The trucking industry is getting smarter.
Perhaps as a natural result of the amount of technology and data generated by modern trucks, industry veterans and newcomers alike are finding new and innovative ways to improve their operations and changing the paradigm of how business is done in our industry. The deluge of data and numerous resources available are empowering executives and drivers alike to make better-informed decisions within their business.
Trucks aren’t the only thing getting smarter, however.
Truckload Carriers Association President Jim Ward was recently asked in an interview with Truckload Authority magazine what he felt was the purpose of a trade association in 2022. His response was the primary service we provide the industry is education. An engaged and informed membership base – one that is current on the issues – is the key to any association’s success and efforts to increase the image of the industry, both with the general public and with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
It’s for this reason that TCA has taken a fine-tooth comb to each and every one of our numerous industry events, utilizing feedback directly from our members to make them not only some of the top places to network with industry peers, but also to make sure the educational content is relevant, interactive and engaging to attendees.
It is with this goal in mind that we’ve completely revamped the format and offerings of our Annual Convention, Truckload 2023: Orlando, which is taking place from March 4-7 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. Educational sessions will now focus on audience participation and open discussions with many of the industry’s top minds.
Instead of a stream of one-sided lectures, we are focusing on panel discussions and discussion groups filled with industry peers. Panel topics include “Trucking Open Forum: Today’s Industry Hot Topics,” “The Evolution of Work and Your Fleet,” ”Managing Expectations in the Midst of Litigation,” and “ Business Know-How: Mergers & Acquisitions.”
Supplementing these panels are topic-focused moderated discussion groups encouraging participation from all attendees on a variety of areas ranging from safety and insurance to young transportation executives and succession planning. Naturally, no conference could be complete without inspiring keynote speakers. This year we are bringing in Fox Business host Charles Payne and change management expert Cassandra Worthy to provide attendees with an outside perspective on some of the biggest issues we face today. Thanks to the sponsorship of Pilot Flying J and International Truck for sponsoring Charles’ and Cassandra’s participation.
Of course, a big component of in-person meetings will always be networking and making memories with other attendees in the industry. That’s why, for the first time, we are introducing new networking opportunities, including late night events and bringing back favorites like Monday night’s Truckload Strong TopGolf outing, receptions each evening and the highly-anticipated Closing Banquet where we will celebrate the industry by revealing the winners of some of our biggest contests – and being entertained by Blues Traveler, thanks to the sponsorship of Pilot Flying J and Monster Energy Drinks.
If you have attended TCA Annual Conventions in the past, or if you are looking for a great way to get involved and further your career through education and networking, the 2023 Annual Convention is definitely not one to be missed. Check out the full schedule and register at www.tcaconvention.com, we are excited to see you there!