The American Rental Association this week reported a substantial increase in attendee registrations compared to 2010. The totals include 69-percent more rental business attendees registered, with the number of rental businesses attending up 60 percent. Registrations for Events & Tents, an educational program specifically for those in party and special event rental, are up 52 percent compared to last year. (All figures are through Jan. 10.)

“We are very encouraged by the number of registrations for The Rental Show, as well as from the optimistic comments we continue to hear from exhibitors and attendees alike,” said Chris Wehrman, ARA CEO. “With the economy starting to turn around, people are more upbeat and are eager to return to the show. Rental business owners are ready to replace equipment in their inventories and are looking toward The Rental Showas the place to see what’s new, as well as the place to plan or make purchases from the wide variety of vendors present.”

To date, there are 80 companies that will be at The Rental Show for the first time, and more than 550 total exhibitors, according to ARA.

The Rental Showis Feb. 27-March 2 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

For more information, visit www.TheRentalShow.com.

The American Rental Association, Moline, Ill., is an international trade association for the owners of equipment rental businesses and the manufacturers and suppliers of construction/industrial, general tool and party/event rental equipment.