The Rental Show 2014 in Orlando, FL, February 9-12 saw a 5 percent increase in attendees and a 10 percent increase in exhibitors, selling out for the second year in a row. The show also marked its fifth consecutive year of increased growth in both the number of rental businesses represented and total attendees.
“It’s been a tremendous event for the industry in every facet,” said Christine Wehrman, ARA’s CEO. “The attitude, the economic outlook and the optimism only can mean another great year of growth for the equipment rental industry. The ARA is very pleased to see a positive outlook for the future.”
Many dealers turned to the rental market during and after the recession. As end users put off major purchases and opted to rent over buy when possible, offering rental products became a popular choice among dealers looking to maintain profitably amid the recession. Offering occasional-use products for rental fills the customer's need for equipment while supplementing equipment sales and service revenue.
The continued growth in attendance of The Rental Show suggests dealers continue to see the viability in the rental market. As the economy recovers, end users continue to choose the rental option when feasible.
Vendors and attendees at The Rental Show and Rental store cited a positive mood along with large amounts of traffic and sales. Next year, The Rental Show returns to New Orleans from February 22-25 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.