Discounted registration is still open for the 31st Annual National Association of Trailer Manufacturers Convention & Trade Show.
The 2019 edition is slated for Feb. 19-21 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista FL. The show regularly attracts more than 1,000 trailer manufacturers and suppliers, and it’s still growing, NATM said, making it the industry’s “must-attend” event for education, networking and communication.
Discounted early-bird registration rates are available until Dec. 31 for trailer manufacturers and exhibitors, and NATM for the first time is offering free full registration for trailer manufacturer’s spouses.
“NATM hopes you will plan to bring your better half along to enjoy the show,” the association said.
(For trade show exhibitors, NATM notes that dues must be paid by Dec. 31 to maintain the member rate for a booth.)
Additionally, NATM trailer manufacturers who have never attended the convention, or who have not attended in the last five years, are eligible for two complimentary full registrations and two complimentary hotel room nights.
For attendees coming early or staying late, the Disney Coronado Springs Resort offers the discounted NATM rate of $165 per night for the two days prior and two days after the show.
“Disney is known for their service, and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort will not disappoint,” the association said. “We hope you will help us wrap up the Convention and Trade Show with an evening filled with food, drinks and fireworks at Disney’s Epcot. This event you won’t want to miss.”
New York Times bestselling author Vince Poscente will be the keynote speaker for NATM’s 2019 Annual Membership Meeting & Luncheon on Feb. 19. Poscente is the founder and CEO of the Goal Acceleration Institute. His captivating combination of high energy and humor combine for an unforgettable event.
His against-all-odds Olympic strategy will encourage attendees to reach big goals fast. Poscente is a business guy who went from recreational skier to the Olympics in four years. At the age of 30, competing as a speed skier, he made the gold-medal round, blasting down the mountain at an incredible 135 mph. With his acumen for speedy goals, he soon became a prolific author, consultant and speaker, guiding corporations with a unique approach toward accelerated personal and organization results.
The closing celebration, sponsored by The Carlstar Group, will be held on Thursday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 pm at Disney’s Epcot. The evening will be filled with food, drinks and fireworks—a can’t-miss event that received rave reviews from those who attended in 2017. The closing celebration is included in a full registration or can be added a la carte for $35. This is a family friendly event, and Woody and Jessie from Toy Story will be there. Transportation will be provided to and from the event.
Workshops
Workshop One(Tues. Feb. 19, 9:30-11:00 a.m.) Strengthen Your Business by Integrating Quality into the Process
Grace L. Duffy, ASQ Quality Management Division
Quality is something we do every day. The business runs better when we use the elements of quality for planning, managing and improving products and services. We don’t just make products better, we improve the way our business increases profits and reduces expenses.
This session shares how to start an integrated quality management system from scratch. It focuses on small- to medium-sized businesses.
Workshop Two(Tues. Feb. 19, 1:30-3:00 p.m.) Government Affairs Update
DarrellConner, K&L Gates
NATM Government Affair Representatives Darrel Conner & Dennis Potter will provide an update on NATM’s work in Washington DC, congressional activities and federal agency efforts. Plus, a recap of past activities and a look ahead at what to expect in 2019.
Workshop Three(Wed. Feb. 20, 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.) Practical Recruiting & Retention Strategies
Tracey Goold, Marsh & McLennan Agency
Let’s get real about recruiting and retention! We can all do research on benchmark data that improves recruiting and retention but how does that actually fit into your specific company, culture, and business plan? We know that compensation and benefits are important but not everything. Also, increasing compensation and/or benefits is not always practical. Join us for an engaging discussion about practical tips that will make a difference in how you recruit and retain your star players, including action items you can implement as soon as you return from the convention.
Workshop Three(Wed. Feb. 20, 8:00-11:00 a.m.)
Health Insurance: Cost Control & Association Health Plan Strategy
Lisa Clark and John Kerr, Marsh & McLennan Agency
It’s no secret that health care costs are rising.
Pharmaceutical costs and use, new, expensive medical technology, chronic care and provider consolidation are factors contributing to increasing costs. As costs increase, frustration grows for health insurance buyers and the consumers of health care in our nation. Advances in medical technology and expanded pharmaceutical dependency will only grow and continue to drive your health care higher. So, what is a business owner to do? How can consumers of health insurance better manage the costs of the benefit they are providing? Association Health Plans (AHPs) will allow businesses to join together through an association (NATM) to form a larger, more influential buying pool for the purchase of health insurance. This leverage should allow the AHP to negotiate more aggressive insurance pricing as well as the cost of administering those plans. Join Lisa Clark and John Kerr with Marsh & McLennan Agency to learn more.
*Workshop times and content are subject to change.
Technical Forum One (Tues. Feb. 19, 9:30-11:00 a.m.) Trailer Brakes and Suspensions for Light- and Medium-Duty Trailers
Bill Snider, Dexter Axle Company
Join Dexter Product Training Manager Bill Snider as he discusses electric, electric over hydraulic, surge hydraulic, and air brakes in both drum and disk applications. The forum will cover advantages, design, manufacturing differences, and recommendations for operation and maintenance of the different brake options. Snider will also explore trailer axle suspension applications that utilize leaf spring or torsion elements, including the effects of suspension travel, loading, alignment and tire wear, as well as operational and maintenance considerations.
Technical Forum Two(Tues. Feb. 19, 1:30-3:00 p.m.)
A New Generation of Trailer Brakes
Todd Brinkman, General Motors
What would it take to stop a truck and trailer in the same distance as a truck alone? Join Todd Brinkman from General Motors to find out!
Technical Forum Three (Wed. Feb. 20, 8:00-11:00 a.m.) Successful Application of Arc Welding Robotics
Brian Doyle, Miller Welding Automation Mike Mueller, B&W Trailer Hitches
This presentation is intended to help those new to automation and the seasoned user apply arc welding robotics successfully, and use the technology to improve their quality, throughput, and costs. Real world examples will be used to illustrate the concepts presented.
Emerging Trends in Trailering
Colin Holthaus, NATM
Join NATM Technical Director Colin Holthaus as he provides an update on towing trends, including both tow vehicle and trailer technology advancements such as the “smart trailer,” advanced towing features, and more.
Your Tire Recordkeeping Obligations—Practical Guidance for Compliance
Panel
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has indicated an increased interest in compliance with tire recordkeeping regulations. Regulations can be confusing and the roles of tire suppliers, trailer manufacturers, and dealers in the process are complex. A panel of industry experts, including a former FMCSA administrator, tire suppliers, trailer manufacturers, an industry EWR and Recall consultant, and the NATM technical director will describe the regulations, possible compliance practices, and answer questions from industry attendees.
*Technical Forum times and content are subject to change.
