Elevate Your Trailer Industry Expertise at 2024 Convention

Posted By: Ginger Baker-Sanhueza NATM News, Convention & Trade Show,

The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is gearing up for its much-anticipated 2024 Convention & Trade Show, and the lineup of educational workshops and technical forums promises to be an exceptional highlight of the event. With a focus on empowering industry professionals with valuable insights, expert knowledge, and cutting-edge skills, these sessions are designed to cater to the diverse needs of all participants in the trailer industry. Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect during the event.


Tuesday, February 13
› Government Affairs Panel
Presenter: Brody Garland, K&L Gates 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Kickstart the 2024 Convention by joining the Government Affairs discussion, led by Brody Garland of K&L Gates. Gain insights into NATM's work on Capitol Hill and a comprehensive overview of congressional activities. Discover what to expect in 2024 and how it can impact the trailer industry.

› The Power of Innovation: Powder Coating and Towing Technologies Unveiled
Presenters: Stephen Houston, Vitracoat; 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

In this Technical Forum,  Vitracoat shares insights into powder coating, including strategies to avoid failures and effective troubleshooting techniques.  

› Bulletproof Selling Keynote
Presenter: Shawn Rhodes, Bulletproof Selling 12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Awards Lunch

Sales is a high-stakes battlefield, and the path to success is treacherous. It’s full of relentless stress with unknown threats lurking around every corner. Salespeople are learning the hard way that hope is not a sales strategy. Through gripping stories from his experiences on battlefields and the front lines of sales, Shawn Rhodes unveils the secret to selling more  — and serving more. Learn how to rapidly adapt and thrive in the face of uncertainty and never lose a sale for the same reason again. This session will show how to rewrite the rules, defy the odds, and unleash your full potential on the battlefield of business.

› Beyond Compliance: Turbocharge Your Sales with the NATM Decal Advantage
Presenter: Shawn Rhodes (Part 1);  Scott Crimmins (Part 2) 2:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Rhodes returns for this two-part workshop series, starting with a Q&A session. Discover NATM's exclusive Compliance Verification Program with NATM Technical Director Scott Crimmins and how to maximize its potential to boost your business's profitability. In part two, engage in role-playing scenarios and enhance your sales game to capitalize on the NATM Decal advantage.

› Welding and Cutting Automation
Presenter: Bill Pharmer, Airgas 2:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Stay ahead of the curve with insights into the latest welding and cutting automation trends. Explore cobots, additive manufacturing, laser technology, conventional robotics, and plasma cutting. Learn how to calculate the return on investment and effectively deploy advanced automation solutions to optimize processes and increase productivity.

Wednesday, February 14
› HR Insights Unveiled: Elevating the Employee Experience
Presenter: Stephanie Hand, Lutz 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

In the ever-evolving business landscape, HR professionals and business owners face numerous challenges. This workshop provides strategies to tackle talent shortages, adapt to new technology, and address turnover effectively. Stay informed about the latest HR trends and acquire actionable solutions to attract and retain talent successfully.

› A Comparison of Cargo Trailer Assembly Methods
Presenters: Ryan Faber and Julia Poppe, 3M Company 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Intrigued by the latest advancements in cargo trailer assembly? Don't miss this technical forum led by experts from 3M Company. The session offers a comprehensive comparison and live demonstrations of various assembly methods, including mechanical fasteners, liquid adhesives, acrylic foam tape, and liquid/tape combinations. Learn about design, assembly, and performance considerations, and discover how to sell different assembly types effectively. › Financial Resolutions for a New Year:  Investing for the Future Presenter: Tom Mahler and Pat Roberson, Raymond James 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Staying informed about market trends and long-term opportunities is crucial for financial success. Join this workshop to gain valuable knowledge and guidance to make informed decisions and navigate today's financial landscapes successfully.

› Financial Resolutions for a New Year: Investing for the Future
Presenters: Thomas Mahler and Pat Roberson, Raymond James 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM.

Staying informed is a key factor in maintaining a successful path to your financial goals. Join the experts as they discuss recent market trends and the long-term opportunities they are creating. This workshop will provide valuable knowledge and guidance to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of today's financial landscapes.

› VIN Calculations Made Easy
Presenter: Whitney Kovalenko, Dec-O-Art 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Streamline your VIN calculations and labeling procedures with this informative workshop. Gain a comprehensive understanding of VIN-related processes and ensure seamless federal compliance for smooth operations in the automotive industry.

The 2024 NATM Convention & Trade Show is an unparalleled opportunity to enhance your expertise, network with industry leaders, and stay at the forefront of the light- and medium-duty trailer industry's latest trends and innovations. Make the most of these educational workshops and technical forums to elevate your career and your business.  

Register Today!


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