Are IAAPA and Other Trade Shows Worth Your Time and Money?
Attending trade shows like IAAPA seems counterintuitive to some people in the party rental industry, a perception we can’t really blame them for. After all, trade shows are expensive. They gobble up time that could be spent booking gigs or cleaning equipment. And can’t you just buy all of those same products from your computer or phone, without leaving the office or the house?
Those all seem like strong arguments, but their quality fades once you realize the true value of attending trade shows. It’s not just about finding great deals on bounce houses for sale or replacing that old, worn inflatable water slide you kept in storage all season long.
Trade shows like IAAPA and the ARA Show offer vast educational and networking opportunities that frankly cannot be found anywhere else. They grant hands on experience with products in a way you can’t experience over the Internet. And the tremendous benefits of attending trade shows don’t end there, either.
Let’s take a few minutes to introduce you to the two biggest trade shows in the party rental industry—IAAPA and the ARA—and show you all the ways attending these events can dramatically bolster your experiences as a party rental company.
What is a Trade Show’s Real Draw for a Party Rental Business?
For a party rental business attending an industry trade show, the value isn’t in the savings you get from sales on commercial inflatables or party tents. It’s a bit more abstract. So to help explain it all, I asked Tent and Table sales and marketing specialist Colleen DeLucia about her experiences attending IAAPA, the ARA, and other big industry trade shows.
DeLucia explains the value of attending trade shows as equal parts tactile and philosophical. And when it comes to buying products, there are perks you simply won’t get out of an internet shopping experience.
“You're going to think of questions when you're looking at and touching an item that you probably wouldn't think of when you're on the phone,” DeLucia explains. “When you visit us at a trade show, you get to see the stuff and try the stuff, and that hands-on experience can impact your decision in ways a website can't.”
DeLucia went on to explain those aforementioned abstract benefits as well. “The educational resources at trade shows like IAAPA are hugely beneficial to party rental companies. They have round tables with industry veterans offering great advice, and there's really no replacement for that knowledge.”
IAAPA: The King of the Amusements Trade Shows
Held in Orlando Florida each year at their global headquarters, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) hosts the biggest entertainment focused trade show in the party rental industry. And it’s inarguably the most fun of all the trade shows our industry puts together, especially if you have time to walk around the convention center and take in the sights.
All sorts of industry leaders set up booths (if not whole zones) at IAAPA Orlando, including amusement and theme parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, and a who’s who list of party and event rental equipment manufacturers.
Parked under the various trade show banners are an assortment of commercial inflatables, party tents, folding tables, folding chairs, carnival games, and more … and that’s just the party rental equipment zones. There are all sorts of other attractions to look into as well, including virtual reality and augmented reality setups, video game trucks, go karts, mobile escape rooms, and more.
“Trade shows like IAAPA are great sources of inspiration,” Colleen DeLucia explains. “You'll see new products and services at trade shows that you wouldn't normally consider, and a light bulb will go off, and you'll realize how this new thing can translate into money for your business.”
The IAAPA Attractions Expo is also a child friendly event, so if you want to take your kids south for a nice Fall vacation in Florida, all while still getting work done, this trade show is a great excuse to do so.
Unlike the ARA, IAAPA is open to the public and tickets to the event can be acquired online. You can also shoot me an email and ask if I have any IAAPA tickets available for free, which I give away to some blog readers.
The ARA Show: The Party Rental Industry’s Serious Side
While IAAPA is all about facilitating fun for your customers, the American Rental Association (ARA) show is a little more focused on the business side of the party rental industry, with a broader reach into various other elements of the larger rental industry itself.
This members only event is not open to the public—you’ll need to become an ARA member to attend—making it slightly less accessible than IAAPA. But the ARA offers its members a plethora of useful resources, including CERP certification, market research, and a large assortment of other rental industry tools and resources.
The show itself features exclusive prices on products only available to show attendees, as well as vast networking and educational opportunities with industry-leading seminars. Put simply, attending the ARA Show will enhance your business knowledge, allow you to add industry insiders to your contacts, and see innovations in equipment and procedures before anyone else does.
IAAPA vs. The ARA Show: Different but Adjacent Trade Shows
Most rental companies, especially those just starting out in the party rental industry, aren’t going to be able to visit both events. Memberships, tickets, travel expenses … all of these things do add up pretty quickly.
Attending both events is hugely beneficial to any party rental business. So what’s the real difference between IAAPA and the ARA Show? Which one should you attend if you can attend only one?
If you’re struggling to decide between the two events, we’d suggest visiting the one that caters most to the under performing segments of your business. You’ll be able to speak with industry professionals, examine equipment up close, and buy items at great deals, all of which can help improve those aspects of your operation.
If you’re booking lots of birthday parties and your commercial inflatables are moving constantly, but your party tent rentals are more docile, visit the ARA Show. And if you’re awash with graduation parties, weddings, and corporate events with your tents, tables, and chairs but your inflatables aren’t doing as well, visit IAAPA.
Once your business grows enough to afford it, you should try to attend both of these special events each year, and keep an eye out for other trade shows that might prove beneficial, especially if they’re taking place locally or regionally.
IAAPA and the ARA Show are the benchmark trade shows of our industry. They pack a tremendous amount of resources, educational benefits, and jaw-dropping equipment sales into their respective convention centers.
From small party rental stores to massive worldwide amusement chains, IAAPA and the ARA Show are great for professionals at every level of our business. And attending these events will provide your company with a wealth of value, too. If you can make it to either or both events, you really should meet us there!
