The opening reception was packed as smiles flashed across the room and handshakes reforged long-standing relationships in the heavy-duty aftermarket. Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) is the largest assembly of heavy-duty aftermarket professionals in North America and is underway at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center.
“We’re looking forward to gaining fresh insights, forging meaningful connections, and driving our businesses to new heights,” said Michael Callison Jr., president and CEO at Midwest Wheel Companies, and co-chair for HDAW’24.
“Suppliers are gearing up to showcase groundbreaking products, cultivate meaningful relationships, and elevate the heavy-duty aftermarket industry,” added Nicole Oreskovic, vice president of sales and marketing at Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems and HDAW’24 co-chair.
The sold-out Product Expo Floor covers 140,000-plus square feet, boasting a lineup of 330-plus suppliers, including more than 47 first-timers. According to the organizers, attendees can take advantage of show deals, access detailed product specifications, and establish meaningful relationships with suppliers and manufacturers, all geared towards optimizing their ROI.
At the Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) and HDAWomen Reception, attendees under the age of 45 can engaged in the revamped LOT networking experience before the HDAW Welcome Reception. This year, the program featured content tailored to young professionals. Structured speed mentoring took center stage, offering exclusive interaction with over 20 industry veterans. This program was developed through a joint effort between Auto Care Association’s YANG, CVSN’s GenNext, and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers’ MiX. Additionally, the HDAWomen Reception celebrated women in the industry while encouraging community-building.
HDAW’s One-on-One Business Meeting program will host more than 1,900 meeting sessions scheduled during the event across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Wednesday’s education session, “Fully Equipped for What’s Next: What’s Keeping the Industry Moving the Next 3-5 Years”, will examine critical elements shaping the heavy-duty aftermarket industry, featuring a series of three rapid-style presentations covering electrification, recruitment and retention, and Right to Repair legislation.
Finally, to close HDAW 2024, AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, will host attendees on the field on Wednesday for for an event featuring exclusive access to the stadium, music, food, drinks, and more.
Cris Carter kicks off the show as keynote speaker
Continuing the football theme, today’s HDAW keynote speech was made by former NFL wide receiver Cris Carter. Carter shared insights from his career, life, and media journey, and drew parallels with the heavy-duty aftermarket industry’s dynamics.
Carter spent 16 years (1987-2002) suiting up for the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins. After retiring with the second-most receptions and touchdowns as a receiver in the history of the NFL, Carter entered the media, serving as an analyst and host on HBO, ESPN, and Fox Sports.
Fleet Equipment is on the show floor, updating this site with live content. Click here to peruse all of our HDAW 2024 content.
