How Special Events Use Prefab Bathrooms & Other Modular Structures

Planning a successful special event can cause a lot of stress throughout the organization. On one hand, you want to make sure everything runs smoothly and is logistically sound. On the other hand, it’s crucial for your guests to have an enjoyable experience and rave about your event.
The use of prefab bathrooms and other modular structures brings both logistical benefits and a heightened experience to your special occasion. In this blog, we’ll debunk some common modular misconceptions and highlight how prefab buildings solve some frequent issues within the special events industry.
The Special Events Industry
As more events are starting to go back to in-person, it’s important to find the balance between an enjoyable event, and making sure attendees feel comfortable. For some company or industry events, like business conferences and meetings, the idea of virtual is something that will stay for years to come.
However, in the special events industry, events like sporting events, festivals, trade shows, concerts, and pop-up shops, will likely have less success in the virtual world. Bringing modular structures into your next on-site special event can aid attendees in feeling safe and comfortable while also enjoying the experience.
How to Use Modular at Your Next Event
Modular spaces can be used anywhere to benefit the experience of your special event. However, we recommend using them in the following areas:
- Prefab Bathrooms. Allow guests to feel comfortable and clean in a fully functional modular restroom.
- Office Trailers. Give your security or administrative staff a sheltered place to work during the event.
- Modular Breakrooms. Offer your working staff an area for breaks, to get out of the sun, or to enjoy their meals.
- First Aid or Medical Care. Have a secure and sheltered area for attendees to come to if they’re experiencing any medical issues or need first aid.
Debunking Popular Modular Myths
When you first think about modular structures, you may think of them as unsteady and unpleasant. However, this is not the case and we’re here to debunk some of the most popular modular myths that are worth considering against the modular solutions offered today.
#1. Modular structures are not aesthetically pleasing.
We can create a prefabricated structure that’s not only functional, but looks great as well. Current structures can be multiple stories high if necessary, with completely customized exteriors and interiors in order to meet your needs. Additionally, the finish can match your organization’s brand and style so you seamlessly integrate a prefab structure into your event.
#2. Prefab buildings are not structurally sound.
The construction process is all conducted off-site so a prefab structure is carefully engineered and assembled to meet building codes and regulations, just like any other building. Since the structure is brought to your site, ready to go, a modular building must also be able to withstand transportation and installation processes.
#3. You have to buy the modular building outright.
You may not need your modular building after the event is over, so buying it outright may not seem financially feasible. Fortunately, you’re able to utilize long-term leasing or rent a prefab structure for a short amount of time, rather than purchasing one. With this route, you can also expect the construction process to be quicker.

The Convenience of Modular
Generally, modular construction is much quicker, energy efficient, and can save your organization money. Once they are put in place, modular structures are substantially more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing than their temporary counterparts, like trailers or porta-potties. You’ll find that modular structures solve a lot of convenience and operational problems for your special event.
The White Elephant Problem
The “White Elephant” building is a common problem within the special events industry. This issue highlights the high cost of obtaining a building or structure that you don’t need for a long period of time. This causes the initial and upkeep costs to be much higher than the value of the building.
For example, if your special event is seasonal, say only through the fall, and you want to provide a bathroom at all your events, it will cost a lot of time and money to upkeep these bathrooms through the off-season.
This is where the convenience of modular comes in. When you’re done with your event, you won’t have to worry about the upkeep of a building. Especially if you lease the building rather than buy it outright.
On top of that, you can also bring the modular space with you to each event. You won’t have the added stress of finding a structure at each location. You’ll simply transport the prefab building wherever you go.
A Sustainable Solution
Similar to the white elephant issue, getting a new structure for each event can be sustainably damaging. However, modular buildings are easily relocatable and constructed in a controlled environment, so you can build more sustainably.
As Canada is one of the world leaders in LEED certifications, it’s important to note that modular structures can be made to meet the highest LEED standards. The way that modular is constructed reduces the need for construction vehicles and therefore reduces the amount of pollution.
Along with the reduction of pollution, modular construction processes also reduce the amount of water used. Your prefabrication building is made in a controlled environment using dry materials so the risk of lots of moisture being trapped is highly minimized.
Make Your Attendees Feel Comfortable
Prefab bathrooms and other modular structures bring an extra layer of comfort to your event and overall, heighten your attendee’s experience. With the thought of getting sick still in the back of people’s minds, it’s more important than ever to ensure your guests feel safe and healthy coming to your event.
As Canadians begin to enjoy bigger social events, portable restrooms started to see an increase in demand. However, this route is not always the most comfortable or the most attractive for organizations.
Weather can be unpredictable, so when you’re planning for your special event, you don’t want to have to consider how attendees will feel about using a portable restroom. If the weather is too hot, portable restrooms can feel muggy and get quite uncomfortable.
With a prefab bathroom, you can provide an air-conditioned or heated restroom for attendees. This type of restroom will also look a lot nicer than a row of portable bathrooms lined up. Additionally, you can add changing tables, or locker rooms to your prefab bathroom, depending on your event.
Using Modular in Every Aspect of Your Event
If your event allows attendees to shop for merchandise, you may consider a modular retail building instead of just having a tent or selling everything outside. The modular space would allow guests to more comfortably shop in your store. Depending on the type of merchandise, a modular retail space would also allow for fitting rooms so shoppers can try on your products.
Although it’s important to make sure attendees are comfortable and having an enjoyable time at your event, you should also consider the experience of your staff. Providing a modular breakroom for your staff to eat a meal, take a break, or get out of the heat, will also be crucial to the success of your event.

How the Olympics Used Modular
Although you may not be looking to put on an Olympic-sized event, we hope this can give you some inspiration and insight into using a modular space for your next special event. Remember, modular structures can be used almost anywhere and can greatly benefit the customer experience.
The 2018 Winter Olympics used modular units to host residences and avoid the “white elephant” issue. After the Olympics were over, the units were disassembled and could be used for another project down the line.
The building was 110,000 square feet and constructed 100% off-site in 184 days. The steel frame was recyclable, and the site was restored to its original state once the Olympics were completed. The phenomenon of modular has become innovative and sustainable, and we predict these types of structures will only continue to grow in popularity.
Solve your logistical issues and enhance your guests’ experience with a prefab bathroom or a different modular structure. Ready to start the conversation? Request a quote!
Ready to solve your space needs?
Modular buildings are the way to go. Request a quote or contact us today to get the conversation started. We’d love to talk to you about how modular can meet — and exceed — your needs.