News & Press https://ntda.site-ym.com/news/default.asp Fri, 3 Jul 2026 14:01:38 GMT Fri, 6 Mar 2026 12:47:00 GMT Copyright © 2026 National Trailer Dealers Association Mark Your Calendar for 36th Annual NTDA Convention at Sawgrass Marriott https://ntda.site-ym.com/news/news.asp?id=721677 https://ntda.site-ym.com/news/news.asp?id=721677
REGISTRATION & HOUSING
Online registration and housing open in May 2026 at www.ntda.org for the much-anticipated in-person Convention, dedicated to bringing together the best of the best in the semi-trailer industry. The event is more than a convention — it’s where partnerships are built, ideas are shared, and the future of the trailer industry takes shape.

The resort showcases TPC Sawgrass, home of the PGA TOUR’s THE PLAYERS Championship. Other highlights include nearby pickleball courts, sparkling pools, and pampering treatments at the Sawgrass Spa. The resort recently updated its ballrooms and rebuilt its oceanfront Cabana Beach Club, offering access to 26 miles of pristine beach, watersports, and oceanside dining.

EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
The Association welcomes Colonel Nicole Malachowski (USAF, Retired) as this year’s dynamic keynote presenter on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. Colonel Malachowski is a retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, combat veteran, and trailblazer. A Command Pilot with more than 2,300 flight hours in six aircraft, she flew 188 combat hours in Operations Deliberate Forge and Iraqi Freedom and commanded the 333rd Fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

In 2005, she made history as the first woman to fly with the USAF Thunderbirds. She later served as a White House Fellow and held senior leadership roles in the Department of Defense and the Secretary of the Air Force’s Office of International Affairs, ultimately serving as Executive Director of the White House’s “Joining Forces” initiative, advising on issues impacting military families and veterans.

Medically retired due to a severe neurological tick-borne illness, Malachowski turned adversity into advocacy. She mentors wounded service members through the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program and helped drive the creation of a Task Force on Support to Airmen with Complex Medical Conditions. Nationally recognized for her work, she serves in advisory roles in research and policy. She is a highly sought-after speaker who inspires others to overcome obstacles and lead with resilience.

The General Session on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, which serves as the Association’s Annual Meeting, will kick off with a presentation by NTDA Chairperson of the Board Heather Wilson.

The session will also feature “Build a Dealership People Never Want to Leave,” presented by Allen Phibbs, Director of Education at KEA Advisors. In addition, attendees will gain insights from an economic overview and will hear from a Fleet Panel Discussion focused on the trailer industry outlook for 2027, challenges facing the industry, and more. Top-level sponsors will provide brief product presentations. The Convention will also feature concurrent sessions, including “Winning the Talent War: How to Attract and Keep the Best Talent in the Up-and-Coming Generation,” presented by Jeff Butler. He is a speaker (who has presented two TEDx talks), author, and workplace strategist who helps organizations create workplaces where employees thrive in a rapidly changing work. (A fun fact about Butler is that he trained for the 2012 Olympics and was 15 lbs. from breaking a world record in weighted pull ups.)

Phibbs will follow up his General Session presentation with a concurrent session titled “Most Critical Attributes to Maximizing Personnel Performance and Operating Results.”

The popular “Dealer Big Ideas” session, first introduced in 2023, will return to help dealers improve productivity, efficiency, and profitability. Dealers interested in delivering a five-minute presentation should contact NTDA President Gwen Brown at (810) 229-5960 or email gwen@ntda.org.

EXHIBITION
The annual Exhibition and Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 15, will feature 80 displays showcasing new products and innovations, finance options, and more.

NETWORKING
The registration area will offer attendees the opportunity to print badges and tickets, enjoy beverages and snacks, network with colleagues, and meet with Association partners, including Tim Reynolds, Partner at Richey May; Becky Harding, Director of Association Programs at J.D. Fulwiler & Co. Insurance; and Nyla Storms of CardConnect. Attendees can also meet members of the National Trailer Dealers Association Board of Directors, the National Trailer Dealers Foundation Board of Directors, and Political Action Committee volunteers.

Multiple networking events are planned, including a reception for Foundation and PAC donors and a reception for first-time attendees and event sponsors. A Welcome Reception will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, at the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse.

The Mediterranean-style, 77,000-square-foot clubhouse is a majestic centerpiece that will highlight local foods and brews in an upscale setting with an expansive gallery. Docents will be on hand to share the history of TPC Sawgrass and THE PLAYERS Championship.

We are exited to offer a pool party again this year on Thursday, Oct. 15 for spouses and guests. The day will wrap up with the National Trailer Dealers Foundation Duck Derby Fundraiser. This year, watch flamingo ducks make their way down a slide into the pool. Each winning duck from four “heats” will race their duck around the pool on a remote-controlled boat. The winner of the boat race will take home a special grand prize!

GOLF TOURNAMENT
As always, the annual Golf Tournament draws a sizable attendance. This year’s tournament will take place Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at TPC Sawgrass, the stunning home of the PGA TOUR. TPC Sawgrass features two renowned 18-hole championship courses designed by Pete Dye: THE PLAYERS Stadium Course (home to THE PLAYERS Championship) and Dye’s Valley Course. Both courses are open to the public and offer a premier PGA TOUR experience with challenging, scenic layouts.

The Tournament serves as a fundraiser for the National Trailer Dealers Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in May 2023 to provide scholarships to children of NTDA member employees, trailer industry professionals, and others seeking to further develop their technical skills by attending training programs, trade schools, colleges, or universities.

ACTIVITIES
Attendees and guests can explore optional activities in and around Ponte Vedra Beach — an affluent coastal community in Northeast Florida located between Jacksonville and St. Augustine, renowned for luxury, world-class golf, and pristine beaches. More information will be available when registration opens in May 2026.

Attendees will conclude the Convention with a final evening featuring a delicious dinner and wine pairings on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. Get ready to enjoy a “Havana Nights” themed event where the NTDA will recognize outstanding membership ambassadors, sponsors, members of the Board of Directors, and other notable individuals during a fun and entertaining evening. Truck, Parts & Service magazine will announce the winning dealer of the 2026 Trailblazer award. Prize drawings are always a highlight of the event.

MORE INFO
For more information, contact NTDA toll-free (U.S. and Canada) at (800) 800-4552, direct dial (810) 229-5960, or email gwen@ntda.org.]]> Fri, 6 Mar 2026 13:47:00 GMT National Trailer Dealers Association Announces Dates, Locations for Future Annual Conventions https://ntda.site-ym.com/news/news.asp?id=663471 https://ntda.site-ym.com/news/news.asp?id=663471 The National Trailer Dealers Association (NTDA) is pleased to announce the future dates and locations of its Annual Convention. NTDA is dedicated to gathering the best of the best in the semi-trailer industry. Careful attention is paid to creating an intimate atmosphere that blends world-class educational offerings as well as incredible events that allow for candid networking and the open exchange of ideas, information and strategies for facing the challenges of the trailer industry.

Gwendolyn Brown, NTDA President, noted that, “The NTDA Annual Convention brings together decision-makers from trailer dealerships throughout North America along with all of the top-level trailer OEMs and service providers. Our mission is clear, to help trailer dealers increase efficiency and profitability, and our educational programs, presentations, and general sessions are all geared to make this happen. The Convention also includes the best networking events available in the industry.”

  • This year’s convention will be held at The Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells, CA, Wednesday, Oct. 9–Friday, 11, 2024. Online registration and housing open in May 2024 on www.ntda.org.

  • The NTDA will host its 35th Annual Convention at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass, Tucson, AZ, from Tuesday, Oct. 14–Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.

  • The 36th Annual Convention will take place at TPC Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, in Ponte Vedra, FL, from Wednesday, Oct. 14–Friday, Oct. 16, 2026.
  • The 37th Annual Convention will take place at The Meritage Resort and Spa & Grand Reserve, Napa, CA, from Wednesday, Oct. 6–Friday, Oct. 8, 2027.


“Our members have come to expect the annual NTDA Convention will be held at a five-star resort in a beautiful setting, and with world-class golfing, events and networking opportunities to match our world-class educational sessions, and the Association has delivered all that plus incredible educational content and networking year over year,” noted Gwen Brown.

Each annual NTDA Convention includes educational sessions, industry and economic overviews, a world-class keynote speaker, special networking events for new members and industry leaders, and an exhibition and luncheon that features nearly 100 displays. Many NTDA members introduce new products and innovations at the event.

An additional highlight of each year’s convention program is the annual Golf Tournament, which has become a fundraiser for the National Trailer Dealers Foundation.

NTDA Annual Convention locations and dates. Mark your calendars:

  • 34th Annual National Trailer Dealers Association Convention
    Wednesday, Oct. 9-Friday, Oct. 11, 2024 at The Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa
    Indian Wells, CA

  • 35th Annual National Trailer Dealers Association Convention
    Tuesday, Oct. 7-Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 at JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass
    Tucson, AZ

  • 36th Annual National Trailer Dealers Association Convention
    Wednesday, Oct. 14-Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 at TPC Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
    Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

  • 37th Annual National Trailer Dealers Association Convention
    Wednesday, Oct. 6-Friday, Oct. 8, 2027 at The Meritage Resort and Spa & Grand Reserve
    Napa, CA.
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