Suspended equipment for your booth: a mass inventory and worksheet

Define the scope of each inventory row

Give each item an ID and use the same ID on the sketch. Record manufacturer, model, variant, quantity, included accessories and proposed location. Include mounts, frames, adapters, hardware and cable sections that form part of the assembly. Add rigging system components using the identification and data supplied by the party responsible for that system.

When a vendor provides an assembly mass, ask for a list of included components. This helps identify missing items and prevent double counting. A lens, finish or accessory change may require a row update even if the main equipment’s commercial name stays the same.

A real specification that leaves the assembly incomplete

Epson’s U.S. online guide lists the EB-PU1008B at approximately 35.9 lb (16.3 kg), without lens. This manufacturer specification describes that configuration, rather than the final suspended assembly. Retain both published values without adding precision.

The assembly total remains open while these items are unresolved.

Read the unit and column heading first

The kilogram (kg) measures mass; the newton (N) measures force, and 1 kN equals 1,000 N. Commercial specifications often use “weight” to mean mass. Retain the original unit and clarify an unexplained “lb”: pound mass and pound-force (lbf) describe different quantities.

WLL is a stated working load limit with application conditions, rather than the accessory’s own mass. For example, page 237 of the Crosby S-279/M-279 catalog separates WLL in t from item mass in kg and refers readers to conditions for angled loading. This is an example of reading a table, not a hardware selection for your project. Give the reviewer the exact documentation and its conditions; one component’s rating does not authorize the assembly.

Keep equipment, shipping and installed data separate

Net mass may describe the equipment body without options. Shipping mass may include packaging and parts removed before use. Installed mass needs to describe what actually remains in that configuration. Keep all three references in separate fields, with the scope stated by each document.

Do not substitute flight case mass for installed mass or subtract an assumed packaging allowance. If a case remains part of a proposal, its use and documentation also need review. A packing list supports logistics; it does not complete the suspended equipment inventory on its own.

Build a worksheet another team can review

The downloadable worksheet records the project, drawing revision, item, quantity, original value and unit, scope, source, date and open items. Use clear evidence categories: manufacturer-published, vendor-documented or recorded measurement. Only mark a measurement as performed when there is evidence identifying who took it, when, by what method and in which configuration.

Keep mass entries separate from load ratings. If you prepare a subtotal of known rows, label it partial and keep unresolved rows visible. The worksheet does not distribute loads among points or calculate reactions, anchors or capacities. Technical review addresses the full assembly and configuration.

1. Share a drawing revision and an item list linked by ID.
2. Ask each vendor to confirm their component data and what it includes.
3. Assign an owner and expected date to each open item.
4. Submit the current version to the venue and rigging lead; record their responses and changes.

Textiles: distinguish fabric areal mass from the finished curtain

The ShowTex Molton item 1400 technical sheet, version 10/2026, lists 300 g/m². This describes mass per area of the specified material, rather than the mass of a finished curtain or suspended system. It is not a load rating.

Ask the supplier to identify the material, developed fabric quantity, construction and finished curtain mass with its inclusions. Describe fullness, returns, hems, pockets, linings, reinforcements and incorporated parts. Record tracks, bars and accessories separately if they are not included in another row. A lightweight appearance does not determine system forces. Use the existing draping guide to choose material, finish and support.

Center of gravity: document the information the reviewer needs

Canada’s CCOHS includes mass, center of gravity and physical characteristics among the information needed before sling selection. We use that as a documentation reference, rather than a venue rule or sling-selection method. A mass total alone does not describe where the assembly’s mass is concentrated.

If the manufacturer or technical lead supplies a center of gravity, keep the document, configuration, orientation, reference origin and axes. Link component locations to the sketch and identify moving parts or side-mounted additions. If the information is missing, leave its determination open for the qualified person responsible. Do not label the geometric center as the center of gravity or infer suspension points from a photo or generic drawing.

Start even if models are still being selected

Send the visual goal, a photo or sketch, date, venue and available dimensions. We can compare AV needs and organize the information required for a suspended option, another location or a ground-supported arrangement. Each option needs its own review, including the floor and support where relevant.

Use the venue coordination guide for access, work windows and hotel contacts. The responsible professionals review suspension decisions against the project documentation.