As society began to re-emerge in the summer of 2021 after a year of social distancing, many in the equipment and event rental community were ready to “get rocking” again with in-person industry events. The ARA of South Carolina obliged with the “Rock ‘N’ Rental Reveal.”
The event, hosted Friday, June 18 and Saturday, June 19, in Columbia, S.C., offered a diverse schedule of events loaded with activities meant to help rental folks in the Southeast make up for lost time.
The Rock ‘N’ Rental Reveal kicked off on Friday evening with a networking reception featuring a fun dose of throwback live music starring the “Destination 80s” band.
Saturday’s activities included a tour of host location Party Reflections and a lunch conversation with Dan Hooks, CERP, president, who also serves as American Rental Association (ARA) president. In addition, there were leadership education workshops led by empowerment expert Lee Ann Piano and equipment showcases from industry vendor partners.
“The best part of the event for me was the speaker, Lee Ann Piano,” says Patti Whittaker, owner, A Prettier Potty/Cardinal Rents, Charlotte, N.C., and an ARA of North Carolina board member. “Her sessions ['How to Hire, Inspire, and Retain Valuable Team Players' and 'Communicating Through Personality Styles'] were so informative. She kept it very interactive, and we all learned a lot of new skills. I like to learn new things
that help me personally and professionally and Ms. Piano delivered. Education and personal/business development are a large part of what ARA does.”
The Rock ‘N’ Rental Reveal’s menu of networking, live music, rental store operation insight, inspiring education and face-time with vendors proved to be the right package for rental peers looking for a return to normalcy.
“I think [ARA of South Carolina president] Warren Clayton, who spearheaded the event, did an outstanding job. The event was very well organized and streamlined. The Friday night social was fun, and the location, venue and band were perfect. It was so great getting out and networking with others from ARA,” Whittaker says.