Pre-registrations for Rental Show 69 percent higher than 2010

The American Rental Association (ARA) said pre-registration numbers for the upcoming Rental Show are 69 percent higher than those for the 2010 show, measured at the same period.

The total number of rental businesses pre-registered is up 60 percent and registrations for the educational Events & Tents program are up 52 percent compared to last year.

"We are very encouraged by the number of registrations for The Rental Show, as well as from the optimistic comments we continue to hear from exhibitors and attendees alike," said Chris Wehrman, ARA chief executive officer.

"With the economy starting to turn around, people are more upbeat and are eager to return to the Show. Rental business owners are ready to replace equipment in their inventories and are looking toward The Rental Show as the place to see what's new, as well as the place to plan or make purchases from the wide variety of vendors present."

The Rental Show is set for Feb. 27 March 2 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

The ARA said more than 550 exhibitors are currently registered for the show with 80 first-time companies.

"The first-time exhibitors are important to the show each year, as they bring new ideas and new products to our attendees to give them new sources of revenue for their inventories," Wehrman said.

"These first-time companies are a great complement to the long-time exhibitors we have, including those companies that have been at The Rental Show for up to 50 years. The support from throughout the industry - long-term, first-time and in-between - is greatly appreciated."