Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The ARA Show 2027 is the largest trade show for the equipment and event rental industry, taking place at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
This event brings together over 10,000 rental professionals to explore the latest products, attend educational sessions, and network with industry peers. With a focus on practical solutions and innovations, attendees can expect to gain valuable insights and make informed purchasing decisions.
The ARA Show takes place in New Orleans, United.
TL;DR
- 1Scale and Focus: This is the largest equipment and event rental trade show, attracting over 10,000 professionals.
- 2Organiser: The event is organised by the American Rental Association, with registration available at their official website.
- 3Buyer Authority: Attendees include rental business owners, managers, and decision-makers from various sectors.
- 4Entry / Access: Registration is open now with early bird pricing available until November 13.
Why visit
Attending The ARA Show provides unparalleled access to the latest equipment and services in the rental industry. Network with over 10,000 professionals, attend educational sessions tailored to your needs, and discover innovative solutions that can enhance your business operations. Experience firsthand the products that can drive your business forward and connect with key decision-makers in the industry.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at The ARA Show offers a unique opportunity to showcase your products to thousands of rental professionals actively seeking new solutions. Gain visibility in a competitive marketplace, connect directly with decision-makers, and build lasting relationships that can lead to future business opportunities. Leverage the event to strengthen your brand presence and engage with potential customers in person.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Rental business owners looking for new equipment and solutions
Managers seeking to enhance operational efficiency
Decision-makers from independent rental companies
Suppliers and manufacturers showcasing their latest products
Service providers offering solutions to rental businesses
Industry professionals interested in networking and education
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Manufacturers of construction and industrial equipment
Suppliers of event rental products and services
Providers of software solutions for rental management
Distributors of tools and machinery for rental businesses
Companies offering financial and consulting services
Innovators in rental technology and customer service solutions
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Construction equipment and machinery for rental
Event rental products including tents and staging
Tools and light construction equipment
Software solutions for rental management
Safety equipment and protective gear
Service and maintenance solutions for rental operations
Location & Facilities
Venue
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130
Facilities
Parking
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
ARA Member - Preseason
289Prospective Member - Preseason
789
Who runs the show
Organisers
Women in Rental, ARA Industry Awards Dinner, your choice of either the Equipment or Event
Organiser
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Last edition
2026
reported
Exhibitors: 700
Next edition
Not announced yet
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
New Orleans, United States
Why it matters
Attending The ARA Show on 2027-02-14 to 2027-02-17 in New Orleans lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
The Largest Rental Industry Trade Show - The ARA Show
ReadIndustry News - Rental Management Media Group
ReadCelebrating the rental industry in Orlando at The ARA Show 2026
ReadThe ARA Show | Rental Equipment Register - rermag.com
ReadEducation for Equipment & Event Rental - The ARA Show
ReadARA Show (The Rental Show) - Construction Equipment Guide
ReadPlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International
Primary commercial gateway for New Orleans and the most practical arrival airport for the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Taxi, rideshare, and airport shuttle options connect to the CBD and Warehouse District
Approx. 15 mi / 24 km
to venue
20-30 min
by car
Baton Rouge Metropolitan
Secondary option if fares are materially lower; the road transfer to New Orleans is much longer than from MSY. Confirm rental car or rideshare availability before booking
Approx. 80 mi / 129 km
to venue
1 hr 15 min-1 hr 30 min
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Holiday Inn Express New Orleans - Arts District by IHG
midscale
Arts District / Warehouse District, near the Convention CenterMidscale IHG property within walking distance of the Convention Center; typical event-night rates are approximate and should be confirmed with the hotel.
Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome by IHG
midscale
Downtown / SuperdomeDowntown midscale option with pool; access to the venue via short rideshare or a 20-30 minute walk. Rates are approximate for large convention dates.
Cambria Hotel New Orleans Downtown Warehouse District
upscale
Warehouse DistrictUpscale Warehouse District property rated for location and walkability to the Convention Center; confirm current rates and cancellation terms.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 36-45 flat-rate taxi to the CBD/Warehouse District for 1-2 passengers; confirm the flat rate with the driver.
Best forLouis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Taxi stands are outside the MSY terminal. Allow extra time during rush hour and major event arrival days.
rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 30-55 depending on demand and surge pricing.
Best forLouis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Follow airport signs to the designated rideshare pickup zone. Surge pricing is common during large conventions and Carnival season.
shuttle
Estimated costApprox. USD 20-25 one-way; confirm current fares and schedules.
Best forLouis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Shared-ride airport shuttle service is listed on the official New Orleans tourism transport page; book ahead during peak convention dates.
public transit
Estimated costApprox. USD 1.25-2.00 one-way; exact fare depends on route.
Best forRTA Airport route and downtown bus/streetcar connections to the Convention Center area
Slower than taxi or rideshare with luggage, but useful for budget-conscious visitors. Confirm current RTA routes and schedules before travel.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 90-130 by taxi or rideshare; confirm before booking.
Best forBaton Rouge Metropolitan (BTR) to New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
BTR is about 80 miles from the venue. Only use this airport if the fare savings clearly outweigh the longer road transfer.
Weather
February in New Orleans is mild and variable: average highs usually fall around 64-68 F (18-20 C) and lows around 46-50 F (8-10 C). Rain is possible with passing cold fronts, but February is outside the June-November Atlantic hurricane season. Check a short-range forecast before travel and pack layers.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
U.S. mobile networks including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile cover New Orleans and the Convention Center area. International visitors should confirm roaming or buy an eSIM/local SIM before arrival. The venue may provide Wi-Fi; confirm access with the organiser. U.S. power is 120 V at 60 Hz with Type A/B plugs, so bring a suitable adapter for non-U.S. devices.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual is standard on the ARA Show floor. Comfortable shoes matter because the Convention Center halls are large and show days involve long walks.
Tipping
Plan for 18-20% at restaurants and a few dollars per bag for hotel staff. Taxis and rideshares usually expect a tip on top of the fare.
Carnival season
If travel dates overlap Mardi Gras season, expect higher hotel demand and road closures. Book early and check parade routes before planning meetings or airport transfers.
Local pace
New Orleans hospitality is conversational, so allow extra time for meals. Use rideshare or the RTA for cross-district trips, especially after dark.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: MSY
Book into MSY when possible for the shortest transfer to the Convention Center. BTR is a secondary option, but the road transfer is about 80 miles, so compare total trip cost, not just airfare. For international itineraries, confirm ESTA or visa status before purchasing tickets and allow extra connection time. Fares rise during Carnival season and major convention dates.
Visa
Most international business visitors to the United States require either a B-1 business visitor visa or travel under the Visa Waiver Program if eligible; confirm your nationality and eligibility on the official US Department of State travel site before booking.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
B-1 status covers attending conferences, trade shows and business meetings but not employment in the US. Visa Waiver Program travellers typically need an approved ESTA before departure.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY): 20-30 min; Baton Rouge Metropolitan (BTR): 1 hr 15 min-1 hr 30 min. Allow road or rail time to New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center: Arts District / Warehouse District, near the Convention Center: Holiday Inn Express New Orleans - Arts District by IHG; Downtown / Superdome: Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome by IHG; Warehouse District: Cambria Hotel New Orleans Downtown Warehouse District.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate in New Orleans. At MSY, follow signs to the designated rideshare pickup zone; at the Convention Center, use the passenger-loading zones on Convention Center Blvd. Expect surge pricing during large conventions and Carnival season. Confirm the driver's license plate before entering the vehicle.
Public transit: The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) runs buses and streetcars. The E2 Airport route connects MSY to downtown, and nearby bus stops serve the Convention Center area. Fares are approximately USD 1.25-2.00 one-way depending on route. Public transit is slower with luggage; confirm current routes, schedules, and fare payment methods on the RTA website before travel.
Parking: The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has on-site parking lots. Event parking is typically approx. USD 20-40 per day, but rates and availability vary by show. Pre-book where possible or arrive early during large events. Confirm current rates, lot entrances, and hall access with the venue or organiser.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February
Temperature: Approx. highs 64-68 F (18-20 C), lows 46-50 F (8-10 C); confirm the forecast before travel.
Seasonality: February is outside the June-November hurricane season and is generally mild, but passing cold fronts can bring rain and cooler nights. Pack a light rain layer.
Packing: Bring layers, a compact rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and business casual clothing for show days. A portable charger is useful for long days in the Convention Center halls.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at The ARA Show usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day -14
Confirm registration and pass type on arashow.org Registration, and check the passes and pricing page.
Day -12
Book hotel in the Warehouse / Arts District to stay walkable to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Day -10
Check visa or ESTA status against travel.state.gov and apply if not yet done.
Day -7
Download the ARA Show app and mark education sessions from the online session finder.
Day -5
Book MSY airport transfer or airport shuttle and print hotel confirmation.
Day -3
Plan meeting agenda and select exhibitors to visit from the exhibitor list and floor plan.
Day -1
Collect badge and review floor plan; join a networking reception if booked.
Day 0
Arrive early for badge pickup and registration at the Convention Center.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2The ARA Show registration concourse
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · ARA Member - Preseason
USD 289 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · Prospective Member - Preseason
USD 789 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | ARA Member - Preseason | USD 289 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Prospective Member - Preseason | USD 789 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether The ARA Show fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is The ARA Show 2027?
The 2027 edition is scheduled in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Registration, passes and pricing are published on arashow.org.
Who organises The ARA Show?
The show is run by the American Rental Association (ARA), the trade body for equipment and event rental businesses, and is promoted as the largest trade show for the rental industry.
What can exhibitors show at The ARA Show?
Equipment, tools and supplies for construction and general tool rental, heavy and light equipment, event and party rental goods, and related services. The exhibitor ROI guidance on arashow.org covers booth layouts, live demos and badge-scanning lead capture.
How do I register and see passes and pricing?
Registration and pass pricing are published at arashow.org/passes-pricing and arashow.org/Registration. Registration for the 2027 edition has been announced through the ARA news channel.
What education does the show include?
The ARA Show education programme is outlined at arashow.org/education, with sessions listed in the online session finder. A keynote session page is also available at arashow.org/keynote-session.
What networking events take place?
ARA lists networking events at arashow.org/networking-events, and sponsored receptions such as the Big Game Tailgate Party are listed under the sponsorships section.
Glossary
- ARA
- American Rental Association, the trade association that owns and runs The ARA Show.
- The Rental Show
- Former name still used by some trade media for The ARA Show, the equipment and event rental industry trade show.
- General tool rental
- Segment covering small tools and light equipment rented to contractors and homeowners.
- Heavy equipment rental
- Segment covering earthmoving, lifting and large construction machinery rented under short- and long-term contracts.
- Event rental
- Segment covering tents, tables, chairs, staging and party goods rented for events.
- Exhibitor ROI Center
- ARA resource on arashow.org guiding exhibitors on booth layout, lead tracking and post-show follow-up.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- The ARA Show 2027
- ARA Show exhibitors
- ARA Show registration
- The ARA Show
- The ARA Show New Orleans
- The ARA Show New Orleans 2027
- ARA
- ARA 2027
- ARA New Orleans
- ARA New Orleans 2027
8 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
Sources
2
References
1
Publishers
0
Date checked
1
American Rental Association
- event_website
- event_faq
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.