If records are made to be broken, the membership of the North American Trailer Dealers Association have their work cut out for them: The organization looks to top the attendance and exhibit space records set at last year’s 15th anniversary of the NATDA Trailer Show and, based on the more than 300 exhibitors already committed, the 2024 event is off to a great start. Once again set at Nashville’s Music City Center, the NATDA Trailer show takes place August 28-29, with pre-session training and socializing scheduled for the day before.
Highlighting the upcoming show, NATDA has reworked the traditional lineup. Among other changes, the new Innovation Showcase replaces the event’s New Product Display, along with the New Product of the Year and Most Innovative Trailer and Truck Bed awards. The revamp of the former program expands the product categories to be featured, providing attendees a full display of products and solutions to peruse prior to entering the NATDA Trailer Show Expo Hall.
And, as if one big event is not enough, the organization also announced earlier this year the launch of the Trailer Tech Expo Powered by NATDA. The new show is scheduled to take place at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada, Feb. 25-27, 2025. The event will highlight the latest in trailer technology and hands-on technical training for light-to-medium duty trailer dealership owners and staff.
But first things first. The 2024 NATDA Trailer Show lineup is as follows:
Dealer Performance Training
(Sponsored by Dura-Haul Trailers)
Tuesday, August 27
With educational topics including marketing, sales, human resources, operations, and hands-on technical training focused on axles, hitches, and more, NATDA Dealership Performance Training is the best platform to improve dealership profit centers.
Program Highlights
GENERAL SESSION: Navigating the Trailer Industry Economy (Lunch Provided - TICKET REQUIRED)
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
An exclusive roundtable discussion, “Navigating the Trailer Industry Economy,” brings industry leaders, analysts, and enthusiasts together to dissect the economic landscape of the trailer sector. This dynamic session offers a deep dive into crucial economic indicators, market trends, and pivotal challenges facing the industry today. From exploring shifts in consumer behavior to examining global economic influences, participants will gain invaluable insights to inform strategic decision-making and seize opportunities in this ever-evolving market. Whether you’re a seasoned dealer or new to the business, join us for a definitive look at the path forward.
Moderator: Johnathan Aguero (Transax)
Panelists: Jeff Jones (Statistical Surveys, Inc.), Mike Wyrzykowski (Blackpurl), Tom Williams (eLease Funding)
ROUNDTABLE: Women in the Trailer Industry
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Back by popular demand this year, the NATDA Women in the Trailer Industry Committee will be presenting a new platform. This year’s line-up will include a panel discussion led by Sara Hey and panelists consisting of professional industry leaders from diverse backgrounds, followed by a dynamic round table event women in the industry will not want to miss. Showcasing expertise as well as breaking stereotypes in a traditionally male-dominated field are what attendees can expect. Panel discussions will resonate with insightful dialogue on time management, managing mental load, and balancing work-life in family-owned businesses. The goal is to empower attendees to forge new paths and redefine industry standards as well as provide a sense of solidarity and mutual support among the women in the trailer industry. Networking opportunities before and after the session will be available. The will be the last session of the day before the NATDA Welcome Reception.
Moderator: Sara Hey (Bob Clements International)
Roundtable Moderator: Caitlin Jugert (The Trailer Parts Outlet)
Panelists: Megan Swank (White Spruce Trailer Sales), Wanda Alexander (TNJ Trailers)
New this year: TOW TALKS. These thought-provoking sessions are designed specifically for the trailer industry. Each session features a moderator who will lead two seasoned trailer professionals in a casual discussion on key topics of interest. The 2024 TOW TALK series explores actionable ways dealers can strengthen dealership performance.
10:00 am - 10:50 am: Maximizing Employee Satisfaction: Benefits in Trailer Dealerships, Moderated by Jeff Kim, Gerber & Kawasaki
11:00 am - 11:50 am: Exploring Cutting-Edge Marketing Strategies in the Trailer Industry, moderated by Kent Lewis, Freegren Digital
2:00 pm - 2:50 pm: Bridging the Relationship Gap Between Manufacturers and Dealers, moderated by Ryan Cope, Liberty Trailers
3:00 pm - 3:50 pm: Optimizing Dealer Sales Teams in the Trailer Industry, moderated by Shane Thomson, Action Trailers
4:00 pm - 4:50 pm: The Power of Storytelling in Brand Building, Kent Lewis, Freegren Digital
Read more: NATDA selects Wounded Warrior project as 2024 charity
NATDA Trailer Show Welcome Event
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Kick off the week right by attending the Nashville Backyard BBQ-themed party! Live music, light food, beverages, games and a great time will be had by all.
Sponsored by: Delco Trailers, Hillcrest Trailers, Transax
NATDA Trailer Show
Expo Hall Hours
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 - 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Thursday, August 29, 2024 -9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Innovation Showcase (Wednesday, August 28 – Thursday, August 29 during show hours)
The Innovation Showcase replaces the event’s New Product Display, along with the New Product of the Year and Most Innovative Trailer and Truck Bed awards. The revamp of the former program expands the product categories to be featured, providing attendees a full display to peruse.
Product Awards (Thursday, August 29, 1:00 pm)
Exhibitors who enter their new products and services into the Innovation Showcase will be eligible for one of three award categories, including:
- The Trailer Innovation Award for components, parts and accessories used on a trailer or a truck bed
- The Dealership Innovation Award for services, software or programs that enhance dealership sales, marketing, service or operations
- The Manufacturer Innovation Award for the most innovative trailers or truck beds in the following categories: Cargo/Concession Trailer, Heavy-Duty Trailer, Livestock Trailer, Recreational Trailer, Truck Bed or Service Body, Utility Trailer, and Vehicle Trailer.
- Those receiving First, Second, and Third Place honors, will be recognized and will receive free entry into the Winner’s Row display at the 2025 Trailer Tech Expo powered by NATDA.
Annual Charity Drive: Each year, NATDA picks a charity to support. For 2024, NATDA is partnering with The Wounded Warrior Project .
NATDA is committed to supporting our nation’s wounded veterans through WWP and its free programs and services. Many wounded veterans face significant challenges when they return to civilian life, and through the generous support of donors and corporate partners, WWP supports and empowers them—wherever they are in their journey to recovery.
Fundraising efforts by the 2024 NATDA Trailer Show community will directly support WWP programs and services for warriors, including improving warriors’ access to mental and physical health care, providing them with tools to improve their financial well-being, and helping them find meaningful jobs through a range of employment-related services.
The return of the Ultimate Prize Package: To encourage donations to this our selected charity, NATDA has brought back the Ultimate Prize Package to the NATDA Trailer Show. The package includes a 2024 E-Z-GO Valor gas-powered golf cart (courtesy of NATDA and its 2024 Association Sponsors), an Aluma aluminum trailer, a ICON Trailer Coupler Lock from Altor Locks, W01784 Whisper Series 1700W Inverter Generator from FIRMAN Power Equipment, 7K Phantom-X Hitch with Ball Mount and Single Ball from Gen-Y Hitch, a set of Shelby Lifetime Wheel Chocks from Shelby Trailer Services, Lighting Kit from TecNiq, Four-pack of SPIN FREE Rachet Strap with wire hooks from The Rachet Depot, and delivery from Bennett Driveaway.
Dealers who register to attend the 2024 NATDA Trailer Show (registration opens mid-Q2) will be automatically entered.
Dealers who donate to Wounded Warrior Project via our fundraising link, or by purchasing a show hat through registration, will receive:
- A second entry for the Ultimate Prize Package
- An entry into a raffle to win a FIRMAN W01784 Whisper Series 1700W Inverter Generator
- An entry to win one of two Prize Packs filled with Wounded Warrior Project merchandise, gift cards and items from Nashville merchants
- Dealers must be present at the time of the drawing in the Expo Hall at 1:00 PM on Thursday, August 29.