Unfortunately I couldn’t attend this year’s The Rental Show 2012 in New Orleans, but from what I’ve heard from many of my co-workers and business associates the show was very positive. For attendees and exhibitors the consensus was that the show exceeded expectations and everyone was pleased by the wide variety of educational opportunities.  It was great to hear about a trade show floor that was buzzing with buyers and sellers – something that not many of us have seen in years.

The upbeat attitude of the attendees and exhibitors was encouraging.  Ted Cook, Ventura Rental Center and American Rental Association president said it best: “The vendors were busy writing invoices. Exhibitors have stepped up their game with great looking booths. Everyone was networking like crazy and many of the seminars I attended were full. Everyone is was on their ‘A’ game.”

I heard that traffic was moving on the exhibit floor during the show and everyone I spoke to was happy with their sales – and purchases. 

“I’ve talked to several exhibitors and their sales are up,” said Paul Phelon, Timp Rental in Orem, Utah. “I’m doing a lot of buying. People are excited and that’s what it’s all about.”

Brent Gent, owner of SiBore Drill in Navarre, Ohio had this to say, “This show has been great. We’ve been making some sales and have some really good leads coming up. I’m really pleased.”

The same refrain was heard from many exhibitors in all areas of the exhibit hall: Good traffic, lots of qualified leads and plenty of sales.

Scott Imman, from Bobcat in West Fargo, N.D., summed the event up well when he said, “We were very, very, very busy. There's a lot of enthusiasm compared to the last few shows."