Boardroom Bulletin: Getting Ready for Convention, Let’s Kick It Off in Fort Worth
Every year, the NATM Convention & Trade Show gives us something we do not always get in our day-to-day work: time to step back, reconnect, and move the trailer industry forward, together. As we gear up for the 2026 Convention & Trade Show in Fort Worth, Texas, I want to personally encourage you to start making plans now and take full advantage of everything this event has to offer.
Fort Worth has always been a strong home for NATM. The last time we gathered there, attendance hit record levels, and the energy carried far beyond the trade show floor. In 2026, we are building on that momentum with expanded sponsorship opportunities, and even more ways for members, new and returning, to connect, learn, and be seen. Whether you are exhibiting, sponsoring, or attending to build relationships, this Convention is a powerful investment in your business and in our Association.
One of my favorite parts of Convention week is how it begins: the Dueling Pianos Welcome Event. I am especially excited to see Dueling Pianos return on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at the Fort Worth Convention Center. This is not just entertainment; it is the perfect environment to break the ice, catch up with familiar faces, and start new conversations that often turn into long-term industry relationships. With live music, food, drinks, and a high-energy atmosphere, it sets the tone for a productive and memorable week.
Tickets are available for purchase on NATM.com, and I can confidently say it is well worth it.
This year’s Convention also brings new programming and opportunities to engage such as Bacon & Brilliance: Association Update and Awards Brunch. This event offers key updates, recognition, and an interactive audience polling discussion, all in one energizing morning session. To close out the week, the CVP Failures & Trailer Technology Workshop, led by NATM Technical Director Scott Crimmins, will dive into compliance trends, common challenges, and emerging technologies shaping the future of trailer manufacturing.
These new events, along with continued sponsorship support, reflect NATM’s commitment to delivering meaningful, relevant experiences for our members. As a Board member, I see firsthand how valuable these connections are to NATM’s strength and future. I hope you will join us in Fort Worth, kick things off at Dueling Pianos, and take full advantage of everything Fort Worth has to offer. I encourage you to plan ahead and I look forward to seeing you there.