The equipment and event rental industry is gearing up to gather during The ARA Show™ 2021 in Las Vegas. This premier event will kick off Sunday, Oct. 17, with a day of education followed by a three-day trade show featuring nearly 600 exhibitors.
The 2021 show will provide the same industry-leading networking opportunities, education and events, all with safety and attendees’ business needs in mind. Plus, there are several exciting new opportunities and experiences planned for exhibitors and attendees.
Both the education and trade show venues offer something new. The education sessions will be held on Oct. 17 at Resorts World — a brand-new Las Vegas property opening this summer. A total of 16 education sessions will be offered. Sessions will be categorized into four tracks:
- Business management
- Leadership and culture
- Technology and human resources
- Events
A separate Events & Tents program will not be offered but those in the party and event rental industry are encouraged to attend the event-focused education sessions.
The trade show will be held Oct. 18-20, at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) showcasing two levels of exhibit space as well as outdoor space. During the trade show, exhibitors will fill the show floor with the latest equipment and technology. Here attendees also will find exclusive deals and Show-Only Specials to help them revamp and expand their inventory.
In addition to the education and trade show, there are several events planned.
ARA Industry Awards Lunch. Between education sessions on Sunday, Oct. 17, attendees are invited to take part in the ARA Industry Awards Lunch. This event gives American Rental Association (ARA) members the opportunity to enjoy lunch with their peers while celebrating individuals for their contributions to the industry, including the latest inductees into the Rental Hall of Fame.
YPN Reception. On Sunday evening, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the ARA Young Professionals Network (YPN) Reception will be held at a unique venue inside Resorts World. Here YPN members can network with others while enjoying food and drinks.
Keynote Session. On Monday, Oct. 18, Carey Lohrenz — the first female F-14 Tomcat fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy — will inspire and energize show attendees during the Keynote Session. Turn to Page 30 to learn more about Lohrenz. This event will be held from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Resorts World.
Trade show. The keynote will be followed by the opening of the trade show floor at the LVCC. Attendees can arrive in style by taking the brand-new underground people mover featuring autonomous Tesla electric vehicles. The new feature is opening this summer between Resorts World and the LVCC, as well as under the LVCC campus.
Regional Receptions. After the first day on the show floor, Regional Receptions will be hosted at the LVCC from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Each of ARA’s 10 regions will host a reception, and a leader from each region will be recognized for their contributions to the rental community. These receptions are designed to give attendees ample time to meet up with peers from their region while enjoying drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
ARAPAC Reception. Following the Regional Receptions, ARA’s political action committee (ARAPAC) will host the “ARAPAC Reception: Vintage Vegas Starring the Rat Pack” from 7 to 9 p.m. This ARAPAC fundraising event with an iconic “Rat Pack” theme will include a red carpet, martinis served by Las Vegas showgirls, hors d’oeuvres and a Rat Pack cover band.
Women in Rental Breakfast. On Tuesday, Oct. 19, the popular Women in Rental Breakfast will kick off the second day of the trade show. This event, held from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m., is open to all attendees and exhibitors. The breakfast has sold out the past two years so early registration is suggested.
Virtual 5K and Online Auction. New for 2021 is the Virtual 5K and the Online Auction supporting the ARA Foundation. On Oct. 19, attendees can support the ARA Foundation by wearing the one-of-a-kind race shirt and tracking their steps on the show floor that day. Participants can submit pictures and give virtual high fives to others. The 5K also can be completed anytime, anywhere from Oct. 17-31. Registration is $35 per person and will include a shirt, medal and fun items from the event sponsors. You can learn more and register at runsignup.com/arafoundation5k. The ARA Foundation also is hosting an online auction starting Oct. 14. Additional details will be made available in the following months.
ARA’s Oktoberfest. On the evening of Oct. 19, the resilience of the rental industry will be celebrated during ARA’s Oktoberfest ... Las Vegas Style! The event will be held at the LVCC from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and feature beer tents, food trucks, Vegas-inspired entertainers and a live band.
Show safety precautions
The ARA Show™ 2021 — originally scheduled to be held in February 2021 — was rescheduled to October due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The show is being planned with a focus on safety and some flexibility may be required. Any safety recommendations for the show will be updated at ARAshow.org/covid-19-resources. Attendees also can turn to the website for complete show details.