15.01.2006

ARA 2007 venue change

In a change to its earlier decision, the American Rental Association has moved the venue for its 2007 convention and Rental show from New Orleans to Atlanta.

The American Rental Association has responded to pressure to go back on its earlier decision to maintain the 2007 convention and Rental Show See ARA will be in New Orleans Oct 10th in New Orleans following the damage done by Hurricane Katrina.

“Following extensive deliberation during a special conference call meeting on January sixth, the ARA board of directors determined that New Orleans was not a viable option and voted to change venues”. The show will now be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia from February 7 - 10, 2007.

“The decision to change venues was difficult for the ARA,” said ARA CEO/Executive Vice President Chris Wehrman. “New Orleans has hosted six of ARA’s 50 conventions, so the association has a history and identity with the city. Certainly our members and the rental industry are important pieces of the city’s rebuilding,” she said.

“For 2007, however, the ARA was reluctantly forced to relocate The Rental Show given the current status of New Orleans as well as the other priorities facing the people and facilities in New Orleans.”

The decision to locate to Atlanta was based on the success of the 2004 show in Atlanta along with the favorable response of attendees, and its geographic location within proximity of the majority of ARA members and of course availability of the convention centre.