THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TRAILER MANUFACTURERS (NATM) is heading back to Orlando, Florida for its 19th annual trade show and convention — as it does in the odd years, alternating with Las Vegas in the even years.
But this time, when NATM members get together January 29-February 2 at Walt Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, they'll do it on a Monday-through-Friday schedule, rather than Tuesday through Saturday.
“We were growing so much and we needed to extend the hours and add more workshops,” assistant director Michelle Brown said. “This will be easier. People can leave Thursday and not be out of the office the whole week.
“We had a hard time with the Tuesday-Saturday schedule because everything was so packed with the hotels. There were people coming and leaving and they didn't have the space. We now aren't trying to cram so much in. We have all day Friday for the workshops.”
The trade show, which features 268 booth spaces (up from 250 last year), opens Wednesday from 1-6 pm, adding an extra hour. On Thursday, it goes from 8 am-2 pm, adding two extra hours.
There are 12 workshops — four more than last year — with a theme of, “Discover NATM … Your Toolbox For Future Success!”
“We're focusing on giving them a lot of different tools they can bring back to their workplace,” Brown said. “They're geared toward education on tires, rims, quality and lean manufacturing, certification, VIN labels, paint processes, and training employees.”
The convention has alternated between Las Vegas and Orlando since 2001, but will bypass Orlando in 2009 for either Dallas or Atlanta. No decision has been made on the odd years beyond 2009, but Las Vegas will be retained in the even years.
Workshops
Sales And Marketing:
“Introduction to Franchising”
Presenter: David P. Weber
This introduction to franchising includes what constitutes a franchise, federal and state regulations on franchising, franchise relationship laws (including provisions on termination), non-renewal and transfers, antitrust concerns involved with setting system-wide pricing plans, promotional materials, tying agreements, protective territories, franchising benefits and drawbacks, and competing with competitors for their franchisees/licensees.
Weber is an associate with Fredrikson & Byron PA in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He works with franchisors of all sizes with the development, expansion, and maintenance of their franchise systems. In particular, he advises and assists clients with the regulatory aspects of franchising and helps in the preparation of franchise agreements, area development agreements, and disclosure documents, and with contract termination, non-renewal, and other relationship concerns.
He also counsels franchisors regarding the regulatory issues and business concerns involved in international franchising. He graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School and is admitted to practice law in Minnesota. He writes frequently on franchising topics, and some of his articles may be found in the national franchising publication, Franchising World.
Regulations:
“Jack and Coupler Standards Made Simple”
Presenter: Frank Drake
Drake will cover three standards, SAE J 2638 for Gooseneck and Fifth Wheel attachments, SAE J 684 for Trailer Couplings, Hitches, Safety Chains, and ASABE S 485 Screw type jacks. These are industry standards created to define product performance, strength, and use. The requirements and terminology of these standards will be explained in practical terms.
Drake received his mechanical engineering degree from Michigan Technological University in 1977. He is a licensed professional engineer in Wisconsin and chair of American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) S 485 Jack Standard Committee.
He is an active committee member, sitting on two Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) committees, J 2638 Gooseneck & Fifth Wheel Attachments and J 684 Trailer Couplings, Hitches, and Safety Chains. He also holds an active membership in American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and has 25 years of industry experience.
Production:
“Painting Processes: Preparation & Priming”
Presenter: Ron Yarnell
Yarnell will give a brief description of primer and paint qualities primarily used in the trailer industry, along with advantages or disadvantages for utilizing differing qualities. He will briefly review the most popular application equipment. This will be a PowerPoint presentation, with a free CD handout available. The program will allow time for questions during and after the presentation.
Yarnell has spent over 30 years in the coatings business and has worked for PPG for 23 years. He has worked in the light industrial and commercial coatings division for over 10 years, focusing on manufacturing with key responsibilities on the trailer, fire and emergency, and body builder industries. He has been a member of NATM for six years and a member in several associations including Truck Maintenance Council (TMC), National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA), FDSOA, and FDIC.
Human Resources:
“Stress Management: Balancing Work & Play”
Presenter: Jep Enck
Enck says stress is confusing. He believes we need some, but too much can be a killer. The challenge is striking a balance. In this workshop, he'll explore strategies for developing a balanced approach that promotes a healthier lifestyle that is right for each person.
Enck is known for his dynamic, engaging style, and is a popular speaker. His presentations are also known for their content — a rare blend of carefully chosen theory, useful facts, illustrative stories, and practical how-to's. (One newspaper described him as a cross between a Harvard business professor and a stand-up comic.)
Enck, who holds an M.S. in human resources from Colorado State University, has over 20 years' management and speaking experience. Throughout his career he has focused on the “human element” in building excellent teams. His energies and insights have received both local and national attention: Outstanding Community Service Award, President Ronald Reagan; Excellence in Leadership Training, Colorado governor Roy Romer; Human Relations Award, Larimer County Commissioners; and Outstanding Young Men Of America.
“Safety Training for Employees”
Presenter: Marlen Luff
Luff will discuss: the history and purpose of OSHA; minimum safety requirements as outlined by OSHA; mandatory written programs and required training; fork truck safety training and maintenance; record keeping; what to do if OSHA comes knocking at your door; work site analysis (identifying hazards); accident reporting investigation. There will be time for questions and answers.
Luff began his safety career in 1972, when the newly formed OSHA sent an inspector to his plant in Falls City, Nebraska, for a routine inspection.
He has been president of Flying L Trailers Inc, plant manager and safety director of Keifer Built Inc, vice president of production and safety director for Circle J Trailers. For the past 16 years, he has been plant manager and safety director for MQ Whiteman of Boise, Idaho, a global manufacturer of concrete construction equipment, including trailers equipped with field generators, field welders, and light tower trailers for temporary lighting.
Other workshops:
- TSIC, EWR Year Review.
- Conflict Resolution: Dealing with Difficult Conversations.
- Certification and Compliance Program Update.
- Introduction & Update to the Guidelines.
- How to Produce an Effective Manual.
- Quality & Lean Manufacturing.
- Certification/ VIN Labeling.
- Brakes & Tire Ratings.
- NMMA Boat Trailer Certification: Timelines, Guidelines and Processes.
Keynote Speaker
Astronaut Mike Mullane
Wednesday, 10-11:45 am
Mullane has been inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame and is the recipient of many awards, including the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, and the NASA Space Flight Medal.
Since his retirement from NASA, Mullane has written an award-winning children's book, Liftoff! An Astronaut's Dream, and a popular space-fact book, Do Your Ears Pop In Space? His recently published memoir, Riding Rockets: The Outrageous Tales of a Space Shuttle Astronaut, (Scribner, hardcover), has been reviewed in the New York Times and on the John Stewart Daily Show. Mullane has established himself as an acclaimed professional speaker with his inspirational, motivational, and humorous descriptions of the astronaut experience.
Mullane was selected as a Mission Specialist in 1978 in the first group of Space Shuttle Astronauts. He completed three space missions aboard the Shuttles Discovery (STS-41D) and Atlantis (STS-27 & 36) before retiring from NASA and the Air Force in 1990.