Name: Scott Koch
Job: Project manager
Where: Event Hire Services
Why is it important? In our industry we're dealing with a lot of event rental items. Sit-down dinners are one of the popular events we do [however], spaces can be challenging and decorative stylists have ideas of how they would like the room set up. Mostly, you have a stage, some seating with about 20 round tables and buffets.
Everything has to be separated properly so everyone has space to sit down and staff members still have space to move around. One of my colleagues created a 2 by 4 plank that sits on top of the table and allows us to perfectly measure 1.5 metres between each table. [The plank] has two additional pieces screwed into it, and gives exactly right amount of space for people to sit and waiters to walk around.
What do your colleagues think?
We've never seen anyone else use it. Most people use a tape measure but this measures the exact distance without needing to do that. By getting two of them going and we can have the tables set to the right distance within minutes. It's so much better — and faster — than using a tape measure; that requires figuring out the radius and usually involves two or three people.
Unusual moment?
Most of our furniture is named after family members or friends, but we call this a sumer, which is an ancient measuring rod. The great thing about it was that these ancient rods were created as a specific measurement for one specific task required at that time in history: we thought that was very fitting.
How much does it cost?
About $10. We make them ourselves; they're quite simple to create.
