NATM Takes the Stage: Introducing the NATM Dealer Summit at NATDA
Nashville, Tennessee, is known for big stages, good music, and memorable performances, and this September, the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is bringing its own headline act to the North American Trailer Dealer Association (NATDA) Trailer Show.
For the first time, NATM is launching the NATM Dealer Summit at the NATDA Trailer Show, bringing the education and industry conversations that members have come to know from NATM events directly to dealers and attendees in Nashville at the Music City Center. Sept. 1 will feature a full day of learning designed specifically to help dealers strengthen their businesses, build stronger partnerships, and tackle some of the industry's biggest opportunities and challenges.
The goal is simple: bring valuable education, meaningful discussion, and fresh ideas that attendees can take home and apply immediately.
From leadership and sales strategies to compliance discussions and live audience polling, the NATM Dealer Summit is designed to create an engaging experience that goes beyond sitting through presentations. Attendees can expect high-energy sessions, candid conversations, and opportunities to hear perspectives from dealers, manufacturers, and industry experts alike.
The lineup includes:
Session 1: Morning Momentum: How to Build a High Velocity Sales Team
9:00–10:30 a.m.
The day begins with energy and motivation as executive coach Dr. Rick Goodman takes the stage. Known for his dynamic speaking style and practical approach, Goodman will share strategies to help dealerships build stronger, more effective sales teams.
Attendees will learn how to move conversations beyond price, communicate value more effectively, uncover customer needs, and build long-term customer relationships that drive results. Participants will leave with actionable tools to strengthen their teams and create more consistent sales success. This is a session your sales teams don’t want to miss.
Session 2: Beyond the Build: A Dealer’s Guide
to Trailer Manufacturer Partnerships
11:00–11:50 a.m.
Successful partnerships are about much more than the trailer itself. In this session, NATM Dealer Affiliates Johnny Shelton of NC Trailers and Zachary McCalley of Superstar Trailers (Texas) will share their perspectives on what dealers should consider when evaluating manufacturer relationships—and why the right partnership can influence long-term business success.
Drawing from real-world experience selecting and managing manufacturer partners, Shelton and McCalley will explore topics including communication practices, lead times, warranty support, dealer expectations, business tools, marketing support, and other practical factors that impact success beyond the sale. Attendees will walk away with a framework—and actionable questions—to help evaluate both current and future manufacturing partnerships.
Session 3: Protecting Your Dealership: Compliance,
Tire Recordkeeping and Documentation
1:00–2:30 p.m.
Compliance and documentation have become increasingly important throughout the trailer industry. In this session, NATM Technical Director Scott Crimmins will provide insights into trailer safety standards, required documentation, and tire recordkeeping requirements.
Joining Crimmins will be a trailer manufacturer that has completed the Compliance Verification Program (CVP), offering firsthand perspective on the process and why strong systems and documentation matter.
Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how compliance responsibilities extend beyond manufacturers and why proper recordkeeping can help protect dealerships and their customers.
Session 4: From Line to Lot: A Dealer-Manufacturer Panel
3:00–4:30 p.m.
The day concludes with an interactive session designed to get the entire room involved.
Moderated by Johnathan Bradley of All American Trailer Connection, this live panel will feature members of the NATDA Dealer Council, NATM Dealer Affiliates, and trailer manufacturers discussing real industry topics through live audience polling.
As attendees weigh in on questions in real time, panelists will respond with perspectives from both sides of the business. The session concludes with a Hot Seat finale featuring audience-submitted questions and candid discussion.
Bring your phone, bring your opinions, and come ready to participate.
The NATM Dealer Summit represents an exciting opportunity to bring the educational experience NATM Members have come to value to an entirely new stage. Whether you're looking for leadership ideas, stronger partnerships, practical compliance information, or honest conversations about the future of the industry, this year's NATM Dealer Summit promises something for everyone.
To register for the NATM Dealer Summit, click here!
NATM looks forward to seeing you in Nashville this September.