The North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) announced the successful launch of the inaugural Trailer Tech Expo, held Feb. 25-27 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada.
The industry-leading, three-day event — powered by NATDA and sponsored by Dealer Spike and Novae — delivered a focused platform for advancing innovations, technologies and training in the light- to medium-duty trailer sector, establishing a new benchmark for industry excellence, the association said.
The event featured a full day of dealership education, two and a half days of technician training, a full day of exhibits and NATDA’s very first Industry Awards Banquet. More than 60 technology-focused exhibitors showcased their never-before-seen innovations, services and products, providing attendees with an unparalleled opportunity to explore the latest advancements in the trailer industry.
Trailer Tech Expo delivered a dynamic mix of education both on and off the show floor, featuring eleven technical classes led by Dexter’s Bill Snider — many reaching full capacity — along with nine dealer education sessions and six exhibitor-led Innovation Stage presentations, ensuring valuable insights for every dealer in attendance.
“NATDA’s Trailer Tech Expo was designed to equip dealers and trailer industry professionals with the knowledge, innovations and connections needed to navigate the rapidly evolving trailer industry,” said NATDA Executive Director Andria Gibbon. “With cutting-edge technology, hands-on training, forward-thinking discussions and best-in-class networking, Trailer Tech Expo has set a new benchmark for innovation and education inside the industry.”
Event Highlights
Dealer Education Program
Sponsored by Dura-Haul Trailers, the program offered Tow Talks and sessions covering topics such as technology and AI in sales and operations, dealership succession planning, recruiting and retaining employees, and measuring service productivity. Industry experts such as Sara Hey from Bob Clements International, Kent Lewis from FreeGren and Jeff Robertson from Jeff Robertson Consulting shared their invaluable insights. One attendee shared, “Our whole lot crew is here…they are so excited because these guys know a lot already about how to fix everything. They came to me and they said, ‘yeah, we learned something new’. And that was really exciting.”
Technician Training
The event provided the most expansive hands-on technician training curriculum NATDA has ever hosted. Partnering with Dexter, technicians had the chance to earn credit towards the new NATDA certification program.
Technology-Driven Expo Hall
The expo hall featured interactive displays and demonstrations of groundbreaking products, design enhancements and partnerships from trailer and truck bed manufacturers, as well as related industry vendors. Attendees were guaranteed to see the latest innovations, as companies were required to showcase new technologies.
Industry Excellence Awards Banquet
The first-ever NATDA Awards Banquet recognized and celebrated the most forward-thinking dealers, manufacturers and vendors in the industry with the Industry Excellence Awards. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Ricky Baker and ten other individuals and companies were recognized across categories such as Manufacturer of the Year, Dealer of the Year, Vendor of the Year, Woman of the Year, Educational Excellence, Rising Star (Company), Rising Star (Individual), Customer Service Excellence, Marketing Excellence for Technology and Leadership in Business Technology.
Strong Industry Engagement The debut of NATDA’s Trailer Tech Expo provided an engaging environment for in-depth discussions, hands-on training, and one-of-a-kind networking opportunities. Dealers valued the chance to connect with new companies on the show floor in an unrushed setting, while exhibitors found the quality of interactions and leads made their participation highly worthwhile. Attendees also praised the Reno location and the exceptional hotel amenities.
Looking Ahead Due to its overwhelming success and ability to fill a critical gap within the industry, NATDA’s Trailer Tech Expo will return in 2026. Dates will be announced soon for this must-attend event, which promises to continue driving the trailer industry forward with cutting-edge innovations and invaluable networking opportunities.
