What’s new in New Orleans

As the Rental Show returns to New Orleans for the first time in 10 years, the focus for 2012 is on the new. In addition to the new and innovative products available, the show will include new and expanded educational opportunities, new events such as an evening at Mardi Gras World and new inspiration from keynote speaker, Aron Ralston, the subject of the Academy Award-nominated film, 127 Hours.

This will be the Rental Show’s seventh time in New Orleans. There were nearly 40 per cent more attendees at the 2011 show than there were in 2010, and over 100 first-time exhibitors. There are 16 companies at the show that have exhibited for 50 years or more.

The show takes place Feb. 5 to 7 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Show organizers are reporting the show 90 per cent sold, with hotels filling up quickly.

“It is fitting that the American Rental Association is having a brand-new show in a city that has achieved renewal,” says Christine Wehrman, ARA executive vice-president and CEO. “The association’s goal with the upcoming show is to provide an engaging celebration of the rental industry as we move into the pivotal year of 2012. Show attendees will be able to see, learn from and take advantage of everything the industry offers. Most of all, attendees and exhibitors alike can share in a vision for the renewed spirit of rental as we continue to define and build market opportunities – much like the spirit attendees will find in New Orleans. It is definitely a can’t-miss event for all within the industry.”

Some highlights of the 2012 show include:

• Keynote speaker Aron Ralston will share the account of his remarkable will to survive that was the basis for the movie 127 Hours. Ralston’s story made headlines worldwide in 2003 when he was pinned by a half-ton boulder for nearly a week while hiking in Utah. He narrowly escaped death by severing his right forearm with a dull pocketknife. After applying a tourniquet, he hiked and rappelled for five hours before searchers in a rescue helicopter rescued him.
• The Crescent City Carnival at Mardi Gras World will take attendees on a tour of a local producer of floats, sculptures and props for the famous Mardi Gras parades. This fascinating behind-the-scenes look will show how the floats are created and offer live entertainment, networking, food and beverages.
• Returning events include Lunch with the ARA, the Next Generation Reception, regional receptions, the International Reception and the Reception with a Purpose featuring the ARA charity auction on Feb. 7.

Events and Tents
Events and Tents will connect party rental operators with tools, people and ideas. The 2012 theme emphasizes a proactive approach to maximizing opportunity in today’s market. The workshop will be held Feb. 4 and 5.

An optional industry tour will visit Event Rental and Event Restroom in Gretna, La., on Feb. 4. Those not attending the tour can participate in an optional brainstorming and sharing session, leading up to the welcome session for all Events and Tents attendees at 3:30 p.m. Four seminar options will be available from 4 to 5:30 p.m. A networking reception at The Foundry from 6 to 8 p.m. concludes the day.

The morning of Feb. 5 kicks off with a networking continental breakfast and presentation: “Colour Trends and Inspiration: From the Tried and True to Imagination and Beyond” with Richard and Jordan Carbotti of Perfect Surroundings in Newport, R.I. Education comprises the rest of the morning, with six total seminars available in two time slots and a half-day indoor/outdoor product demonstration called “Secure Your Tents With Confidence” from 9 to 11:45 a.m.  Advance registration is required for the product demonstration session.

Rental Show golf tournament
Not sure you want to go to the Rental Show? Three words: golf in February. The Rental Show golf tournament tees off at 10 a.m. at the Audubon Park Golf Course on Feb. 5. The 2012 tournament will feature some new enhancements, including contests, a drive-through beverage tent and a raffle for a $500 Marriott gift certificate. Hole-in-one and mulligan tickets will be available, with the hole-in-one prize set at $35,000. All funds raised will support ARAPAC, the ARA’s political action committee.

Audubon Park Golf Course is just minutes from downtown New Orleans. The Denis Griffiths design features contoured Bermuda fairways, manicured TifEagle greens, four lagoons and exquisite landscaping. The course is a par 62, 4,220-yard layout set among 100-year-old oak trees.

Shotgun start is at 10 a.m. Transportation will be provided from the convention centre. The registration fee is $125 and includes green fees, cart, transportation and a taste-of-New Orleans continental breakfast and lunch.

Seminar program
This year’s show education is all about delivering more. That means more seminars, with a total of 30 available, more in-depth learning, with new half-day sessions focused on financial planning and indoor/outdoor product demonstrations, and more interaction with a new town hall on family business, plus roundtable discussions.

The schedule begins with a full day of seminars on Feb. 5. Morning sessions also are available on Feb. 7, and Feb. 8, before the trade show floor opens.

About the Rental Show
The Rental Show is the American Rental Association’s annual convention and trade show for the equipment rental industry. It features construction/industrial equipment, general tool/homeowner equipment and party/special event equipment, as well as rental-specific seminars and industry networking. Find out more at www.therentalshow.com .