The National Trailer Dealers Association (NTDA) has announced that the dates of its 30th Annual Convention have been changed from Oct. 14–16 to Nov. 4–6. The Convention will be held at the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, CA.
Online registration and housing for the Convention will open Monday, May 4 on www.ntda.org.
The reason for the date move is simple, the association says: The organizers of the Coachella Music Festival, which includes the country music festival Stagecoach, that were both originally scheduled for April have been rescheduled for Oct. 9–11 and Oct. 16–18, respectively. The Coachella date move increases flight rates into the Palm Springs area significantly during that time period, limits availability of overflow housing options and limits availability of rental cars, restaurant reservations, and other optional activities.
To save our extremely loyal Convention attendees, sponsors and exhibitors money and hassle, the NTDA Board of Directors unanimously voted to move the Convention dates to Nov. 4–6 to allow for a more reasonable travel situation and better overall experience.
The NTDA Convention gathers the best of the best in the semi-trailer industry. The event blends world-class educational offerings as well as incredible events that allow for candid networking and the open exchange of ideas, information and strategies for facing the challenges of the trailer industry.
Concurrent educational sessions begin Wednesday, Nov. 4 featuring topics such as “Boosting Your Dealership Product Selling,” followed by a Welcome Reception for all attendees. General Sessions on Thursday, Nov. 5 include a vital economic overview focused on freight and the future of the semi-trailer industry. Other General Session topics a trailer industry regulatory update, cyber security, and more. Nov. 5 concurrent educational sessions include topics from Food and Drug Administration rules for refrigerated trailers, and leadership in the new reality of trailer dealerships.
Attendees can enjoy breakfast and lunch while checking out nearly 90 exhibits, trailer technology innovations, components, accessories, software and management systems, finance options, and much more during Convention’s annual Exhibition on Thursday, Nov. 5.
No obstacle is too big to overcome for Jim Abbott, who will address attendees of the 30th Annual NTDA Convention Awards Dinner on Friday, Nov. 6. After being born without a right hand, the pursuit to making it to the major leagues did not deter him. The ability to play baseball is innate. His athleticism and control secured Abbott’s position as the California Angels’ 1988 first-round draft pick. As the first baseball player to win the Sullivan Award as the nation’s outstanding amateur athlete in 1987, Abbott went on to represent Team USA and became the first American pitcher in 25 years to beat a Cuban team on Cuban soil.
The team won a silver medal at the Pan-American Games and Abbott won the U.S. Baseball Federation’s Golden Spikes award as the best amateur player in the country. Trailer Dealer attendees who register by Oct. 5 receive a free copy of Convention Keynote Presenter Jim Abbott's book IMPERFECT.
Multiple networking events, including a reception for first-time attendees and event sponsors, and optional activities including optional tours are available for attendees and their guests.
As always, the annual Golf Tournament is expected to draw a sizable attendance at Indian Wells Golf Club. The Golf Tournament is a fundraiser for the NTDA’s Scholarship Program. The NTDA has awarded nearly $180,000 in scholarships to 49 children of NTDA member employees since 1998.
Once individuals register for the Convention on www.ntda.org they will receive a link to reserve rooms at The Renaissance Esmeralda. Attendees must use the provided link to receive negotiated discounts on rooms.
For more information, contact the NTDA toll-free (U.S. and Canada) at 1-800-800-4552, direct dial (810) 229-5960, or e-mail [email protected].