The California Rental Association’s Rental Rally Tradeshow last month posted increased attendance, a larger contingent of exhibitors in more exhibit space than past shows, CRA executive director Dale Blackwell told RER. Preliminary numbers show increased attendance from last year’s show, with approximately 408 rental attendees from 158 companies in 28 states, with attendees coming from as far away as Alaska and Hawaii. The show floor was capped out with 32,800 square feet of booth space featuring 152 equipment, party and service vendors.
"That was more people than the last show we did," Blackwell said. "We had 328 booths, right up there with what we had before. Overall, the show represented an increase. I'm very happy with these numbers."
The Monday evening “Opening Event” cocktail party on the showroom floor was well attended by nearly 500 people. The party at “TopGolf” was a big hit and entertained more than 300 attendees on Tuesday evening. There was a bounty of delicious appetizers, barbecue, and libations and a great view of the fabulous Las Vegas skyline. There were 20 tees to give everyone a chance to try their luck at golfing. The generosity of TopGolf event sponsor: “Hatz Diesel / UQ-Power” helped keep the costs down.
Several presentations were made during the evening including the 2019 The James Gartland Memorial Award, named for James Gartland, the founder of RER, was presented to Jeff Roberts, president of City Rentals and current CRA board chairman. Roberts started in the rental industry in 1976 when he was hired at City Rentals by Richard and Dale Briggs. He has been a janitor, yardman, service technician, counterman, driver, salesman and now is president. Roberts has been involved with CRA his entire career and joined the board in 2012. He also serves on the convention, insurance, investment and member benefits committees, and is co-chair of the membership and public relations committee.
The annual 2019 W.E. “Bud” Loeber Friendship Award was presented to Chris Parker of EPIC Insurance Services.
The “End of Show” raffles were a big hit with attendees and vendors alike. Snorkel continued its tradition of giving away a push-around Snorkel S3010P scissor lift. Acknowledging that the show skipped a year in 2019, Snorkel owner Don Ahern decided to make up for it by drawing two winners at this years’ event. Megan ‘Mac’ Whittlesey of Ideal Rent-All in Mount Vernon, Wash., and Rob Shipley of F&B Rentals in Santa Ana, Calif., were named the new owners of the two Snorkel S3010P push-around scissor lifts. The RSIF Raffle winners this year were: Vicky Blackwell – Google Home; Kathryn Mitchell – Costco $300 Gift Card; Miranda Thomas – TV; and Barb Wyatt – Go Pro. The End of Show winners were: Mike Adams, winner of ear pods, Meredith Biasca – who won a ring; Linda Elder, winner of an Apple TV; Emily Lewis – a Chrome Book; Bob Marshall – Fitbit Versa; Ryan Ouye – Multiquip prizes; Robert Pedersen a $200 Costco Gift Card, Barbara Stile – Block & Roll goodies and Jon Meek – hockey tickets.
For the most part, the vendors and attendees on the showroom floor were upbeat, positive and looking forward to a successful year in 2020. Sponsors included Gold Level Sponsors Alert Management Systems, and EPIC Insurance Services. Silver Level Sponsors were Barreto Manufacturing Inc. and John Deere / Coastline Equipment.; Bronze Level Sponsors were Michigan Pneumatic Tool and Wolf Tools. Tuesday Evening TopGolf Sponsor: “Hatz Diesel / UQ-Power”. Exhbit Hall Floor Decal Trail Sponsor was Point of Rental Software.
