As you know, attending conferences is a must in the transportation industry. They connect you with your peers, expand your knowledge, gift you with unexpected experiences, and catch you up on ever-changing industry news and regulations.
For the past two years now we’ve published a list of the top trucking conferences for the year – usually well into the first quarter. But this year, as an early holiday gift to you, we wanted to provide this valuable information before 2019 had actually hit so that you have plenty of time to convince your boss it’s the place for you (might we suggest the Tenstreet User Conference to start?).
All information below has been taken directly from event webpages and corporate sites, which deserve all the credit for the content in this blog. Click on the logo or title link to go directly to the actual event information and/or registration page!
Listed in chronological order, we bring you the leading (and largest) trucking conferences not to be missed in 2019.
Omnitracs
has a rich tradition of innovation by developing fleet management solutions including integrated software, SaaS applications, and analytics platforms designed for commercial fleets. They focus on helping fleet managers enhance productivity, improve performance, maximize their resources, protect their drivers, and monitor operations.
Omnitracs Outlook promises to leave you motivated to perform better with valuable sessions covering productivity, compliance, planning and delivery, safety and security, data and analytics, and training. Network with your peers, visit the Partner Pavilion & Solutions Center, and enjoy fun and engaging networking activities.
Fleet managers, truck dealers and equipment distributors attend The Work Truck Show each year because they say it helps them be more successful. The event’s professional educational sessions are designed to address their specific challenges, while the trade show floor is filled with products that boost productivity and efficiency. In 2019, for the first time, Green Truck Summit and Fleet Technical Congress will be joining forces with the Work Truck Show.
As Doyle Sumrall, the Managing Director of the NTEA states, “This is an effort to improve the attendee experience by giving them the chance to customize their schedules and attend whichever sessions interest them the most. With FTC and GTS sessions running concurrently in rooms literally right next to each other, it will be easy for participants to move between sessions and engage in networking opportunities.”
So what’s the difference? The Work Truck Show is North America’s largest work truck event and your once-a-year chance to see all of the newest industry products, The Green Truck Summit offers cutting-edge solutions at the forefront of technology, and The Fleet Technical Congress is an event where fleet managers can explore the latest technology solutions.
In its 81st year, Truckload Carriers Association‘s 2019 theme is The Future of Truckload, and this convention has become the premier networking and education event in the truckload industry. Geared toward for-hire carriers representing dry van, refrigerated, flatbed, and intermodal container carriers, industry suppliers, and individuals involved with truckload-specific operations, the 3½-day event provides face-to-face time for top industry executives to share ideas and develop new strategies for the future.
The Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition has titled the 2019 event, “Beyond the Frontier of Maintenance“. This conference is home to trucking’s leading fleet professionals, vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers, and is North America’s premier technical conference for trucking.
Attend innovative educational sessions planned by fleets, for fleets, network with hundreds of your peers, resolve troubling equipment issues, participate in voluntary standards-setting efforts and future truck initiatives, witness the best minds on equipment issues share their knowledge, and more.
5. Mid-American Trucking Show – MATS – March 28-30 – Louisville, KY
MATS
is where the industry comes together to see what’s happening in trucking. See the newest technology, learn from the experts, connect with peers, and more. Declared the largest annual heavy-duty trucking event in the world, this three-day conference will house over 1,000 exhibitors in 1,000,000 square feet of space and boasts over 71,000 attendees from 50 states and 61 countries.
The 49th annual conference offers a unique combination of exhibit displays, hands-on demonstrations, networking opportunities, and events, and has been bred to be the largest, most diversified, and best-attended trucking show in North America.
Top three reasons to attend? Seeing new products, staying up-to-date on changes and industry issues, and connecting with suppliers, distributors, and customers.
With over 1,250 attendees and 165 exhibitors, this conference packs exceptional value into three days—including more than 23 educational workshops and seminars showcasing the latest, most innovative and best ideas in private fleet management, general sessions featuring professional leadership and Driver Hall of Fame recognition, more than 30 best practices breakfast roundtable sessions, industry benchmarking insights, and the latest legislative and regulatory affairs updates.
The NPTC proudly positions itself as the only trade association in the United States devoted exclusively to the interests of the private corporate trucking fleet industry and its professional practitioners. They represent a cross-section of American manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and public service organizations ranging in size from family-owned small businesses and town utility fleets to Fortune 500 global conglomerates.
NAFA
is the world’s premier not-for-profit association for professionals who manage fleets of sedans, law enforcement vehicles, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for organizations across the globe.
The Annual Institute & Expo is the largest gathering of fleet professionals and puts a strong focus on networking, touting attendees from all industry segments (of whom 4 out of 5 are decision makers with purchasing power). With over 250 exhibitors and 40 educational sessions that meet the latest fleet needs, the conference expects to draw more than 1,000 professionals from around the world. By attending, you’ll experience cutting-edge products, learn about strategies and solutions for today’s fleet’s concerns, and participate in professional development seminars.
For those who have been with us before, you know this is the one you can’t afford to miss! Packed with industry education, individual private sessions, professional growth opportunities, and inspiration that lasts long after you leave the conference, the Tenstreet User Conference showcases clean and simple solutions to the trucking industry’s biggest problems.
This year you can expect us to double in size (again!), and to ensure you continue to get the most out of this educational conference, we’re introducing two new additions to 2019’s agenda: table topics and breakout sessions. Table topics offer users of all stripes an opportunity to share ideas and see common problems from a range of user perspectives, and with even more breakout sessions you’ll have the opportunity to choose between two different tracks – so you can pick what’s relevant to your organization and skip what’s not.
Expect personalized 1:1 training, a preview into new and unreleased services, access to vendors, interactive panel discussions, endless opportunities to connect, and a lot of fun. It is Vegas, after all.
The CTVA is the largest association representing commercial truck driver training programs in the United States. Currently, it represents nearly 200 training providers in 42 states and trains over 50,000 commercial drivers annually. Conference attendance here is a concrete activity that solidifies the membership and more importantly allows participants to offer new ideas for training and the trucking industry.
At the time this blog was published, the CVTA conference dates have not yet been announced, but we will update this blog when the information becomes available.
The Truckers Jamboree
is hosted every year at the Iowa 80 Truckstop, the largest truck shop in the United States, and is in its 40th year. Since its inception in 1979, the Truckers Jamboree has been celebrating America’s Truckers and is a great place to learn about trucking.
Primarily an event for truckers, this event is also open to exhibitors and can be a great investment of resources for carriers looking to expand in their recruiting efforts. Last year, the Jamboree hosted 165 Exhibitors (47 of them recruiting-focused) in a 34,000 square foot exhibition hall. Total grounds? A whopping 474,000 square feet.
GATS’
purpose is to create an interactive, energizing environment entirely focused on trucking’s improvement. An interactive and all-encompassing public convention of trucking professionals, GATS hosts more than 550 exhibits in 500,000 square feet and represents truck, trailer, engine, component and parts manufacturers. Sponsored by the Texas Trucking Association (TXTA), this will be its 20th year in operation and it exhibits leaders in the heavy-duty trucking industry. Along with MATS, GATS is one of the largest trucking shows in the country.
12. PeopleNet and TMW – In.sight User Conference – September 15-18 – Houston, TX
Boost your “Transportation IQ” to new levels. All about inspiring new and engaging thought to the future of the trucking industry, this conference (hosted by industry leaders) features hours of education across several different tracks and is the largest technology conference in the transportation industry. Loaded in in.sight, in.novation, in.spiration, and in.genuity, this user conference includes exhibitors, hands-on experience, insight speakers, and three days of interacting with some of the brightest minds in the field.
The Alliance
’s premier meeting, the CVSA Annual Conference and Exhibition, provides the opportunity for government officials, enforcement and industry to gather together to affect meaningful changes to the overall culture of transportation safety throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States.
This annual event includes roll-up-your-sleeves meetings of CVSA’s membership, elected leadership, technical working committees, program committees and task forces. The benefits of the face-to-face interactions are priceless. Participants get down to business, discuss, examine, analyze and make tremendous strides in furthering CVSA’s mission.
This unique event brings trucking companies, retailers, truck driving schools, and financial, insurance, health & fitness services together, and hosts over 30 educational sessions focused on the positive impact of gender diversity. Expand your network, find solutions, and build a better business in this intimate, integrated conference and exhibition setting.
The 2nd ATA Conference on our list, The American Trucking Associations (ATA) Management Conference & Exhibition (MCE) brings together trucking executives from across the country for the one can’t-miss event of the year that highlights economic, regulatory, and business trends focused on driving the success of fleets today and in the future. Every year more than 2,500 of trucking’s top decision-makers come to MCE for policy discussions, educational sessions, networking opportunities, and interactive exhibits.
The NASTC is dedicated to helping small trucking companies succeed in a growing competitive industry, and boasts a total of 5,000+ small fleet carriers – adding 80 to 100 new carriers each month. Each year NASTC hand picks guest speakers with specialized expertise in several areas of the transportation industry. The Annual Conference features a full agenda of 3 full days of classes, trainings, speakers, receptions, dinners, and ceremonies. As President David Owen says, “You’re never too small to think big.”
The 3rd ATA event on our list covers critical topics and provides opportunities to connect with leaders in trucking safety, security and human resources, and hosted nearly 60 participating exhibitors. The ATA has been the leading advocate for the trucking industry since 1933 and is committed to developing and advocating innovative, research-based policies that promote highway safety, security, environmental sustainability and profitability.
At the time this blog was published, the SSHRNCE Annual Conference relates to 2018 news and agenda. The dates have not yet been announced, but we will update this blog when the information becomes available.
Far from exhaustive, this list of popular conferences that exclusively serve the trucking industry’s 8.9 million people will no doubt provide some guidance when planning your 2019 conference year. Thought if we’ve overlooked one that you especially enjoy and believe should be on this list, please let us know in the comments below so we can include it. We look forward to seeing you at these events and many more throughout 2019! If you’re looking to connect, please reach out to us! We’d love the chance to meet.
1. Omnitracs Outlook 2019 – Omnitracs User Conference – February 24-27 – Dallas, TX
2. The Work Truck Show – The Work Truck Show, Green Truck Summit, & Fleet Technical Congress – March 5-8 – Indianapolis, IN
Fleet managers, truck dealers and equipment distributors attend The Work Truck Show each year because they say it helps them be more successful. The event’s professional educational sessions are designed to address their specific challenges, while the trade show floor is filled with products that boost productivity and efficiency. In 2019, for the first time, Green Truck Summit and Fleet Technical Congress will be joining forces with the Work Truck Show.
As Doyle Sumrall, the Managing Director of the NTEA states, “This is an effort to improve the attendee experience by giving them the chance to customize their schedules and attend whichever sessions interest them the most. With FTC and GTS sessions running concurrently in rooms literally right next to each other, it will be easy for participants to move between sessions and engage in networking opportunities.”
So what’s the difference? The Work Truck Show is North America’s largest work truck event and your once-a-year chance to see all of the newest industry products, The Green Truck Summit offers cutting-edge solutions at the forefront of technology, and The Fleet Technical Congress is an event where fleet managers can explore the latest technology solutions.
3. Truckload Carriers Association – 81st Annual Convention – March 10-13 – Las Vegas, NV
4. American Trucking Association – TMC Annual 2019 – March 18-21 – Atlanta, GA
5. Mid-American Trucking Show – MATS – March 28-30 – Louisville, KY
MATS
is where the industry comes together to see what’s happening in trucking. See the newest technology, learn from the experts, connect with peers, and more. Declared the largest annual heavy-duty trucking event in the world, this three-day conference will house over 1,000 exhibitors in 1,000,000 square feet of space and boasts over 71,000 attendees from 50 states and 61 countries.
The 49th annual conference offers a unique combination of exhibit displays, hands-on demonstrations, networking opportunities, and events, and has been bred to be the largest, most diversified, and best-attended trucking show in North America.
Top three reasons to attend? Seeing new products, staying up-to-date on changes and industry issues, and connecting with suppliers, distributors, and customers.
6. The National Private Truck Council – NPTC Annual Education Management Conference and Exhibition – April 14-16 – Cincinnati, OH
7. National Association of Fleet Administrators – NAFA 2019 Institute & Expo– April 15-17 – Louisville, KY
NAFA
is the world’s premier not-for-profit association for professionals who manage fleets of sedans, law enforcement vehicles, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for organizations across the globe.
The Annual Institute & Expo is the largest gathering of fleet professionals and puts a strong focus on networking, touting attendees from all industry segments (of whom 4 out of 5 are decision makers with purchasing power). With over 250 exhibitors and 40 educational sessions that meet the latest fleet needs, the conference expects to draw more than 1,000 professionals from around the world. By attending, you’ll experience cutting-edge products, learn about strategies and solutions for today’s fleet’s concerns, and participate in professional development seminars.
8. Tenstreet – Tenstreet 3rd Annual User Conference – April 25-26 – Las Vegas, NV
9. Commercial Vehicle Training Association – CTVA Spring Conference
10. Iowa 80 Truckstop – Truckers Jamboree – July 11-13 – Walcott, Iowa
The Truckers Jamboree
is hosted every year at the Iowa 80 Truckstop, the largest truck shop in the United States, and is in its 40th year. Since its inception in 1979, the Truckers Jamboree has been celebrating America’s Truckers and is a great place to learn about trucking.
Primarily an event for truckers, this event is also open to exhibitors and can be a great investment of resources for carriers looking to expand in their recruiting efforts. Last year, the Jamboree hosted 165 Exhibitors (47 of them recruiting-focused) in a 34,000 square foot exhibition hall. Total grounds? A whopping 474,000 square feet.
11. Great American Trucking Show – GATS – August 22-24 – Dallas, TX
12. PeopleNet and TMW – In.sight User Conference – September 15-18 – Houston, TX 
Boost your “Transportation IQ” to new levels. All about inspiring new and engaging thought to the future of the trucking industry, this conference (hosted by industry leaders) features hours of education across several different tracks and is the largest technology conference in the transportation industry. Loaded in in.sight, in.novation, in.spiration, and in.genuity, this user conference includes exhibitors, hands-on experience, insight speakers, and three days of interacting with some of the brightest minds in the field.
13. Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance – CVSA Annual Conference and Exhibition – September 22-26 – Biloxi, MS
The Alliance
’s premier meeting, the CVSA Annual Conference and Exhibition, provides the opportunity for government officials, enforcement and industry to gather together to affect meaningful changes to the overall culture of transportation safety throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States.
This annual event includes roll-up-your-sleeves meetings of CVSA’s membership, elected leadership, technical working committees, program committees and task forces. The benefits of the face-to-face interactions are priceless. Participants get down to business, discuss, examine, analyze and make tremendous strides in furthering CVSA’s mission.
14. Women in Trucking – Accelerate! Conference and Expo – Sept 30-Oct 2 – Dallas, TX
This unique event brings trucking companies, retailers, truck driving schools, and financial, insurance, health & fitness services together, and hosts over 30 educational sessions focused on the positive impact of gender diversity. Expand your network, find solutions, and build a better business in this intimate, integrated conference and exhibition setting.
15. American Trucking Association – Management Conference & Exhibition – Oct 5-9 – San Diego, CA
16. National Association of Small Trucking Companies – NASTC Annual Conference – Oct 31-Nov 1 – Nashville, TN
17. The American Trucking Association – ATA Safety Management Council (SMC) and Transportation Security Council (TSC) Safety, Security & Human Resources National Conference & Exhibition – Typically in November
Far from exhaustive, this list of popular conferences that exclusively serve the trucking industry’s 8.9 million people will no doubt provide some guidance when planning your 2019 conference year. Thought if we’ve overlooked one that you especially enjoy and believe should be on this list, please let us know in the comments below so we can include it. We look forward to seeing you at these events and many more throughout 2019! If you’re looking to connect, please reach out to us! We’d love the chance to meet.
