Tim Richardson, co-author of the book “Transformation Thinking: Tools and Techniques That Open the Door to Powerful New Thinking,” will be the keynote speaker for HDT’s new Heavy Duty Trucking eXchange event next month, helping attendees learn how to overcome the barriers that hold back innovative thinking.

A handful of fleet spots are still available for the event, an all-inclusive, expense-paid networking retreat to be held May 8-10 at the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Most people seem to be better at directing or following directions than thinking or creating new possibilities,” notes Richardson. “Today’s [business] climate necessitates high level thinking and challenging the status quo.” This session will teach leaders how to think innovatively and how to encourage others to do the same.

Richardson has a reputation as an entertaining speaker who nonetheless brings real insight to attendees. He has spoken for groups such as the Truckload Carriers Association and the American Society for Health Care Marketing and Public Relations, and businesses such as Nokia and Merrill Lynch, tailoring each presentation to the specific audience and industry.

During his HDTX keynote, he will provide techniques to increase personal brain power, demonstrate how to encourage new thinking, and how to build consensus for ideas. He’ll discuss common pitfalls that prevent new thinking and provide techniques to overcome these pitfalls.

Innovation is a key theme of Heavy Duty Trucking eXchange, a new networking event that will bring together a select group of fleet executives -- including HDT's Truck Fleet Innovators – and top industry suppliers.

“I enjoyed hearing Tim speak at a TCA event several years ago, and learned a lot about brainstorming and thinking outside the box,” explains Deborah Lockridge, HDT editor in chief. “I’ve been wanting to bring him in for an HDT event ever since. With the focus on innovation at our new HDTX event, I thought this was a perfect opportunity.”

Hosted by Heavy Duty Trucking magazine, the event will give fleets and suppliers an intimate environment to engage in discussions on topics that affect the entire industry. HDT's 2017 Truck Fleet Innovators will be honored at the event and participate in a panel discussion moderated by HDT Editor in Chief Deborah Lockridge, sharing their strategies and tactics for success in a fast-changing world.

HDTX is a hosted buyer event, a concept imported from the European business market more than a decade ago. It features an informal setting in which qualified buyers, or those with the decision-making responsibilities, are paired with companies attuned to their specific industry. The idea is to open doors to business relationships that fleets and suppliers will continue to draw upon year after year.

Truck fleet managers of fleets with at least 75 Class 8 trucks can apply to participate in HDTX by clicking here.