Not-for-Profit Philosophy Shapes NATM Trailer Expo Launching 2025

By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director

As the not-for-profit 501(c)(6) trade organization that brought you Trailer Safety Week, the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is expanding its educational efforts and support to trailer dealers through the launch of the NATM Trailer Expo: The ultimate light- and medium-duty trailering event of the year. The first NATM Trailer Expo will take place in Oklahoma City, Sept. 16-18, 2025.

This event will bring together all key stakeholders of the light- and medium-duty trailer industry, including trailer dealers, trailer manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and automotive tow vehicle OEMs. The target audience to attend and walk through the Trailer Expo includes trailer dealers, as well as fleet and government purchasing agents.

The NATM Trailer Expo will, of course, feature an exposition of trailers under 26,000 lbs GVWR on the trade show floor. Additionally, suppliers and service providers that assist dealerships will also be welcome to exhibit. Booth sales for the 2025 Trailer Expo will open this summer. Information about the booth sales process and dates can be found on Page 63, but make sure to sign up for communications regarding the show at www.natm.com.

Trailers with a Purpose: NATM Reinvesting Trailer Expo Profits for a Better Industry

As the leader in national towing safety efforts, dealers have looked to NATM for resources for their customers and their businesses. Over the last decade, NATM has fielded frequent requests to close the gap that exists in the trailer dealer realm regarding reputable education, business resources, and self-governance. As requested, NATM is exponentially expanding its dealer support efforts. To foot the bill for these new efforts, the NATM Trailer Expo was created.

Similar to NATM’s annual Convention & Trade Show held in February, which funds Association programming dedicated to trailer manufacturers, the NATM Trailer Expo will utilize the revenue generated from the event to fund dealer-specific programming and benefits. As a not-for-profit association, the profits generated from the Trailer Expo will be reinvested into Dealer Affiliate benefits and industry-wide programming such as Trailer Safety Week, the launch of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit National Trailer Safety Council, the NATM Academy, Dealer Connect

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Continued from Page 55 network, and more. No other organization in the light- and medium-duty trailer industry utilizes booth sales, sponsorship dollars, and registration revenue to further nationwide trailer safety efforts and launch costly programming to assist trailer dealers. The primary focus of NATM is directed toward generating benefits for its members and affiliates to further its mission to improve trailer safety. As a not-forprofit, NATM prioritizes the member and affiliate interests over its financial gains as it serves the entire light- and medium-duty trailer industry. The Association operates with a commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial environment for its members and affiliates rather than seeking profits for itself. This approach underscores NATM's dedication to supporting and advancing the interests of the trailering community, reinforcing a collaborative and safetydriven mindset for all key stakeholders at every level.

Back to Our Roots: Returning to the Beginning

NATM was founded in Chickasha, Oklahoma, in 1987 when five livestock trailer manufacturers unified for better benefits. Nearly 40 years since its inception, NATM is returning to its roots with its first Oklahoma-based event geared specifically for trailer dealers. This event will celebrate the success, growth, and expansion the Association has had over the last four decades leading the industry. Returning “Back to Our

OKC offers an exceptional dining and drinking scene for offsite, after-hours networking with customers

Roots” in Oklahoma marks a fresh restart, a full circle, in programming in which NATM launches a new chapter for the trailer industry – this time incorporating trailer dealerships. The launch of The NATM Trailer Expo demonstrates NATM’s understanding of the importance of unifying for the greater good of the trailer industry – just like the five original founding member companies understood back in 1987.

Embracing a collective vision for advancing end-user towing knowledge, NATM is starting a new chapter of collaboration. The trailer industry is stronger together, and this unification is a major step forward in improving towing traffic safety at all levels, as well as supporting the profitability of its members and affiliates.

OKC: Where the Heartland Meets Cutting-Edge Technology

Oklahoma City's tagline is, “Where the heartland meets cutting-edge technology,” which is also a fitting description of the trailer industry's rural roots and its future incorporating technology to improve the industry at the manufacturing level, sales level, and end-user level. Not only is OKC conveniently located in the heart of the nation, it sits amid the trailer manufacturing industry and lies within a three hours drive of Fort Worth, Texas, which has proven an ideal location for

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NATM's programming and contributed to record-breaking success for its annual February Convention & Trade Show.

OKC offers an exceptional dining and drinking scene for offsite, after-hours networking with customers. Fine dining and steakhouses, craft breweries, trendy bars, and sophisticated cocktail lounges are scattered throughout the city, offering a vibrant nightlife for attendees to unwind and socialize after a long day at the NATM Trailer Expo. Trailer dealers, manufacturers, and suppliers alike will have plenty of options to wine and dine their customers during the week of the show.

State-Of-The-Art Convention Center & Omni Host Hotel

The inaugural 2025 NATM Trailer Expo will be held at the Oklahoma City Convention Center which was completed in 2020. This convention center is a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility that stands as a testament to modernity and innovation. With its top-notch amenities, spacious meeting rooms, and expansive trade show floor, the OKC Convention Center will not only meet needs but exceed the highest of standards.

The Omni Oklahoma City Hotel is the host hotel for the event and is conveniently located directly across from the OKC Convention Center, which will host the event. Completed in 2021, the 17-story hotel offers luxurious guest rooms and dramatic views of the nearby Scissortail Park and the OKC skyline. Additionally, there is a rooftop hotel pool with downtown city views and excellent onsite dining and bar options. Take time for R&R after a week of working the show floor at Omni’s onsite Mokara Spa.

The Omni Oklahoma City Hotel stands out as a pinnacle of beauty and modernity among the venues at which NATM has previously hosted. Renowned for its luxurious accommodations, and sophisticated design, the Omni offers a truly exceptional experience for attendees. The convenience of the neighboring

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Continued from Page 59 hotel and exhibit hall locations cannot be beaten. NATM has negotiated a hotel room block rate of only $230 per night, and the hotel reservation link will be live this winter. Please note, NATM will not authorize any group hotel room services to call you or to solicit your business! These third parties also use the NATM logo in their communications, so please ensure to book with those with emails ending in @natm.com.

Elevating Dealer Success Takes Center Stage in Programming

The NATM Trailer Expo will focus on elevating dealer success. With a nearly four-decade track record, NATM has consistently demonstrated its unwavering

Participate in the Trailer Expo commitment to its members by providing exemplary support, valuable resources, and dynamic programming and will continue to offer such at the NATM Trailer Expo.

Location and Workshop Survey.

Understanding the evolving needs of its Dealer Affiliates, NATM conducted a comprehensive survey across the country to gain insights into the specific requirements of dealers. The findings underscore a shared goal among dealers to enhance profitability and elevate the end-user experience and knowledge. These crucial insights gleaned from discussions with dealers will serve as the foundation for the NATM Trailer Expo programming with a focus on elevating dealer success.

In her vast discussions and meetings with dealers, NATM Dealer Programming Specialist Andrea Boetticher has found that these dealerships are small businesses, often family-owned and their main focus is profitability. As a result, the in-person educational lineup will be geared towards increasing the profitability of dealerships. Profitability is not just determined by the sales process, but by overall business practices which NATM plans to assist with. Boetticher also has found that dealers want to meet with their peers, and NATM intends to create business engagement groups and connect dealers with non-competitors to discuss challenges, solutions, and more.

NATM is soliciting feedback from Dealer Affiliates on what topics they want addressed with the in-person workshop lineup. To help curate the future of NATM Trailer Expo programming, participate in the Trailer Expo Location and Workshop Survey, scan the provided QR code. Have an idea for additional programming or interested in joining as a Dealer Affiliate for only $150 annually? Visit www.natm.com/ dealers or email Dealers@natm.com for more information.

Looking Ahead: Fort Worth, TexasOctober 6-8, 2026

The Association is looking ahead and already planning future NATM Trailer Expos in the coming years. Building on the success of previous events, the 2026 NATM Trailer Expo will be in Fort Worth, Texas, from Oct. 6-8, 2026. Mark your calendars now!

Texas, known for its booming trailer manufacturing industry, has proven to be an ideal location for NATM's programming, contributing to record-breaking success. Its central location makes it convenient for NATM Trailer Manufacturer Members to drive in and exhibit their latest models. Additionally, the strategic location is perfect for dealers to visit and engage throughout the week. NATM is committed to expanding and enhancing the event and is actively seeking input from Dealer Affiliates on their location preferences to ensure continued growth and success. To be a part of this exciting initiative, interested parties can easily participate by scanning the provided QR code on the facing page.

NATM is excited for this new chapter in the Association, and looks forward to seeing you in OKC in 2025! If you have any questions regarding the 2025 NATM Trailer Expo, contact NATM Events Director Aileen Valido at Aileen.Valido@natm. com or (785) 272-4433. Interested in joining as a Dealer Affiliate for only $150 annually? Visit www.natm.com/dealers or email Dealers@natm.com for more information. ■

Fine dining and steakhouses, craft breweries, trendy bars, and sophisticated cocktail lounges are scattered throughout OKC offering a vibrant nightlife for attendees to unwind and socialize after a long day at the NATM Trailer Expo.

NATM Trailer Expo

Date: September 16-18, 2025

Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Venue: OKC Convention Center

Host Hotel: Omni Oklahoma City Hotel