In one day you can buy it, learn how to rent it, learn how to maintain it AND get a free lunch!
Tony Craig, Secretary, Ohio Rental Dealers Association

photo rtoonline Craig Moon, Sears Contract Sales, introduced roll-around tool chests as a new rental item at last years Midwest RTO Expo.

In September, 2004, the Ohio Rental Dealers Association (ORDA) changed the way future RTO industry tradeshows will be held. ORDA's board of directors took on the challenge of moving away from single state tradeshows, and towards creating a multi-state/regional meeting complete with golf outing, cocktail reception, trade show and training sessions. The results far exceeded expectations.

"We figured if we could get 20 vendors to attend, we would double the amount from ORDA’s previous trade show," recalled Tony Craig, ORDA secretary. In the end, 80 vendors and 240 rental dealers and employees representing 29 companies from 8 states attended the first Midwest RTO Expo (see story).

Scheduled for August 23-24, 2005, the Midwest Expo is targeting education. "We are encouraging product specialists to accompany the sales people," said Craig. "Purchase orders can be placed during the Expo, and there will be show specials, but we will not “tally the PO’s”. Our philosophy is - now that you’ve bought it or are considering buying it, let your store employees and multi-unit managers speak directly with vendor representatives to learn how to rent it."

The Expo, held at the Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio,  starts Tuesday, August 23rd, 2005 with a golf outing, followed by the Welcome Reception at the Convention Center. Rooms are available at both Drury and Hampton Inns for $95/single (Mention Midwest RTO Expo room block). Hotels are adjacent to the Convention Center, located in the heart of the Arena District in downtown Columbus.

Wednesday, August 24th, is packed with activities targeted for all RTO professionals. To complement the efforts of vendors in educating your employees in the day-long trade show, a panel discussion on appliances, featuring representatives from GE, Kenmore and Whirlpool will be offered. Other sessions include “Contemporary Collections” by attorney Ed Wynn, and a furniture repair seminar presented by Furniture Answers.

Hal Becker, author of Lip Service and Can I Have 5 Minutes Of Your Time? returns as our keynote speaker during lunch Wednesday and will also present a breakout session centered on sales and customer service. Training sessions will be offered at multiple times to allow all attendees the opportunity to participate in every activity. Craig said "In other words, in one day you can buy it, learn how to rent it, learn how to maintain it AND get a free lunch!"

The only expense for attendees are the optional golf outing (green fees), and hotel.

photo rtoonline Dealers and vendors at the 2004 Midwest RTO Expo welcome reception.

The Expo is setting another first for the industry this year. EXPO officials have been working with RTOonline to perfect an online “RTO Tradeshow Registration” web site that all State Associations can use to simplify tradeshow management.

The new site will allow any State or Regional RTO Association to plan, schedule, and take online registrations for any tradeshow, regardless of size or location.

Roy Griffaw, President of RTO Online explained, "The entire tradeshow process, from planning events, to selling booth space, to taking dealer registrations, can be handled from any computer with internet access." Vendor's will be able to reserve booth space and sponsor events. Dealers and vendors alike can enter unlimited employees into the database and register for multiple tradeshows with a single click. Event organizers will have access to RTO Online's mass email system to better communicate with attendees about upcoming events.

The registration website will launch Monday, June 13th, 2005. A separate email announcement will be sent and Midwest RTO Expo registration will begin at that time.

For more information regarding the Midwest RTO Expo, contact Tony Craig at 814-461-5742 or Mike Tissot, ORDA President.