Rental market insights from the 2025 ARA show.

The annual American Rental Association (ARA) show provides a unique opportunity to ‘take the pulse’ of the North American rental industry. International Rental News recently reported on exhibitor reaction to the projections contained in the ARA Annual Forecast which was released on the first day of the show.

Following release of the forecast, exhibitors were presented with four questions designed to measure current conditions and their expectations for 2025.

Solid majorities expected stable or growing demand and higher spending from rental customers. On the other hand, only 21 percent foresaw increased spending on alternative-powered equipment, while a majority expected no change or a decrease. Finally, nearly four out of five respondents expected a significant increase in ‘smart’ systems and equipment across the industry.

Overall, the exhibitor responses tended to echo the Annual Forecast results, which bodes well for both the North American rental industry and its OEM suppliers.