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HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS • AUGUST 2014
HRIA CONVENTION REVIEW
New service providers, new structure
providers and new equipment suppliers to
the market were all in attendance at the
three day event (29 April - 2 May 2014 at
the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition
Centre), along with a high level of visitor
attendance and a sense of renewed
dynamism among operators.
Keynote speakers highlighted the
improving market internationally and
discussed overall market growth in the
rental industry despite continuing tough
economic conditions as well as providing
insights into how to grow business even
during market downturns.
The only Hire Expo inAustralia
proves itself a dynamic platform
With a total of 111 exhibitors at HIRE 14, more than a quarter of those exhibitors were
new to the show, proving the HRIA National Convention a dynamic showground for new
equipment and services for the hire market.
Daily industry seminars focused on current
rental industry issues including rental
rates; the Personal Property Security Act
and its ongoing long-term effects on the
hire industry as well as actions taken by
the HRIA at federal government level;
social media and how it can be positively
utilised by all businesses; and benefits of
membership in the HRIA.
New products had strong representation
again this year with 15 entrants to the Best
New Product award category, proving the
HRIA Convention is a great launching pad
for new additions to the industry.
This year, for the first time, HIRE 14
provided three full days of hands-on live
demonstrations and test drives as well
as three days of exhibition display across
three exhibition halls on the Gold Coast.
The three day HIRE 14 event also featured
a structure and marquee expo.
Along with industry experts brought in
by exhibitors, overseas guests included
delegates Mike Blaisdell, American Rental
Association Chairman, New Zealand
Hire Industry Association President Tim
Mikklesen and Don Ahern, Ahern Rentals
CEO and Chairman of the Board and
owner of Xtreme Manufacturing and
Snorkel.
Neil Wallis
Jeff Eisenberg
Mike Blaisdell
REDSTAR CONVENTION
COMPETITION WINNER
Redstar Equipment congratulates
Travis Burton from Barossa Valley
Hire on winning the custom made
Redstar surfboard at the 2014
HRIA Convention.
