Regional roundup

The Canadian Rental Association’s regional trade shows are the lifeblood of the association, and this industry. Almost every major rental operator in this country got started by attending a local show and finding the vendors and business tips that led to success.

Getting out to your local show will help support your local distributors, your association and you. Canadian Rental Service contacted regional show organizers from across the country to get a sneak peek at what is coming up this show season.

Atlantic Regional Trade Show
When: Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: Ramada Crystal Palace, Moncton, N.B.
Contact: Hank McInnis, 902-481-3455

The Atlantic show draws rental operators and vendors from all over the Maritime provinces to centrally located Moncton. The Crystal Palace is a new venue for the 2012 show, featuring easier access for exhibitors and a larger floor for exhibiting bigger equipment. Also, it is located across the street from the largest mall in Moncton and has an amusement park attached, so attendees are encouraged to bring the whole family. The Atlantic show includes a dinner and social night with entertainment on the Friday before the show. Entertainment in the past has included casino gaming, magic shows and comedians. A regional award will be presented at the social night recognizing dedicated service to the Atlantic rental industry.

Quebexpo
When: Tuesday, March 27, and Wednesday, March 28
Where: Centre des Congrès de l’Hôtel des Seigneurs, St-Hyacinthe, Que.
Contact: Benoît Légaré, 418-849-7394

Getting together without good food and drink is illegal in Quebec, so Quebexpo is the place for some serious socializing. Mark your calendar for a trip to St-Hyacinthe, March 26 and 27.

Located in St-Hyacinthe for easy access from both Montreal and Quebec City, Quebexpo kicks off with a breakfast meeting of the Association Location du Quebec. “Increasing friendship” is the goal of the 2012 Quebexpo, according to Quebec national director Paul Ravary, and to that end there will be open bars on the show floor from 5 to 7 p.m. on the first day and from 5 to 9 p.m. on the second. This edition of the show will feature some larger equipment on display in the lobby of the convention hall, as well as many draws for attractive prizes.

Prairie Regional Trade Show
When: Saturday, March 17
Where: Prairieland Exhibition Centre, Saskatoon, Sask.
Contact: Brad Williams, 306-931-7880

Any show where you have a chance of winning an award called the Dickie Doo is worth attending. Three locals converge on Saskatoon on March 17.

The Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba locals combine forces to host the Prairie show in Saskatoon. Prairieland Centre has proven to be an excellent venue with easy access for larger equipment. The banquet and social are planned for the Saturday night after the show, and anyone with Irish heritage will have a special reason to celebrate as the show falls on St. Patrick’s Day. The coveted Dickie Doo award will be bestowed upon a worthy member at this time, along with recognition of hard-working members and suppliers from each provincial local.

B.C. Regional Trade Show
Between the time Canadian Rental Service goes to press and its arrival in your mailbox, the B.C. show happens. To find out what occurred in the 2012 edition, check out the show wrap-up on www.canadianrentalservice.com .

Canadian Rental Mart
When: Tuesday, March 6 to Wednesday, March 7
Where: Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto, Ont.
Contact: Barb Comer, 519-429-5276

Yes, the Canadian Rental Mart is a national show, but it also does double duty as the Ontario regional show in the years when it occurs. The CRA Ontario holds its annual banquet during the show where it recognizes outstanding members from the prior year. In odd-numbered years, the CRA Ontario hosts its own table-top show.