Photo courtesy of NATM
Natm2020 South Point Hotel

NATM 2020 Convention preview

Jan. 24, 2020
NATM 2020 convention & Trade Show rolls the dice in return to Vegas

The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) will host its 2020 Convention & Trade Show Feb 11-13 at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa in Las Vegas NV.

The NATM Convention & Trade Show is curated specifically for light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturers with a trade show floor that is a one-stop-shop for products, parts and service providers, as well as educational content, including workshops and technical forums. The sold-out trade show floor will feature more than 275 booths, and the newest products and services in the light- and medium-duty industry. For a full list of exhibitors, visit natm.com/convention.

Trailer manufacturers can take advantage of the early-bird registration rate of $100 for NATM members and $150 for non-members until Dec 31. Full registrations include access to all workshops, forums, networking events, trade show floor and meals (except Top Golf Tee-Off) outlined in the show calendar.

NATM is offering free full registrations for trailer manufacturers’ spouses, as well as a New Member Promotion that includes two complimentary full registrations and two complimentary hotel room nights (while available) for first-time attendees or those who have not attended in five years or more. For more information about joining NATM to take advantage of this offer or questions regarding registration for the event, contact NATM Member Services Coordinator Kathy Johnson at (785) 272-4433 or [email protected].

“Every year we attend the NATM trade show we come back with a new supplier that either saves us money or provides a much better product,” said Joel Bauer, president of Midsota Mfg. “It’s been a great return on investment to attend. Not to mention the great classes that are offered every year that keep us current on many industry issues.”

New to 2020 is the “Tee Off to Convention” event. NATM is jumpstarting the week with a networking event hosted at Top Golf Las Vegas that will include food, drinks and fun on Monday, Feb 10. This event replaces the annual golf tournament and Friday Night Gala. For more information about “Tee Off to Convention” tickets, visit natm.com/convention.

South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa will serve as the host hotel, as well as the site for all educational sessions, meetings and trade show. The discounted NATM rate is $94 per night, including resort fees (Sun-Thurs) and $149 per night including resort fees (Fri/Sat). The South Point features 11 dining options, a 16-screen movie theater, 64-lane bowling center, spa, fitness center and casino on-site, and is a short ride from the Vegas Strip.

Educational workshops and technical forums for NATM’s 2020 Convention & Trade Show were carefully selected for trailer manufacturers and suppliers. The convention will offer educational workshops and technical forums Feb 11-12. In 2020, registered booth workers also are eligible to attend all workshops and forums. The educational topics and schedule are currently set as follows:


Educational Workshops:

Warranty Management System

Government Affairs Update

Hiring and Onboarding

Employee Engagement

Empowering New Leaders

Technical Forums:

Trailer Safety Chain Application

Lighting—Don’t Gamble with It!

Common Trailer Failures

Trailer Tech Talk

NATM Keynote: Rely on ‘Your Wingman’

Having transitioned from Top Gun to top salesman and entrepreneur, his unique experiences in competitive and diverse environments enable him to genuinely relate to the challenges individuals face both in and out of the workplace. Audiences love Waldo because he truly speaks from the heart and has an infectious passion for helping people. His captivating personal stories combined with dramatic jet fighter video footage and inspirational music (composed by him) will encourage listeners to prepare diligently for every mission, face challenges with courage, build more meaningful relationships and maximize potential in business and in life.

A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Waldo overcame claustrophobia and a fear of heights to become a highly decorated F-16 fighter pilot and lead combat missions in Iraq and Serbia. He holds an MBA with a focus on Organizational Behavior, is past President of the Georgia Chapter of The National Speakers Association and was ranked one of the Top 40 Business Leaders in Georgia.

Waldo believes the key to building a culture of trust is with your wingmen—those trusted partners in life who help you to overcome obstacles, adapt to change and achieve success. In business and life, you should never fly solo. The way to win when the heat is on lies in the ability of every wingman in the organization, regardless of their role, to give 110% and support the team.

His message is simple. Whether achieving greatness as a fighter pilot or in business, the same qualities that drive success apply: disciplined training, dedicated teamwork, impassioned leadership and most of all—unwavering trust.

Rob “Waldo” Waldman delivers the message of maximizing performance in competitive environments. Known as “the Wingman,” he teaches organizations how to build trusting, revenue-producing relationships with their employees, partners and customers while relaying his personal experiences as a combat-decorated fighter pilot and businessman. He makes a striking parallel that is memorable and exciting, and brings fighter pilot energy and passion into each story and illustration.

About the Author

TBB Staff