NATDA Announces 2008 Trade Show and Convention in Fort Worth, Texas

SOUTH PASADENA, Fla., July 28 -- The North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) announces the first-of-its-kind trade show and convention for trailer dealers. The NATDA 2008 Trade Show & Convention is being held August 27-29, 2008 at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

"The NATDA 2008 Trade Show and Convention is focused on bringing the trailer manufacturers and vendors together for the sole purpose of competing for the trailer dealers business. This is the only show that offers education, products, and services geared specifically for the trailer dealers. It has quickly become the 'must attend' event for the trailer industry. In the past, manufacturers and vendors would have to search to find the right dealer to sell their product line to. We will bring more potential dealer prospects to a manufacturer or vendor in a three-day period than they could ever reach out to on their own. We're very excited about having our first event in Fort Worth because it's such an amazing city. Great restaurants, great shopping, and great people," said Andy Ackerman, president and co-founder of NATDA.

The three-day event will consist of dealer education, manufacturer and vendor displays, product demonstrations, workshops, and receptions. This show will even host technology vendors with software systems like finance programs, dealer management systems and even trailer rental software programs. The highlight of the show will be the vehicle giveaway. "I can't tell you which vehicle it is, but what I can say is that it has four wheels and a bed and it will be loaded with products from our vendors at the show," said Ackerman. The vehicle raffle will take place at the end of the show, and only trailer dealers in attendance will be eligible to win it.

Dealer education has been a very hot topic of conversation and it will be a focal point of the convention. "The days of a dealer making a living by just selling trailers are quickly coming to an end. Dealers are starting to run their operations more like the auto industry, meaning sales, parts, service and finance are all departments within the dealership that need to be held accountable to achieve profit. Dealers have had no where to turn for education and training, and that is exactly what we are providing," said Ackerman.

"This is the first time that a show of this nature has been hosted, and we have completely sold out of manufacturer and vendor spaces." The NATDA 2008 Trade Show & Convention will encompass over 100,000 sq. ft. of floor space at the Fort Worth Convention Center.