For the first time since 2013, The ARA Show ™ returns to Las Vegas in 2021. The 65th edition of the world’s largest convention and trade show for equipment rental and events, organized by the American Rental Association (ARA), will be held on Sunday, October 17th, with a full day of training and the annual ARA Industry Awards Lunch in Resorts opens World, the headquarters of the show.
The fair with more than 600 exhibitors on two floors of the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) as well as an outdoor area opens on Monday, October 18, at 9:30 a.m., immediately after the fair keynote session presented by Carey Lohrenz, who at 8 a.m. in Resorts World begins.
Christine Hammes, Vice President of ARA, Association Services, recently answered questions from Rental Management about what visitors can expect at the show this year.
Letting management: The ARA Show takes place in Las Vegas for the first time since 2013. It is scheduled from October 17th to 20th instead of February. How did it happen?
Christine Hammes: Due to the circumstances caused by the pandemic, the New Orleans show originally scheduled for February has been canceled. Several shows were also repositioned at this time, making space for ARA in the LVCC. I think you could say it was a silver lining to an unfortunate situation.
Letting management: This is a big change that is required by very unusual circumstances. How did exhibitors and visitors react to this?
Hammes: Both associate and general members were delighted to see the show finally return to Las Vegas. The general reception was positive. The October timing had some mixed ratings – usually depending on the member’s segment and geographic location. This is the busiest time for some of our general members. There were only a limited number of cities and times to choose from, so it helped clear up any concerns as we clarified the details behind the decision. The associated members jumped on board quickly, as we had a very positive response to the stand sales and sponsorship for the trade fair.
Letting management: What if the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations and Las Vegas requirements change?
Hammes: Things have been very fluid over the past year. We have become very used to having a “Plan B” or even a “Plan C”. Our top priority is to have a clean, safe, essential, and successful event for all of our members. We stand ready to make changes if necessary and will adhere to all health practices prescribed by Clark County and the state of Nevada.
Letting management: How does ARA intend to ensure that participants and exhibitors are safe?
Hammes: The ARA show will adhere to all health practices mandated by Clark County and the state of Nevada. Specifically, to set attendees’ expectations for Vegas:
Masks: All participants must wear face covering unless they are outdoors or actively eating or drinking. Masks will be provided on site if a participant does not have their own.
Physical distancing: The ARA show follows a 3-ft. radial distance, which is 6 feet of physical distance per person. There will be entrances and exits to the exhibition halls. Lounges and seating are arranged to create space. Seats at tables are limited to six people per table.
Improved cleaning: There will be additional plumbing stations throughout the event with an emphasis on “high-touch” areas such as doorknobs, toilets and dining areas.
Cleaning method: The LVCC has modeled its purification procedures based on the recommendations and requirements of organizations such as the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) and the CDC. The GBAC Star Accreditation Program is considered the gold standard for safe facilities. It is performance-based and aims to help institutions build a comprehensive system for cleaning, disinfecting and preventing infectious diseases.
Hand sanitiser: Stations will be available at all entrances and exits to the exhibition space and in heavily frequented areas.
Air quality: LVCC has taken steps to improve ventilation in the facility by increasing the overall air flow to the occupied spaces.
Vaccinations: All ARA employees working on the event are vaccinated. All third-party providers used require vaccinations or weekly tests from employees.
Stream: ARA offers live streaming of the keynote and training sessions for those who prefer not to sit in larger groups. Participants log on to a password-protected microsite to view sessions.
Outdoor events: Events with food and drink, such as the regional receptions on Monday evening and “ARA’s Oktoberfest … Las Vegas Style!” On Tuesday evening, are held outdoors so that participants can safely network while eating and drinking. There will also be seating outside to “take a break”.
Testing: On-site COVID-19 testing will be available at Resorts World, LVCC North Hall, and nearby locations. A list of these locations will be available on the mobile app and on the exhibition website.
Larger events such as the regional receptions and the Oktoberfest event on Tuesday evening are held outside so that participants can safely network while eating and drinking. There will also be seating outside to “take a break”. Overall, the goal is to provide an excellent show experience and to keep things as normal and safe as possible.
Letting management: This may be the first time the ARA Show has been held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. What are the advantages of being in this place?
Hammes: The location is close to the strip and has outdoor space. Several hotels can be reached on foot or by monorail, including the new Resorts World Hotel, which serves as the trade fair’s headquarters. For safety reasons, the LVCC also has a GBAC Star accreditation program.
Letting management: Another difference is the Las Vegas hotel’s headquarters, Resorts World, which just opened this summer. What can the participants expect?
Hammes: As a brand new hotel, Resorts World offers luxury, value and variety. There are more than 40 food and drink experiences to discover, shops, entertainment and games. It’s a great place for members as the headquarters are right in the middle of the show. In addition, several events will take place in Resorts World, including the Sunday educational events, the ARA Industry Awards lunch and the keynote session with Carey Lohrenz. The ARA Young Professionals reception takes place in the Zouk Nightclub and the ARAPAC reception takes place on the Rose Rooftop.
Letting management: Exhibits are also on display on two floors of the south hall. What are the advantages?
Hammes: The two floors gave us the ability to spread out and allow wider hallways, which helps control the flow and spacing of the aisle traffic. Due to the two levels in the south hall, ARA will have two stands. Booth # 2319 is on level one in the construction area and will have kiosks with information on membership, the ARA Foundation, chapter leadership, market intelligence and technology, and human resource development. Booth # 7433, located on Level 2 in the events area, will have materials focused more on the events and DIY segments. However, the ARA staff present can answer any ARA-related questions for members. Both booths are an excellent resource for ARA members to learn more about the tools offered to them as part of their ARA membership.
Letting management: What is the status tracking?
Hammes: Booth Chase is offering rental store visitors the chance to win $ 2,500 by using the Exhibition App to visit 10 locations during the exhibition times and scan a QR code at each location. If you visit all 10 you will be entered into a drawing to win. These 10 locations include each Platinum Sponsor’s booth, one of the two ARA Resource Centers, and the outdoor exhibit area. You need to log into the app and create your profile in order to play so that if you win, you can be contacted. If you don’t already have the ARA show app, download it and sign up before the show. It helps you plan your trip, organize your schedule, and make sure you don’t miss any important parts of the show while in Las Vegas.
