RENTAL SHOW 2013: Right on the money

In Las Vegas, it is all about increasing your odds, and the same holds true for The Rental Show, which will be held there next Feb. 10 to 13. Every aspect of the American Rental Association’s 57th annual convention and rental trade show is designed with one thing in mind: helping attendees make more money.

No, the building is not melting. This is Keep Memory Alive, the Frank Gehry-designed home of the Cleveland Clinic’s Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, and the venue for a special Events and Tents charity reception.

The Rental Show moves to a new venue for 2013, The Sands Expo and Convention Center, which is located in the centre of the famous Las Vegas strip. And although the new site provides new opportunities for dining and entertainment, the core goal of helping attendees be profitable remains the same.

“The Rental Show is right on the money for rental success,” said Allison Box, ARA senior administrative director for association services. “We’re using ‘right on the money’ as the tagline for The Rental Show 2013 because it’s true. This is the show for people serious about profit. All elements of the show – from new rental products to fresh educational ideas from the seminars and relationships that develop in connecting with other rental business owners and suppliers – are designed to focus on making attendees more profitable.”

Canadians will be welcomed to The Rental Show by the Canadian Rental Association’s Hospitality Night, Sunday, Feb. 10 in the Paris Hotel. Attendees need to register on the CRA website by Feb. 1.

Highlights of the 2013 schedule include a full day of 16 seminars on Sunday, Feb. 10, with topics that range from industry updates to Tier 4 engines and health care to being profitable in the new economy. Financial sessions with Steve Abercrombie also are on the agenda, as well as Internet marketing with David McBee. In addition, the rental town hall seminars return on Feb. 12. There also will be a new Wednesday Wake-Up session on Feb. 13 with Lt.-Col. Rob “Waldo” Waldman.

The keynote session features Capt. Mark Kelly, who will share his story of courage and hope. Kelly will discuss his space shuttle missions and his wife, Gabrielle Giffords’, recovery from a January 2011 assassination attempt. His keynote address will touch on what he’s learned from his experiences including the importance of leadership and teamwork. The keynote session is sponsored by Ditch Witch.

The show floor will be open three days, Feb. 11 to 13, with the latest rental equipment for construction/industrial, general tool/homeowner and party/special event businesses.

New events at The Rental Show include A Night in Fabulous Las Vegas at Harrah’s Las Vegas, which will transport you back to the Rat Pack’s vintage Vegas days, and the new ARA Young Professionals Network reception at First Food and Bar for rental professionals between the ages of 18 and 40 and their parents.
Other popular networking events will return, such as Lunch with ARA, regional receptions, the international reception and the Reception With a Purpose featuring the ARA Foundation charity auction.

Registration for The Rental Show is now open on the show’s website, www.therentalshow.com. A special Internet-only registration rate of $119 per person for ARA members is available for a limited time. This rate is for full registration, which includes the seminars on Feb. 10, 12 and 13; the keynote session on Feb. 11; and the trade show Feb. 11 to 13.

Let’s party
There is only one educational program that offers education specifically related to party and special event rental: Events and Tents, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9, and also at the Sands. “Events and Tents is designed to provide inspiration, connections, solutions and new opportunities just for the party and event rental segment of the industry,” Box said. “And it is the only education program that focuses on rental, which makes it unique and beneficial for those with years in the industry, those just starting out or even those exploring entering party and event rental.”

Events and Tents seminar sessions from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. are:

• Accelerate Your Growth With an Effective Sales Team
• Take a Seat: Is Renting Furniture Right for You?
• Gadgets and Gizmos: Get the Most From Your Devices
• Storm Watch: Plan for the Unexpected

Seminars from 10:30 a.m. to noon are:

• Round-Tables: Standing Out From the Competition
• Learn the Secrets to Processing Your Linens In-House
• From Showroom to Design Center
• The Right Tent for the Right Job

Lunch will feature a special presentation from wedding designer Sasha Souza on “Attention to Detail: Showcasing Your Art, Craft and Design.” Following lunch will be a special session exclusively for graduates of the ARA’s Certified Event Rental Professional (CERP) program attending Events and Tents: “One on One With Sasha Souza.”
Afternoon seminars from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. are:

• Exhibit Essentials: Secrets to a Successful Bridal Show
• Grow Your Bottom Line: Efficiencies in Dispatching Management
• A repeat session of Gadgets and Gizmos: Get the Most From Your Devices
• Dress It Up: Décor and Design Ideas for Your Tent

The final seminars from 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. are:

• Social Marketing: What You Need to Know for Success
• Virtual Tours: Unique Solutions to Operating a Rental Business
• Color Couture: Transforming Space Into Higher Profits
• Staging and Tent Permitting: Be Part of the Solution

A special reception will conclude Events and Tents at Keep Memory Alive, a stunning Frank Gehry-designed venue that supports the Cleveland Clinic’s Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

The registration cost for Events and Tents 2013 is $250 for ARA members through Dec. 10, with the reception an additional charge.

In the top 50
The Rental Show has attained a prestigious ranking, being named among the fastest-growing trade shows in the U.S. by Trade Show Executive magazine. The Rental Show was number 24 on the TSE Fastest 50 list, ranked by percentage of growth in total attendance. This ranking is based on The Rental Show 2011 in Las Vegas, which had an increase in attendance of 22 per cent over 2010.

In addition, The Rental Show is among the trade shows on the TSE Gold 100 list of the largest U.S. shows in terms of exhibit space. The ranking order was scheduled announced on Oct. 5 during the TSE Gold 100 Awards and Summit in Washington, D.C.

“While the core purpose of The Rental Show is to connect the rental industry through the trade show, education and networking, receiving recognition for the show’s growth is a great honour,” said Allison Box, senior administrative director for association services at the American Rental Association. “The Rental Show 2011 was a terrific show for the entire industry, with such an optimistic atmosphere in addition to the increased attendance. Everyone who attended and exhibited played a role in The Rental Show achieving these awards.”

Earlier this year The Rental Show 2011 was rated No. 99 on the Trade Show News Network Top 250 Trade Show rankings of the largest shows in the U.S., based on net square footage of exhibit space.

The Rental Show 2011 was Feb. 27-March 2 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The trade show occupied 219,400 net sq. ft. of exhibit space. There were 610 exhibiting companies.

About the Paris Hotel and Casino
From a two-acre rooftop pool to a luxurious spa, Paris Las Vegas has all the amenities. You can sunbathe beside the towering replica of the Eiffel Tower while relaxing at the pool, all tucked inside a manicured French garden. For a more secluded sunbathing experience, private outdoor cabanas are available for rental. Or spend a day at Paris Spa by Mandara, featuring the latest in body treatments and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.

The Paris experience continues at the Anthony Cools Experience, where volunteers are hypnotized and encouraged to get in touch with their “naughty” side. Then cap the evening off with drinks, dancing and perfect Strip views at Chateau Nightclub and Gardens, nightlife accented with a distinctly French touch.

Attendees can take some time out to relax at the exclusive Le Rendezvous Concierge Lounge on the 31st floor. You’ll enjoy the breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and the spectacular Las Vegas Strip in a plush and comfortable atmosphere.

Paris also offers two great golf experiences. Created for Caesars customers, Cascata Golf Club brings together challenging holes and beautiful fairways with incredible views, mountains, waterfalls and rivers. Rio Secco Golf Club is a Rees Jones-designed course; stunning to see and memorable to play.

Oh, and there is a casino.

Complete details of The Rental Show and Events and Tents are online at www.therentalshow.com . Questions can be directed to 1-800-334-2177, option 3, or registration@therentalshow.com.