January 25, 2024
Since 1974, BOMAG Americas, Ridgeway, S.C., and InTENTional Systems (formerly Eureka! The Tent Co.), Binghampton, N.Y., have exhibited at The ARA Show™. Representatives from both companies expressed fond memories and successes of past shows along with anticipation for future achievements.
For Carol Cundey, CERP, senior sales and marketing manager, InTENTional Systems (formerly Eureka! The Tent Co.), the show provides an opportunity to meet up with old friends, attract new customers, and highlight the strengths and changes her company has undergone.
Visit InTENTional Systems at The ARA Show
“For InTENTional Systems this year, the biggest change is coming to the show with a new name and ownership,” Cundey says, adding her company came under new ownership in March 2023. “Our goal is to ensure all customers, friends, colleagues and new members know about this.
“We’re combining the legacy and expertise of Eureka! with exceptional engineering and superior workmanship as we continue to build one of America’s leading tent brands.”
Both Jon Roebuck, national account manager, and Tom Watson, director of sales, rental channel for BOMAG Americas, say The ARA Show is very important each year to the company’s business plan.
“Prior to COVID, ARA shows provided approximately 20 percent of our annual light equipment sales volume, therefore, The ARA Show was critical then and remains as such today,” Roebuck says. “Additionally, the show provides BOMAG and our field sales team a captive opportunity to spend time with our valued customers.”
Each year, The ARA Show provides a chance for those contacts manufacturers look for. But, there also is the growth and change that allows for new ideas and more inclusion in an ever-changing equipment and event rental industry.
For Cundey personally, she has been attending The ARA Show for 25 years. She likes the direction her industry is heading in.
“One of the biggest changes I’ve seen over the years – one that’s really exciting – is the growth in the number of women in rental,” Cundey says. “When I started in the industry, there were not a lot of women in the industry or attending the show, either from the rental side or the vendor side.
Visit BOMAG Americas at The ARA Show
“I’m so excited to be part of the growth and look forward to networking and mentoring other women as we move ahead in the industry.”
Watson emphasizes many of his company’s long-term customers and industry contacts are a direct result of The ARA Show. He says each location brings something unique to the table for him.
“In my 26 years of going to The ARA Show, my most memorable moments have come from the show locations – Orlando, Atlanta, New Orleans, Anaheim, Las Vegas,” Watson says. “Each location brings a different level of attendance and that year’s economic outlook determines the show’s success, how much time ARA members spend on the trade show floor and the keynote speakers.”
Cundey says her staff has made great contacts and friends over the years at The ARA Show, watching customers grow and flourish in good years and working with them hand-in-hand during times of recession and pandemic.
“I’m proud to say we’re more than just a vendor to many of the contacts we’ve made at the show – we’re also partners,” Cundey says.
Cundey says at InTENTional Systems, her company is looking forward to continuing to build those relationships at The ARA Show.
“We’ve been exhibiting for 50 years, and during the show, we meet up with current customers and prospects, meet new folks just getting into rental and catch up with friends in the industry,” Cundey says. “It’s always been a place for us to showcase new tent designs and learn about new trends in the industry. It’s a highlight of the year and our sales team always looks forward to The ARA Show.”
Roebuck adds the show floor has always been a great opportunity to network with current customers.
“Additionally, every year the show floor often produces new accounts for BOMAG,” Roebuck says.
