TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (September 2010) – More than 350 trucking industry leaders gathered in Dallas Aug. 25-26, 2010, to attend the inaugural Commercial Vehicle Outlook Conference, produced by Randall-Reilly Business Media & Information and the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association.
The CVOC brought together thought leaders from all segments of the trucking industry to enjoy expert presentations, panel discussions and numerous networking opportunities during two half-days immediately prior to the opening of the Great American Trucking Show. Attendees included fleet executives, truck OEMs, part and component suppliers, truck dealers, distributors, and maintenance and repair specialists.
“Response from attendees and sponsors to the CVOC was overwhelmingly positive,” says Alan Sims, vice president/executive director, Randall-Reilly Events Group. “This year’s conference lays the foundation for us to achieve our goal: To make Dallas the destination where professionals from all segments of the trucking industry gather each fall to see the latest equipment, products and services, learn about industry trends and concerns, and network with their peers, suppliers and customers.”
“For our first ever Commercial Vehicle Outlook Conference, we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome,” states Tim Kraus, president and COO of HDMA. “The leaders of our industry were there as attendees and speakers; the conference content scored very high on our attendee evaluation sheets. Bringing together a large cross-section of our industry for a meaningful outlook conference on the commercial vehicle industry was our goal. Based on the more than 350 registrations and the high praise from a great mix of executives in attendance, we feel we are off to a great start for future CVOC events in Dallas, with GATS.”
CVOC attendees took home real-world insights into the state of the recovery and what the industry must do to survive and thrive in the fourth quarter and beyond. The impressive speaker line-up included keynote addresses by Dan Sobic, executive vice president, PACCAR, and Tommy Hodges, chairman, the American Trucking Associations. Eric Starks, president, FTR Associates, presented an economic outlook for trucking. Donald Broughton, managing director, Avondale Partners, discussed how capital markets are reacting to trucking trends. Other presenters included:
- Scott Kress, Volvo Trucks North America
- Rusty Rush, Rush Enterprises
- Joe Plomin, ArvinMeritor CVS
- Max Fuller, U.S. Xpress
- Leo Suggs, Greatwide Logistics Services
- Tom Kretsinger, American Central Transport
- Jim O’Neal, O & S Trucking
The 2011 CVOC will be held at the Dallas Convention Center Aug. 24-25, immediately prior to the opening of the Great American Trucking Show. The event is sponsored by Castrol Heavy Duty, Commercial Carrier Journal, Kenworth Truck Company, Peterbilt Motors Company, PACCAR Engines, PACCAR Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Utility Trailer Manufacturing and Volvo Trucks North America.
For information on participating in the 2011 CVOC, contact HDMA at www.hdma.org or the Randall-Reilly Events Group at [email protected].
About the Great American Trucking Show
The Great American Trucking Show is an all-encompassing convention of trucking professionals, featuring nearly 450 exhibitors representing truck, trailer, engine, component and parts manufacturers, as well as services catering to the heavy- and medium-duty trucking industry. Educational opportunities include the TruckSmart Summit and sessions produced by the Texas Motor Transportation Association. More than 45,000 trucking professionals attend GATS, including fleet executives, owner-operators, safety and operation managers and suppliers.
About the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association
The Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association provides industry leadership for the NAFTA commercial vehicle component suppliers through a range of services to members, including national and international industry news; market research reports; executive forums, councils, premier conferences and industry events; advocacy and collaboration in government affairs and within the commercial vehicle industry.
