What do we want for Expo 2008?

TeamCaffee · Jul 30, 2007

Expedite Expo 2008 Attendance.

I have talked to a few people that did not attend the Expo and the consensus of their reasons is that they seem to feel The Expo is designed for the person looking for a new company, shopping for a new truck, or for people interested in learning about expediting. Several of us were discussing what could be done to make next years Expo a must attend event for the experienced expediters.
Some thoughts discussed were having Two categories of workshops; one series for experienced expediters and the other series consisting of the tried and true subjects provided at past Expos and workshops.

A new series for inexperienced expediters might consist of topics such as:

Saving money buying fuel and saving on fuel tax management;
Load brokering Proâ€™s and Conâ€™s;
Tips and Tricks to Making you truck shine and preventive maintenance;
Outfitting a cargo van;
Record keeping such as planning for your future truck and/or maintaining an emergency fund;
Getting Health Insurance;
Your own operation authority Pros and Cons;
Incorporation Pros and Cons.

Additional topics for experienced expediters might be:

Driving Challenge;
Worst load competition;

How about some comments, from forum members, related to this subject. What must Expo 2008 offer that would justify you inking the dates on your calendar for a must attend event? Would any new workshop topics tickle your fancy? Would any trucking show events not previously offered tempt you to join us at Expo 2008? Would more, or less, entertainment encourage you to attend? If so, what suggestions would you offer?

highway star · Jul 30, 2007

A topic we see here from time to time is handling the home front from the road. This might be more of a group discussion with a moderator, as opposed to a lecture type of class.

I chose to chase the dollar this year and that will always be a challenge in attracting those already in the business. It sounds like it was another great success and I congratulate Lawrence and everyone involved. I do look forward to next year.

Thornapple · Jul 30, 2007

Really good list Bob.

But the program will have to extend to a 3 or 4 day event with all of these classes. I want to go to all of them.

I attended all of the classes this year and liked that time spent better than walking around and seeing the the booths for the 10th time.

This might be an idea for a newbies (I know you ask for experianced)
class.

It could be outside and show the new people the right way to secure a load in a cargo van and a straight truck.

Haveing several different people showing there truck with a load or even the way to do it without a load, or with an empty box, would be helpfull to someone new.

There are 50-11 different ways to do it and it might give others an idea of how and why to do it different.

jaminjim · Jul 30, 2007

Would dancing girls be out of the question?

greg334 · Jul 30, 2007

More Bathrooms, you never have enough!

cheri1122 · Jul 30, 2007

If JamminJim gets his wish, then Greg would be correct - but there were enough bathrooms, so I'd veto the dancing girls, just in case.

Seriously, the seminars put on by experienced folks, like DaveKC, and Terry, for example, are what sets the Expedite Expo apart, and I'd like to see more of those. A skills challenge event would be excellent, and a 'run from hell!' contest would be fun, too. More interactive events, as opposed to spectating, might just get more people involved, I'd think.

greg334 · Jul 30, 2007

How about a seminar on how to deal with truck stop pan handling people and lot lizards?

cheri1122 · Jul 30, 2007

Oh! I've got one! Linder could do a seminar on "47 ways to use your rice cooker" - I'd bet that would be really popular, cause we've all got to eat, but we're not all that accomplished on preparing tasty meals on the go...
And TennesseeHawk could teach us to make his fabulous pork chops, and others could volunteer to prepare their favorite "Road food", too. Yes, I think we're onto something here!

whitey1 · Jul 30, 2007

Allright, Cheri is nominated to lead a seminar on preparing good (and healthy) food on the road.

arkjarhead · Jul 30, 2007

I hope i can just make it next year.

cheri1122 · Jul 30, 2007

Umm, a fridge full of Lean Cuisine & dark chocolate is as far as I've got - that's why I suggested Linder - she actually cooks! And I bet a lot of drivers do, too, but I've been known to have pickled beets & popcorn for an evening meal, lol.:+

OntarioVanMan · Jul 31, 2007

For us repeat attendees...a truck is a truck...we see them all year!!
What I especially like is just the meeting of the minds, so to speak. Maybe a formal gathering hole for forum members, our own tent? Maybe a check in board to place our names so others know we are there...I hear over and over " gee didn't know you were there too bad we missed ya!"

cheri1122 · Jul 31, 2007

Good point, OVM!
Here's another possibility for a seminar: personal safety. Discussing how to avoid trouble, (ie: a passenger seat piled with stuff is a dead giveaway that the driver is alone), and some tips on how to handle it if it should arise, as most 'weapons' are illegal in a commercial vehicle.
It's a subject we deal with every day, in our own ways, and some advice would be welcome, I think, on how to protect yourself, without breaking the law.

FAMILYEXPDT · Jul 31, 2007

How about seminars based on business models and what is a successful business model for an expediter, whether they want to expand or stay solo? I have helped a number of people create business plans, because even tho they see them and know they need to have one, they had no clue how to prepare one. How-to's are important, not just must-haves. I hope I am exlpaining myself ok here.

-charlotte

cheri1122 · Jul 31, 2007

Makes perfect sense! It's like, when the dentist says that brushing & flossing are important - if he doesn't show you how to do it correctly, he's not helping you, really, because you could be doing it, but all wrong.
It's a good idea, I think. Are you volunteering to lead it?

raceman · Jul 31, 2007

Authority and who it is really good for. I went at getting mine on my own before I got into OOIDA and wow what a difference.

Bottom line: Have OOIDA do some speaking on how they help in this area and others. The provide a drug testing program for me as well through CCMI.

When I first joined them, I saw no benefit. After actually using them and the services, I would not be without them.

I once told Jeff I would love to do a helpful article for those looking at becoming a fleet owner. I have some great info to share in that area and it be wonderful to have it balanced by a successful fleet owner. Now that would save many folks, many dollars.

Raceman
Dedicated O/O
OOIDA 741748
www.trickortruck.com