The Rental Show Sees Attendance Uptick Fourth Year in a Row
March 4, 2013
With the recession far behind it and the equipment rental market continuing to trend upward, this year’s The Rental Show scored its fourth year in a row of increased attendance when it was held Feb. 10-13 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas.
The 2013 show boasted 5,365 attendees, who came from throughout the U.S., Canada and more than 40 countries.
In addition, there were 2,480 businesses represented on the showfloor, which was the highest total since 2006.
“Overall, The Rental Show reflects where this industry is headed. Everyone anticipated a great show because of the attitude, tone and urgency we’ve seen from attendees on buying equipment,” said Christine Wehrman, CEO of the American Rental Association, organizers of The Rental Show.
She added, “Everything about the show was positive this year. The Events & Tents program on Saturday and the seminar day on Sunday were huge successes. Our sessions honoring our volunteer leaders were highly regarded and enjoyed by everyone.”
ARA President Mike Blaisdell also found this year’s show a success. “It was great to see so much positive energy at The Rental Show this year with both attendees and exhibitors very optimistic about 2013 and beyond,” he said.
Exhibitors on the showfloor noticed the uptick in attendance and gave the show positive reviews as a result.
“This year’s show was a tremendous success for our Ditch Witch organization,” said Scott Smith, director of sales for Ditch Witch based in Perry, Okla.
He added, “We saw a significant increase in traffic and all of the customers that we talked to were excited about the strong opportunities in the rental market for 2013 and beyond.”
Pam Meyer, equipment sales manager for Subaru Industrial Power Products based in Lake Zurich, Ill., echoed Smith’s sentiments.
“Subaru had a very good show,” she said. “We were really happy with the increased attendance and the overall energy and excitement level of the rental store attendees.”
Next year’s show will head to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando Feb. 9-12.
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
Add new comment