Rental show visitor numbers up almost 20%

28 February 2012

The Rental Show had a busier start than for many years.

Attendance at the Rental Show in New Orleans was up almost 25% this year with a 25% rise in the number of rental businesses attending, reported the American Rental Association (ARA).

It is the second successive year in which the show has seen double digit growth in visitors and number of rental companies attending.

"The Rental Show demonstrated that this industry continues to be a driving force in our economy," said Christine Wehrman, ARA 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 favourable 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."

ARA said that nearly every exhibitor in all areas of the show reported good traffic, many qualified leads and plenty of sales.

"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."

ARA's new president, Mike Flesher, said the show had been the best for 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."

The 2013 show takes place on 10-13 February in Las Vegas and at a new host venue, the Sands Expo and Convention Center. The Venetian and Palazzo will be the headquarters hotels for the event.

Previous Rental Shows in Las Vegas have been held at the Mandalay Bay convention centre. ARA said the Sands will be a more convenient location in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip.