It's a Team's Life
Mid America Truck Show 2024
This year's Mid-America Truck Show (MATS) at the Kentucky Expo Center on March 21-23, 2024. This show says they are the largest in the United States. We could say it is. We have been attending it since 2013 and it is our go-to show for doing our research (hands-on) on new products, technology, and other things. It is a grueling three days of running and talking so bring some great and comfortable pairs of shoes.
MATS says that they have over 1,000,000 of floor space with over 860 exhibitors. They have over 55,000 attendees. Also, over 40 featured events. In the past years they have stepped up the education area with what they call “PRO Talks” and have over 40 of them over the three days.
Here is a link to MATS website: MATS Website
It is important to get yourself organized for the marathon you will be running for three days. We build a list of the vendors we “must” see, also on this list are one we would like to visit. We pick a starting point like the Pavilion since this is where the shuttle bus drops us off. Most of the time we can get to most of the must-see vendors on Thursday and into Friday. This depends on how many of the Pro talks we want to go to on those two days. It normally turns out that Saturday is the catch up or revisit day. Some of the vendors have become really good friends over the years and it is nice to say good bye see you next year and such.
This year we will be part of the PRO Talk. It is titled “Target Practice! 🎯 Is there a Bulls-eye on your back” and is on Saturday March 23rd at 11:45 am on the PRO Talk stage in the East Hall. The Trucking Solutions Group (TSG) which has 15 members will be presenting. “The members of the Trucking Solutions Group will have a round table discussion of the need to be and ways to be invisible. Avoid being a target for the DOT, law enforcement and unkind private citizens (thieves and lawsuit seekers) Also, tips on being visible to improve your ability to get your work done. Audience participation is highly encouraged and we look forward to any and all questions and suggestions.” To learn more about the group and members: TSG Website
Picture from 2022 TSG Pro Talk
Picture from 2023 TSG Pro Talk
A very important event we also attend is the Women In Trucking “Salute to Women Behind the Wheel”. This event will be held on Friday March 22nd at 1600 (4:00 pm) South Wing C201-C203, 2nd Floor. This is a great event not just for women but for everyone. A lot of information is passed along.
For parking, if you are coming in a four-wheeler, the Center has over 19,000 parking spots. They charge for this parking. If you are coming in a “Big Truck” you have two choices. They offer free parking and shuttle service to the event in the Marshalling yard lot located at 1032 Phillips Lane, KY 40209 lot on Park Blvd (Note: this is a new location for this year). The second it they do have paid parking on the Center. For RV’s there are paid spots at the Center.
On Friday March 22nd in the evening is a free concert. It is held in the Expo Center. It is present by Bennett Family of Companies, Bridgehaul, and Ace Doran. The performers this year are The Steel Woods, with an opening performance by Tony Justice. For those that are parking in the free truck parking area shuttles will be running.
During the entire three days will be the PKY truck championship. On Thursday night they do PKY Light Show from 2000 (8:00 pm) to 2130 (9:30pm). This is where the trucks show off the lights they have. This event is held outside and is free to everyone with a MATS badge. Both of these events are being held in Lot N, in Front of West Wing which is a change from last year.
Also, you can enjoy watching builders in The Big Rig Build-Off pits - four of the industry’s most talented and innovative builders in a winner-takes-all competition. Each build will be evaluated on creativity, craftsmanship, and overall execution. The winner will take home a $20,000 cash prize and bragging rights. This event is being held in Lot N in Front of the West Wing & South Wing.
On Saturday March 23rd is the Winter Nationals Pulling. This is a fun event to watch “Tractor” pulling. Make sure you bring ear (hearing) protection it is LOUD. To show our support and give back, MATS and MAC Trailer are committing all proceeds from the MAC Trailer Winter Nationals to Operation Finally Home and select trucking charities. Please join us for an evening of powerful pulling and exciting competition – show your support as we help provide our military veterans with a safe place to call home.
Well, that is about it. We hope we get to see and/or meet you at this years Mid America Truck Show.
Sandy & Stephen
Let’s Roll We’re Burning Daylight - “Wil Anderson” (The Cowboys) John Wayne