The trucking industry continues to be incredibly competitive and complex, with success in the field hinging on industry leaders' abilities to improve supply chain efficiency and overcome challenges. Logistics experts dedicate time and effort to improving inbound and outbound supply chains.
Supply chain and trucking conferences exist mainly to provide a healthy international supply chain for a thriving world economy and a more prosperous global community. The transportation industry organizes hundreds of annual trucking conferences and expos catered to all interests.
2024 is the perfect time to seek networking opportunities, monitor industry trends, check new equipment and attend educational sessions on managing truck fleets better.
Why You Should Attend Industry Conferences
Attending interactive exhibits in the trucking and logistics field is the ideal opportunity for fleet managers to meet trucking industry leaders and gain insight into their world. This segment explores reasons to attend the next trucking annual conference.
- Education and training: The annual events' educational sessions help fleet managers enhance their skills, learn about cutting-edge tools, improve their supply chain management knowledge and optimize their operations.
- Exposure to new technologies: Trucking conferences feature an excellent opportunity to explore cybersecurity features, software, hardware and equipment to streamline fleet operations, reduce cost and improve efficiency.
- Network opportunities: Trucking managers come together from different logistics and supply chain sectors, allowing for exclusive networking opportunities and strengthening professional relationships and opportunities.
- Regulatory updates: The trucking and transportation industry is heavily regulated. These annual conferences provide fleet managers with regulatory updates and compliance best practices that might impact businesses.
Who Should Attend?
Various businesses and professionals in the trucking and shipping industry can benefit from attending trucking conferences. They include:
- Trucking companies
- Manufacturers and shippers
- Consultants and advisers
- Freight brokers and agents
- Supply chain managers
- Government and regulatory bodies
- Logistics software providers
- Academics and researchers
Attending trucking conferences provides valuable insight for education sessions, business growth and networking, making them beneficial for many businesses and professionals in the industry.
The Best U.S. Conferences to Attend in 2024
Numerous trucking conferences occur across various industries in the United States annually. 2024 marks some of the best annual events, with a diverse selection across different fields to consider attending.
SMC3 JumpStart | January 22-24 | Atlanta, GA
JumpStart 24 takes place at The Waverly Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, from January 22-24. SMC³ carrier members pay $1,395, while associate members pay $1,695. The general price is $2,795, and guests pay $495. Group discounts of four or more are available.
Manifest | February 5-7 | Las Vegas, NV
Expect more than 4,500 attendees at the 2024 Manifest conference at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas from February 5-7. A few of the many industry leaders include Paul Ancona, the Director of Operations at Uline; Amiee Bayer-Thomas, the Chief Supply Chain Officer for Ulta Beauty; and Kristen Daihes, the VP at Global Supply Chain, Mars Snacking for Mars. Receive a $200 discount rate here.
RILA LINK | February 25-28 | Dallas, TX
The Retail Supply Chain Conference takes place February 25-28 in Dallas, TX, making it a great chance to learn more from knowledgeable retail supply chain executives. Multiple rates are available for members and non-members, including early bird individual rates, standard individual rates, on-site individual rates and prices for teams of seven or more.
TPM24 | March 3-6 | Long Beach, CA
TPM24 is a global ocean container supply chain conference happening from March 3-6 in Long Beach, CA. The 2024 Keynote Speaker is the former Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates. Some other incredible speakers include Julia Bedanova, who is the COO of Million Dollar Baby Co.; Carl Lauron, the founder and CEO of BuyCo; and Andrew Petrisin, the Supply Chain Advisor and Head of FLOW Initiative for the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Food Shippers of America | March 3-5 | Orlando, FL
The 2024 Food Shippers of America Conference will occur at the Hilton Bonnet Creek in Orlando, FL, from March 3-5. Currently, March 2 consists only of early conference registration from 1-6 p.m. March 3 and 4 start early and end late into the evening, while March 5 starts at 7 a.m. and ends by noon. Each day of the conference begins with a breakfast.
ATA Technology and Maintenance Council - TMC Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition | March 4-7 | New Orleans, LA
The TMC Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition takes place in New Orleans from March 4-7 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. There are many exhibits, forums, study sessions, networking events, and more to attend, making it a fantastic opportunity to obtain a wealth of knowledge and meet others in the industry — and get local gumbo after.
NMFTA Spring Membership Meeting | March 10-12 | Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs is home to the 2024 NMFTA Spring Membership Meeting from March 10-12. Enjoy meals, meetings, activities, and more over 3 days. It takes place at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort, so there's no shortage of ways to stay busy, even during the off hours.
MODEX | March 11-14 | Atlanta, GA
MODEX 2024 takes place at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA, from March 11-14 and includes more than 150 seminars to attend. The Keynote Speakers include Bill Seward, the President of UPS Supply Chain Solutions; Gerd Leonhard, CEO of The Futures Agency and founder of The Good Future Project; Academy Award-nominated actor Jeremy Renner; and John Paxton, the CEO of MHI.
Mid America Truck Show | March 21-23 | Louisville, KY
Tens of thousands of attendees are expected to fill the more than 1 million square feet of the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville for the Mid-America Trucking Show from March 21-23. There are more than 850 exhibitors and dozens of events, making it the ideal chance to learn about all the latest trends in the industry.
TCA Annual Convention | March 23-26 | Nashville, TN
If you’re already attending the previously mentioned event, take a quick drive south a little more than 3 hours to go to Truckload 2024: Nashville from March 23-26 in Nashville, TN. More than 1,500 attendees will fill the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, where there are plenty of additional activities to do before and after the event.
TIA Capital Ideas Conference | April 10-13 | Phoenix, AZ
The 2024 TIA Capital Ideas Conference occurs at the five-star JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, AZ, from April 10-13. Registration for this third-party logistics event is already open. In addition to obtaining plenty of information, there will be food and a bar.
NMFTA W&R Meeting | April 16-18 | Hollywood Beach, FL
The spring National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc., Weighing and Research Advisory Council Meeting takes place on April 17 and 18 in Hollywood, FL, but it’s by invitation only. It happens at the DoubleTree Hollywood Beach, but to receive the group rate, attendees need to book by March 18.
National Private Truck Council (NPTC) | April 21-23 | Orlando, FL
Head down to Orlando, FL, from April 21-23 for the NPTC 2024 conference and exhibition. You’ll be able to interact with more than 1,000 other attendees during exhibits, networking events, and more throughout the 3 days. Early bird registration is before March 8.
ATA Safety Management Council & TSC Safety, Security, & Human Resources National Conference | April 25-27 | Phoenix, AZ
The ATA Safety, Security & Human Resources National Conference & Exhibition takes place in Phoenix, AZ, from April 25-27 at the Sheraton Phoenix. Hundreds of attendees will be there to learn more about, as the name suggests, the security, safety and human resource aspects of the industry.
ISM World | April 29-May 1 | Las Vegas, NV
Head over to the MGM Grand Las Vegas from April 29 to May 1 to attend ISM World 2024. The ISM World 2024 All-Access Pass member price is $1,895, which includes the in-person events and the on-demand library. Discounted group hotel rates may be accessible depending on availability.
National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) | May 4-7 | Las Vegas, NV
Individuals involved in the tank truck industry will want to attend the 2024 National Tank Truck Carriers conference in Las Vegas from May 4-7. It takes place at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, right on the Strip.
Gartner Supply Chain Symposium | May 6-8 | Orlando, FL
May 6-8 is the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo™ 2024 conference in Orlando, FL. Topics range from fulfillment and manufacturing to planning and strategy. The public sector price is $4,400; the early bird price, valid until March 8, is $4,950; and the standard price is $5,600.
ATA Mid-Year Management Session | May 18-22 | San Antonio, TX
The American Trucking Association Mid-Year Management Session takes place at the four-star JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, TX, from May 18-22. Many activities are available on-site, with numerous additional options nearby to do during the off time.
NMFTA Summer Membership Meeting | June 2-4 | Louisville, KY
Head back to Louisville, from June 2-4 if you want to attend the NMFTA Summer Membership Meeting that focuses on the LTL motor carrier industry. It occurs at the Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection in the downtown area. In addition to the 3 days of the meeting, June 5 has a buffet breakfast available.
FreightWaves Future of Supply Chain | June 4-5 | Atlanta, GA
The FreightWaves Future of Supply Chain event happens in Atlanta, GA, on June 4 and 5. You have until December 31, 2023, to pay $995 (plus fees and sales tax) for early bird tickets. Ticket prices after that date go up to $2,095 (plus fees and sales tax).
Home Delivery World | June 5-6 | Philadelphia, PA
Individuals who want to learn more about supply chains and retail logistics should attend Home Delivery World at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia on June 5 and 6. More than 300 speakers and thousands of attendees will make their way to the event.
SMC3 Connections | June 24-26 | Colorado Springs, CO
SMC³ Connections takes place in 2024 at The Broadmoor, a five-star hotel in Colorado Springs, CO, from June 24-26. When you’re not engaged with the event, on-site activities range from golfing on one of the championship golf courses to attending a yoga class.
ATA Litigation Center's Trucking Legal Forum | July 16-19 | Minneapolis, MN
The ATA Litigation Center’s Trucking Legal Forum is a must-do event for fleet operators and supply chain business owners. This conference offers valuable insight into the legal and compliance concerns surrounding the trucking industry. Network with authoritative experts and even claim continuing education credits.
ATA NTDC & NSDC | August 21-24 | Indianapolis, IN
Make it a point to attend the 2024 ATA National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC) and National Step Van Driving Championships (NSVDC) from August 21-24. It takes place at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN, conveniently located less than 15 minutes from the Indianapolis International Airport.
IANA Intermodal Expo | September 8-10 | Long Beach, CA
The IANA Intermodal Expo occurs from September 9-11 in Long Beach, CA. Attendees can learn more about industry topics ranging from sustainability to staffing. There will be many experts with whom you can interact and numerous attendees to meet.
Trimble Insight | September 15-17 | Las Vegas, NV
You can return to Las Vegas once again to attend the Trimble Insight event from September 15-17. It happens at The Venetian Las Vegas, a five-star hotel less than 20 minutes from the Harry Reid International Airport.
ATA TMC Fall Meeting & TMCSuperTech | September 15-19 | Raleigh, NC
The annual fall meeting for ATA Technology & Maintenance Council offers a week-long opportunity for education and insight. During the week, TMC also hosts skill-based competitions as part of its TMCSuperTech event. Participants in these competitions must be TMC Technician Members.
Parcel Forum | September 16-18 | Dallas, TX
Individuals involved in Business-to-Business and Direct-to-Customer processes will want to head over to Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in the Dallas, Texas, suburb of Grapevine for the 2024 Parcel Forum. The event, which focuses on the small package supply chain, takes place from September 16-18.
McLeod User Conference | September 22-24 | Charlotte, NC
The McLeod Software User Conference occurs from September 22-24 in Charlotte, NC. Attendees can fly into the Charlotte Douglas International Airport for easy access to the event.
NMFTA Fall Membership Meeting | September 29-October 1 | Washington, D.C.
Head to Arlington, Virginia, from September 29 to October 1 for the NMFTA 2024 Fall Meeting pertaining to the LTL motor carrier industry. This year’s autumn meeting takes place at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City At Reagan National Airport, a four-star hotel with many amenities and dining options.
CSCMP Edge | September 29-October 2 | Nashville, TN
Thousands of industry professionals are expected to attend the CSCMP EDGE 2024 supply chain conference and exhibition transpiring in Nashville, Tennessee, from September 29 to October 2. There are various price options depending on member type, and an early bird promotional discount was available to basic and premier members until November 16, 2023.
NMFTA W&R Meeting | October 9-10 | Colorado Springs, CO
The 2024 Fall National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. Weighing and Research Advisory Council Meeting occurs on October 9 and 10 in Colorado Springs, CO. It’s an invitation-only event at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Colorado Springs.
ATA Management Conference & Exhibition | October 12-15 | Nashville, TN
Pack your bags to go to the Music City Center convention center in Nashville, TN, if you want to attend the ATA Management Conference & Exhibition from October 12-15. It’s steps away from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, a must-visit for country music fans while you’re in the area.
Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Cyber Security Conference | October 21-24 | Atlanta, GA
The Industrial Control Systems Conference offers a host of educational content related to operations, control systems, and cybersecurity in the trucking industry. Specialized trainings and workshops are offered throughout the event. This conference is the longest-running event focused on industrial cybersecurity.
Women in Trucking | November 10-13 | Dallas, TX
The Women in Trucking Association Accelerate! Conference & Expo occurs in Dallas, TX, from November 10-13. The four-star Hilton Anatole is the site of the event, which is near numerous restaurants and activities and approximately 15 minutes from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
Freightwaves F3 | November 19-21 | Chattanooga, TN
The Freightwaves F3: Future of Freight Festival is a fall event you don’t want to miss. It takes place in Chattanooga, TN, from November 19-21. There are many local restaurants and activities nearby to enjoy when you’re not building connections with peers and partaking in the event.
