The sunny skies of Orlando, Fla., traditionally boost attendance at The Rental Show. They did it again in 2017.
Amid a forecast for a strengthening economy in the equipment-rental industry and a trade show floor that sold out for the fifth straight year, rental business attendance showed strong increases over last year.
Some 6,276 rental business attendees came to Orlando — the first time since The Rental Show’s 50th anniversary in 2006 that the number of rental attendees topped 6,000, and the eighth consecutive year of growth in rental-business attendance. This year’s attendees represented 2,730 rental businesses, the most since 2001. The 2001 and 2006 shows also were in Orlando.
Total attendance at The Rental Show 2017 was 11,648 -- the highest since 2006.
“The sentiment among attendees and exhibitors was one of optimism,” said Tony Conant, CEO of the American Rental Association (ARA). “Several exhibitors I spoke with were a bit surprised by the buying activity. They said that the buyers were replacing fleet and adding fleet, which means that the rental operators are preparing for growth.”
One company that saw success at the show was EDCO – Equipment Development Co., of Frederick, Md., a 59-year exhibitor. “Our receipt count on the second day of the trade show was the best day ever for EDCO at The Rental Show,” said Jason Stanczyk, marketing director. “I didn’t have time to talk with anyone besides buyers, it was that busy.”
ARA Chairman of the Board Roger Vajgrt, of Home Rental Center and Sales Co., Marshalltown, Iowa, agreed with Stanczyk. “The show floor was busy, orders were written, and the vendors I talked to were ecstatic,” he said. “People seem to be positive.”
It was a busy show for Takeuchi Manufacturing (U.S.) of Pendergrass, Ga., as well. “We had lots of traffic, made lots of quotes on the first day, and had a steady stream of people coming back to close on things,” said Clay Eubanks, president. “People had a great year last year and they are very optimistic for the future. The optimism level is at an all-time high for us and for the rental industry in general.”
For Conant, who’s been ARA CEO since mid-November, his first time at The Rental Show “was a fantastic experience." He said, "The attendance exceeded our expectations and, more importantly, the initial feedback from the attendees was that this was one of the best shows in years,” he said. “With the highest total attendance since 2006, it is safe to say that there is momentum building in the rental industry.”
The five-year forecast for the equipment rental industry revenues released by ARA in January showed a moderate strengthening compared to the previous forecast from November 2016. U.S. equipment rental revenue is projected to reach $48.9 billion this year and grow at an average rate of 4.3% over the forecast to top $56 billion in 2020.
For 2018, The Rental Show will returns to New Orleans and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center with a full day of educational seminars on Sunday, Feb. 18, and the trade show from Monday, Feb. 19, through Wednesday, Feb. 21. Additional details on next year’s show will be available throughout the spring and summer at TheRentalShow.com.
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