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
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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