The Canadian Rental Mart is coming back, returning to Mississauga, Ont., Canada, Sept. 27 - 28 with many firsts.
Located at the International Centre in Mississauga, the event is free for anyone interested in the equipment and event rental industries.
The return of Canada’s trade expo for the equipment and event rental industry brings with it a refreshed and revised approach featuring many “firsts” never before done in the show’s 30-year history.
“Because of the biennial schedule for the Rental Mart, two years of COVID restrictions meant four years without a live show,” said show manager Robert Elias. “We saw that as an opportunity to really take a hard look at what we do and make some changes that we think will add excitement and novelty to the 2022 edition and future Rental Marts.”
One obvious first is the move to a fall date: Sept. 27 and 28. The 2022 Rental Mart was originally scheduled for its usual time in March, but the January Omicron surge in Ontario forced a rescheduling. But, depending how things go, the fall date may become a permanent shift. Spring is a busy time for rental shows because it’s the hot buying season for rental equipment. But a fall date may enable the Rental Mart to avoid scheduling conflicts with other shows, especially the ARA Show, while giving attendees a second chance to look at fleet ahead of winter and exhibitors a chance to showcase some of the next springs’ offerings early.
“We’ll be assessing response to the 2022 Rental Mart carefully to inform our decisions about future editions,” Elias said.
Next on the list of changes is a pumped-up focus on education and discussion with high-profile exclusive speakers. The Hon. Tony Clement, the former federal industry minister, will offer his thoughts on supply chain issues in his keynote presentation followed by a Q&A session. His expertise in industry and labor led him to co-found Reshoring Canada, a group that advocates for Canadian supply chain modernization, and aims to bring manufacturing back to Canada.
Women in Rental panel
The Women in Rental panel will make its return on the second day of Rental Mart 2022. It’s the first panel discussion ever held at a Rental Mart and will include Angie Venekamp, the general manager of Rental Network and American Rental Association Region 10 director representing Canada on the ARA board of directors; Jule Elia, district sales manager at Herc Rentals; Rachael Caron, business creation manager at Crown Verity; Andrea Hetu, president of Equipements Brossard; and Debbie Mackie, branch manager at Cooper Equipment. Each of them brings their own experience in Canada's rental industry and each of them will share lessons from years of expertise. On Sept. 28, they’ll share insights on how to create a more inclusive industry and help women thrive in rental.
The 2022 Rental Mart marks the first time the American Rental Association will have a big presence at the show. Following Clement’s presentation on Sept. 27, the ARA will host a meeting open to all where Venekamp, Josh Nickell (ARA equipment sector director) and James Auerbach (ARA event sector director) will talk about what the association is doing for its Canadian members. That discussion will be followed by some social time in the Centre Stage area.
In another first, the Canadian Rental Association will be hosting a Member Appreciation tour to a Toronto Blue Jays game against the New York Yankees after Day One of the show. Contact the CRA for details.
For more information, visit canadianrentalmart.com
