipment and delicate costumes and props can be driven directly to long-term storage, eliminating the scramble to coordinate pickups from a cramped facility.

Everything is methodically loaded into units to simplify inventory counts needed for future Animal Fest planning. Marked storage bins streamline categorization so items are easily retrievable the next year based on type. With ample storage purchased through contracts, organizers can rest assured their assets are secured as they turn the page toward planning Animal Fest’s next season.

Why Self Storage is a Game Changer for Event Planners

After seeing firsthand the logistical advantage self storage lends Animal Fest year after year, it begs the question why all large-scale event planners aren’t tapping into these services. For organizations that only host annual or semi-regular festivals and conventions, the flexible leasing terms make financial sense versus maintaining expensive permanent storage warehouses. The customizable storage configurations and climate-controlled units also ensure assets stay protected regardless of events’ unique needs.

Additionally, the security features offered by modern storage facilities grant planners peace of mind whether they’re storing expensive equipment or priceless costumes. Access credentials allow organizers to grant and rescind access as vendors and personnel change over the years as well.

Of course, the convenience of driving event materials directly into secure units situated close to the venues themselves can’t be overstated in simplifying logistics. Festival planners no longer waste time coordinating unwieldy pickups and transporting items to distant warehouses before and after their events. It’s this operational edge that will likely make self storage facilities ever more popular players behind future Animal Fests and similar productions looking to up their organizational game.

Other Events Following Suit

While Animal Fest stands as one of the largest recurring public events leveraging self storage units in Surrey, it is far from the only one. Organizers from nearby food and culture festivals have taken notice of their asset management success and adopted similar approaches. Corporate parties, university events, concert series, and conferences across the region now regularly utilize storage rentals for their temporary equipment and archival needs as well.

The creative ways events make use of the customizable spaces proves the sky’s the limit. Some even transform basic storage units into makeshift wardrobe and makeup studios to support on-site talent. Others have partitioned their units to house different categories of rental equipment in easily accessible sections near their event venue loading docks.

Stashing More Than Just Stuff

Self storage undoubtedly provides tangible logistical and financial benefits that make renting units worthwhile for organizations hosting major events. However, perhaps the greatest value comes from the peace of mind it grants planners behind the scenes.

Knowing months of preparation can be securely stored just minutes from event sites allows organizers to focus on curating exceptional attendee experiences rather than fretting over the safety of their critical assets. It also ensures investments into equipment, costumes, signage, supplies, and more can be reused reliably for future events rather than needlessly discarded each year. This positively impacts local communities and the environment.

Most importantly, seamless access to organized event necessities enables smooth execution that delights guests during festivals like Animal Fest. So while attendees may not ponder the miles of cables, stacks of giveaways, and racks of vibrant costumes stashed securely nearby as they gleefully partake in the weekend’s amusement, they do get to enjoy the fruits of this concealment each time crowds collectively gasp during an acrobat’s daring stunt or grin widely snapping a selfie with a colorful mascot.

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What is pet therapy

Pet therapy (from pet, “pet, pet”) is the involvement of pets in the treatment and prevention of a variety of diseases, from cardiovascular disease to mental health disorders. An analysis of 49 pet therapy studies confirmed the positive emotional impact of animals on patients with:

• autism, 
• emotional disturbances, 
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 
• schizophrenia, 
• depression,
• addictions. 

“Psychology pets” are called “emotional support animals.” They differ from helpers, such as guide dogs, in that they need almost no special training – a friendly attitude toward humans and an emotional connection between pet and owner is enough. Therefore, it is not necessary to buy a special animal – you can choose the one you like from the shelter. The restrictions for pet therapy are minimal: allergies to animals or fear of them.

How it works

Proponents of pet therapy believe that animals help stabilize emotions, become more relaxed and calm, develop trust in others and self-confidence, improve communication skills, self-regulation and socialization.

In addition, pets relieve loneliness, reduce irritability and anger, reduce symptoms of PTSD, help defeat insomnia, and increase levels of the joy hormones oxytocin and endorphins.

Dogs

The most popular therapists and companions among pets. They help to cope with depression, quickly calm down in a stressful situation, and feel secure. Dog owners find it easier to get acquainted with new people on walks and make friends – communication and friendship, according to scientists, make us happier. Emotional support can be provided by a dog of any breed and size that is friendly to people and knows basic commands.

Horses

Horses are almost as popular as dogs as therapists and in some cases are superior to other animals. Psychotherapy with them is used to treat addictions and help adults and children with mental disorders. Riding is an optional part of therapy. People can take care of horses to improve their well-being. Interacting with animals and their ability to recognize and mimic human emotions helps people cope with emotional distress and learn trust.

Cats

Cats are thought to be less capable of emotional support than dogs and horses. However, experts believe that this is not true. There is a practice of having cats in nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and open cat cafes. These animals have a calming effect on the psyche of people, help to forget about troubles and normalize sleep, because their presence creates a sense of security, and a cat’s purr relaxes and lulls. Studies show that petting a cat triggers the production of the hormone of joy, oxytocin. Pets are responsive, kind and sensitive to those who give them attention.

Rabbits

Sometimes you need a small, quiet and calm animal for therapy. In this case, experts recommend choosing a rabbit. These animals are easy to take care of, they are suitable for those who, for whatever reason, cannot get a dog or a cat at home. Petting rabbits helps to develop and maintain fine motor skills. The only essential condition is that the animal must be socialized and enjoy being stroked.

Reptiles

At first glance, reptiles are not associated with animals that help solve emotional problems. However, an experiment conducted in London showed that taking care of such a pet distracts people from difficulties and unpleasant experiences. This is because the care of the reptile requires increased attention and concentration. In addition, an unusual pet often increases self-esteem – the owner gets confidence that if he is capable of the complex care of a pet, he can succeed in any chosen field.

Birds

We are talking primarily about parrots – a high level of empathy and the ability to talk make them great companions. Experts suggest teaching parrots certain words and phrases that help in working through psychological difficulties. Parrots can help victims of violence and are better suited than other pets for treating PTSD. In the United States, Parrots For Patriots is created to help veterans of combat operations in Iraq, where any soldier who needs support can choose a bird and take care of it.

Cows

A new trend that has recently emerged in Europe and then in the United States is cow cuddling therapy. World fame for this type of therapy was brought by the American Suzanne Wollers. A year ago Suzanne and her husband, farmers from upstate New York, offered the sessions of “cow hugging” to all comers. The couple try to hold no more than one or two sessions a day so as not to tire out the animals. The benefit of such hugs is that the heart rate of cows is slower than that of humans. Hugging a cow gives people a relaxing and peaceful effect similar to that of yoga or meditation. 

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Basic Rules For Transporting A Dog By Car

Many dogs, especially when they are puppies, get very seasick in the car, even when they are moving smoothly. The dog begins to salivate profusely and may vomit. To avoid such unpleasant surprises, don’t feed your dog at least two hours before the trip. If breed peculiarities allow, it is better not to feed at all on that day.

Water, as always, can be drunk without restriction. Walk your dog before getting into the car so you can drive without stopping.

A very temperamental and curious dog is conveniently transported in a crate. The carrier can be stowed in the luggage compartment or placed in the passenger compartment so that it will not tip over during sudden braking.

A dog can also travel in the car without a kennel. Small animals are fine sitting on their owner’s lap. If your dog is drooling profusely, put a waterproof mat or diaper on your clothes. You can let your dog ride in the back seat or place him on the floor between the seats. For large dogs, there are special hammocks that hang between the front and back seats. It’s soft and comfortable for your dog to ride in and allow him to look out the window.

It is not recommended to put the dog on the front passenger seat. During emergency braking, it may be thrown through the windshield or injured by a triggered airbag. In addition, a bored pet may interfere with the driver’s control of the car.

It is also not recommended to let the dog lean out the open window. He may jump out when he sees something interesting, injure his eyes from debris flying from the road, or get a cold in his ears from a draft.

If you must leave your dog alone for a while, make sure he has fresh air, such as a half-open window. Keep in mind that the sun heats the car quickly and strongly. A dog in an unventilated car may die from heatstroke.

In intense heat, it is better to refuse to travel at all, as there is a high risk of death from overheating. If there is air conditioning in the car, a significant difference in temperature inside and outside may also be a serious blow to the pet’s health.

Feeding on the road is undesirable because of the risk that the dog may vomit. Small puppies in particular often vomit on the road.

Remember that not all roadside motels and hotels allow dogs. Take care to find hotels, where you can stay with pets. The size of the dog also makes a difference. There are hotels, which allow dogs without restrictions or at a small surcharge for a pet. But if it happens that there is no such hotel on your route, then someone will have to sleep with the dog in the car. You can not leave him alone, he will be worried, can tear the interior trim, seats, or begin to howl loudly. So consider beforehand how to ensure that you and your dog sleep comfortably.

Nevertheless, the pleasure of a joint vacation with your favorite four-legged friend outweighs all the minor travel inconveniences a hundredfold.

Travel With A Dog On The Train

Transportation by suburban electric trains differs from urban transport only in the fact that you need to buy a special ticket for the dog “for the carriage of animals. Its price depends on the distance of the trip.

According to the rules a small dog must be transported in a box. When carrying in the arms of other passengers may require the owner to comply with the rules. A large dog must always be on a leash and a muzzle. Putting the pet on the seat, even if there is a bedding, is prohibited. But for the comfort of the dog, a bed may be necessary. It is convenient to put it on the floor if the car is very cold in winter or the floor is wet and dirty.

When transporting on long-distance trains, you have to meet a number of additional requirements.

Dogs do not get seasick on trains and can safely be fed on the way. When travelling with a puppy it is better to remove the mat from the floor and cover it with absorbent diapers. However, it’s better to replace the mat with your own bedding when traveling with an adult dog as well. Then you do not have to listen to the conductor’s complaints that the mat is covered with hair. When stressed, and transportation is stressful for many dogs, your dog can really start to get a lot of hair or dander.

Don’t walk your puppy on the road, let him go and pee on a diaper. The adult animal is taken out for a walk at long stops; how many and how long the stops will be is stated in the train schedule. It hangs in the corridor next to the conductor’s compartment. If the train is out of schedule, be sure to check with the conductor to see if the stop has been shortened.

Be sure to take a bag to clean up feces and diapers to dry the puddle. It may not be possible to find a lawn or bushes for your dog to walk in natural conditions. Young animals that are inexperienced with train travel may refuse to settle in an unfamiliar place at all and will endure for almost twenty-four hours. But patience can end at any, usually the most inopportune moment.

In some destinations it is allowed to transport dogs without a companion. In this case a veterinary certificate is obligatory. 

• The animal is placed in a secure cage or a plastic box and locked. The container must have a bed, as no one will take the dog out. 
• There should be a drinker and a feeder. It is the conductor’s responsibility to feed and drink the dog on the train.
• Food and water on the road should be given at home, familiar to the pet to avoid digestive disorders.

Special Features For Transporting Dogs By Airplane

Here, as in no other mode of transport, there is no single approach.

Separately, we can talk about cargo transportation, when the dog, regardless of size and age, is sent without an escort as a live cargo. What documents, other than veterinary documents, are needed should be found out from the carrier in advance, since everyone has different rules. In some cases it may be required to bring the dog to the cargo terminal in advance (24 hours to several hours) and leave it there until departure.

Transportation rules on passenger flights depend only on the carrier’s requirements. Most airlines limit the weight of dogs that can be taken in the cabin. There may be age restrictions, such as only puppies no older than three months. Or there could be a combination: weight plus age.

By the way, the vibration of the working turbines on the dogs acts as a good tranquilizer. Most of them instantly fall asleep and do not feel any discomfort in flight.

If the pet is flying in the luggage compartment, even before takeoff ask the flight attendant to remind the pilot that there is a pet in the cargo compartment, so they do not forget to turn on the heating there.

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Okay, according to their study, a typical international dating service or casual flirting app of today’s reality won’t exist. Instead, the trend of 2040 ought to be virtual reality. As you can see, the latest technologies will become increasingly significant in love matters. Let us, therefore, figure out what it exactly means. 

What is VR dating?

Basically, virtual reality dating means getting to know potential partners in a computer-generated environment. But how?

Small computers that are integrated into our routine today yet, among other things, are intended to support people in everyday life in the future. Leading dating platforms predict that by 2040 more than two-thirds of all acquaintances will be made on the Web! Due to the behavior of the users, adaptive computer systems and intelligent algorithms will soon be able to submit better partner suggestions. The perfect matching is now within reach. Still, when does VR come into action?

According to the dating experts – virtual reality is the ideal environment for the first meeting with a new partner. Equipped with special sensors that digitally simulate our tactile sensations, singles will have a chance to experience a real date without going anywhere! It doesn’t matter where your online conversationalist comes from since this type of rendezvous could also be suitable for long-distance relationships. A new level of Internet closeness, isn’t it?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of VR dating?

The greatest benefit of this method of love search is the time and cost savings. In the cyber world, it is not necessary to get into the car and drive somewhere to meet your Internet match. The fantasy restaurant or café does not give a bill afterward. Although anonymity is guaranteed on the virtual date, which excludes misunderstandings from both sides. The voice is intended to reveal whether the person in front you is a man or a woman. A dialect or accent indicates the origin. But don’t worry, for fake profiles and love scammers – it is much more difficult to fool the other in VR dating.

Still, we need to mention the disadvantages too. Among other aspects – one of the participants could lose all inhibitions protected by the virtual space and become insulting or even intrusive. If someone is physically harassed in a virtual bar – the psychological consequences are much worse than getting a rude email. In addition, critics fear that shy or lonely people may slip into the virtual world and lose their footing. Still, unfortunately, it is a general risk for further generations. And already today, there are many internet users who are addicted to their Internet reality.

Our opinion on the virtual reality dating subject

Virtual reality dating is, for the nearest time – only a vision of the future. It can quickly become a reality, though. If the technical conditions could be met, many futurologists believe VR will change the world once and for all. Namely, that there will be a link between humans and artificial intelligence. This vision, known as the Internet for a better future, inevitably has a strong impact on online dating, too. While the idea, on the whole, may be shocking to some – virtual reality dating could actually become the next big thing on the market.

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Very promising (or very promising). Such puppies have a pronounced breed, good anatomical proportions, perfectly built, without birth defects, without defects in development and behavior. Also, the puppy should move well according to age, i.e. clearly qualify for a rating of at least “very good” in the future.

Perspective. This rating is awarded to those puppies who are free of constitutional and biological defects. They have the correct proportions, but there are some questions about conformation, behavior, development and movement, which suggests a dog of average breed level in the future.

Unpromising. Purebred puppies receive this assessment, but the exterior and development of such a puppy raises doubts for the breeding value.

Unpromising – puppies with biological defects and behavioral defects, with unacceptable deviations in development, whose breed is in doubt, that is, those that can hardly ever be used in breeding.

Sometimes the highest mark in the junior class is “very good”. The received mark and the place in the placement are entered in the diploma, which, together with the original or a copy of the description of the dog, is presented to the owner.

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• baby class (from 4 to 6 months);
• class of puppies (from 6 to 9 months);
• junior class (from 9 to 18 months);
• intermediate class (or young class – from 15 to 24 months);
• open class (from 15 months);
• working class (from 15 months – in the presence of training diplomas);
• class of winners (from 15 months – only at exhibitions of a certain rank and in the presence of certificates confirming exhibition titles);
• Champion class (from 15 months – in the presence of diplomas confirming the title of the Champion of Beauty);
• veteran class (from 8 years old).

At monobreed shows there are also such classes:
Winner class – from 15 months.
Champion class of the National Breed Club (National Breed Club) – from 15 months.
The age of the dog is determined on the day that precedes the day of the show.

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1. Who is responsible for holding the exhibition and accepting applications for participation?
2. Under what system will the show be held, what kind of system is it, and does the show have an official license? (If not, your pet’s marks will not be recognized for the next title)
3. Who will conduct the examination? (This is important as some experts are only allowed to judge select breed groups)
4. What certificates are needed to participate in the exhibition?
5. What is the cost of the examination?

If you are already a member of a club, check with the head of your club whether the marks and titles of this show will be valid for your animal, because not all systems recognize titles from shows from other systems and independent clubs.

Having understood for yourself all the answers and having made a decision to participate in the exhibition, you can apply to the exhibition. Usually the exhibition catalog is prepared no later than a week before the exhibition. Therefore, if you want your pet’s name to be included in the catalog, then hurry up. This is especially important for cat owners. This is free advertising for your cat. In addition, in many exhibition systems, an animal that is not included in the catalog does not have the right to undergo an examination.

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For a real breeder, breeder, exhibitions are of undoubted value. The animal undergoes a quality examination by an experienced expert who will note the merits and demerits of your beloved cat. At the show, animals are compared with the standard (ideal of the breed) and receive different grades and titles. Cats are also compared with each other. The expert’s task is to select the best animals, to show cats that are closest to the modern type in each breed. The best cats are awarded, they receive titles, win the Best in Show contests. At the same time, the expert notes the shortcomings and defects in animals, so that this is taken into account in breeding. The exhibition forms the classes of animals: show, breed, pet. It is at the exhibition that the class of the animal is confirmed, its compliance with the standard and the level of breeding, and, accordingly, its quality. The winners of the exhibition and show-rings receive cups, rosettes, prizes from the organizers and sponsors of the exhibition. The results of the exhibitions are covered in specialized media, on the websites of the felinological systems of the clubs that hold these exhibitions, a rating of the best animals is formed.

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