CRA Prairie Show delivers the social

March 19, 2013 – Some bad luck with the weather left at least 50 badges unused at the 2013 Canadian Rental Association Prairie Show on March 16, but over 100 attendees browsed the excellent selection of machinery, equipment and party supplies on display, even though the police were telling Saskatchewan residents not to use the highways. Many exhibitors, including Cavalier, Weber, Rentquip and National Hose were offering show-only price specials.

A little snow wasn't going to stop the pipers.

Saskatoon once again delivered the social element at its trade show with a banquet attended by three times as many people as the show floor. Banqueters heard from CRA president, Jeff Campbell and American Rental Association president, Mike Blaisdell. The smooth-spoken Tim Ranson of CRA Alberta was master of ceremonies.

Doran Broadfoot achieves immortality as the winner of the 2012 Dickie Doo award. Advertisement

Saskatchewan national director Blair Holtsman presented the Saskatchewan regional award to Keith Andrews of Prairieland Rental Centre. Andrews, who is also president of the Saskatchewan local recognized Ed Dwyer for his work as CRA national president. Gene Elash awarded "Bobcat" Brad Williams the Supplier of the Year award. And finally, Doran Broadfoot's life of hard work at last paid off when he was presented the Dickie Doo award by Paul Everitt.  

The most social rental show in Canada.

The Prairie Show offered an educational program for the first time, which took place on March 15 in the Radisson hotel. "Social Media Strategy" was presented by Harley Rivet, telling attendees how to use such online tools as Twitter and Facebook to connect with customers. "Understanding Customer Service: the Wow Factor" was presented by Marielle Gauthier and discussed the concept of internal and external customers and the importance of serving both. About 45 people attended the seminars.

You can't get this close a look on a website.

"Good show! I was impressed with the quality of booths as well as the number of booths," said CRA national president, Jeff Campbell. "The banquet and seminars were well-attended, creating the unique bonding that goes on in the prairies. Mike [the ARA president] mentioned this numerous times. When you leave a Prairie Show you can't help but feel that you have spent time with a group of close business friends. This is one of the shows that all CRA members look up to, and rightly so."

CRA president Jeff Campbell (second from right) and ARA president Mike Blaisdell (left) got a chance to tour some Saskatoon rental operations. Here, they are at Earthworks Equipment Corporation with owners "Bobcat" Brad Williams and Tyler Vogelsang. Note the horizontal snow.

"People are looking for ideas," national Saskatchewan director, Blair Holtsman, said. "They want to talk to their suppliers and look for new products. They will definitely want to stock up on pumps for all the flooding that might happen this year."

"I'm a big fan of Sureflame. Get it? A big fan!"

Organizers betrayed some anxiety over changes to the hospitality format, but the room and bartender provided by the hotel seemed to work well with the help of ample tickets provided by suppliers. A comic impressionist entertained the crowd after the banquet.

More photos from the Prairie Show are on the Canadian Rental Service Facebook page .

Related links
www.crarental.org