Surrounded by the flashing lights that glitter the unique city of Las Vegas, the American Rental Association's 43rd annual convention and trade show next month invites attendees to take advantage of three main focuses: education, future product inventory and networking opportunities.

More than 20 educational programs will be offered addressing issues facing rental center owners and employees, including improving customer service, learning new management strategies, understanding business and industry technology, and gaining organizational skills.

A special seminar for employees will focus on employee/customer relations. A construction and industrial workshop will discuss making rental centers more profitable in a competitive marketplace. Led by small business facilitator Don Taylor, a wrap-up session will address building a business for survival and growth in the future rental market.

More than 700 industry suppliers are expected to be on hand to exhibit products where members can compare products and services, learn about the latest in industry technology and strengthen long-range inventory.

Multiquip Inc. will not hold its annual comedy night during next month's American Rental Association show in Las Vegas.

"This was a hard decision to make, but it came down to several factors," said president Irving Levine. "The cost of putting on a show of our caliber in Las Vegas is staggering, as compared to our past shows in other cities. All of us felt that it would be better to wait one year, when the ARA show returns to Anaheim (Calif.)."

Proceeds from past shows have gone to benefit the Children of Hope, a charity assisting homeless women with children to help them back into the community and workforce. Despite the show's absence, contributions are still welcome. Send checks care of: Multiquip Inc., 18910 Wilmington Ave., Carson, CA 90746.