December 12, 2023
Robert Copley, CERP
Hello, American Rental Association (ARA) members in Region Five. Robert Copley, CERP, your regional director, here. Can you believe we are already in December and preparing for 2024? It is kind of wild.
As we look at closing this year, I just want to offer my thanks to all in our region who have allowed me to visit their rental operations and/or attend their state chapter meetings. I have really enjoyed getting to know other members in our region, and I look forward to meeting more of you in 2024.
I hope everyone had a successful year. I am feeling quite positive for both the event and equipment rental sides of our industry. Check out my 2024 outlook and those of all the other regional directors in this month’s issue of Rental Management.
One thing we have learned over these past few years is that change is the constant and adaptability is our key to not only surviving but also thriving.
We have a lot to look forward to as we finish up this year and move into 2024. Take a look at what is happening at the state level:
- Dec. 22: The ARA of Illinois is offering the Blackhawks hockey game event. Order your tickets now as there are a limited number available, and they usually sell out quickly.
- Jan. 12-14: The ARA of Michigan is offering its Winter Conference at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant. This conference offers valuable education, vendor interaction, lots of fun and the induction of the ARA of Michigan Rental Hall of Fame, so be sure to take part.
- Jan. 24: The ARA of Ohio will offer a fun social event at Topgolf. Whether you are a golfer or not, I know you will have a great time.
On the national front, The ARA Show™ will be in New Orleans from Feb. 18-21, with EventsU taking place Feb. 17. You don’t want to miss this one. With all the education, the keynote address, the trade show, the networking and special events, including the Region Five Reception, I promise you won’t leave without taking home valuable information that will benefit you and your business. The connections alone are worth the price of admission. Register today by clicking here.
Also at the show, you will be learning about all of ARA’s new initiatives, including the new ARA Certified Forklift Train-the-Trainer and Operator Training offerings, which will be available early next year. This will be a great program that you have been asking for, so attend and learn all about that and other ARA services that can benefit your business.
I also would like to take this time to encourage everyone in our region to think about becoming more involved in their state chapters. Whether it is joining the board, helping out with an event or just attending an event (as there are plenty coming up) — all are so important and can offer so much benefit to you personally and your business. That is why I have been volunteering for the past 25-plus years. You benefit when you become involved.
In addition, I just want to let you know that our regional newsletters will be moving to a quarterly distribution next year. If you don’t want to miss out on any regional news before the next one comes out in March, click here. We’ll make sure you receive the latest in your email feed.
Before I close, I want to wish everyone a joyous holiday and a toast to 2024. I look forward to seeing you in New Orleans.
Robert Copley, CERP, Region Five director
Event Essentials
Windsor, Wis.
608-223-3146
robert@eventessentials.com
