Why a Custom Marquee Is the Best Branding Tool for Outdoor Events

If you’ve ever found yourself elbow-deep in event planning, staring out at a windswept park wondering how on earth you’re going to stand out from the other 43 stalls lined up with plastic tables and generic covers, then let us introduce you to your new best mate—the custom marquee.

Whether you’re launching a product, selling handmade candles, giving away oat milk samples, or trying to convince strangers to sign up for your startup’s app, one thing is non-negotiable: visibility. And nothing gives your brand more street cred (and actual shelter) than a professional, punchy, and perfectly custom-printed marquee.

Let’s unpack why this one piece of kit is hands-down the best branding tool for any Kiwi business heading outdoors.

Table of Contents

First Impressions Count – So Make Yours Unmissable

We’ve all been there—rocking up to a bustling outdoor event and trying to remember who’s who amongst the sea of identical gazebos. Don’t let your business blend into the background.

A bold, beautifully designed custom printed marquee turns your brand into a beacon. With your logo, colours, messaging and graphics plastered (tastefully, of course) across the roof, valance and walls, people will spot you from across the field. And they’ll remember you long after the event’s over.

A custom marquee is like shouting your brand name confidently into the wind—without the sore throat.

Built Tough for Aotearoa’s Wild Weather

Let’s not sugar-coat it—New Zealand weather is unpredictable. Sunshine, sideways rain, howling gales… sometimes all in one afternoon. That’s why you need a custom marquee that’s not just stylish, but also steady, even when the weather’s doing its best impression of a cyclone.

And if you’re going to invest in gear for repeated use, this is not the time to go cheap. A flimsy frame or faded fabric won’t do your business any favours. Remember, you’re not just buying shelter—you’re investing in your brand’s reputation.

Versatility That’ll Keep You Coming Back for More

One of the best things about a custom marquee? It’s the Swiss Army knife of outdoor marketing. Whether you’re at a trade show, farmers’ market, local festival, sports day, or corporate launch, your marquee works as a:

Retail stall
Info booth
Sampling station
Registration desk
Product launch platform
Chill-out zone with branded seating (yes, really)

Real Kiwi Success Stories – Marquees in the Wild

1. The Boutique Coffee Roaster – Wellington Farmers’ Market

Before: A plain white gazebo, no branding, and a sign that fell over whenever someone sneezed.
After: A custom printed marquee with rich espresso-coloured branding, logo on every side, and walls that double as windbreaks.

Result: Increased customer engagement, more social media tags (because it looked so good), and a 30% rise in weekend sales.

2. The Local Council – Christchurch Summer Festival

The council needed a standout info station that could handle both summer heat and the occasional southerly. They invested in an extreme marquee, fully printed with community artwork and clear directional signage.

Result: Higher visibility, improved crowd flow, and loads of praise for the professional look. Plus, they now reuse it for everything from beach clean-up days to library pop-ups.

3. The Fitness Apparel Brand – Auckland Corporate Wellness Expo

With big-name competitors all around, this start-up had to make an impression. Their bold red custom marquee paired with sleek banners and branded floor mats stole the show.

Result: Foot traffic doubled compared to previous events, and they landed a stockist deal on the day.

Extreme Marquee? Go Hard or Go Home

If you’re serious about your outdoor presence—and you know you’ll be doing multiple events a year—an extreme marquee is your best bet. These bad boys are built with reinforced joints, industrial-strength fabrics, and seriously smart engineering.

Ideal for long-term use and events where weather can be unpredictable, an extreme marquee offers peace of mind along with standout branding. You’ll thank yourself later—especially when your neighbours are re-pegging their gear for the third time that day.

It’s an Investment—So Treat It Like One

Here’s the deal: a good custom marquee isn’t cheap. But then, neither is bad branding. When you show up looking pro, people take you seriously. And when your setup works in your favour—keeping you dry, visible, and organised—you’ll sell more, connect better, and walk away with leads and customers that actually convert.

Look at it like this:

One custom marquee
- 20 events a year
- Better brand recognition
- Higher foot traffic
= One smart, ongoing return on investment

What to Look for in a Custom Marquee

Fabric: Stick to waterproof, fade resistant, fire retardant options like PVC coated polyester, Spanish Recasens, or Italian Para Tempotest
Frame: Aluminium, always. Steel if you’re game. Fibreglass in a pinch. Never wood.
Certifications: Always go for an engineer certified if you’re attending public events or applying for council approval
Print quality: Crisp, high-resolution, and UV-cured so it lasts
Customisation: Add logos, social handles, QR codes—whatever helps you connect
Accessories: Don’t forget tie-down kits, carry bags, and spare parts for the long haul

Final Thoughts: Marquee Your Territory

So there you have it. A custom marquee isn’t just a flashy bit of kit—it’s the single most effective branding tool you can bring to an outdoor event. It shouts your brand from the rooftops (literally), keeps your staff and customers comfortable, and gives you a flexible, durable HQ you can use again and again.

Ready to Level Up Your Outdoor Setup?

Browse our full range of custom marquees, from entry-level setups to premium extreme marquee options. We offer high-quality custom printed marquees made to thrive in Kiwi conditions—with design support and product advice to make your brand stand out.

Explore now and create a marquee that puts your business centre stage.