After an interesting set of circumstances , the 2021 NATDA Trailer Show was a great wrapup to a successful year . We want to thank you – our dealers , vendors and manufacturers alike – for your support of the association , especially in times like these . Despite the year we ’ ve had , the industry has only grown stronger .
This year ’ s return to form served the association well , bringing record-breaking attendance to the first post-COVID show . The expo hall was packed with over 220 exhibitors , 65 of which were brand-new to the show . While in Nashville , dealers got the chance to learn from Allegiance Merchant Services , who you can learn more from in Surcharging Card Payments : Know the Guidelines for Successful Cost Reductions ( Page 58 ), Dealer- PRO Training , who educates dealers in 6 Ways to Increase Your Service Traffic ( Page 48 ) and many others . Besides education , dealers attended the lively Dealer Happy Hour sponsored by Alcom and unwound with cocktails at the Dealer Reception sponsored by Redneck Trailer Supplies . Meanwhile , exhibitors attended the inaugural NATDA Trailer Parts Expo , where they got the chance to network with fellow exhibitors and enjoy live music and drinks on the expo hall floor . For an in-depth version of the show ’ s summary , check out the 2021 Trailer Show Review ( Page 36 ).
Aside from the show , NATDA was proud to announce 3 new member benefit partnerships , ranging from financial services to wellness plans . The first was the NATDA Enhanced Wellness Program through Meridio , which provides health coverage to association members and their employees . Additionally , our partnership with Allegiance Merchant Services provides a new payment option for your dealership and Synchrony Consumer Finance ’ s new rebate program gives money back from trailer purchases . Your connection to member benefits like these is LeAnna Koerner , who you can meet in Meet your NATDA Membership Manager ! ( Page 13 ). Member benefits were not the only new thing the association had to show this year , though . Earlier in the year , we unveiled an all-new website , giving you a new way to interact with our association .
As always , we have plenty of new manufacturers to share for a multitude of your trailering needs . Learn about Watchdog Trailers ’ innovative start in Be on the Lookout for Watchdog Trailers ( Page 32 ) and Texas Push Off ’ s unique offerings in Texas Push Off : A Force to be Reckoned With ( Page 28 ). Then , don ’ t forget to check out S & B Truck Beds ’ profile in S & B Truck Beds : From Humble Beginnings to Leaders of the Industry ( Page 26 ) and Timpte ’ s ‘ easy to do business with ’ philosophy in Timpte Inc . Equipment Trailers ( Page 30 ). Another manufacturer you won ’ t want to miss is Norstar , whose expansion you can learn about in Ironbull Trailers : Putting Up a “ W ” in a Year of Challenges ( Page 20 ). Manufacturers are not the only thing this issue has to boast , though . Gain inspiration from an industry newcomer in Double A Trailers : Divine Intervention ( Page 16 ).
Looking ahead , we ’ re excited to be back in Nashville for another year in 2022 . Now that the association has largely recovered from the events of 2020 , we look forward to expanding the show and other membership offerings in the years to come . Save the date – we ’ ll see you on August 31 – September 2 , 2022 !
8 NATDA Magazine www . natda . org