Optimism, growth at ARA Rental Show

“The Rental Show demonstrated that this industry continues to be a
driving force in our economy,” said Christine Wehrman, American Rental
Association executive vice-president and CEO. “Enthusiasm, optimism,
pride and purchasing of equipment were seen throughout The Rental Show,
which is the message everyone can take forward from New Orleans. I
foresee a very favorable year for the rental industry in 2012 with
equipment rental penetration increasing and a fundamental shift toward
the value of rental by the customer base. It felt good to experience the
upbeat atmosphere and mood of great things ahead for our industry.”

Attendees and exhibitors at The Rental Show agreed there has been increasing positive change in attitude, which bolsters the fact that the equipment
rental industry is positioned for continued growth and further market
penetration. Nearly every exhibitor in all areas of the exhibit hall
reported good traffic, many qualified leads and plenty of sales in New
Orleans.

“The Rental Show was well attended and the mood of stores from around
the country was positive,” said Pierre Pereira, vice-president of sales
and marketing for Billy Goat Industries, Lee’s Summit, Mo. “The majority
of customers we visited with mentioned improvement in their
year-over-year performance and looked to replace both fleet and try
newer, more productive models to grow their businesses and differentiate
from the competition.”

Finding those new products was a reason many attendees were at The
Rental Show. “My main reason to be at the show is shopping and taking
advantage of the show specials,” said first-time attendee Angela Meadows
of Mitchell’s Rental Yard, Leavenworth, Kan. “We are here to learn all
we can from others.”

Pam Meyer, equipment sales manager for Subaru Industrial Power Products
in Lake Zurich, Ill., said her company saw a definite change in attitude
among rental owners. “We started seeing the change last year, but there
was much more optimism with everyone this year. I didn’t talk to one
dealer who didn’t have good things to say about their business in 2011
or what they anticipated for 2012. That was a refreshing change,” she
said.

ARA president Mike Flesher said The Rental Show in New Orleans was the
most fun and exciting show in more than four years. “Given the improving
economy, especially as it relates to rental, we expect the show floor
will be even busier and even more exciting in 2013 when the show returns
to Las Vegas. Once again, we will offer top-notch seminars, networking
opportunities and energizing events. I
always come back to my business after the show with renewed energy and
great ideas, and The Rental Show 2013 will be no exception,” he said.

With the 2012 Show completed, ARA is now starting to focus on The Rental
Show 2013, which is Feb. 10-13 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center
in Las Vegas. It will be the Show’s first time at this venue, which was
the host site to 10 of the largest U.S. trade shows in 2010. The Venetian
and The Palazzo will be the headquarters hotels. The new site will be a
more convenient location since it is more centrally located in the
middle of the Las Vegas Strip and offers more dining and entertainment
options.

Related links
American Rental Association
The Rental Show