Featuring educational and networking opportunities as well as the latest advances in commercial truck and transportation equipment technology, The Work Truck Show 2003 is gearing up for its three-day run at Atlanta's Georgia World Congress Center.

The March 3-5 event is designed to provide fleet managers with the resources they need to improve productivity and profitability. The show is held in conjunction with the 39th annual National Truck Equipment Assn. (NTEA) Convention (March 2-5).
Showgoers can see commercial trucks and transportation equipment from Classes 1 through 8 -- including chassis, bodies, aerial devices, snow and ice control, accessories and components. The Work Truck Show provides a forum for fleet managers, truck equipment dealers, leasing company representatives and other industry professionals to examine the latest product and technology developments. The event is open to anyone involved in buying, selling or using commercial vehicles and equipment. More than 450 exhibitors, including a dozen of the world's leading chassis manufacturers, are expected to participate. Exhibiting companies include commercial truck and transportation equipment manufacturers, distributors and other companies.
Because many exhibitors staff their booths with technical personnel, they can also provide attendees with personalized spec'ing assistance right at the show.
"I probably have a dozen vendors I deal with on a regular basis. For the price of one ticket -- one concentrated effort -- I can sit with them and discuss the issues, see their new products and resolve a lot of things," says Carl Nelson, motor vehicle administrator for AT&T Corp., Summit Point, W.Va.
The annual event is produced by the NTEA -- the industry resource for fleet professionals engaged in the specification, acquisition and administration of truck fleets.
Trade show hours are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, March 3 and Tuesday, March 4; and from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5.
Held in conjunction with the trade show, the educational program is designed specifically to foster the education, growth and leadership of industry professionals. Fleet managers; owners, managers and employees from truck equipment suppliers; upfitters; and truck purchasers, will find educational sessions applicable to their work during the four-day education program. Attendees come away with materials, ideas and resources -- as well as personal contacts with industry counterparts -- to improve their performance and impact their companies.
The educational component includes more than 30 industry-specific educational sessions and chassis update sessions, as well as numerous networking opportunities. New this year, registered attendees can participate in fleet roundtable discussions on a variety of topics to solve problems and share experiences and advice with peers. The event also features two bonus sessions on Monday, March 2, from 9 a.m. to noon. These include Business Valuation and Sale-of-Business Process, and Early Warning Reporting Requirements. (Bonus sessions are open to Convention & Trade Show Package and Conference & Trade Show Package registrants.)
A number of speakers are featured this year, including Steve Spurrier, head coach of The National Football League (NFL) Washington Redskins. Spurrier will speak at the President's Breakfast and NTEA annual meeting on Tuesday, March 4. During the breakfast, Spurrier will discuss how attitude makes all the difference when it comes to success. The 1966 Heisman Trophy winner has had an impressive career on the playing field and as a coach.
More insights are available on Wednesday, March 5, when Chuck Reaves, a former top AT&T salesperson and award-winning professional speaker, leads the business forum buffet breakfast. His innovative principles and techniques show truck equipment buyers how to motivate suppliers to sell to them more effectively while helping dealers and distributors develop a foundation of value-added selling to make their products stand out in the market.
To register, or for more Work Truck Show 2003 information, call (800) 441-NTEA. The fax number is (248) 489-8590, or email info@ntea.com. The NTEA web site is at NTEA.com.
The National Truck Equipment Assn. (NTEA) was established in 1964 and currently represents nearly 1,600 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial trucks, truck bodies, truck equipment, trailers and accessories. Buyers of work trucks and commercial truck chassis manufacturers also belong to the NTEA. The NTEA provides in-depth technical information, education and money-saving opportunities through its member programs, publications, services and sponsorship of The Work Truck Show.
The association maintains its administrative headquarters in suburban Detroit and a government relations office in Washington, DC.