American Rental Association - The ARA Show 2027
Event Date
February 14–16, 2027
Location
New Orleans, LA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe ARA Show is the equipment and event rental industry's largest trade show, hosted annually by the American Rental Association (ARA). The 2027 edition returns to New Orleans, where more than 10,000 rental professionals gather to evaluate products in person, discover practical solutions and connect with the manufacturers, distributors and service providers behind them.
The show is a closed, industry-only event — registration and attendance are limited to those involved in the equipment and event rental business. Attendees include rental company owners and operators, along with the suppliers who serve the construction/industrial, general tool/light construction and party/special event rental segments.
The ARA Show is worth attending because it delivers something you can't get online: the confidence that comes from seeing, testing and talking with vendors before you invest. Alongside a vast exhibit floor, the event offers education sessions built specifically for rental professionals, the Future of Equipment Rental program, and networking events that bring the rental community together. The show has earned recognition on the Trade Show Executive Gold 100 list and has ranked among the fastest-growing U.S. trade shows.
Show Highlights
Signature features of The ARA Show 2027 include:
- Trade Show floor — hundreds of exhibitors showcasing equipment, event products, technologies and services across the rental industry's major segments.
- Future of Equipment Rental — a forward-looking program held ahead of the main show floor.
- ARA Show Education — sessions designed specifically for rental professionals, covering operations, workforce, technology and changing customer expectations.
- The Big Game Tailgate Party — a networking celebration timed to coincide with football's biggest event.
- Networking Events — Regional Receptions, the ARA Awards Dinner and other community gatherings.
- Show-Only Specials — exclusive deals available on the floor.
Attendance
According to the official website, more than 10,000 rental professionals attend The ARA Show. The show has been recognized on the Trade Show Executive Gold 100 list and on the Trade Show Executive's Fastest 50 (fastest-growing U.S. trade shows) in 2023, as well as the Next 50 for net square feet and number of exhibitors in 2023.
Registration
Registration for The ARA Show 2027 was scheduled to open in Fall 2026. Prospective attendees can sign up on the official website (arashow.org) to receive registration updates and pricing details when they are released.
Note that The ARA Show is a closed show — only those involved in the equipment and event rental industry are eligible to register and attend. On-site registration and badge pick-up kiosks are available at the convention center during show week.
Attendee lists are available only through ARA directly; be cautious of third-party companies claiming to sell attendee lists or services, as they are not affiliated with ARA or The ARA Show.
History
The ARA Show is produced by the American Rental Association, which has hosted the event since 1956. Over the decades it has grown into the world's largest equipment and event rental trade show and a central meeting point for the industry. As a "traveling" show, it takes place in a different U.S. city each year, allowing it to reach a wide range of regional markets. Recent and upcoming editions include Orlando (2026), New Orleans (2027), Anaheim (2028) and Orlando again (2029). The show has been repeatedly honored on industry lists, including the Trade Show Executive Gold 100 and the Fastest 50.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is The ARA Show 2027?
The ARA Show 2027 takes place February 14-16, 2027, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Future of Equipment Rental program is held ahead of the show on Saturday, February 13.
Who can attend The ARA Show?
The ARA Show is a closed show, meaning only those involved in the equipment and event rental industry are eligible to register and attend. Attendees include rental company owners and operators, manufacturers, distributors and service providers.
How do I register for The ARA Show 2027?
Registration for The ARA Show 2027 was set to open in Fall 2026 on the official website, arashow.org. You can sign up on the site to receive registration updates and pricing when they are released.
What are the official hotels for the show?
The ARA Show partners with onPeak, its only endorsed hotel provider, to offer discounted rates at official New Orleans hotels. Bookings can be made through the Compass Reservation System on the show's Travel & Hotel page, with exclusive rates beginning to expire around January 25, 2027.
What makes The ARA Show worth attending?
It is the world's largest equipment and event rental trade show, drawing more than 10,000 rental professionals to evaluate products in person, attend rental-focused education sessions, and network at events like the Big Game Tailgate Party and ARA Awards Dinner. The show has been recognized on the Trade Show Executive Gold 100 and Fastest 50 lists.
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