Now that the dust has settled on the fairgrounds in Louisville, Ky., Exhibit Management Associates Inc. has proclaimed the 2003 Mid-America Trucking Show a resounding success.

The 1,037 exhibiting companies from 44 states and 11 foreign countries created an atmosphere that can be found only at MATS, said Tim Young, president of EMA. Considered by many in the industry to be the foremost event in trucking, the show this year encompassed more than a million square feet of exhibit space, showcasing innovative industry products and services.
By the close of the Saturday edition of the show, 70,197 visitors from all 50 states and more than 40 foreign countries had filled the aisles to capacity, Young said.
Attendance increased by more than 2,000, and the number of exhibitors increased by more than 5%.
"We were extremely pleased with the increase in attendee and exhibitor participation, especially considering the current state of our national economy and our country's involvement in Operation Iraqi Freedom," Young said. "The prevailing opinion on the show floor was that the quality of the attendee has continued to improve with regard to their decision-making ability."
Three days of good weather allowed attendees to enjoy all of the various indoor and outdoor show features, including the Paul K. Young Memorial Truck Beauty Championship, the AmeriSearch Talent Search, the Expedite InfoCenter, the Mid-America Recruitment Center and Mid-America’s Internet and Technology Center, to name a few.
Celebrities -- including Mario Andretti, Pam Tillis, Ricky Craven, Michael Waltrip, Tanya Tucker and more -- made appearances throughout the show, receiving rave reviews from both attendees and exhibitors.
The official opening of 2004 exhibit space reservations will begin Aug. 15th. This year’s participants will be offered first right of refusal on space and will receive their exhibitor prospectus shortly thereafter. Space is at a premium and the show has traditionally sold-out year after year, so it is imperative for exhibitors to make reservations as soon as possible.
The 33rd annual Mid-America Trucking Show will be held March 25-27, 2004 at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, in Louisville, Ky.
For more information, visit www.truckingshow.com.