RM Online - A.R.A. hits the jackpot in Vegas

The final attendance for A.R.A.'s 43rd Annual Convention and Rental Trade Show in Las Vegas, Feb. 8-11, indicates a near-record show, attracting 14,542 people: a total of 6,778 convention delegates representing 2,756 rental stores and 6,421 exhibitor personnel from 709 companies. In addition, 1,343 visitors attended the show.

Despite the shrinking number of rental businesses, resulting from the industry's trend toward consolidation, Las Vegas attracted the second largest number of rental delegates in the show's history.

A.R.A.'s 1999 show is second only to last year's show in Orlando that drew 7,077 convention delegates from 3,037 stores. It also boasts the second-highest overall attendance, topped only by that 1998 show that drew 15,163.

"Strength of the Las Vegas convention mirrors the strength of the industry," said A.R.A. Executive Vice President Jim Irish. "Strong numbers indicate a healthy industry."

This year's show featured many firsts including mini-series seminar sessions and "Construction University."

More than 180 people participated the all-day Construction University, a new rental education program. Attendees spent the morning learning and networking with fellow participants. Representatives from Wacker Corp., Menomonee Falls, Wis., led an afternoon compaction demonstration, while Craig Savage presented a seminar on developing a sales database. Larry Kaye, A.R.A. Construction and Industrial Services SIG chairperson, stressed the importance of the program.

"We have to continue to say the same basic things over and over and over," said Kaye. "We cannot assume that because it was discussed somewhere five years ago that somehow that covered it."

Mini-series seminar sessions covered topics such as taking over the family business, leadership, cash flow, compensation, conflict management, communication and business performance.

Other highlights included the Events and Tents program, which preceded the convention. The event culminated in a gala event Feb. 7.

Darlene Summers, A.R.A. vice president, conventions and meetings, who will retire June 1 after working at A.R.A. for more than 30 years, was honored at Wednesday evening's closing banquet. She was presented with a plaque honoring her dedication to A.R.A., a vacation for two to Hawaii and luggage. Past A.R.A. President Bob McFarland presented her with retirement gifts from several past A.R.A. presidents.

Also during the banquet, Ray Charles entertained

the crowd

with gospel, blues and jazz music.