As of mid-January, there was a substantial increase in attendee registrations for the Rental Show 2011 compared to 2010. The totals include 69 percent more rental business attendees registered, with the number of rental businesses attending up 60 percent. Registrations for Events & Tents, an educational program specifically for those in party and special event rental, are up 52 percent compared to last year. (All figures are through Jan. 10.)

“We are very encouraged by the number of registrations for The Rental Show, as well as from the optimistic comments we continue to hear from exhibitors and attendees alike,” said Chris Wehrman, ARA CEO. “With the economy starting to turn around, people are more upbeat and are eager to return to the show. Rental business owners are ready to replace equipment in their inventories and are looking toward The Rental Show as the place to see what’s new, as well as the place to plan or make purchases from the wide variety of vendors present.”

New exhibiting companies also are interested in displaying their products to the rental market. To date, there were 80 companies that will be at The Rental Show for the first time, with additional companies continuing to sign on daily.

“The first-time exhibitors are important to the show each year, as they bring new ideas and new products to our attendees to give them new sources of revenue for their inventories. These first-time companies are a great complement to the long-time exhibitors we have, including those companies that have been at The Rental Show for up to 50 years. The support of all these companies from throughout the industry — long-term, first-time and in between — is greatly appreciated,” Wehrman said.

Virtual booths for each exhibiting company are online. Advance registration pricing is available through Feb. 18 — details are in the “Register” section of the Web site.

For more information, vist www.TheRentalShow.com.