GRAPEVINE, Texas—Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week wrapped its 2024 event here by rewriting the record book. Over four days at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, HDAW’24 brought together more than 2,900 executives and managers from various industry sectors, including distributors, suppliers, and service providers.
Themed “Fully Equipped,” HDAW’24 embraced the industry’s forward-thinking perspective during a significant digital shift. The event achieved 11.8% growth in overall attendance over 2023, and the sold-out show floor, hosting 330 exhibitors, underscored the industry’s dedication to leading in a swiftly evolving business landscape. Notably, 47 first-time exhibitors attended as well, showcasing the industry’s expansion and commitment to innovation.
“The resounding success of HDAW’24, marked by substantial growth, underscores the resilience and forward-thinking spirit of heavy-duty aftermarket professionals,” Michael Callison Jr., president and CEO at Midwest Wheel Companies and HDAW’24 co-chair, said. “It's truly gratifying to see our commitment to innovation and collaboration reflected in the record-breaking numbers and vibrant atmosphere of this year’s event.”
HDAW'24 featured the industry's largest One-on-One Business Meeting program, hosting nearly 2,000 meeting sessions scheduled across three days, with more distributors registered than suppliers. This marked a significant milestone of this popular program and fostered an environment for distributors and suppliers to engage in meaningful connections and seize deal-making opportunities.
“The continued interest and success of HDAW's One-on-One Business Meeting program reflects the commitment of each of the 11 organizing associations to fostering impactful connections,” Nicole Oreskovic, VP of sales and marketing at Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems and HDAW’24 supplier co-chair, said. “The sheer scale of the meetings provided a unique platform for professionals to navigate opportunities and solidify strategic partnerships in our dynamic business landscape.”
Attendees also participated in many of networking programs. The revamped Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) program provided a platform for emerging professionals to connect and collaborate, fostering the industry’s next generation of leaders. The HDAWomen reception created a lively space for professionals to support women in the heavy-duty aftermarket industry to build meaningful connections, share insights, and discuss how to inspire confidence in younger generations. The Wednesday Night Lights Closing Reception at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, brought together industry professionals in a celebratory atmosphere, adding a rich and exciting dimension to HDAW’24.
Read more: HDAW 2024 kicks off
The education program highlighted the critical elements that will shape the industry in the next three to five years and actionable steps to secure its overall health and viability. Updates on topics included electrification, recruitment and retention, and Right to Repair legislation.
Additionally, NFL Legend Cris Carter took the stage for a keynote address, wowing attendees with anecdotes from his storied career and drawing parallels with the challenges and triumphs in the heavy-duty aftermarket industry. Carter encouraged the audience to consistently work toward the best versions of themselves to make a positive impact on their businesses, families and communities.
"HDAW is a great place to network, better understand your customers and competitors, and learn what your company can do to more effectively interact with all of your stakeholder groups,” Cara Mitchell of BBB Industries said. “Others in the industry should take advantage of this week because it gives you a chance to see so many of your peers in one place and hear about things that are impacting the industry."
When asked about the benefits of attending HDAW, Kevin Hopton of CBS Parts Limited stated called the event “a game-changer” for anyone in the industry.
“Not only does it strengthen your connections with manufacturers, but it also opens doors to explore new product lines,” Hopton said. “It's a crucial step in building and growing your business, fostering relationships that prove invaluable. I definitely recommend it.”
Planning for HDAW’25 is already well underway, with the event scheduled to take place January 20-23, 2025, once again in Grapevine, Texas.
