The Midwest RTO Expo, the first purely regional rent to own industry tradeshow, is set for September 21st and 22nd at the Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. The event is being organized by the Ohio Rental Dealers Association (ORDA).

While many state associations are active, most are not. By focusing on regional events, industry execs hope to increase association memberships and encourage participation in industry events. 175 rent to own professionals representing 22 companies from 8 states are already registered to attend the Expo with more likely by show-time. While not the largest tradeshow, the Expo promises to bring together the most diverse group of owners and employees outside of the annual APRO Convention.

Hal Becker, a nationally known speaker and author of two best selling books, will give a seminar on Sales and Customer Service. Leonard Alonzo of RES Accessories will make a presentation on a subject near and dear to every rental purchase dealer's heart, "Product Refurbishment." Representatives from Ashley Furniture will also be on hand to present "In-store Merchandising and Display."

RTO Online will cover the show and will file stories and photo galleries from Columbus.

40 vendors will show merchandise including; (Links are to RTO Online's information page for each company) Advantage, Almo Distributing, Ashley, BenchCraft, Benefit Marketing Solutions, BDI Laguna, Coaster Furniture, Continental Jewelry Express, DSI, Fraenkel Company, Furniture Answers, GE, General Furniture, Go Prepaid Depot, Good Companies, Hightouch, Ideal Software, Imagery Marketing, Jackson, Jerry Bogo, JVC, Kenmore, Leda Desk / Innovex, Michels/Pilliod, Nitzsche Advertizing, SED International, Step2, Steve Silver, TeleTrack,  Trib Group, Twinhead, United, Welton USA (Techwood), Whirlpool and Zenith.

For more information, contact Tony Craig (ORDA Secretary).