Editorial: It’s rental show season again!

The rental trade show season is already in full swing. The action started in British Columbia, with the CRA B.C. chapter’s annual regional trade show.

I must admit that there’s a special place in my heart for this particular show. It was the very first rental trade show I ever attended, way back at the beginning of 2010, and the unofficial kick-off of two months of travelling across the continent and meeting the many fine people who have made the rental industry their life’s work. The only disappointment (and it was a small one) was that the belt sander races, which had been a traditional fixture of the B.C. show, did not take place. Hopefully the races will return soon.

For those of you who attended the B.C. show, I know that you found it fulfilling. The regional shows are some of the best possible opportunities to see new gear and to network with your peers in the rental business.

The great thing is that we have other regional shows still to come. I strongly urge you to attend your regional shows, and if you’re not already a member of the Canadian Rental Association, to join as soon as possible. I don’t intend to turn this into a commercial for the CRA, but it’s a simple fact that association membership has numerous benefits, and you can see those benefits for yourself at your regional show.

For information on all the regional shows, please check out our extensive preview coverage starting on page 16 of this issue. We’ve got previews of every CRA regional show, as well as tons of information on the educational and networking opportunities at The Rental Show 2011, taking place in Las Vegas, Nev. 

Navigating trade shows can be difficult. Add in the fact that you’re away from the influences of home and office, and what could have been a successful visit may turn into a frustrating disaster. If you feel that you could be getting more out of trade shows, then you should definitely check out George Olah’s column on page 24. Even if you’ve been satisfied with what you’ve managed to accomplish at trade shows in the past, I strongly recommend reading George’s column. It’s chock full of tips that can really help you to get the absolute maximum value for your trade show dollar.

Last year, I managed to make it to most of the regional trade shows, and I also attended The Rental Show in Orlando. This year, I won’t be able to travel as much as I would like, but I still intend to make it out to one show I really regret missing last year. I’m looking forward to finally getting to meet many of the rental professionals in the Maritimes when I attend the CRA Atlantic trade show later this year.

I would like to attend the ALQ (CRA’s Quebec chapter) show as well, but, frankly, my command of French is a little rusty. I’ve already got the show (and some more French classes) pencilled in on my calendar for 2012.

Getting away from trade shows for a moment, you may have noticed something a little different about this issue of Canadian Rental Service. There’s a new look that helps to reflect the  always changing and ever evolving rental industry landscape. The new look of the magazine happens to coincide with our 35th anniversary. As the year progresses, we’ll be rolling out more surprises for you, both in print and online at www.canadianrentalservice.com.

It’s been quite a year. In closing, here’s hoping for the very best for yourself, your business, your family and your staff.

NEXT ISSUE: Get ready to party with our annual special events issue in March! With all the great content you’ve come to expect, plus several articles for the dedicated party rental firm, it’s guaranteed to be a blowout!