Category: mats truck shows

Are You Ready For This Year’s Mid-America Trucking Show 2023?

It’s that time of year again! Every year towards the end of March, the Mid-American Trucking Show (MATS) is held in Louisville, Kentucky. 

What is MATS? 

MATS is the largest heavy-duty trucking trade show in the world where members of the trucking industry gather to show off the latest technology, equipment, products, and services. The event will feature numerous informative panels from industry experts and market leaders as well as live performances from Elvie Shane and Tony Justice.

History of MATS

In 1972, the Mid-American Trucking Show was founded to make heavy-duty trucking shows accessible to the eastern half of the United States. The show was geared towards owner-operators and fleets and aimed to be more accessible than trucking shows previously held in California and Massachusetts. The first MATS in 1972 had around 4,000 attendees and 83 exhibitors. Since then the event has grown to be the largest heavy-duty trucking show in the world with over 58,000 attendees and over 850 exhibitors. 

When is the Mid-America Trucking Show 2023? 

This year MATS is being held from March 30th to April 1st at the following location:

Kentucky Expo Center 
937 Phillips Lane
Louisville, KY 40209

The show’s hours are as follows:

Thursday, March 30th (VIP): 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday, March 30th: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, March 31st: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 1st: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Know Before You Go

Registration

Before you head to MATS you should register in advance. There are three registration options available: attendee registration, exhibitor registration, and media registration. Attendee registration is geared toward trucking professionals looking to improve their business and see what’s new in the industry through interactive exhibits, educational panels, and networking. Exhibitor registration is geared toward company personnel looking to present their company’s products and services through interactive exhibits or booths. Media registration is designed for the media and influencers looking to partner with MATS.

Featured Events

MATS is loaded with all kinds of events for its attendees to experience while at the show. There will be many informative industry experts holding educational panels to help attendees stay up-to-date on industry topics. 

Attendees have the option to attend the VIP Executive Breakfast for an additional $100 on top of their registration fee. The event will feature networking opportunities and informative talks from executives from industry-leading companies.

The MATS Ride & Drive event allows attendees to test drive industry vehicles with the latest technology. Participation in this event is free but attendees must sign up at each truck’s respective booth for an opportunity to drive it. The drivable trucks featured in this event include a Kenworth W900 Limited Edition, a Western Star 57X, a Western Star 49X, and a Kenworth T680 Signature Edition.

MATS attendees also have the option to attend the PKY Truck Championship, showing off the industry’s best custom trucks, and the MAC Trailer Winter Nationals Championship Pulling Event on Saturday evening. 

For more information on the event visit https://truckingshow.com/.

What You Need to Check Out at GATS 2018?

What You Need to Check Out at GATS 2018?It’s that time of year again! Time to party deep in the heart of Texas with your fellow truckers, because GATS, The Great American Trucking Show, will be kicking off in less than two weeks. This interactive and all-encompassing convention will include more than 500 exhibitors, educational opportunities, pure entertainment, and so much more! So to help you make the most of your visit we broke down what you need to check out at GATS 2018.

Events You Don’t Want to Miss at GATS 2018

The Landstar Health & Wellness Pavilion

Heading over to the Landstar Health and Wellness Pavilion, for free health screenings, and demos on cooking and fitness education demos. A few of the screenings include nutrition evaluations, DOT physicals, diabetes, spinal assessment, BMI, blood pressure, and more.

This portion of the show will include healthy food vendors and tons of other vendors offering services and products related to health and wellness. In order to promote driver health and spread health education, there will be an educational seminar and even healthy-cooking demonstrations.

For a full list of the 2018 screenings available, as well as individual booth information, click here.

Trucker Talent Search

On Friday from 3 to 4 PM you can head to the Trucker Talent Search at the Truckers News Stage in Hall A where 3 truckers will compete live. These truckers have been invited to participate in Overdrive-Red Eye Radio’s Trucker Search finals. It’s worth scoping out to discover new talented truckers, plus Tony Justice will be hosting.

All Paws and Claws Pet Grooming

This year at GATS All Paws and Claw will be at the TA|Petro Parking Community to pamper your four-legged road partners while you enjoy the show. They will provide a complete grooming service and booster shots, with brush and bathe services available for dogs and cats.

This will all lead up to a pet parade on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. under the tent, with prizes for the winner. To make an appointment click here to ensure your pooch gets his/her turn.

Overdrive’s Pride & Polish Show

What You Need to Check Out at GATS 2018?

This show is the premier truck beauty championship series in North America. They recognize creativity, excellence, and your dedication to your profession. Competitors from all over the country will be there to show off their shiny rigs.

If you aren’t competing you should definitely take the time to walk around and enjoy seeing these magnificent trucks while attending GATS. The award ceremony will be hosted at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, so make sure you don’t miss out.

The Recruiting Pavilion

Want to find an amazing trucking job? Well, head on down to the Recruiting Pavilion where tons of fleets would love to meet you! There will be over 100 fleets there with representatives to speak to you about their programs and benefits.

They will tell you about the potential for upward mobility and you may find the perfect job that matches your needs. Skip all the phone calls and the online applications by speaking to the fleet representatives yourself, face to face!

2290 Tax Due Date

I know you are excited about GATS, but that doesn’t mean you can let the impending Form 2290 filing deadline slip your mind. Before you head off to GATS 2018 quickly file Form 2290 online with ExpressTruckTax. Spend less than 10 minutes following our user-friendly step-by-step filing guide to complete and transmit your IRS Form 2290 to the IRS and receive your stamped Schedule 1 in just a matter of minutes.

Need some help? Our 100% US-based bilingual support team is available to answer all of your questions via live chat, phone, and email.

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