The Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) is the preeminent annual event for the heavy-duty trucking industry and has been for more than 40 years. Every year, the latest and greatest in truck equipment fills the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, Ky., to give you a look at the next generation of products that will help improve your fleet’s efficiency and boost the bottom line. There’s still time to register for the show – which runs March 26 – 28, 2015 – and you can always register on site. Fleet Equipment reached out to Toby Young of MATS’ Exhibit Management Associates Inc. to find out this year’s top ten reasons that you can’t miss MATS.
10. More products than ever
“MATS exhibitor space sold-out faster than any in the last 15-plus years and we have more outdoor space than we’ve had in a long time,” Young said. “This translates into even more exciting products, services, and information being showcased at MATS 2015.” On the tradeshow floor side, MATS offers more than 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space, with exhibitors representing 48 of the 50 United States, as well as 10 countries.
9. Your competition is there
MATS boasts an impressive 78,000 attendees, representing all 50 United States, as well as 78 countries. Among those numbers are fleet owners, fleet operations and safety and fleet maintenance management, in addition to drivers, dealers and distributors. In fact, 91% of attendees believed that MATS helped them remain competitive in their business.
8. Where else do you see trucks this cool?
Only at MATS’s Paul K. Young Truck Beauty Championship
7. Big business events
MATS plays host to numerous exhibitor-sponsored events including press conferences, concerts, hospitality suites, company luncheons, educational events, analyst/investor meetings, continuing education, discussion groups, technical sessions, receptions, and numerous other events. Just another way that MATS facilitates direct engagement between attendees and exhibitors, and provides opportunities to experience and learn about the exhibiting company and its products/services.
6. When business is done, it’s time for fun
“Mobil Delvac has brought us some great artists to help attendees unwind and enjoy reconnecting with their trucking families at a free concert,” Young shared. “The Marshall Tucker Band headlines with Chris Hennessee opening. The concert is set for Friday (3/27) at 7PM with free tickets available in Mobil Delvac’s Booth 18160.”
5. Just when you thought it couldn’t get better…
It does. Just check out last year’s recap:
Now picture even more.
4. Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association Breakfast and Briefing
This year’s Breakfast and Briefing features keynote speaker Olof Persson, chief executive officer and president of AB Volvo, The Volvo Group, who will discuss Volvo’s viewpoint and direction for the future growth of The Volvo Group in various world and regional markets.
3. You don’t have to take our word for it
Just take a minute to hear what these attendees had to say:
2. Smart seminars
With seminars covering regulations: Current and future, business efficiencies, compliance issues, driver recruitment and much more, there is something for everyone in the 2015 seminar program. Just as important, all seminars are free and pre-registration is not required. Additionally, there is also the Fleet Forum a conference for fleet executives and heavy-duty/commercial vehicle industry VIPs.
And the No. 1 reasons to never miss a MATS…
1. Excellent efficiency
“The main reason that fleets should never miss a MATS is the efficiency that it offers,” Young explained. “No other event offers fleets such an opportunity to efficiently research the latest products and services, gain insight into current topics in the industry, and network with attendees and exhibitors from around the world. For the price of a trip to Louisville, you can get more done in a few days than you could in months on your own.”
