It's a Team's Life

Mid America Truck Show

Mid America Truck Show

First, I must apologize for not writing a blog last week. I have no excuse except to say that life was very busy. I will try and make it up to every reader by writing great content. Speaking of great content, what topics would you like to see more of? I am always looking for suggestions. Thank you in advance for your ideas.

On to this week’s blog…

Last week Dave and I went to the Mid America Truck Show like we have done so many years before. We were invited to attend a seminar on the Wednesday and Thursday prior to the show. The seminar is geared towards men and women who are employees of trucking companies (or W2 employees) wanting to start their own trucking business. There is very little that was presented that we haven’t already learned in running our business. We did win some prizes so that was worth the time spent in the seminar.

We spent the rest of the week walking through the booths, visiting with truck drivers and corporate representatives. On Friday we enjoyed another Women in Trucking event with food, prizes, the announcement of this year’s Woman in Trucking and the final group photo shoot.

Now you might be thinking, “So what? Why are you telling us what you did at MATS?” Glad you asked. The purpose for this blog is to ask you some questions. First of all, did you go to MATS this year? If you did, did you find value in going to the show? If not, why did you not go? Do you go every year? Why? Have you never gone? Why not? 

Over the years of attending MATS we have watched the show slowly shrink in size both in vendors and attendees. Other trucking shows that we have attended in the past seem to be experiencing a similar fate. The once Great American Truck Show shut down several years ago. I wonder what is causing this lack of interest and if it is strictly in the trucking world or if it is happening throughout many types of industries. What would it take to revive these truck shows? Similar to my earlier questions about what kind of content would you benefit from in this blog, what could these truck shows provide to draw more venders and attendees? To be completely honest, we go to these shows to  meet up with friends and enjoy some down time together. Unfortunately, we do not find much value in anything provided at these shows. Maybe they are really meant for new truck business owners rather than for those who have been in business for many years. What are we missing? Does anyone still find value in attending these truck shows? Again, your input is greatly appreciated.

Here’s to millions of safe, profitable and GROWING miles.

Kelly Plumb