The TSNN rankings are based on net square footage of exhibit space.

The Rental Show 2011 took place Feb. 27 to March 2 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The trade show occupied 219,400 net square feet of exhibit space. There were 610 exhibiting companies.

Las Vegas was the most popular city on the TSNN Top 250, with 55 shows held there including the top two – ConExpo-Con/Agg and the International Consumer Electronics Show.

February and March tied for second on the list of busiest months in 2011, with 28 shows in each. January ranked No. 1 with 32 shows.

In addition, Events & Tents — the educational program for party and special event rental professionals — has sold out and will have its highest attendance since 2008.

Exhibitor interest in The Rental Show also remains high, according to ARA. There are 610 companies that will be exhibiting, with nearly 110 of those at the show for the first time.

“With The Rental Show only a few days away, we continue to hear optimistic and enthusiastic comments from those who will be attending and exhibiting,” said Christine Wehrman, executive vice president and CEO of the American Rental Association (ARA). “There is a positive feeling leading into the show as the economy starts to trend upward, which is an encouraging sign for the rental industry.”

Overall the rental industry is showing positive signs of recovery, according to the December 2010 data and forecasts from ARA’s Rental Market Monitor (an online subscription service available to ARA members). Based on industry-specific data compiled by IHS Global Insight, the forecast for 2011 is for rebounding construction activity, strong corporate profit growth and increased consumer spending.

Final registration numbers for 2011 will be released after The Rental Show, which is Feb. 27-March 2 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.