2023's annual National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Convention & Trade Show is set to return to Fort Worth, Texas, from Feb. 13-16 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. As well as the extensive exhibit hall and networking opportunities, the event will also feature eight workshop and technical forums covering a variety of topics from inflation and employee retention to paint treatment and welding.
The educational sessions, featuring expert presenters from their specific fields, will take place from Feb. 14 - Feb. 15, with one workshop and one forum in the morning and another of each session in the afternoon. The first morning session will run from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. and the following afternoon session will take place from 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. On Wednesday, the workshops and forums will begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 9:30 a.m., while the final round of educational sessions will wrap from 10 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Attendance for all educational panels is included in registration.
Below, you'll find the schedule for the NATM panels and workshops, but please keep in mind that both topics and presenters are subject to change.
Workshops
Workshop Session 1: How to Handle Accelerated Inflation Price Increases
Presenter: Jim Pancero, Keynote Speaker and Sales Expert
A consistent problem today in distribution and equipment sales is your customer places an order but receives a delivery date that stretches out for months. Learn how to proactively manage this process and reduce your buyer stress and push-back.
Workshop Session 2: Keep Your Top Talent
Presenter: Jim Pancero, Keynote Speaker and Sales Expert
Is the skilled labor shortage creating a challenge to your long-term growth goals? Learn best practice solutions in attracting and retaining top talent to help your business succeed.
Workshop Session 3: Hedging and Risk Management for Metal Commodities
Presenters: Nick Webb and Jason Pounders, Ryerson
Learn how commodity hedging can mitigate price risk and protect your bottom line.
Workshop Session 4: Government Affairs Update
Presenters: Brody Garland, K&L Gates
Interested in learning more about NATM’s work on Capitol Hill? Come join the Government Affairs discussion covering Congressional activities and what can be expected in 2023.
Technical Forums
Technical Forum Session 1: What’s New in Paint Pretreatment
Presenters: Michael Burbey Integration Manager GMF NA, Stephen Raynor BDM Paint Support Technologies NA, Stephen Taylor PMM, Paint Pretreatment Paint Support Technology at Atotech USA LLC
A forum on how the latest generation of pretreatment chemistry can improve corrosion protection and provide a lower cost.
Technical Forum Session 2: Trailer Stability, Load Line Placement and Design Considerations
Presenter: William Craig, U-Haul International, Inc.
A discussion on trailer stability standards, load line placement and design considerations including lean principles and human factors.
Technical Forum Session 3: Unlocking the Hidden Cost of Welding
Presenter: Bill Pharmer, Airgas
A discussion on how welding inputs can impact welding costs. And how small, hidden differences can have a great impact on the cost of welding.
Technical Forum Session 4: Emerging Trends in Trailering; NATM Compliance Program Overview
Presenters: NATM Compliance Team and Jeff Gray, ASA Electronics
Join NATM as the compliance team provides an update on towing trends, including both tow vehicle and trailer technology advancements such as the “smart trailer,” advanced towing features, v2i communication, and more.
Please note that all workshop and technical forum topics and presenters are subject to change. For an updated agenda, visit www.natm.com/convention.