A NEW RENT-TO-OWN EXPERIENCE

Experience
         SOMETHING DIFFERENT

A REVAMPED SCHEDULE: Streamlined to accommodate you better, with a Welcome Reception in the APRO exhibit hall on Tuesday evening and a full day of exhibits on Wednesday.
⇒Click here for APRO’s Schedule of Events
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APRO’s 2012 APP: Schedules, seminar descriptions, social events and more –all at your fingertips. Visit your online app store, search "APRO 2012" and download our convention app to your smartphone or tablet (iPhone, iPad and Android compatible).                            _________________________________________________

VISIT THE RTO DREAM STORE: APRO is constructing a rent-to-own "dream store," incorporating new ideas gleaned from recent marketing research studies. Check it out in APRO’s exhibit hall to see how you can use these design ideas in your own stores.
⇒Click here for more information on APRO’s Featured Speakers                                                       _________________________________________________

EXPANDED EDUCATION SESSIONS: Instead of a keynote address, this year on Education Day we will present four featured speakers addressing marketing strategies, followed by break-out seminar sessions.
⇒Click here for more information on APRO’s Education Day
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THERE IS A FREE LUNCH: And free breakfasts, as well. Your full registration includes two continental breakfasts, two hot lunches, two cocktail parties and two evening dinners.
⇒Click here for more Registration information
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MEMPHIS MANIA! The blues, BBQ, rock ‘n’ roll, history–we’ll take it all in during APRO’s Gala on Beale Street at BB King’s Blues Club and at our Awards Banquet, featuring the "Music Legends of Memphis." The Spouse/Guest Tour will tap into Memphis Mojo, a musical tour on a vintage bus, including lunch on Beale Street. Also, APRO has arranged for special discounts and exclusive tour times of Elvis’ Graceland and other Memphis landmarks.
⇒Click here for more information on APRO’s Social and Networking Events
⇒Click here for additional Memphis tours with Backbeat Tours                            _____________________________________________

APRO’S GOLF CLASSIC AT MIRIMICHI: Justin Tiimerlake’s course is one of the premiere golf spots in the South. It offers plenty of challenges, but also guarantees a great time in beautiful surroundings.
⇒Click here for more information on APRO’s Social and Networking Events                            _________________________________________________

RTO CUSTOMER OF THE YEAR AND EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARDS: Past recipients have brought tears to our eyes and pride to our hearts. Be sure to enter your best customer and employee in this annual contest, which recognizes the lifeblood of our industry. Winners will be announced during APRO’s 2012 General Session.
⇒Click here for more information

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CONTESTS…CONTESTS…CONTESTS!: We’re looking for the BEST Rent-to-Own Employees, Customers, Students and Advertising. Enter today!
⇒Click here for more information on APRO’s Contests

The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is the national trade association and the official voice of the rent-to-own industry. The APRO Convention and Trade Show is the industry’s largest rent-to-own event in North America that puts you face-to-face with hundreds of top decision-makers with the power to buy.

If you are looking to sell or launch new products, or engage buyers, nothing compares to the power of face-to-face interaction at APRO. Buyers are coming to see furniture, appliances, electronics, jewelry and services, you name it—if it has anything to do with the rent-to-own industry, they’ll want to see it.
 

From START to FINISH—all under one roof—it’s there!
 

Will you be?

More than 400 professionals from America’s leading rent-to-own companies are expected to attend the 2012 show. You are guaranteed to visit with more qualified rental dealers and buyers during the 2012 Trade Show than you could hope to visit on your own. APRO will encourage rent-to-own professionals to come to Memphis and buy for their fourth quarter inventory as well as search for new products.
 

Exhibiting at APRO’s 2012 Trade Show will allow you to:

Who attends the Trade Show?

Large and small rent-to-own companies will be represented, including chief executives, chief financial officers, chief operating officers, corporate buyers and all manner of industry professionals at the store-level—owners, senior-level executives, managers, management trainees, department executives and employees.

Who exhibits at the Trade Show?

At the 2011 APRO Convention and Trade Show, 80 companies exhibited their products and services in more than 140 booths. A few of the products and services represented at the 2011 show were advertising and promotional, appliances, communications, computers and software, electronics, financial and special services, furniture and furniture accessories, insurance, jewelry and trucks.

Exhibit Booth Rates:

APRO associate member rates:

• Standard 10 x 10 booth: $2,600
• Two booths: $5,100
• Three booths: $7,400
• Four booths: $9,400
• Five booths: $11,200
• Six booths: $13,000
• Four-booth island: $11,700
• Six-booth island: $17,100
  $100 additional for corner booths

Non-member rates:

• Standard 10 x 10 booth: $3,100
• Two booths: $5,700
• Three booths: $8,200
• Four booths: $10,600
• Five booths: $12,900
• Six booths: $15,200
• Four-booth island: $14,000
• Six-booth island: $21,000
  $100 additional for corner booths 

Don’t pass on profiting from the rent-to-own event of the year! For more information regarding exhibiting at the APRO Trade Show, contact Cindy Ferguson by e-mail or by calling 800/204-2776, ext. 107.
 
 

APRO would like to acknowledge these companies for their generous sponsorships of the 2012 Rent-to-Own Convention and Trade Show in Memphis.

  
 
2012 CALL FOR ENTRIES!!

We’re looking for the best Print, TV, Radio, Specialty, Web-based, Campaigns, Banners, Price Tags and Community Relations. If you think your company’s advertising has what it takes, enter today!

Download In-House Entry Form
(To be used if advertisement was created by In-House personnel)

Download Advertising Agency Entry Form
(To be used if advertisement was created by a professional agency)    

EARLY DEADLINE: May 25, 2012

Early entry fees: $35 per entry for APRO members 
                          $70 per entry for non-members

LATE DEADLINE: June 1, 2012

Late entry fees: $45 per entry for APRO members 
                         $90 per entry for non-members 

Judging Criteria and Applications

The last several years, the rent-to-own industry’s longest held advertising award competition has been generating tough competition in all categories. The judging has also been elevated to ensure only the best and deserving entries are awarded. The RAE contest is judged by the nationally renowned advertising firm GSD&M.

General RAE contest information

Advertising in place or scheduled from August 1, 2011 to July 31, 2012 are eligible.

The RAE Awards annually honors the best radio, television, print, direct market, community relations and Internet advertising campaigns created between each APRO annual convention.
Winners are based on quality.  

APRO’s RAE contest was created in 1989 and is the premier advertising contest for the rent-to-own industry in America. Early entry fees are $35 per entry for APRO members, and $70 per entry for non-members. Late entry fees are $45 per entry for APRO members and $90 per entry for non-members.

Once received, submissions will be judged by Matt Belew, Advertising Consultant with over 23 years experience.

Recognized as the number one source of public perception and image, advertising is a critical component in telling the rent-to-own story and RAE submissions will be divided and judged in two separate production categories: "in-house" or "ad agency".

The "Community Relations Program" category of RAE is of particular interest to the industry and encompasses food drives, donations and volunteerism undertaken by rent-to-own companies.

The ultimate goal of the RAE awards is to boost the notion of the important role advertising plays in creating a positive image of the rent-to-own industry.

APRO’s Annual Rent-to-Own Convention and Trade Show

This annual event is the largest, most-prestigious event dedicated to the rent-to-own industry. More than just a trade show, the APRO Rent-to-Own Convention and Trade Show includes educational seminars offered by top speakers and RTO industry experts from across the country, as well as the annual APRO Rental Roundtable which brings together rent-to-own professionals for in-depth conversation and education. 

The networking opportunities with fellow dealers and vendors are unparalleled and there are always wonderful social events—not to mention the annual Joe Eason/Tom Kitchens Golf Classic—to make the event memorable. Hundreds of owners, managers and store employees representing both large and small rent-to-own companies attend this show.

Click here for attendee information 

Click here for exhibitor information

Visit APRO’s 2011 Virtual Trade Show

APRO’s Dave Egan Legislative Conference

The best way to assure that the rent-to-own industry receives favorable legislation is for rental dealers to work together in forming a successful grassroots campaign.

Held annually, in Washington, D.C., APRO’s Dave Egan Legislative Conference gives dealers the opportunity to meet with their senators and representatives to discuss the importance of a federal definition for the rent-to-own transaction.

Use this link to find out more about APRO’s Dave Egan Legislative Conference.