Passing The Torch
Welcome to the 2022 NATDA Trailer Show ! As I write this , my last letter as the President of NATDA I find myself reflecting on the last fifteen years of my time with NATDA . Amy and I are so proud of the things that NATDA has accomplished for our members , and our industry is all the better for it . We persevered and never gave up , through a crippling recession in 2008 , to the cancellation of the show in 2020 due to COVID-19 .
I think about how we started NATDA and put together the very first trailer show . The first year for our tradeshow was 2008 , and we had committed to 105,000 sq ft of show space . After a tremendous amount of work , we were able to completely fill the hall , and had 125 dealerships that attended that first show . Fast forward fifteen years , and for 2022 , the list of exhibitors and square footage occupied in the exhibit hall is the largest in NATDA history . The education program for 2022 is the best that we have ever prepared , offering an extensive selection of courses in four learning tracks : human resources , marketing , operations and service .
There are so many things that the NATDA has accomplished over these years . The trailer show has continued to be a place for dealers to come and meet with their suppliers , get access to education and most importantly create friendships and relationships with their peers .
We are excited for the future as we turn over the reins of NATDA to Rick McConnell and Jennifer Hoff at the 2022 show and welcome them to the trailer industry . NATDA is positioned to continue to grow and be an important part of the trailer industry for dealers , manufacturers and vendors alike .
For 2022 , the Wounded Warrior Project is our special charity , and we are excited the be able to raffle off The Ultimate Prize Package supporting the Wounded Warrior Project ( page 4 ) on Friday at the show . The giveaway includes a Kymco UXV 450i Platform , a UTV trailer from Aluma Trailers , a FIRMAN Power Equipment generator , Shelby Trailer wheel chocks , a Galeo theft deterrent and tracking device , a lighting package from TecNiq , a Packout™ cooler set from Milwaukee Tools and so much more ! To be eligible to win , dealers must donate to the NATDA Wounded Warrior Project fundraiser ( look for the QR codes located around Music City Center ) and be present at the New Product Raffle in the Dealer Lounge at 11 : 00 am on Friday , September 1st .
Enjoy the show , and thank you for coming , and supporting us for the last fifteen years . We look forward to the future of NATDA and the entire trailer industry .
Thank you for the support , Andy Ackerman
www . natda . org NATDA Magazine 9