Brian Richardson Named 64th President of the American Rental Association (ARA)

In March 2026, Brian Richardson, President and Owner of L&A Tent & Event Rentals, officially became the 64th President of the American Rental Association (ARA) during the 2026 ARA Show. This milestone reflects years of dedicated service, leadership, and expertise within the equipment and event rental industry. For L&A Tent & Event Rentals, having our leadership at the helm of the national association reinforces our ongoing commitment to safety, innovation, and service excellence across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

A History of Dedicated Leadership in ARA

Brian’s appointment as ARA President is the culmination of years of active leadership within the organization. Over his career, he has served as Region Two Director, Chair of the Government Affairs Committee, a key leader in the ARA of New Jersey, and a member of multiple executive and strategic committees.

Brian views the ARA as a vital national resource that connects rental professionals, promotes industry advancement, and helps member businesses navigate everyday operational challenges—including safety, labor, logistics, risk management, and legislation.

Brian’s Vision: “We Are Stronger Together”

At the heart of Brian’s presidency is a central message: “We are stronger together.” He firmly believes that collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential to the long-term success of the rental industry.

  • Strengthening Community: Building trust, mutual support, and deeper connections across all rental sectors.
  • Supporting Operations of All Sizes: Ensuring that every rental business from single-location family operations to large national organizations feels represented, supported, and valued.
  • Member-Centric Leadership: Listening closely to members’ daily challenges, goals, and ideas to guide the association’s strategic future.

Major Priorities: Advancing the Safe Tenting Standard

A central priority during Brian’s presidential term is advancing the ARA’s Safe Tenting Standard initiative. As a leading advocate for tenting safety, Brian believes this program will establish consistent, nationwide guidelines for tent engineering, anchoring, and installation.

Key benefits of the Safe Tenting Standard include:

  • Improved Safety: Enhances protection for setup crews, event staff, and venue guests.
  • Risk Mitigation: Reduces workplace accidents and strengthens relationships with insurance providers.
  • Better Training: Provides structured educational resources and benchmarks for installation crews.
  • Stakeholder Confidence: Instills greater confidence among event planners, venue owners, and municipal regulators.
  • Elevated Professionalism: Increases credibility and operational quality across the entire tent rental industry.

Brian considers the successful advancement of the Safe Tenting Standard one of the most meaningful measures of success for his presidential term.

Unifying the Industry During Structural Change

As industry consolidation accelerates, Brian identifies it as one of the biggest challenges facing rental businesses and the ARA today. His goal as ARA President is to ensure consolidation strengthens the industry rather than divides it. By uniting independent operators and national rental companies around common goals such as safety, training, and professional standards, the ARA can foster a more cohesive and resilient market.

What Success Looks Like for the Future

For Brian Richardson, success as ARA President is measured by the lasting, positive impact made on the rental community. His primary benchmarks for a successful term include:

  • Strengthening relationships and trust throughout the entire rental landscape.
  • Elevating professionalism and long-term confidence in the rental business.
  • Helping members feel heard and supported regardless of their company’s size.
  • Leaving both the ARA and the rental industry “a little stronger than I found it.”

“We are stronger together. Whether you’re a general or associate member, and whether you’re in equipment or event rental, together we are stronger.” – Brian Richardson

Partner with Industry Leaders for Your Next Event

Working with L&A Tent & Event Rentals means benefiting from industry-leading expertise, top-tier safety standards, and personalized service. Whether you´re hosting an intimate backyard celebration or an expansive corporate gala, our team delivers high-quality tenting and rental equipment tailored to your vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Brian Richardson become the ARA President? 

Brian Richardson, President and Owner of L&A Tent & Event Rentals, officially became the 64th President of the American Rental Association (ARA) during the 2026 ARA Show in March 2026.

What is Brian Richardson’s leadership background with the ARA?

Brian has been active in ARA leadership for years, having served as Region Two Director, Chair of the Government Affairs Committee, an active leader in ARA of NJ, and a member of executive and strategic committees.

What is the Safe Tenting Standard initiative?

The Safe Tenting Standard is a program comprised of certifications, tools, calculators, and more. It’s backed by industry associations, tent manufacturers, and the tent rental industry. For more information, check out https://safetenting.com/.