Guest editorial
By Andrew Dawson, Generation Next Chairman
Muncie Power Products Inc.
This article was published in the February 2018 edition of NTEA News.
It’s that time of year again — The Work Truck Show is just around the corner. What should you expect this year, and how can you make the most of it?
North America’s largest work truck event gives industry professionals the opportunity to see the latest vocational truck and equipment offerings, participate in industry-focused training courses and gain access to technical engineering representatives from hundreds of exhibiting companies. Connect with peers, set up meetings with current suppliers or customers, find solutions to troublesome issues, and network at special events and receptions.
If you’re new to the industry — less than 10 years of service — make sure to visit Generation Next at the Show (worktruckshow.com/generationnext). NTEA’s professional development group is focused on giving new industry professionals support in developing skills and building industry peer relationships. Membership is free to employees of NTEA member companies. During the Show, find us at:
I have been a member of Generation Next for more than four years and currently serve as chairman for the Board of Governors. If you want to get involved, email me at adawson@munciepower.com or come to one of our hosted events.
Why attend?
This annual event brings the work truck industry together in one place, at one time. It allows you to schedule months’ worth of meetings into a single week; experience new products and innovations; hear directly from manufacturers about potential new products or updates; and learn about important and impactful industry changes that may occur.
Before you register, visit worktruckshow.com to see all of the sessions, exhibitors and events taking place at the 2018 Show. NTEA lined up an exciting keynote speaker for the President’s Breakfast — General Michael Hayden, a retired four-star general and former director of the Central Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency. General Hayden was on the frontline of global change, the war on terrorism and the growing cyber security challenge. I have no doubt we will be on the edge of our seats for this one.
Special sessions include Lean 101: Straightforward Approach to Lean Implementation for Truck Equipment Upfitters; Lean 201: The Kata Journey – Daily Practice for Scientific Thinking, Mindset and Culture; Fleet Management 101; LTAP Fleet Educational Program; and, of course, our Leadership Workshop, which features a unique presentation on Ego vs. EQ — How Top Leaders Beat 8 Ego Traps with Emotional Intelligence by Jen Shirkani, CEO and president of the Penumbra Group.
The Work Truck Show always offers a stellar educational program that helps guide attendees on new trends and updates in our industry. I highly recommend making time to attend some of these sessions.
So what are you waiting for?
Register today at worktruckshow.com/waystoregister. And if you’re already registered, make sure to stay connected by visiting facebook.com/TheWorkTruckShow and Twitter @WorkTruckShow. Official Work Truck Show, Green Truck Summit and Fleet Technical Congress hashtags are #worktrucks18, #greentrucks18 and #fleets18.