January 10, 2023
On Oct. 19, 2022, the ARA of Maine presented Vendor Night — an event that served as an opportunity to get some quality face time and solidify relationships with industry suppliers.
The event, hosted at the Seasons Event and Conference Center in Portland, Maine, included “great representation of local sales reps with some equipment and literature,” says Dan Morris, general manager, Kennebec Equipment Rental Co., Fairfield, Maine, and an ARA of Maine board member. “I wanted to support our local chapter as well as the vendors who have worked tirelessly through the pandemic to provide support to us. Some vendors were optimistic with a few of their brands about shrinking lead times, which was great to hear.”
“It is always great to see some of our reps, and I did really enjoy meeting new people in the business,” says Ernie Wilkins Jr., branch manager, Ready Equipment, Meredith, N.H., one of the attendees who traveled from the neighboring state. “The vendors were great, their presentations were great and the raffles are always fun.”
Attendees enjoyed dinner, drinks, time with vendors and — always a plus for such events — networking time with rental peers.
“Getting the chance to meet people from other rental stores was great. Hearing some of the challenges we are all facing with staffing and supply chain helps to remind us that we are all facing the same challenges,” Wilkins says.
Morris agrees, noting that the networking is a key reason for attending events like his and sharing that his favorite part of the event was “being able to meet a few new people in the industry and share what we are doing, and hearing what others are doing as well.”
