The Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Round Rock, Texas, was buzzing with rental professionals on June 21-22 when the Texas Rental Association (TRA) held its premier event — Roundup.
This year’s gathering was jam-packed with activities to meet everyone’s interests.
“Roundup was great — well-attended and full of so many opportunities to connect with other rental operators and exhibitors as well as learn new strategies for our businesses,” says Angela Nussel, CERP, vice president, Premiere Events, Austin, and now immediate past president of the TRA board.
It all started Monday night with the event’s first Roundup Rental Olympics before the big welcome reception.
Inspiring attendees at the Tuesday morning opening session was former NBA player and 2019 inductee in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Sidney Moncrief.
Attendees then took part in two additional education sessions addressing company handbooks and creating a digital brand, presented by Ashley Cuttino, J.D., and Derek Rollins from Ogletree Deakins, ARA’s human resources partner, and Nikki Nuckols, founder and creative director, Doodle Dog Creative, respectively.
Throughout the years, auctions have been a Roundup staple. The silent auction opened later on Tuesday before everyone gathered for lunch and the annual meeting, where the annual awards were presented, the state of the association was discussed and the new slate of TRA board members was installed.
In the afternoon, attendees enjoyed connecting with the nearly 40 exhibiting companies before participating in the exhibitor reception and Spirit Toss. The proceeds from the Spirit Toss, along with the rounds of the Heads or Tails Beach House Rental, benefited TRA’s Political Action Committee.
Roundup wrapped up with the Texas-sized networking event, dinner and live charity auction, which raised funds for TRA Scholarships.
Amanda Jones, CERP, owner, Tyler Tents and Events, Tyler, Texas, who was installed at the event as the new Area 5 director on the TRA board, was so excited to be part of Roundup after a year’s absence because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“It was wonderful. I saw a lot of new faces. It was so great being back and networking with friends who feel like family. It gave everyone a sense of hope for the growth of our state association,” she says.
The first-ever Rental Olympics “was a fantastic way to start off Roundup,” Jones says. “It was great fun. Of course, the Spirit Toss is always entertaining. The dinner was really nice and the live auction was great. At the auction, I bought a guitar signed by George Strait. That was so neat as I am a huge George Strait fan. I don’t play guitar, but I might have to start lessons,” she says with a laugh. “And it was a great way to support the scholarship fund. My nephew has benefited from those scholarships, so this was my way to say ‘Thank you.’”
First-time Roundup attendee Jay Geng, manager, Four Seasons Construction Equipment, Greenville, Texas, says the event offered an opportunity to connect with important vendors.
“We are a brand-new company, so I wasn’t able to be away from the business for too long. I was able to take part in the exhibitor displays. I connected with an ARA Insurance agent and talked with two software vendors. Next year I hope to take advantage of even more of the activities that are offered,” he says.
The feedback from attendees “has been very positive,” Nussel says. “This year’s event was extremely successful because of the support from the TRA members and exhibitors who believe in our state association and this event. You could feel the renewed enthusiasm and spirit for this event. Everyone is looking forward to gathering again next year.”