NEWSLETTERS - 2009 Co-location decision: FAQ's

Co-location 2009: FAQ's

On May 29, the APRO Board of Directors voted to co-locate the APRO Convention and Buying Show with the 2009 AVB/Brandsource convention in Las Vegas.

In an ongoing effort to address questions relating to the co-location agreement, APRO has compiled a series of frequently asked questions relating to the decision. If you have a question or concern you feel has not been addressed, please e-mail suggested topics to mevans@rtohq.org.

What does “co-locating” mean?

Co-locating simply means that the APRO Convention will take place as usual but will take place at the same time and at the same location as the AVB/BrandSource Buy Fair. Co-location does not mean that there has been a “merger” with anyone or that the independence of APRO has been altered in any fashion.

Why is APRO co-locating their convention with AVB/Brand Source?

With the proliferation of shows and markets for the rent-to-own industry, rental dealers and vendors alike have been pulled in many directions when trying to decide how many and which shows to attend each year. This move is designed to help reduce the number of trips and the amount of time rental dealers have to be away from their businesses. This decision will allow APRO to offer all rental dealers a better value by providing a more desirable location at a better price, to bring better buying opportunities and provide better seminars and speakers. Rental dealers will get more “bang for their buck.”

When and where will the 2009 APRO Convention be held?

The APRO Convention will be held August 30-September 3, 2009 at Paris/Bally’s Las Vegas. 

Will APRO still have its own exhibit hall with vendors familiar with the rent-to-own industry?

Yes. APRO will have an exhibit hall separate from the AVB/BrandSource retail exhibit hall with exhibitors marketing specifically to the rent-to-own industry. APRO Exhibitors will continue to select and be assigned booth space in priority point level.

Can APRO attendees buy from both exhibit halls?

Yes.

How will the overall APRO Convention program differ from past years?

The schedule will remain much the same, with APRO holding a general session, educational seminars, rent-to-own exhibit hall and an awards banquet. Events that will be offered for both retail and rental attendees include food functions in the exhibit halls, some educational sessions, and possibly the gala cocktail party. 

How will this affect registration costs?

The registration rates will be similar. However, the cost of your hotel room will be rolled in to the registration fees. We will be able to offer a better room rate by co-locating than if we negotiated with the hotel independently.

How will this affect APRO’s relationships with other organizations involved in the rent-to-own industry?

Co-location of the APRO show is not the same as a merger.  APRO remains an independent trade association working for the common benefit of all those involved in rent-to-own.  APRO will continue to work with all organizations involved in rent-to-own and may pursue additional meeting opportunities with other organizations in the future. 

Is this a permanent arrangement?

The APRO Board of Directors voted to try the co-location for 2009 only.  Future convention years will be addressed after the 2009 show.

mevans@rtohq.org