The Work Truck Show: 2018 Preview
The Work Truck Show: 2018 Preview
Well, it's that time of year again, The Work Truck Show (WTS) is nearing! Whether you are an attendee or exhibitor, you most likely already have some plans in place for this year's show. But what should you expect this year, and how can you make the most of it?
What is The Work Truck Show?
The Work Truck Show® is an event that takes place once a year, providing those within the work truck industry the opportunity to see all the latest industry products, participate in dozens of industry-focused training courses and gain access to technical engineering representatives from hundreds of exhibiting companies. Attendees can interact with thousands of industry professionals, set up meetings with current suppliers or customers, find solutions to troublesome issues and network with peers at special events and receptions. It is North America’s largest work truck event.
Long story short – see new products, hear new things, and network.
And if you’re new to the industry – less than 10 years of service – make sure you check out Generation Next, NTEA’s professional development group focused on giving new industry professionals support in developing skills and building peer relationships within the work truck industry. Membership is FREE to employees of NTEA member companies and provides numerous networking opportunities throughout the show. Events include:
• Generation Next Take5 networking session (Tuesday, March 6, 3-5 p.m.)
• Generation Next Leadership Workshop (Wednesday, March 7, 3-5 p.m.)
• NTEA’s exhibit booth (Thursday, March 8, 12-2 p.m.)
I myself have been a member of Generation Next for over four years and currently serve as the Chairman for the Board of Governors. We are here to provide networking and educational opportunities to help you become familiar with the industry more quickly. If you want to learn more or want to get involved, please contact me at adawson@munciepower.com, seek me out at the show, or come to one of our hosted events listed above.
Why should I attend?
This annual event brings the work truck industry together in one place, at one time. This event allows you to schedule months’ worth of meetings into a single week. You get to see, feel and touch new products and innovations. You get to hear directly from manufacturers about potential new products or updates that may be on the horizon. You get to learn about important and impactful industry changes that may occur.
And of course, the most important reason – to get your NTEA coffee mug! What will it say, and what color will it be?!
How do I register?
You can register both online and on-site during the week of the show. You have four registration options: the Green Truck Summit Package, Fleet Technical Congress Package, Work Truck Show Conference Package and Trade Show Badge. Each registration package comes with different options so be sure to check what each includes. You can view a full pricing overview here.
But wait! If you are looking to attend only the trade show portion, we have a complimentary free pass available for you. All you have to do is use our promo code WT353 when registering online, or download and submit our free pass form.
I've registered, now what?
First, make sure to check out this year’s special sessions. As always, the NTEA has lined up an exciting keynote speaker for the President’s Breakfast – General Michael Hayden, a retired four-star general and former director of the Central Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency. General Hayden was on the frontline of global change, the war on terrorism and the growing cyber security challenge. I have no doubt we will be on the edge of our seats for this one! If you’d like to learn a little bit more on General Hayden, here is a link to his profile with the Chertoff Group where he is currently a principal.
Other special sessions to consider include presentations on Lean 101 for Truck Equipment Upfitters, Fleet Management 101, the LTAP (Local Technical Assistance Program) Fleet Educational Program, Lean 201, and of course, Generation Next’s Leadership Workshop, which features a unique presentation on Ego vs. EQ — How Top Leaders Beat 8 Ego Traps with Emotional Intelligence by Jen Shirkani, CEO and president of the Penumbra Group. If you are at this session, seek me out, I’d love to chat!
The NTEA always plans numerous educational sessions throughout the show to help guide you on new trends and updates within our industry. Be sure to find time to squeeze in some of these sessions! All sessions can be reviewed here.
Who exhibits here?
We do! Yes, Muncie Power Products, along with more than 480 additional exhibitors will line the floor at The Work Truck Show, which generally sees close to 12,000 attendees. These exhibitors range from chassis OEMs to body and equipment manufacturers to upfitters, distributors and much more. This show brings the industry together for a significant one-week event.
The NTEA has a great planning tool where you can easily view and search for exhibitors, and map out your plan for the show by saving exhibitors, products and other things you may want to remember. This interactive tool makes this big show much easier to navigate and can be found here.
And don’t forget to connect with your Muncie Power sales rep to schedule some time at our booth during the show. Not sure who to contact, please contact me and I’d be happy to set up a time for you. My email is listed earlier in the article.
So what are you waiting for?
Register today! And if you’re already registered, make sure to follow this event on social media – Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and flickr – it’s everywhere!
And make sure you come visit the Muncie Power booth #3227 and #3320 for snow and ice.
Andrew Dawson - Manager Marketing & Advertising
