The 13th annual meeting of the Global Rental Alliance (GRA) was held recently at The Rental Show 2015 in New Orleans, La. All GRA member associations were present, including: Brazilian Rental Association, (ALEC); Canadian Rental Association (CRA); European Rental Association (ERA), Belgium; Hire Association Europe (HAE), U.K.; Hire & Rental Industry Association Ltd. (HRIA), Australia; Hire Industry Association of New Zealand (HIANZ); and American Rental Association (ARA). Representatives included the association executives and volunteer leaders.

Agenda items discussed during the full day meeting focused on advancing the business success of members of the individual associations and promoting the image of the equipment rental industry throughout the world. Current member priorities and member initiatives within the associations were shared, as were trends and industry developments. Topics addressed included technological trends in the industry and status of implementation in the associations, best practices in safety, regulatory issues, and the GRA International Rental Business Leadership Program administered by the ARA Foundation. A focus of discussion on membership trends and growth included the recruitment and involvement of young professionals within the associations, or the next generation of rental owners, with each association describing their focus on this segment of membership.

The agenda also included a review of the global survey initiative of the GRA, with release of a 2013 combined rental revenue figure among the GRA associations representing $US 75.4 Billion. This figure represents a 3.2% increase over 2012 rental revenues, as calculated by IHS Economics, one of the world’s most respected economic forecasting firms. Discussion was held among the associations on the economic forecast for their countries through 2015 and the level of rental penetration as they determine for their respective country. All associations are committed to increasing rental penetration on behalf of their membership through their respective program work.

The American Rental Association and the Canadian Rental Association provided the attendees with a preview of their respective associations. With a group objective to continuously learn about the industry worldwide, a guest presentation was received from the Japan Construction Rental Association, generating discussion and greater understanding of the diversity of our associations.

Conference dates and schedules were reviewed and are available on the GRA website, www.GlobalRentalAlliance.com. A mid-year webinar meeting will be held in August 2015. The next Annual Meeting will be held at The Rental Show 2016 scheduled for February 21-24, in Atlanta, Ga.

The purpose of the Global Rental Alliance is to increase the profile of equipment rental worldwide and to build global understanding of the industry. It is a partnership of rental associations from around the world that meet semi-annually and share information on program initiatives throughout the year. The unity of this group has brought about an increased awareness of overall priorities internationally, adding to the strategic outlook and resources of each rental member association.

About the Global Rental Alliance

The Global Rental Alliance consists of seven independent equipment rental/hire trade associations that have joined together to increase the understanding and concept of equipment rental worldwide. They are: The Brazilian Rental Association (ALEC); Canadian Rental Association (CRA); European Rental Association (ERA); Hire Association Europe, U.K. (HAE); Hire and Rental Industry Association Ltd., Australia (HRIA); Hire Industry Association of New Zealand (HIANZ); and American Rental Association (ARA). Each organization has as its members, businesses that rent equipment to the general public and suppliers or manufacturers that provide equipment or services to rental businesses. While rental inventories differ somewhat within each country, they essentially include equipment rented to the construction, homeowner, and special event/party industries. For more information about the Global Rental Alliance or the International Rental Business Leadership program reference the Alliance website at www.GlobalRentalAlliance.com or contact Ken Hughes.