SAN ANTONIO—Getting together amid the first industry downturn since the onset of the COVID pandemic, attendees here for the Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association 82nd Annual Convention didn’t let a pause in business conditions slow down the annual schedule of committee meetings, presentations, and activities. This year’s event was held April 24-27 at the La Cantera Resort & Spa.
As TTMA President Jeff Sims, Chairman Jeff Thompson of Timpte Trailers, and Vice Chairman Sean Kenney of Hyundai Translead each emphasized at various times over three days, association members “get out of it what you put into it,” a message aimed particularly at the “record class” of 128 first-time convention attendees.
“I attended my first TTMA function in the fall of 1997 and from the moment that my wife Tracey and I walked in the door, we knew that this organization was different, that it was special—that it was all about creating relationships and working together for the betterment of the whole,” Thompson said before passing the gavel to Kenney at the closing banquet. “I have always had great appreciation for this organization and the opportunities that if offers to its members, but until you have had an opportunity to be involved at the board level and at an officer level, it is really hard to appreciate everything the organization does every day—and does very well.”
Read more: Foundation for the future
While memories tend to be made from the comaraderie and wide range of activities and entertainment, the convention is not all fun and games. Indeed, the first general session focused on emerging technology and coming trends that will impact trailer builders, with presentations on the nature of and uses for generative AI and on the potential for AI tools to improve manufacturing. Day 2 was no less weighty, with a panel discussion on sustainability in manufacturing—both why sustainability goals are important and how implementing such goals can be a challenge for an organization.
Getting a jump on next year—and beyond—ACT Research and FTR each offered their market outlook and explained why trailer manufacturers can look forward to better times.
And, in a long-standing practice, during both general sessions select associate members took to the stage for four minutes apiece to tout the latest and greatest in goods and services to benefit trailer manufacturers.
Along with several days of highly competitive golf events, the fun part of the agenda this year included tennis and pickleball, the chance to target sporting clays, and a lesson on how to make a Texas-style barbecue rub. And, of course, the Welcome Reception on the patio, the Ladies’ Coffee, the “Texas tailgate”-themed Associates’ Reception and Dinner, and the Closing Banquet drew big crowds.
TTMA 2024 Summer Meetings will be held July 23-25 in Alexandria, Virginia, and the 2024 Fall Board and Convention Planning Meeting is set for Oct. 17-20 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The TTMA 83rd Annual Convention is scheduled for April 23-26, 2025, at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Golf & Beach Resort in Rio Mar, Puerto Rico.
