When you think of outdoor event stages, you likely picture the heavy, fixed structures that were the standard for outdoor events back in the day. But today, outdoor event stages aren’t necessarily fixed. Nor are they heavy. Modern stages are mobile–designed to be quick, flexible, and efficient, so event planners can set up changing scenes almost anywhere.

Let’s talk about how event staging has changed over the years, the pros and cons of mobile stages, and what this means for festivals, concerts, and corporate events across Australia. 

The Evolution of Outdoor Event Staging

Nowadays, many event planners use mobile stages—lightweight, modular structures that arrive on trucks and are ready to assemble in hours. Since they’re not tied to one location, you can set them up on a Gold Coast beach for a festival today, then redeploy them next week for a conference in Adelaide.

The shift happened because the event business in Australia grew very quickly. According to Live Performance Australia, more than 24 million people went to concerts, festivals, and other live performances in 2022. Traditional stages couldn’t keep up with this fast pace. They were slow to set up, expensive, and limited to one location. Mobile stages, on the other hand, are easier to assemble and can be set up in more than one place. 

So, outdoor event stages are no longer the rigid platforms they used to be. Today, they’re easy to set up, lightweight, and designed for a fast-paced environment.

What Are Mobile Stages and How Do They Work?

Mobile stages are portable platforms built for fast and easy setups at outdoor events. Unlike fixed outdoor event stages we’ve gotten used to in the past, mobile stages can be set up on trucks or trailers in just a few hours using hydraulic lifts, light materials, and parts that have been put together beforehand.

Because of how easy they are to set up, mobile stages can be assembled in various locations. Typically, these stages have adjustable legs for uneven ground, strong frames that hold heavy equipment, and modular decks that expand or shrink to fit spaces from beaches to city squares. 

Aside from that, some models of mobile stages open with the touch of a button, making it very easy to set them up in a matter of minutes. These models are great options for undemanding events that need to be set up quickly.

Key Benefits of Portable Staging Solutions for Events

Portable staging solutions solve a simple problem: that events shouldn’t be limited by location. Because they’re portable, they can be moved easily from one location to another, meaning that you can use the exact same stage for different events. 

What’s more, portable staging solutions with secure rigging are built with strong materials like rust-proof steel or weather-resistant aluminium to handle Australia’s harsh and changing weather.

Aside from the portability they offer, they’re also highly flexible. They work on pretty much any surface–grass, sand, or uneven ground–thanks to levelling systems and stabilisers. Plus, portable staging solutions are typically way more affordable than traditional, heavy outdoor event stages. 

For event planners, mobile stages are an extremely practical solution that lets them turn any space—a beach, a paddock, a car park—into an event venue quickly.

Venue Innovation: How Mobile Stages Enhance Event Experiences

Simply said, venue innovation for events means flexibility and adaptability. Mobile stages turn limitations into opportunities. All you need is some creativity and the right tools. Here’s how mobile stages enhance event experiences.

Location flexibility

Mobile stages are changing the way events are held by turning everyday places like parks, parking lots and even empty fields into lively event spaces. They remove the need for traditional outdoor event stages, so concerts, markets and conferences can be held in any open space. Instead of being set in one place, they can be moved to any location.

Immersive experiences

But venue innovation for events isn’t just about making things more manageable for event planners. Mobile stages create one-of-a-kind event experiences that engage the audience in a more immersive, interactive way. With built-in lighting and layouts that can be changed, they allow events to change in real time, like expanding for a quick surge in crowds or changing in the middle of a show to reveal a surprise performance. 

Improved accessibility

Another huge advantage of venue innovation for events is accessibility. Mobile stages typically employ ramps, clear pathways, and adaptable heights, so they can be used by everyone–from families with strollers to wheelchair users.

Choosing the Right Mobile Stage for Your Event

Ready to make a shift from traditional outdoor event stages to mobile stages? Before you do, you need to take a few things into account. Picking the right mobile stages boils down to event size, audience size, and technical requirements. 

You may also evaluate whether you’ll require adjustable legs (for uneven terrain like beaches or parks), weatherproof materials (for Australia’s changing weather conditions), or performers’ technical specs. 

If you’re looking for the best mobile stages setup for your next event, look no further than NextGenAV. With venue innovation for events at the core of everything we do, we deliver mobile stages that adapt to any event. Get in touch with us today to discuss your next event.