A Three-Day Event Focused on Technology, Innovations & Conversations
The 2026 Trailer Tech Expo Powered by NATDA brought dealers, technicians, and exhibitors together in Reno for three days of purposeful education, product discovery, and relationship-building.
Despite winter weather challenges, nearly 60 exhibitors made it to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, each bringing valuable new technology, components and future-ready solutions for the light-to-medium-duty trailer market.
Training the Industry on All Levels
NATDA significantly expanded its technical training offerings this year, hosting 11 hands-on service classes supported by a full slate of practical instruction from leading industry educators.
Dexter’s Bill Snider and his team returned with the crowd-favorite hands-on sessions designed to strengthen maintenance fundamentals while introducing advanced diagnostic techniques for both new and experienced service technicians.
Launched in 2025, NATDA introduced its Service Professional Certification Program, allowing students to earn credits by attending approved classes. Once a technician collects the required certificates for their chosen level, they can take the corresponding exam and work toward achieving the prestigious NATDA Master Level Trailer Technician Certification.
Another first this year was the Technician Happy Hour, which gave service teams the chance to compare notes, share challenges, and build relationships in a relaxed environment outside the classroom.
Dealer and Leadership Sessions That Delivered Real Takeaways
Sponsored by Dura-Haul Trailers, the expanded dealer education track focused on communication, leadership, revenue strategy, and practical marketing improvements.
A standout highlight was a special panel on fraud featuring an LAPD detective from the Task Force for Regional Auto Theft, alongside Matt Bersch (Sheffield Financial), Cameron Smith (Matrack Inc.), and Jim Lawyer (700 Credit).
Top-Attended Sessions Included:
Tow Talk: Get the Crew on Board – The Science of Making Change with Johnathan Aguero and Sara Hey
Aguero and Hey led an interactive session packed with practical strategies for improving team buy-in, strengthening internal communication, and navigating organizational change inside growing dealerships.
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions for Additional Lead Generation with Drew Ryan
In this well-attended session, Ryan offered a tactical roadmap with proven ways to boost dealership visibility and convert digital interest into qualified leads. This session was ideal for small teams seeking easy-to-implement improvements.
Tow Talk: Driving Profit – Understanding Dealership Revenue Flow & Developing Service Leaders with Mark Spader, Sara Hey, and Ronnie Enns
Even as one of the earliest sessions of the day, dealers arrived in droves to hear this high-impact panel break down all dealership revenue channels, with a special emphasis on transforming service departments into stronger profit centers.
Collectively, the education track blended leadership coaching, operational efficiency, service productivity, and practical marketing—equipping attendees with actionable tools they could put to work immediately.
“Within hours it was clear we’re not alone in our challenges. We left with a list of steps we can act on right away.” - Kingdom Equipment & Trailers (VT)
A Show Floor Built for Deeper Dialogue
Thursday’s full-day expo prioritized extended conversations, hands-on demonstrations, and first looks at product innovation. The curated size of the floor allowed dealers to spend more time with vendors, explore emerging technology, and build partnerships in a more meaningful way.
Exhibitors consistently reported strong dealer engagement, high-quality conversations, and promising follow-up opportunities.
“The ROI here may actually be higher than a big summer show. The interactions are longer and the networking is deeper.” - Delco Trailers
Celebrating Excellence Across the Trailer Industry
The Industry Excellence Awards Banquet, sponsored by Liberty Trailers, brought the trailer community together for an evening recognizing achievement, service, leadership, and innovation. Eleven recipients were honored, including Lifetime Achievement Award honoree George Fehr, founder of Lamar Trailers.
“Trailer Tech Expo is built around deeper conversations in classrooms, on the show floor, and in every networking moment that help dealers sharpen operations and close real business when they get home.” — Andria Gibbon, CEM, Executive Director, NATDA
Looking Ahead to 2027
More to come on details about future Trailer Tech Expo plans. Dealers, technicians, manufacturers, and service teams can follow NATDA’s website and social channels to stay updated as planning begins for another year of high-impact programming.
