The National Trailer Dealers Association (NTDA) will host its 31st Annual Convention Oct. 6–8 at Fairmont Chateau Whistler in Whistler, B.C. Online registration and housing will open May 24 on www.ntda.org for the much-anticipated, in-person Convention that is dedicated to gathering “the best of the best” in the semi-trailer industry.
“Each year, the NTDA pays careful attention to creating an intimate atmosphere that blends world-class educational offerings as well as incredible events that allow for candid networking and the open exchange of ideas, information, and strategies for facing the challenges of the trailer industry. This year’s program is going to be more special than ever as we gather again in such an incredible location,” said Gwendolyn Brown, NTDA President.
The NTDA is considering the health and safety of attendees and staff during every step of the planning process. The association will strictly follow both U.S. and Canadian-based guidelines, and is in constant communication with Canadian officials as well as with the resort and convention/trade show suppliers to ensure a safe, open, and viable event.
The General Session and Keynote Presentation on Thursday, Oct. 7 includes an economic overview focused on freight and the semi-trailer industry by Kenny Vieth, president and senior analyst of ACT Research.
Next, David Coletto, partner and CEO of Abacus Data, will discuss the post-pandemic industry landscape. Charles Carr, co-founder and partner with Carr Allison, will enlighten attendees about the devastating impacts of insurance fraud and nuclear verdicts on fleets. Stephen Laskowski, President of the Canadian Trucking Alliance and the Ontario Trucking Association, will deliver an industry keynote address covering the U.S. and Canadian regulatory landscapes.
The convention will also feature concurrent sessions on the new challenges of a changing workforce as well as a Dealer CRM roundtable discussion.
Plus, it all takes place at the world-famous Fairmont Chateau Whistler. The resort has been named one of Travel + Leisure’s Top 10 Best Resorts in Canada four years, including 2020. Conde’ Nast Traveler has ranked the resort among its Top 10 Resorts in Canada since 2010. Chef Isabel Chung won the Rising Star of the Year Award in 2019. GOLF Magazine named the resort one of the Top 100 Resorts in North America in 2019 and 2020, and Score Magazine named the resort as having the best public course in Canada in 2017. Northwest Meetings & Events Magazine has named the resort the Best Resort Hotel three times. Plus, it is an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary—recognized for its natural beauty and environmental responsibility.
New to this year’s convention, attendees will have the opportunity to casually network and learn with an “Ask the Expert Welcome Lounge” on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Attendees are encouraged to stop by the lounge for beverages, snacks, networking with colleagues, and the opportunity to meet with a variety of industry experts who can answer questions about the economy, Federal Excise Tax, and other industry concerns. Representatives from the NTDA board of directors will also be on hand to greet attendees.
The annual Exhibition and Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 10 will feature more than 80 displays that include new semi-trailer products and innovations, finance options, management software, and more.
Multiple networking events, include a reception for first-time attendees and event sponsors, and a Whistler Street Fair-style Welcome Reception on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Attendees will enjoy the gorgeous fall colors and alpine atmosphere of Whistler’s Blackcomb mountains while sampling local fare and connecting with fellow attendees.
Attendees and guests can explore optional activities. Fall in Whistler offers an abundance of activities, wide-open spaces, and a unique, laid-back pace. In fact, there is so much to do, it is hard to know where to begin. Whistler’s businesses are upholding the highest of standards in health and safety.
A short walk or free shuttle ride from the resort is Whistler Village. From the cultural to the culinary, the educational to the entertaining, its boutique shops, museums, restaurants, galleries, and more deliver countless options for enjoyment.
As always, the annual Golf Tournament is expected to draw a sizable attendance at the stunning and award-winning Robert Trent Jones Course at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club on Friday, Oct. 8. The Golf Tournament is a fundraiser for the NTDA’s Scholarship Program. The NTDA has awarded more than $215,000 in scholarships to 81 children of NTDA member employees since 1998. This year eight-time Canadian Long Drive Champion Lisa “Longball” Vlooswyk will be on-hand for the “Beat the Pro” contest. Golfers will want to bring their “A Game” for this fun and exciting event.
As an added bonus, Vlooswyk will share her philosophy “drive determines distance” on Friday evening. Vlooswyk will explain how to stay at the top of your game and perform at the highest level, year after year during the Awards Dinner on Friday, Oct. 8. Dinner attendees also are entered into drawings to win valuable prizes.
Accessing Whistler from anywhere in the world is simple with multiple international airports and direct airport transfers. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the closest international airport to Whistler, located 83 miles south of Whistler in BC, Canada. The drive to Whistler takes you along Highway 99, one of the most scenic routes in the world, also known as the Sea to Sky Highway.
Along the way, you will drive along ocean, mountains, forests, trails, waterfalls, lakes, and much more! You may spot wildlife from eagle to elk. Vancouver International is serviced by a wide range of commercial international and Canadian airlines.
Attendees can also fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) and drive up the scenic coast. The 140-mile scenic drive from Seattle to Vancouver, Canada may allow you to bypass pandemic-related hassles associated with air travel. Check www.ntda.org for travel updates.
Once individuals register for the Convention on www.ntda.org, they will receive a link to reserve rooms at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Attendees must use the provided link to receive negotiated discounts on rooms.
You do not need a vehicle once you are in Whistler. Explore the neighborhoods by bus, free shuttle, bike or on foot via the paved Valley Trail or use the 24-hour taxi service.
For more information, contact the NTDA toll-free (U.S.) at 1-800-800-4552, direct dial (810) 229-5960, or e-mail [email protected].