NATM Convention & Trade Show 2025: A Record-Breaking Year in Music City
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) pulled off its most successful Convention & Trade Show to date in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, at the iconic Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Held Feb. 17-20, 2025, the event saw record-breaking attendance, a bustling exhibit hall floor, and a smooth attendee experience — all made possible through the dedication and flexibility of NATM’s exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees.
A total of 1,507 individuals attended this year’s show - which is less than 10 short of overall historical attendance records, including 363 representatives from 138 trailer manufacturing companies. This marked a continued upward trend in participation and interest across the industry.
“This was a great show,” remarked Deborah Edwards, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of SteelPoint. “I love seeing the continuous improvement and growth in this show year after year! My company, SteelPoint, benefited greatly from the opportunity to network with other trailer manufacturers, and to connect with some existing suppliers while also exploring additional sources of supply with potential new vendors. Well worth every penny to both be an NATM Member and to attend the Convention!”
Exhibit Hall: Bigger, Busier, Better
The 2025 NATM exhibit hall was packed with energy and innovation, featuring 356 booth spaces, up 10.9% from 2024. A total of 259 companies exhibited, a 12.61% increase over the previous year, including 51 new member companies (up 8.51%).
"The NATM Convention is one of our favorite shows to exhibit and attend,” remarked Ryan Griesemer, Sales Manager of Ridewell Suspensions. “From cutting-edge technology to top-tier services, the suppliers showcase the pinnacle of what the light-and-medium-duty trailer market has to offer. It's a dynamic environment and participating in such a convention is a testament to the health and vibrancy of our industry."
Education That Matters: Workshops and Technical Forum
The NATM Educational Workshops and Technical Forum sessions were also met with enthusiastic praise. These sessions provided attendees with actionable insights, regulatory updates, and forward-thinking solutions across the trailer manufacturing landscape.
With strong attendance and positive feedback, these learning opportunities remain a cornerstone of the Convention.
Sponsorship and Showcase Highlights
While sponsorship revenue saw a 7.36% decrease from previous years, and 29 generous sponsors stepped up to support the event. Their continued involvement and visibility on-site helped elevate the overall experience for all attendees. A big thank you is owed to these generous supporters for helping to offset costs for the event. As a not-for-profit, the NATM Convention funds NATM’s programming throughout the year including the Compliance Verification Program, Government Affairs Advocacy, NATM Academy and Trailer Safety Week, to name a few.
The Trailer Trends & Technology Showcase returned with great success, featuring 10 participating companies. The showcase offered a platform for companies to spotlight cutting-edge developments and engage attendees with the future of the industry.
“The NATM Show is a ‘must’ for LaVanture Products, said Lisa Rhinesmith, Vice President of Sales for Lavanture Products. “The quality of attendees is top-notch, and they are mostly decision-makers that know what their dealers/retailers want. NATM show is productive and cost-effective because it saves us time and money. Being able to see all the industry leaders in one location is wonderful! For us, it is great to see some many friends and partners in one place. We truly look forward to this show."
A Harmonious Kickoff: Monday Night Dueling Pianos Drinks a Hit
New to the 2025 lineup, the Monday Night Dueling Pianos, sponsored by PPG, hit all the right notes. This high-energy event served as the perfect icebreaker to kick off the week, bringing attendees together for a night of music, laughter, and networking before the week’s official activities began.
The piano showdown was a fun and fitting homage to the host city of Nashville, known for its musical roots. NATM is excited to announce that this event will return not only for the 2026 Convention, but also at the upcoming fall NATM Trailer Expo.
Mobile Success: NATM App Sponsored by H-I-S Coatings
The official NATM Mobile App, sponsored by H-I-S Coatings, was particularly well received by attendees in 2025. With its streamlined design, live updates, interactive maps, and personalized agendas, the app became an essential tool for attendees navigating the busy schedule.
In fact, the app’s success was so significant — driven by outstanding user engagement and metric performance — that Whova, the mobile app supplier, has already reached out to NATM to develop a case study highlighting the effectiveness of NATM’s event usage on the mobile app.
Venue to Remember: NATM to Return to Gaylord Opryland 2027
Attendees were truly captivated by the Gaylord Opryland Resort, which served as more than just a backdrop — it was an experience in itself. The facility’s acres of indoor lush tropical gardens, winding pathways, and cascading waterfalls created a unique and immersive environment that made networking and exploring the Convention feel like a getaway. With multiple restaurants and bars throughout the property, attendees had no shortage of options. The atmosphere added an extra layer of enjoyment to the event, and NATM is excited to return to this stunning venue in 2027!
Looking Ahead to Fort Worth 2026
The NATM Convention & Trade Show 2025 not only met expectations — it exceeded them. As the Association looks to 2026 and heading back to Fort Worth, Texas, it does so with momentum. The growth in attendance, exhibitor participation, and overall satisfaction reflects the strength of our industry and the passion of those who support it. Thank you to everyone who made the 2025 show the biggest and best yet — NATM can’t wait to see you in Fort Worth! For more information, stay tuned to www.NATM.com/convention.