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Hall of Fame & Industry Awards

Nominate Someone Today
Home > Industry Awards

Honoring individuals who have shaped the rental industry and recognizing those that continue to move us forward.

How It Works

The ARA Awards program includes both member-submitted nominations and leadership-selected recognitions.

Awards Open for Nominations

  • Choose an eligible award
    Select from the awards open for nomination below.
  • Review the criteria
    Confirm the nominee aligns with the award's qualifications and focus areas.
  • Submit your nomination
    Complete the nomination form and provide supporting details for consideration.
Nominate Someone Today

Leadership-Selected Awards

  • Rising Star Award
    Selected by the ARA Board President.
  • Leadership Impact Award
    Selected by an ARA Regional Director.

These awards are not open for nomination.

Recognition Matters
The ARA Awards program recognizes the individuals who have shaped the rental industry and those who continue to drive it forward. Each nomination helps tell the story of our industry, its leadership, innovation, and lasting impact.

Open for Nominations

Submit nominations to recognize individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the rental industry through leadership, service, and impact.

Hall of Fame

The ARA Rental Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose vision, leadership, and long-term contributions have shaped the equipment and event rental industry at the national and international levels.

Nomination Timeline
Nominations are open year-round. Inductees are selected annually and recognized at The ARA Show™.

Who Can Be Nominated

  • Individuals connected to the equipment and event rental industry
  • Those who have made a significant, positive impact on the industry
  • Candidates evaluated based on integrity, character, and long-term contributions

Who Is Not Eligible for Nomination

  • Members of the Rental Hall of Fame Selection Committee
  • Members of any ARA Board during the nomination or induction year
  • Current or former ARA staff and staff of subsidiary organizations

What This Award Recognizes

  • Industry leadership demonstrated through vision and influence
  • Measurable impact, achievements, and recognition within the industry
  • Innovation that advanced the rental industry
  • Contributions that strengthened long-term industry growth
  • Commitment to the rental community and its success

Submission Requirements
To be considered, nominations must include:

  • A completed nomination form
  • Detailed responses demonstrating the nominee's impact and contributions
  • Supporting documentation (combined into one file before uploading)

Ready to Nominate?
Submit a Hall of Fame Nomination
View Hall of Fame Inductees

Need More Detail?
View Full Award Criteria and Eligibility (PDF)
Includes detailed selection criteria, eligibility requirements, and nomination guidelines.

Industry Contributor Awards

The Industry Contributor Awards recognize individuals who have strengthened the rental industry through service, leadership, and meaningful contributions at the national, state, or local level.

Nomination Timeline
Nominations are open year-round. Submissions are reviewed at the end of 2026, with honorees recognized at The ARA Show™ 2027.

Who Can Be Nominated

  • General Members
  • Associate Members
  • Independent Manufacturer Representatives

What These Awards Recognize

  • Long-term leadership and service within the rental industry
  • Significant contributions or measurable impact in a specific area
  • Ongoing commitment to strengthening the rental community

Submission Requirements
To be considered, nominations must include:

  • A completed nomination form
  • A response to at least one nomination question
  • Clear, detailed information supporting the nominee’s contributions
  • Supporting documentation (combined into one file before uploading)

Award Categories

Industry Ambassador
Recognizes individuals who serve as strong advocates for the rental industry and actively promote its growth and visibility.

Exemplary Service
Honors individuals who demonstrate long-term commitment and service to the rental community through sustained involvement and leadership.

Industry Impact
Recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution or measurable impact in a specific area of the rental industry.

Ready to Nominate?
Submit an Industry Contributor Nomination

Need More Detail?
View Full Award Criteria and Eligibility (PDF)
Includes detailed award descriptions, eligibility requirements, and evaluation criteria.

Leadership-Selected Awards

These awards are selected by ARA leadership and are not open for nomination. They recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and emerging impact within the rental industry.

Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognizes emerging professionals who are already making a meaningful impact and demonstrate strong potential for future leadership within the rental industry.

This award honors individuals who:

  • Are early to mid-career professionals
  • Demonstrate initiative, innovation, and leadership potential
  • Contribute to their organization and the broader rental community

Recipients are selected by the ARA Board President and are recognized for both their current achievements and future promise.

Leadership Impact Award
The Leadership Impact Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made a measurable difference within their organization or the rental industry.

This award honors individuals who:

  • Drive meaningful organizational or industry change
  • Lead with integrity, vision, and accountability
  • Inspire teams and elevate performance

Recipients are selected by an ARA Regional Director and are recognized as influential leaders shaping the direction of the industry.

QuestionsHave questions about the awards or nomination process?
Alex Dirck
563.549.9751
Email Alex

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1900 19th Street
Moline, IL 61265
800.334.2177


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