In The News

MATS 2008 returns to full force say organizers

Louisville, KY - Exhibit Management Associates, Inc. says that the 2008 Mid-America Trucking Show once again proved itself as the most powerful heavy-duty trucking industry event on Earth.

The company states that completion of the newly renovated North Wing further bolstered an already incredible facility of more than 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space.

“With 1,174 exhibitors representing 47 states and 12 foreign countries, MATS 2008 forged its place in the industry record books by delivering the largest heavy-duty trucking event in history. 76,563 trucking professionals from all 50 states and 48 foreign countries made the trip for the most anticipated three days of the trucking year.”

Show Management was extremely pleased with the outstanding results of the 2008 show. "The completion of the North Wing Renovation Project tied the various wings back together, once again providing our Attendees and Exhibitors with the look and feel of a very large, contiguous show. In fact, our largest show by more than 50,000 square feet", said Toby Young, President of EMA.

"Even the high fuel prices and economic uncertainty could not inhibit MATS as we produced another show for the record books, continuing along the path of growth and refinement established by MATS long ago. MATS 2008 reflected the tremendous loyalty and support of the heavy-duty trucking industry to the delight of our Attendees, Exhibitors, and Sponsors. It is this loyalty that has been the catalyst for our continued success."

Show attendees utilized the three show days to visit all of the various indoor and outdoor show features including: The 19th Annual Paul K. Young Memorial Truck Beauty Championship, the 4th Annual Mid-America's Big-Rig Build-Off, The Expediter Experience, Mid-America's Recruitment Center, Mid-America's Internet and Technology Center, and Sugarland in concert presented by Kenworth.

Celebrity appearances included "Queen of the Bluegrass" Rhonda Vincent, Grammy winner Suzy Bogguss, and the Chrome Shop Mafia to name a few. Activities included an on-site "Custom Truck Build" by the members of the ever-popular television series "Trick My Truck", educational seminars dealing with important industry issues, OEM Ride-N-Drives, cash and product give-a-ways, and many more show offerings. In addition, attendees had much to see and even more to do with some of the most innovative, ground-breaking products and technologies ever introduced on a tradeshow floor.

The 2009 show will be held March 19-21, 2009 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. For more information, please visit the show web site at http://www.truckingshow.com/.