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Industry Awards

Hall of Fame Nomination Industry Award Nomination
 

Rental Hall of Fame and Industry Awards

Each year, ARA recognizes several individuals for their outstanding volunteer service to the association and the equipment and event rental industry with awards, which are traditionally presented at The ARA Show™. 

Click on the corresponding award below for more information and to complete an online nomination form. Nominations are currently being accepted for awards to be presented at The ARA Show 2026 in Orlando.

 

Awards

Rental Hall of Fame

Each year, nominations are accepted to recognize individuals who have made a substantial and significant impact on the equipment and event rental industry at the national and/or international level. New inductees are recognized annually during a ceremony at The ARA Show. As of the 2024 show, there are now 59 industry leaders who have been inducted into the Rental Hall of Fame.

A nominee’s eligibility to be elected into, and remain a part of, the Rental Hall of Fame shall be based upon the nominee’s integrity, character and contribution to the equipment and event rental industry over the years.

Rental Hall of Fame Nomination Form Rental Hall of Fame Inductees

Industry Contributor Awards

The Industry Contributor Awards are comprised of the Industry Ambassador Award, Exemplary Service Award, and the Industry Impact Award.

Purpose: Recognize individuals or groups who have achieved one or more of the following:

  • Demonstrated long-term leadership and service to the association at the national, state or local level.
  • Made a significant contribution in a defined area of association service (government affairs, education/safety, technology, workforce development, etc.)
  • Made a significant impact on the association and/or industry during the past three-year period.

Eligibility: ARA General and Associate Members and Independent Manufacturer Representatives.

Award Ceremony: During ARA's Industry Awards Lunch at The ARA Show™.

Industry Contributor Nomination Form

Rising Star Award

Purpose: Recognizes a young professional who has demonstrated leadership at the grassroots level.

Selected by: The current ARA President.

Criteria: Nominees will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

  • “12 to Watch Under 40” inclusion
  • Current YPN member
  • Attendance at YP conferences/events
  • ARA volunteer service such as committees, task forces, state and local chapter service etc.
  • Leadership/involvement in activities that demonstrate a personal contribution to improving the industry

Leadership Impact Award

Purpose: Recognizes an individual per region whose leadership benefited their state or local association and its members over the past year.

Eligibility: ARA General, Associate and Independent Manufacturer Representative Members

Selected by: ARA Regional Director for respective region

Criteria: Candidates will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

  • Significantly supported, assisted and was actively involved in industry activities within the region.
  • Provided support to and mentored ARA members in their region.
  • His/her volunteer leadership aided in the success and growth of the association.

 

Frequently asked questions

  • Why nominate someone for an Industry Award?

    The ARA Industry Awards provide an opportunity to recognize those ...

    The ARA Industry Awards provide an opportunity to recognize those ARA members who demonstrate leadership traits and routinely go above and beyond to benefit the equipment and event industry. These awards can also help build morale and motivate others to achieve greater excellence. Awards are presented at the Industry Awards Lunch at The ARA Show™.
  • Who qualifies for the awards?

    Each award has specific eligibility requirements...

    Each award has specific eligibility requirements. View the qualifications in the information for each award.

  • Who can nominate?

    Anyone involved with ...

    Anyone involved with and knowledgeable about the equipment and event rental industry may submit a nomination.

  • How are the Industry Awards nominations judged?

    Nominations for qualified individuals will be reviewed and rated ...

    Qualified nominations for the Rental Hall of Fame will be reviewed and rated by the Rental Hall of Fame Selection Committee, which is led by the ARA board chair. Committee members include the officers of the ARA Board of Directors, ARA past president representatives and ARA staff.

    Qualified nominations for the Industry Contributor Awards will be reviewed and rated by a committee comprised of members of the ARA staff. Selections will be reviewed and approved by the ARA officers.

    Nominations are kept confidential. Nominees are not notified by ARA of their nomination. Candidates are evaluated based on ability to meet the award criteria. ARA does not notify those submitting nominations of the status of their nominee.

  • What makes a successful nomination?

    All Industry Award nominations must be complete to qualify...

    All Industry Award nominations must be complete to qualify for judging. Applications that are detailed and descriptive and include supporting documentation are more likely to be successful. These details will be used only for judging and will be kept confidential.