The 10th NATDA Trade Show held from Sept. 7 to 9 in Indianapolis had a record-setting attendance.
The 2017 NATDA Trade Show reported a total of:
- 492 attending dealerships
- 78 manufacturer brands exhibiting
- 173 vendors exhibiting
- 63 first-time exhibitors
The week kicked off with technical workshops hosted by LINK Trailer Parts, which involved live installations and multi-point service inspections from B&W Trailer Hitches, CURT Group, and Dexter Axle’s top technicians.
“This year’s technical workshop attendance was phenomenal, even with the unfortunate situations of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey hitting the country,” said Jesse Battle, NATDA executive director. “We had about thirty dealerships that couldn’t make it, but our members’ safety is the most important thing. The association will continue to be a positive resource for those affected by the storms.”
Following the workshops, hundreds of dealers took part in five different dealer education courses that covered everything from marketing trends to insurance costs. It was the NATDA Dealership Performance Training seminars that received the most attention, leaving only standing room for interested dealers.
Friday morning, dealers were treated to a complimentary President’s Breakfast hosted by Waymire Distribution, Dexter Axle and Taskmaster Components, where NATDA President Andy Ackerman gave a presentation to honor 10-year exhibitors and attendees.
“It was important to me that we acknowledged the people that made this possible,” said Ackerman. “We’re thankful for the support we’ve been given over the years and we wanted to show that.”
The day was capped off with the dealer reception hosted by Redneck Trailer Supplies. This year’s show featured 46 entries in the New Product Display with Gen-Y Hitch taking the top prize.
- First place – Gen-Y Hitch (Torsion Gooseneck Coupler)
- Second place – The Raynor Company (Self-Winding Spring Assist for Ramp Doors)
- Third place – Ready Jack for Trailers (Ready Jack)
The association will return to the Indiana Convention Center for the 2018 NATDA Trade Show & Convention on Sept. 6 - 8.