THELEAD
Letter from the Executive Directornatda. org
The Future Is Built Here
Andria Gibbon, CEM Executive Director North American Trailer Dealers Association
Welcome to the 2026 NATDA Trailer Show! For 19 years, the NATDA Trailer Show has brought the trailer industry together to build relationships, share ideas, find solutions, and prepare for what’ s next. As the industry evolves, NATDA continues to look for new and innovative ways to invest in dealer success, and this year’ s show and the coming year reflects that commitment.
Strengthening Service Operations One of the most significant opportunities for dealerships today is the growth of service operations. As trailer owners keep equipment longer and dealerships look for new revenue streams, service departments are becoming an increasingly important part of the business. See our Q & A with Dexter’ s training director, Bill Snider on page 56.
To support that growth, NATDA is expanding its investment in technical education and hands-on training. Next year, we’ ll launch the Service Hub at the 2027 NATDA Trailer Show, a dedicated space focused on service excellence. The Service Hub will bring together technical certification seminars & workshops, networking & activations, and service-focused exhibitors to help dealerships strengthen operations, increase their service revenue, and improve performance.
Developing Industry Leaders Training and professional growth remains one of the best investments a dealership can make.
This year, NATDA expanded scholarship opportunities through partnerships with NCM Associates and a new Women in the Trailer Industry( WITI) scholarship to attend the NATDA Trailer Show.
We’ re especially excited to announce the recipient of the NCM Associates leadership scholarship during the show, while this year’ s WITI scholarship recipient, Korin
Simmons of Complete Concessions, will be joining us in Nashville to take advantage of all of the opportunities the Show offers. See page 62 to learn more about her and how she plans to make the most of her time in Nashville.
At NATDA, your success is our mission. That’ s why we continue to invest in opportunities and partners that help the industry grow their skills, strengthen their dealerships.
Expanding Industry Participation We’ re also making it easier for more dealers to experience the value of the NATDA Trailer Show.
Our VIP Dealer Program helps reduce the cost of attending for qualified dealers who are newer to NATDA or have not attended an event in recent years. The goal is simple: bring more dealers to the show floor, connect them with the education, resources, and supplier relationships that can help their businesses grow, and create the kind of experience that keeps them engaged with NATDA and the industry long after the show ends.
More Than A $ 10,000 Giveaway And yes, one dealer will leave Nashville with an extra $ 10,000.
New for 2026, a complimentary lunch on the show floor gives attendees another opportunity to network before the show concludes with our big prize giveaways. It’ s an exciting finish to the week and for one dealer, it could provide funding for training, equipment, marketing, or other investments that support growth.
As you explore the show floor, attend educational sessions, and connect with peers, I hope you’ ll take advantage of everything this week has to offer. None of it would be possible without the continued support of our association and show sponsors, whose partnership helps make this event and the opportunities it creates possible. Thank you for being part of the NATDA community.
I look forward to seeing you on the show floor!
Andria Gibbon, CEM Executive Director
Jenn Ellek VP, Marketing & Communciations
Corey Langley Director of Exhibits & Partnerships
LeAnna Koerner Director of Membership
Rachel Grundner Director of Sales
Spencer Hamilton Senior Account Executive
Pam DiCara Finance Manager
Arianna Ramer Operations Manager
Caitlin Stephens Marketing & Communications Manager
The Haul magazine is published by: Brady Media Group LLC Pat Brady bradymedia @ cox. net
Layout & Design by: Stephanie McGhee
The Executive Team at Trifecta Collective, LLC Rick McConnell, CEO Donna Bellantone, COO Adam Bernard, CFO
The Haul magazine is published six times a year by the North American Trailer Dealers Association. Reprinting in whole or by any means— graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or information storage and retrieval systems— is expressly forbidden without written permission from the publisher. Editorial contributions are welcome but editorJes recommend that contributors query first. NATDA assumes no responsibility for loss or damage thereto. All photographs should be released for publication by the source. NATDA is not responsible for return of unsolicited photographs or manuscripts. NATDA reserves the right to use material at its discretion and we reserve the right to edit material to meet our publishing / editorial requirements. Please Note: the articles contained in this publication are meant to increase reader awareness of trailer ownership. Its contents should not be construed as advice or instruction on such topics, which should be obtained directly from the product manufacturer.
Inquiries & Change of Address write:
NATDA 2300 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 305 Arlington, VA 22201( 727) 360-0304 info @ natda. org
8 The Haul www. natda. org