Although the general mood of the American Rental Association’s recent Rental Show in Atlanta was upbeat and buying activity was strong, attendance declined compared to last year’s Orlando, Fla., convention. Number of rental companies represented dropped from 2,870 at last year’s show to 2,200, a 23-percent decline. Total number of rental attendees decreased year over year from 6,490 last year to 5,613, a 13.5-percent decrease.

Total exhibitor personnel decreased from 6,110 to 5,955, while the number of exhibiting companies dropped from 750 to 719.

In general, most exhibitors expressed satisfaction with the level of buying activity at the show, especially considering the consensus view that overall rental industry fleet growth is likely to level out in 2007. With next year’s convention set in Las Vegas, historically a stronger attraction for trade shows than Atlanta, the outlook for next year’s show remains optimistic.

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