Annually, the gear, basic software, and occasion segments of the rental {industry} collect below one roof for one cause: to attend the annual American Rental Affiliation (ARA) Present. With conferences, training, speeches, a grand tradeshow ground, and extra, this yr’s occasion guarantees to be “universally” thrilling and transformative for everybody.
The ARA Present 2026 is scheduled for March 2-4, 2026 situated within the Orange County Conference Middle (North-South constructing) in sunny Orlando, Florida, with training beginning earlier. The ARA Present returns to New Orleans in 2027, February 13-17. (For these planning forward, the NFL’s Tremendous Bowl LXI is scheduled to be in Inglewood, California, on Feb. 14, 2027 — Valentine’s Day.)
This yr’s theme for The ARA Present, “Uncover rental methods for proper now,” displays the affiliation’s give attention to offering actionable insights to assist companies thrive in immediately’s market. Attendees can anticipate a tradeshow full of options, unique show-only specials, and the networking alternatives folks look ahead to yr over yr.
“We’ve created a number of industry-changing content material and networking classes that can assist you keep forward of the curve,” says Christine Hammes, vp of affiliation companies on the ARA. “Our purpose is to create an unforgettable expertise that gives each enjoyable and worth, so you’ll be able to return to work refreshed, impressed, and related.”
Trending Matters
Anticipate these sizzling subjects to be mentioned and explored by way of academic classes and exhibitor showcases.
- AI and know-how integration for operational effectivity and advertising
- Labor power methods — recruitment and retention stay crucial
- Design traits and sustainability in occasion rental
- Buyer expertise and loyalty in a aggressive market
American Rental Affiliation
Devoted to occasion rental professionals, this yr’s academic monitor is concentrated on the occasions facet of the {industry}. EventsU kicks every part off on February 28. March 1 brings academic classes (sponsored by Ditch Witch) and two city corridor breakfasts, one every for the gear (sponsored by Toro) and occasion segments. The afternoon academic break is sponsored by MCS Rental Software program. The tutorial program will give attention to modern methods to remain forward with inventive enterprise approaches, streamlining processes for profitability, constructing and retaining sturdy groups, and elevating management expertise.
Anticipate city halls to debate the altering panorama on buyer expectations, buyer behaviors, sustainability, and new merchandise and traits. “Our purpose shall be to have small, medium, and enormous members [on a panel], and take questions from the viewers,” explains Hammes. The intent right here is to handle the problems in a method that these with one or two shops and people with 5 or extra will each be capable to take away some worth.
On March 2, Johnny Earle will current the keynote speech, sponsored by ARA Insurance coverage. Earle is the founding father of Johnny Cupcakes Inc., the “world’s first t-shirt bakery,” and can share about how he constructed a worldwide model by way of creativity and buyer expertise. The price of the keynote speech is included in your registration.
The ARA has designated 10 areas for regional receptions for attendees to attach, community, share insights, and rejoice regional leaders for his or her contributions to the rental {industry}. These have been joint earlier than, however by way of attendee suggestions, occasion planners have determined for extra intimate connection after the primary day of the present.
For Hammes, the present is an opportunity for members to return meet with employees, make connections, and get entangled. She provides:
I believe that is one of the best ways to be taught extra within the {industry}: volunteer to be on a committee, serve on a state board, get engaged in a roundabout way. More often than not the those who find yourself on our nationwide board are simply individuals who went to a present and began speaking to folks or went to at least one assembly. A pair days of your time might pay years and years of dividends.
Particular Occasions
Cautious planning has gone into positioning particular occasions all through the present. In an effort to keep away from stacking classes on prime of tradeshow hours, you will discover particular occasions scheduled for earlier than the present and after ground hours. Attendees will discover two new occasions taking place.
New for 2026 is a brunch hosted by Girls in Rental on March 1, 11:30-1 with Henna Pryor, speaker and writer, sharing insights to assist rental professionals thrive in a quickly altering {industry}. Study actionable methods to navigate uncertainty with confidence, calm, and readability, together with highly effective instruments to spice up psychological agility, resilience, and group efficiency.
Additionally new is the Content material Creator Hub situated within the foyer the place members can discover the possibility to attach with The ARA Present by way of {industry} podcasts and even file episodes of their very own.
(Editor’s Word: Electronic mail us about your personal gear rental podcast at [email protected].)
Extra occasions embody:
- Younger Professionals Cocktails & Contacts (new format) – a panel will share experiences and prime recommendation for succeeding as a younger chief. Attendees can ask questions, take part in discussions, and community in a relaxed setting with a hosted bar and informal mingling.
- ARA Business Awards Dinner & ARA Basis fiftieth Anniversary Celebration, sponsored by Ditch Witch and Mi-T-M Corp. with a reside and silent public sale facilitated by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers – rejoice with everybody to witness the brand new inductees into the Rental Corridor of Fame with a reside charity public sale and an opportunity to with a brand new 2026 Ford Bronco (or $50,000 money), supplied by ARA Insurance coverage.
- Hear from ARA’s vp of advocacy Kevin Gern and particular friends on key legislative points impacting your rental enterprise within the Authorities Affairs Breakfast.
- The Tuesday Evening Occasion shall be held at Common Studios Florida. A portion of the park have been reserved for ARA members, creating the right setting for a memorable night of enjoyable, networking, and celebration.
- All through The ARA Present, maintain an eye fixed out for Affiliate Members who shall be celebrating 50+ years exhibiting.
- The ARA are encouraging everybody to cease by their sales space within the gear portion of the tradeshow to satisfy the employees, seize a snack or beverage, and take a look at your expertise with a featured browsing sport and a money seize. Because it’s an “occasions” yr, they’ll even be highlighting their newest secure testing initiative with a reside demonstration of a brand new floor testing software.
Hammes sees The ARA Present as extra than simply one other {industry} occasion, however extra of an opportunity for rental professionals to attach, be taught, and develop in a dynamic surroundings. “Whether or not you’re looking for cutting-edge methods, exploring new merchandise, or having fun with Orlando’s sights with your loved ones, this present gives one thing for everybody,” she says. “We look ahead to welcoming you and making this expertise actually unforgettable.”
What (Else) to do in Orlando
Orlando actually has one thing for everybody, making it one of many prime locations to combine enterprise with leisure. There are gives infinite alternatives for leisure and journey.
“Orlando is such a household pleasant place is it simply actually provides off that household reunion really feel,” says Hammes. “Individuals generally tend to convey extra folks [from their company]. You see extra youngsters they usually simply have a lot enjoyable.”
- Discover ICON Park, residence to the Orlando Eye and a wide range of eating and leisure choices
- Households will love WonderWorks, an interactive “edu-tainment” attraction
- Madame Tussauds Orlando for enjoyable photograph ops.
- For theme park lovers, Common Orlando Resort and SeaWorld are simply minutes away, providing world-class rides and experiences.
- Choose one thing extra laid-back? Stroll by way of Lake Eola Park or
- Benefit from the scenic fantastic thing about the Winter Park Boat Tour.
See you on the present!
