Having observed the equipment rental market for more than 20 years, I can say for certain the industry thrives on healthy competition. The folks I’ve spoken with often mention good working relationships, if not outright friendly ones, with their competitors. Maybe it’s the grassroots way the industry grew up, but most find that solving the customer’s problem is the number one objective – even if it means renting from a competitor to do it. It’s one of the things that makes this industry so amazing.
In light of this philosophy commonly held among rental professionals, many were surprised when the American Rental Association announced its decision to eliminate all media and nonprofit safety organizations from its membership categories - with the exception of its own publication. Media companies, as well as organizations such as the International Powered Access Federation (whose sole purpose is to promote safety and training), are no longer allowed to exhibit at The Rental Show. The ARA’s officially stated reason is that they need the floor space – a fraction of a percent of the available area - for exhibiting equipment manufacturers and service providers. They have not, however, cited a reason for hindering the distribution of competing publications nor for the banning of media support staff from attending the show at all.
Media plays an important role in the trade show system. Our full staff uses the venue to gather news and information in order to convey it to our readers. We use the opportunity to engage with attendees, exhibitors and industry members of all types in order to put our finger on the pulse of this vibrant and growing industry. While the new policy attempts to limit this practice, you can be sure we’ll find a way to continue to deliver the news and latest product information from the show as we’ve always done. As media, we believe it’s our responsibility to contribute to an informed audience, and we know the more voices there are spreading the word, the better it is for our audience. With that in mind, we will not waver in our commitment to this responsibility because we know it's essential to the health and vitality of the industry we are dedicated to serving. We only wonder why the ARA sees it differently.
Despite the recently imposed limitations, we look forward to seeing everyone at The Rental Show this February.
