The American Rental Association's annual convention and trade show continues to be the rental industry's prime meeting point where people come together, exchange ideas, attend educational sessions and become familiar with new equipment. Each year the waiting list of manufacturers eager to participate grows longer, and the 2002 show in New Orleans — the ARA's 46th — is no exception.
The show begins with Events and Tents 2002: Unmask Your Potential Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 16-17. Construction University is Sunday, Feb. 17.
Mark Victor Hansen better known as the “Chicken Soup for the Soul guy” speaks at the opening general session Monday, Feb. 18. He and his business partner, Jack Canfield, created what Time magazine calls “the publishing phenomenon of the decade” with more than 60 million Chicken Soup for the Soul books sold in North America alone. He will show audience members how to recognize and awaken to the possibility, how to seize the opportunity and then how to specifically and instantly act so that those present aren't just walking away from a really great speech, but are instead exiting with a step-by-step simple plan that will undoubtedly shift one's life. He's been named one of the “Top 10 Greatest Motivational Speakers.”
The annual banquet is Wednesday, Feb. 20 and features entertainment from singer Charmaine Neville.
ARA Convention Schedule
All events are at the New Orleans Convention Center, unless otherwise noted.
Friday, Feb. 15
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Exhibitor Registration Open
Saturday, Feb. 16
7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Events & Tents Workshops*
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Registration Open
Sunday, Feb. 17
7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Registration Open
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Construction University*
8 a.m.
ARA Insurance Services Golf Tournament
Oak Harbor Golf Club
(departs from Convention Center at 6:30 a.m.)
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Plantation Tour*
(Tour leaves from Convention Center)
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Events & Tents Workshops*
4 to 5 p.m.
First-Timers Orientation
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Events & Tents Closing Reception*
Hilton New Orleans
Riverside
Monday, Feb. 18
7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Registration Open
8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Opening General Session
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Exhibits Open
Evening Regional Receptions
5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
RAC/Region 10 Annual
General Meeting & Awards Banquet
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
Tuesday, Feb. 19
7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Registration Open
8 to 9 a.m.
Seminars
9:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Seminars
9 to 10:30 a.m.
Rental Executive Advisor Program
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Annual Meeting
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Exhibits Open
5 to 8 p.m.
Next Generation Reception*
Location to be determined (For ARA Next Generation members only)
Wednesday, Feb. 20
7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Registration Open
8 to 9 a.m.
Seminars
9:15 to 10:15 a.m.
Seminars
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Exhibits Open
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Cash Bar Reception
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
7:30 p.m. to midnight
Annual Banquet
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Thursday, Feb. 21
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Registration Open
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Exhibits Open
*advance registration required
Seminars
Track One: Achieving New Directions in Management and Leadership
Tuesday, Feb. 19
8 to 9 a.m.
“What Gets Measured Gets Managed-Part I”
8 to 9:45 a.m.
“Understanding Directions in Rental Worldwide”
9:15 to 10:15 a.m.
“What Gets Measured Gets Managed-Part II”
Wednesday, Feb. 20
8 to 9 a.m.
“Successful Management and Leadership Perspectives”
9:15 to 10:15 a.m.
“How to Improve Rental Operations Locally While Competing With the Chains”
Track Two: New Directions and All That Jazz: Best Practices in Rental
Tuesday, Feb. 19
8 to 9 a.m.
“How to Determine the Best Location for Your Rental Operation and Purchase Fixed Assets”
9:15 to 10:15 a.m.
“Store Design and Site Layout for Success”
Wednesday, Feb. 20
8 to 9 a.m.
“Marketing and All That Jazz: Real Success in the Rental Field”
9:15 to 10:15 a.m.
“Secret Techniques to Your Lowest Premiums: Assessing Your Risk”
Track Three: New Directions for Professional and Career Development
Tuesday, Feb. 19
8 to 9 a.m.
“Investing in Employees, Investing in Company Success”
9:15 to 10:15 a.m.
“How to Become a Fire-Eating Competition-Squashing World-Class Sales Professional Overnight!”
Wednesday, Feb. 20
8 to 9 a.m.
“Networking Savvy”
9:15 to 10:15 a.m.
Professional Training to Make You a Better Employee”
Track Four: New Directions for Success Using Technology in Rental
Tuesday, Feb. 19
8 to 9 a.m.
“Using Technology to Its Fullest Potential in Rental”
Wednesday, Feb. 20
8 to 9:45 a.m.
“Using the Internet for Research and Turning Greater Profits”
Annual Banquet and Networking Event: “A Taste of New Orleans”
Wednesday, Feb. 20,
7:30 p.m-midnight
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of Crescent City cuisine, lively camaraderie and exciting New Orleans entertainment. Attendees will enjoy a warm reception, a delightful New Orleans-style dinner, a salute to peers and an evening of Louisiana-born and New Orleans-bred musical styles that encompass everything from jazz to zydeco.
Performers include Charmaine Neville, an heir to a rich New Orleans musical legacy. Neville and her band dish out a spicy mix of the best New Orleans music from blues to R&B. Add a funky rhythm and some jazzy ballads and you've got a spicy Crescent City gumbo. Her band is a popular fixture at the colorful New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and at clubs around the city.
