Trailer industry members traveled to Nevada to be updated on the last trailer innovations. They returned home with new connections and hands-on training experience.
The North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) held its first Trailer Tech Expo on Feb. 25-27 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada.
The three-day event was sponsored by Dealer Spike, an advertising service provider, and Novae, a trailer manufacturer. The expo focused on trailer innovations and technologies, training in the light- to medium-duty trailer sector and establishing a new benchmark for industry excellence.
NATDA Executive Director Andria Gibbon said, “NATDA’s Trailer Tech Expo was designed to equip dealers and trailer industry professionals with the knowledge, innovations and connections needed to navigate the rapidly evolving trailer industry. With cutting-edge technology, hands-on training, forward-thinking discussions and best-in-class networking, Trailer Tech Expo has set a new benchmark for innovation and education inside the industry.”
The event featured a full day of dealership education, with 11 technical classes led by Dexter Product Training Manager Bill Snider, nine dealer education sessions and six exhibitor-led Innovation Stage presentations.
The expo’s “Tow Talks,” featured education sessions sponsored by Dura-Haul Trailers. Other sessions covered topics including technology and AI in sales and operations, dealership succession planning, recruiting and retaining employees and measuring service productivity.
Industry experts such as Sara Hey from Bob Clements International, Kent Lewis from FreeGren and Jeff Robertson from Jeff Robertson Consulting shared insights.
The event provided NATDA hands-on technician training. Partnering with Dexter, technicians had the chance to earn credit towards the new NATDA certification program.
More than 60 technology-focused exhibitors showcased their services and products. The expo hall featured interactive displays, product demonstrations, design enhancements and partnerships from trailer and truck bed manufacturers.
NATDA hosted its first Industry Awards Banquet. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Ricky Baker, founder of Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing.
Ten other individuals and companies were recognized across categories such as Manufacturer of the Year, Dealer of the Year and Vendor of the Year.
