To provide more of what past attendees have asked for, The Rental Show 2011 will feature a full day of educational seminars, a special New Product Showcase, an inspirational keynote message from Leigh Anne Tuohy of “The Blind Side” fame and additional networking events next year in Las Vegas. The Rental Show is Feb. 27-March 2 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

Special discount pricing is available on both registration and hotel rooms for a limited time only.

“The Rental Show 2011 will allow rental business owners and managers the opportunity to leverage the substantial investments they’ve made in their businesses,” said Christine Wehrman, American Rental Association's (ARA) executive vice president and CEO. “By attending, these owners and managers will be able to save money and make money, plus achieve personal and professional growth from the unmatched combination of education, networking and rental trade show. The Rental Show really is the must-attend annual event for all those involved with the rental industry.”

Highlights for the 2011 show include:

• The return of a full day of educational seminars on Sunday, Feb. 27, plus morning seminars on March 1-2. Topics will include business planning, social media, sales, business strategies, human resources, employee motivation, communication, customer service, marketing plus half-day sessions on cash flow and leadership. The popular Rental Town Hall sessions again will be held, as well as sessions on driver safety, the rental market outlook, working with the General Services Administration (GSA) and aerial work platform fall protection training.
• A New Product Showcase area on the trade show floor. This will highlight the latest products in each of the show floor departments: Construction/Industrial, General Tool/Homeowner and Party/Special Event. In addition, a First-Time Exhibitor Pavilion will spotlight companies that have not exhibited previously.
• Networking events. These include Lunch With ARA, a luncheon where ARA’s volunteer award winners and Certified Event Rental Professional (CERP) graduates will be recognized; Leverage at LAX, an exclusive event just for ARA at LAX Nightclub in Luxor Las Vegas that also will include a fundraising event for ARAPAC, ARA’s political action committee; new regional receptions that allow attendees to connect with other rental professionals from their areas; and Reception With a Purpose, which will feature a charity auction supporting the ARA Foundation.
• The keynote session with Leigh Anne Tuohy speaking on “Behind the Blind Side: Overcoming Obstacles in the Face of Adversity.” Tuohy and her family were the subject of the movie “The Blind Side,” with actress Sandra Bullock winning an Academy Award earlier this year for portraying her. The keynote session also will include the Rental Hall of Fame induction.
• Events & Tents, a workshop for those in party and special event rental, on the afternoon of Saturday, Feb. 26, and the morning of Sunday, Feb. 27. The program will feature an industry tour to MGM Resort Events, a reception at MGM Grand’s Tabu Ultra Lounge, seminars and a breakfast presentation.

Through Oct. 31, an Internet-only registration special is available that allows ARA members to receive full registration for only $99. (Nonmembers can register for $199 through Oct. 31.) Full registration includes the three days of trade show, all show seminars and the keynote session. And through Sept. 30, exclusive early-bird discount hotel rates are available for Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and THEhotel at Mandalay Bay. Those booking through Travel Planners, ARA’s official housing company, can save $40 per night plus receive other perks such as a casino match play credit, in-room wireless Internet, two bottled waters delivered daily, boarding pass printing and more. (See the website for complete information.)

Online registration and hotel booking, as well as additional details on The Rental Show, are available at www.TheRentalShow.com. Questions can be directed to 800-334-2177, option 3, or registration@therentalshow.com.