Podium Hire Guide

What is a podium? Do I need one for my event? What should I know for podium hire?

Most people don’t think about the uses of a podium, until you’re the one organising an event and need to consider what to hire! Don’t worry, this guide will cover everything you need to know for podium hire.

First of all, what is a podium?

By definition, a podium is a small platform (i.e. smaller than a stage), which allows for a person to be seen by an audience. This could be for making a speech, conducting an orchestra, or any kind of performance where the subject needs to be visible.

Are there different types of podiums?

Generally podiums can be thought of as mini platforms. They are similar to a stage whereby they can come in different shapes and sizes, such as rectangular, square or circular, and be elevated to different heights depending on what you require.

There aren’t different types of podiums per day, rather more there are just various uses of them. Usually a podium will be built to a custom size and dimensions on request. At Hire a Stage, podiums come in ranges of 1×1 square metres or 2×1 square metres. The height of your podium is elevated by a riser which can be 30cm to 90cm tall. Stairs can be supplied for taller risers.

What are the most common uses for podiums?

From award ceremonies and special presentations, to mini performances or sermons, podiums are used for various special events. Often a podium may be used as a subtle way to elevate a group or area of the room, and can be substituted as a less formal stage, for example for a presentation event or small performance.

What do I need to know about podium hire for events?

Create a floor plan that includes your podium

First and foremost, you should have a clear vision of the layout of your room and where your podium will be positioned. This is necessary to understand how much space your podium will occupy, and where your podium will need to be visible from.

Given your podium hire will need you to specify the sizing and therefore podium blocks required, it’s also imperative that you design your floor plan to scale. This will ensure that your podium fits nicely in your event space and the overall room layout.

Stage plan for your podium

Your podium is almost like a mini stage for your event, and you’ll need to have a clear idea of what is and isn’t to be rested on it. For example, if you need audio hire equipment on your podium, a lectern or microphone stand, all of these items will need to be accounted for when sizing up your podium hire. Each square metre can hold up to 750 square kilograms, so while you have the option to load your podium as much as needed, your podium floor space will be limited to what you have accounted and hired for.