Shopping for the deals

The Canadian Rental Mart will return to Toronto, Ontario, on March 4 and 5, 2008 to offer Canadian rental operators a highly focussed venue to view the latest rental products and services.

Take advantage of this rental exclusive exhibition to prepare for the upcoming construction and party season, to pick-up timely tips from supplier representatives and to swap rental stories with colleagues in the industry. Bring your employees to give them a hands-on opportunity to learn about the latest in construction equipment, general tools, lawn and garden products and party goods, directly from the manufacturer’s technical representative. Well-known manufacturers, distributors and suppliers to the rental industry will exhibit their latest product lines for the rental market, all under one roof. Many are offering special prices exclusively for the show.

The timing of the Canadian Rental Mart in March allows rental companies to take advantage of the show specials offered by exhibitors and to update their fleets for the coming year. March is also prime time for equipment buying decisions, especially for rental operators purchasing equipment in time for the busy spring rental season. For serious buyers, the Canadian Rental Mart is the place to clinch a deal!

Sold out show
After a two year hiatus, the demand for a rental show in the booming Ontario market is at its peak and this is evident by the number of companies who gobbled up the booths available for what has turned out to be a sold out show. More than 90 individual companies will occupy more than 200 booths making this one of the largest Canadian Rental Mart exhibitions in recent history. Almost all of the traditional and easily recognizable manufacturers and suppliers will be present, but there will also be several brand new companies who are exhibiting for the first time at the show, introducing brand new products to the market and making their introduction to the rental industry. Everything from large machinery to small consumable items will be available.

Quality and convenience
Quality and convenience are the words that best describe the host facilities for the 2008 Canadian Rental Mart. The show takes place in a state-of-the-art venue at the Toronto Congress Centre with the Doubletree International Plaza Hotel designated as the official headquarters hotel.

The Toronto Congress Centre is conveniently located on Dixon Road and easily accessible from Highways 401, 409 and 427. Its close proximity to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport makes it easily accessible for out of province attendees. Visitors driving to the show will also appreciate the large 6000 spot parking area. Rental operators will not have a problem finding a place to park their pickup trucks! And the best part of this is that parking is free.

The convenience continues for visitors staying overnight as they have no further to go than across the street from the Toronto Congress Centre to the show hotel. The Canadian Rental Mart has secured outstanding rates at the Doubletree International Plaza Hotel being offered exclusively for show guests. For only $139, guests will enjoy all of the business services and amenities this luxury hotel has to offer.

There are also numerous fine dining restaurants and endless entertainment options that are adjacent or walking distance away and easy to reach. The hotel is only a short distance from Toronto’s downtown core for those who want to sample the big city nightlife. Attendees who want to bring their families will appreciate the indoor water park complete with two giant water slides, indoor pool, giant hot tub, a toddler splash pad, children’s creative centre and sauna.

Win $2000
In previous years, the Canadian Rental Mart started a tradition of presenting a $1000 voucher to the winner of the traditional Rental Bucks draw. This popular buying incentive returns again but this time, organizers have doubled the ante and are giving away $2000 to the winner who will go on a shopping spree with any of the exhibitors at the show. After making a purchase from exhibitors, fill out the Rental Bucks cards provided and drop them off at the Canadian Rental Service booth. The winner gets $2000 to spend with Canadian Rental Mart exhibitors!

Free vacation draw
With cold hard equipment purchasing taking place at the tail end of the winter season, a sunny getaway will undoubtedly be on several people’s minds. Qualified rental operators who are attending the Canadian Rental Mart will be eligible to participate in a free draw for two to a destination of their choice. Stop by the Canadian Rental Service booth to fill out a ballot!

CRA offers educational programs
The Canadian Rental Association in Ontario realizes the importance of education in this industry and has organized a practical educational program that will be offered to rental operators at the Canadian Rental Mart.

The first seminar titled ‘Economic Forecast of the Rental Industry’ will present a comprehensive survey of the rental industry in North America that includes data collected from ARA members, industry and governments. The data was collected by Global Insight, a professional forecasting company hired by the American Rental Association. The second seminar, presented by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO), will review the Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR) system to explain compliance, pre-trip inspections and load safety.

The right time to buy
Trade shows and expositions were rated the ‘Number One’ most useful source of information with which to make a buying decision, according to a study by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, because:
• They provide the best opportunity to see exactly what products look like.
• They provide the best opportunity to evaluate how the products work through demonstrations.
• They are the easiest way to evaluate competitive products.
• They are the most convenient way to find out who makes the types of products you need.

The Canadian Rental Mart is at the right time and the right place to make your buying decisions! -end-