Canadian Rental Mart draws capacity crowd

Dean Nasato of Wacker Neuson, and Patrick Hotson and Natalie Neilson of Universal Rental Service in Fergus, Ont.

Mar. 19, 2010 – Rental professionals from all across the country converged on Toronto recently to attend the Canadian Rental Mart. The 2010 edition of the country’s largest rental trade show took place March 9 – 10 at the Toronto Congress Centre. In total, nearly 700 rental professionals took the opportunity to visit the 2010 Canadian Rental Mart over its two-day run.

There was plenty for them to see. As previously reported in Canadian Rental Service, the show was completely sold out. Literally every booth had been filled by the more than 75 exhibitors, and the exhibitors were certainly ready for the crowds.

CRA Ontario president James Morden presents the award for Rental Person of the Year to Paul Everitt of Rentquip at the official CRA Ontario Banquet.

Attendance was so good that the official show hotel – the International Doubletree Plaza Hotel – was fully booked more than a week before the show started.

Deals were struck, friendships were renewed, and rental operators received the latest information on heavy and light construction equipment and tools. There was also strong representation from the event rental side of the business.

There was a definite sense of optimism at the 2010 Canadian Rental Mart among both exhibitors and attendees. Hesitant predictions from economists say that Canada has weathered the recession in a relatively strong position, and this has had an effect on the numerous industries the rental business serves.

Mark Wierda of Dri-Eaz gave a seminar on profiting from the restoration market. One of his suggestions was for rental centres to charge a "filter fee".

In addition to the show floor, a number of information seminars took place during the two-day show. You can read more about them here , and here.

A number of social events took place during the evening of March 9, including the Next Gen Reception, and the CRA Gala Banquet. Both events were organized by Shirley McCormick, CRA Ontario’s social events coordinator and secretary. Entertainment before and after dinner provided by two roving magicians. After the dinner, CRA Ontario president James Morden presented the award for Rental Person of the Year to Paul Everitt of Rentquip.

The entire staff looks forward to seeing you at the 2012 Canadian Rental Mart. Watch Canadian Rental Service magazine for details as they become available.