[QUOTE=RockinHorse;8557661]
I always wonder how much some of these extravagant set-ups are costing the clients. Not just the initial purchase of the items (which can be significant) but the trailer space to haul it, manpower to put it together and break it down, etc.
I can understand going all out for the weeks long series (WEF, etc.) but for a week long show where most of the clients are really only there for two of the days, some of the set-ups do seem over the top to me, but I guess that is just my frugality showing. ;)[/QUOTE]
A lot of barns that do furniture, TV’s, etc actually do RAC. The ones I know that do the extra extravagant set up’s don’t charge clients for it. It is taken care of by the trainers, because as others have stated, it is a representation of the barn/advertisement. They throw cocktail parties mid or beginning show. It’s really inviting for people to walk down the isles and feel welcomed. If you watch people walk through barns, they are most attracted to the nice set up. “Ohhhh, I wonder what kind of $$$ horses are down here. Oh look! This one is for sale!”. Touring the set ups are one of my favorite horse show past times.
Rent A Center-ing a couch for 1 week is not super expensive. They also pick up and deliver. 
As far as set up, I’m really a fan of the “outdoorsy, country” theme. A country chic with some mulch or sod, a little picket fence and nice shrubbery for an out door set up. I like the nice, monogrammed fold up chairs. A wooden table with some regular chairs to sit at/eat at. Indoor set ups, I like the “living room” feel. The carpet or nice rugs, couches, and a coffee table. I love when there is a keurig that offers coffee/tea to everyone (not just the BO/trainer). We have been known to bring k-cup refills to those set ups, because we want to help keep the stock up. I love advertisements of awards, blankets, and even pictures. One set up we see often even has a small kitchenette with a mini fridge, freezer, toaster, etc. The clients LOVE it.
