Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW), the largest North American gathering of the independent heavy-duty aftermarket industry, is moving to the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine TX for its 15th annual conference in 2020.
The event traditionally was held in Las Vegas NV. The new venue will accommodate the increased need and industry demand for more exhibit space, expanding the Product Expo by 80%, from 100,000 to 180,000 square feet, and adding 250,000-plus square feet of meeting and event space, allowing HDAW to expand opportunities for industry meetings, events and distributor education offerings.
HDAW 2020 is set for Jan. 27-30. The business-to-business event welcomes more than 2,500 executives and managers from the US, Canada and six other countries, including distributors, suppliers, service providers, educators and industry media. This move provides the supplier community larger exhibit space options and an accessible hotel venue, making the event “convenient and affordable.”
“Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the Gaylord Texan,” said Tim Kraus, president and COO of the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association. “The decision to move was not taken lightly. It comes after much consideration of industry feedback and our goal to ensure the industry has the best opportunity to come together and conduct business. This new space will provide a more business- culture focused venue, which will allow us to bring innovative new elements to the conference that will ultimately enhance the attendees experience—all under one roof.”
HDAW 2020 will offer the independent aftermarket four days of highly targeted distributor education workshops and product training, including SOLD! (Service Opportunities & Learning Day), offering a two-day program designed for distributors with service and repair technicians. Additionally, the event will feature a world-class product expo with the latest and greatest in HD parts-services on display. Product experts will be available to assist attendees with gathering the information they need to make buying decisions.
“This move is exactly what the industry needs,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association, the segment owner of HDDA: Heavy Duty (HDDA). “As the industry grows, it’s important that we make the adjustments needed to effectively and efficiently facilitate productive business and provide a comfortable atmosphere to gather. As we researched possible locations, we found the Gaylord Texan to be a fantastic partner and we’re pleased to bring not only our industry but it’s significant economic impact to the region.”
Attendees also will benefit from the multiple peer networking opportunities, social and spouse activities, as well as the popular supplier and distributor one-on-one meetings, giving the HD aftermarket community opportunities to share ideas, collaborate, make business connections and have some fun.
“HDAW is the premier event of the year for networking and industry learning,” said Andy Robblee, president of Six Robblees’ and CVSN. “As an independent distributor, I am thrilled that the ownership group continues to invest in and look for ways to move the industry and the conference forward. The move to Dallas will be a win for the majority of the distributors who are coming from the Midwest and East Coast, as well as provide more space for the vendor show. And an added benefit: the event’s proximity to DFW airport, a major US hub to which many airlines offer direct service. This convenience allows distributors to bring additional team members to experience and benefit from the event. The Mirage has been good to us, (and) the Gaylord will be great.”
For more information or to register for HDAW 2020, visit hdaw.org.