LAS VEGAS — The American Rental Association recently announced that when The Rental Show returns to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas next February, it will occupy more exhibit space than it did in 2005.

ARA contracted the additional exhibit space at the convention center when it learned the space had become available for the 2008 annual convention and trade show. The expansion means that the 2008 show will offer about 700 more booths than the 2005 show.

“Equipment manufacturers and distributors view The Rental Show as one of the best opportunities to reach rental businesses, whether they are growing an existing relationship or are introducing themselves or new products to the market,” said Allison Box, ARA vice president, association services.

Nearly 60 Atlanta exhibitors submitted booth applications before the end of the 2007 show, and about 75 more submitted applications for 2008 before the end of February, ARA said. Altogether, nearly 20 percent of 2007 exhibitors have already signed on for 2008.

The 2008 Rental Show is set for Feb. 11-14 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.