Headquarters Report Tracks Headquarters Report
The NATM staff just returned from Las Vegas for the 28th Annual NATM Convention & Trade Show. Thank you to all who attended, exhibited or sponsored an event. It was a great success with an increase in both exhibitors and trailer manufacturers, including quite a few new members and first time attendees. We are still compiling evaluations and comments, but so far the responses have been very positive.
The NATM Convention Mobile App was popular again this year. Attendees could download the app on their smart phones and tablets and have instant access to information about schedules, speakers, events, sponsors and exhibitors. Attendees really liked the push notifications with reminders just prior to each event. NATM will be using the app again in 2017 and hopes to see even more users as it is a great tool for getting the most out of the show.
Speed Networking was a new event this year. Registrations came in a little slow, but by the time of the event, there were just under fifty participants. One hundred percent of those registered actually participated in the event, which is unheard of according to the facilitators. Suppliers were matched with manufacturers for six minute sessions. All manufacturers had eight sessions and vendors were guaranteed at least six appointments. The feedback from both vendors and manufacturers was positive, with more than 60 follow-up meetings after the event. The feedback suggested that the length of each session should be increased to allow a little more time for discussion. Plans are already underway to repeat this event next year, possibly increasing the sessions from six to eight minutes. The event is limited to 100 individuals, and based on the feedback, it is anticipated that this event will completely fill up early next year.
All of this year’s workshops received high marks on evaluations. One of the new members attending this year’s convention was General Motors. GM representatives Daniel Cohen, Shawn Ryan and Timothy Herrick presented a technical workshop on "Towing Trends" to a packed house. Stephen Hauser presented a workshop on “The Processes of Ownership Transition” and because of the high level of interest in this subject, NATM staff are in the
By Pam Trusdale, NATM Executive Director
process of scheduling a webinar to offer more members the opportunity to see his presentation.
A number of promotions were offered to increase attendance this year. The Early Bird promotion offered deeply discounted registration fees for trailer manufacturing members registering early. The discounted rates began in September with a full- registration starting at $100 per person. The registration fee increased $50 per month, topping out at $300 per person for those registering after Dec. 31. By December, the number of pre-registrations had already exceeded the total registration for the previous year. The second promotion was Beginners Luck in which sponsor donations covered the cost of free registrations and three free room nights for new trailer manufacturing members. Twenty eight first time attendees took advantage of this promotion!
The 2016 convention promotions were such a big success, they will be continued again in 2017. To help defray the cost and entice more new manufacturers to attend, booth fees have been increased by $100 per 10' x 10' booth space. All of the revenue generated by this increase will be dedicated to fund these incentives. Sponsorships will still be solicited, but room rates are higher outside of Las Vegas, so the booth rates are increased to make up the difference. Even with the small increase, NATM exhibitor fees are still lower than other comparable trade shows. NATM strives to continuously improve traffic for the trade show and improve the value for its exhibitors.
The next big NATM event on the calendar for 2016 is the Regulatory Roundup and Capitol Hill Visits. This year’s event has been moved to July. It was determined that hotel room rates are lower in July and by keeping the expenses more affordable, the Association could attract more participants to this important event. The date for the 2016 Roundup is July 13, 2016. Participants should plan to arrive on July 12. NATM will host a dinner that evening and the Roundup will begin at 8:00 a.m. the morning of July 13. Following the Roundup, NATM will provide a quick lunch during an overview of the afternoon schedule for the Hill visits. Attendees will be divided in small groups of three to four individuals to visit the offices of various
www.NATM.com March/April 2016 11
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