Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange has started taking applications for fleet managers to be Heavy Duty Trucking’s guests at HDTX 2022, scheduled for Sept. 7-9 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

HDTX is unlike other trucking events in both its intimate scale and its approach. Educational and networking activities are designed for attendees to build relationships and take home ideas and new contacts that will help them be more successful. Because the number of participants is limited — only a few dozen fleet managers will be approved to attend each year — attendees truly get a chance to exchange ideas, not just business cards.  

“I like that it’s a smaller format,” said Shawn Miller, west maintenance director for R+L Carriers.  “It’s more one-on-one with the vendors and suppliers. I like that. You’re not lost in the shuffle of a huge trucking event.”

This will be the fifth year for the event, held at the Scottsdale Resort at the Scottsdale McCormick Ranch. Executives and managers of Class 7&8 commercial trucking fleets can apply to attend at www.heavydutytruckingexchange.com.

While the agenda is currently being developed, one thing that is on the schedule every year is the HDT Truck Fleet Innovators awards ceremony, followed by a panel discussion featuring the Innovators led by HDT editors.

Past HDTX events have featured speakers such as Tim Richardson, co-author of the book “Transformation Thinking: Tools and Techniques That Open the Door to Powerful New Thinking;” FTR economist Eric Starks; Col. David W. Sutherland, U.S. Army (Retired), presenting “Lead from the Front;” Mike Roeth and Dave Schaller of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency; National Transportation Safety Board Member Michael Graham; and Lt. Col. Dan “Noonan” Rooney, fighter pilot, PGA Golf Professional, and the founder of the Folds of Honor.

Every HDTX participant receives a custom-made, personalized agenda that includes:

• Insights and advice from leaders in the industry

• Interactive roundtable discussions with industry peers

• Group presentations from industry suppliers

• Custom one-on-one consultations with industry suppliers

• Engaging and memorable social functions

“The conference was one of the best (if not the best) I've ever been to,” said Michael Naylor, transportation manager, Associated Wholesale Grocers. “The format was amazing. It really got me in front of the maximum number of vendors in a really efficient way. No awkward uncertainty or inconvenient timing with the vendors.”

No more than 50 fleet applicants will be offered a hosted trip to attend HDTX, which includes round-trip airfare to the venue, local airport transfers to and from the venue, all scheduled meals, and receptions. Interested fleets are urged to get their applications in as soon as possible.

Organizers also are now having conversations with potential supplier hosts for the event.

“HDTX is a great peer-to-peer event,” said Chip Warterfield, fleet safety and operations at Upstaging Inc. “The camaraderie among the attendees is as strong as the fleets represented. To connect with innovators and suppliers alike fosters the unique spirit that is alive and well in the trucking industry.”