Utah's Management Conference & Trucking Expo Promises Networking Opportunies, Industry Information

by Jake Tully - Published: 5/04/2017
May 10^th marks the beginning of the 2017 Management Conference and Trucking Expo from the Utah Trucking Association.

Held at the Dixie Convention Center in St. George, Utah, the 2017 Management Conference and Trucking Expo sees over 20 years of the UTA holding this event for the commercial transportation industry.

“It’s any opportunity for all the trucking professionals in Utah and in neighboring states come and to network together while getting information on the industry and networking, all the while sharing ideas with like-minded people,” said Kelsey Halls, Marketing Director for the Utah Management Conference and Trucking Expo.

Halls explained that the 2017 Conference and Expo is designed primarily for decision-makers within trucking companies in the greater Utah area, with seminars, resources and vendors available throughout the three-day event.

“One of our overall topics will be how the ELD mandate will affect trucking companies,” said Halls. “Having conversations with companies now so that they can prepare for December is a big issue.”

The theme for 2017’s Conference and Expo is “Trucking Drives Utah Business” with activities and information related to the economic boon that trucking provides to Utah as a state as well as the rest of the economy in the United States.

“We’ll have an economist come to speak to our attendees about how integral trucking is to the entire economy,” said Halls. “We also have Rebecca Brewster from the American Transportation Research Institute coming to speak to the top issues in the trucking industry and how to combat them.”

Halls noted that the Conference and Expo may not be particularly geared towards those entering the industry, rather it is an event for company executives and drivers who have spent some time as professionals in the industry.

“For the most part this event is for people who are already invested in the trucking industry, but we would like to invite anyone that would like to come and learn more – it’s open to anyone.”

In comparison to other large-scale industry events such as GATS or MATS, The Utah Management Conference and Trucking Expo will not feature as many bells and whistles, but will still serve as an entertaining and informative way for companies in the Utah area to collaborate and network.

“Our expo has 54 booths with vendors that run the gamut, 7 trailers and 13 tractors,” said Halls.“We are featuring a full expo hall with vendors who are veterans of the industry who come every year.”

The conference sees companies and leaders come together who may be competitors but also those who are very good friends. Halls explained that those in attendance generally want to see their fellow companies succeed for the greater good of the trucking industry in the state.

“Our top priorities are information, having a good time and offering networking opportunities,” said Hall. “It’s kind of like a family reunion -our attendees truly enjoy each other’s company and it’s a great way to see old friends for a few days.”

Registration is still open for the event and information can be found at the Utah Trucking Association's site.