One World Rental CEO Kashif Din (pictured) gives his view on the impact of US tariffs on global events businesses:
Why do Trump’s tariffs matter in the events industry?
Tariffs directly impact supply chain costs, particularly regarding duties on imported event equipment. If not planned properly, this can lead to a noticeable increase in the overall cost of delivering an event. Working with a supplier with local depots in the US and building in flexibility through domestic sourcing Stateside has, therefore, never been more important.
Has One World Rental had to adjust its supplier or manufacturer relationships?
We’ve been fortunate in that we’ve built a robust global supply channel network and vendor relationships spanning multiple countries. This has helped us limit our exposure to any one country’s policy changes or tariffs. Agility is key, and diversification has been our strength.
Which kinds of event organisers and suppliers are most susceptible to being impacted?
Organisers and suppliers who rely heavily on cross-border logistics or centralised supply chains are most at risk. Those moving large volumes of equipment internationally or using overseas fulfilment services will likely see delays, added costs, and potentially reduced service levels unless they adapt quickly.
One World Rental’s approach has been to have a positive mindset. In fact, we see it as an opportunity. Our global footprint means we can act as a local partner in multiple regions. By operating local depots, deploying local event staff, and using in-country stock, we’re actively helping our clients reduce exposure to tariffs and cross-border complexities. Our clients are also seeing more value than ever in our global yet local footprint.
What else is impacting businesses that might be getting less attention in mainstream media?
Rising fuel costs, increased logistics fees, and growing labour shortages, particularly in sectors reliant on international movement, are all quietly putting pressure on the industry. The end client may not always see the full picture, but the ripple effect is very real. That said, the need for event and in-person interaction continues to grow, with companies spending more on business events than before, due to the value they see in personalised connections.
How should global businesses react?
Adaptability and forward planning are key. Businesses need to consider decentralised models, invest in local partnerships, and explore how regional support networks can de-risk operations.
Many still default to international shipping or centralised warehousing without factoring in the real-world costs and delays caused by tariffs, customs checks, or shifting regulations. That’s where it is advisable to plan, and explore the option local solutions such as depot networks, local staffing resources, and regional stock pools.
Here OWR offers localised fulfilment. From event staff and tech teams to same-day deployment and warehousing, we’re removing the need for international shipping altogether in many cases. This drastically reduces risk, cost, and complexity for clients.
What do you think the future holds for the US market?
The US remains a strong, dynamic market. Demand is high, but so are expectations. Businesses operating there need to be sharp, responsive, and well-resourced on the ground. We’re committed to growing our footprint in the region and continuing to offer localised support that meets US standards. We’ve seen our business in America double over the past 18 months, so we are very excited about the prospects in the world’s biggest event market.
Are there any positives or opportunities that could come out of these changes?
Absolutely. In countries like Canada, for instance, we’ve seen real momentum in local sourcing and regional partnerships. These shifts play to our strengths: being local, agile, and responsive. The more tariffs force change, the more our model proves itself valuable.
Our outsourced services offering is growing. Beyond rentals, we now provide asset management, storage, third-party fulfilment, and full project management. This makes us an end-to-end solution partner, not just an equipment provider.
It’s important to remember that consumables, exhibition badges, lanyards, tickets are also subject to tariffs when imported. By working with a company like OWR, event organisers can streamline these needs into a single local order, cutting out unnecessary delays and costs.
Using localised tech staffing, event production support, and outsourced logistics in an era of tariffs, uncertainty and shifting regulations, a local presence becomes more than just convenient; it becomes essential.
One World Rental is a global provider of advanced event technology services designed to help businesses overcome challenges when organising events. http://www.oneworldrental.com/
