NATM Unveils Innovative Educational Initiative at Upcoming NATDA Show
After months of discussion amongst the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Board of Directors, NATM ultimately made the decision to cancel the NATM Trailer Expo originally scheduled for October. However, NATM is thrilled to announce an agreement with the North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) to launch the NATM Dealer Summit, an innovative educational track that will be featured at the upcoming NATDA Trailer Show starting this September.
The NATM Dealer Summit is poised to offer a comprehensive suite of dealership resources, business improvement strategies, and compliance deep dives. This initiative aims to equip a network of engaged dealers with the tools necessary to foster a more educated and aligned industry landscape.
This comes after careful consideration and valuable feedback from our members and dealer affiliates, NATM is excited to work with NATDA to provide a platform that maintains the spirit and mission of the NATM Trailer Expo, yet offers a more focused and accessible experience for trailer dealer professionals in the light- and medium-duty trailer industry.
“We are genuinely excited about the launch of the NATM Dealer Summit,” said Alex Stowe, NATM Executive Director. “This development signifies a pivotal moment for the future of NATM and our Dealer Affiliates. It represents our unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional educational platform that aligns with our mission and the evolving needs of the trailer industry. By offering relevant resources, business strategies, and compliance insights, we are equipping our affiliates with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive. The NATM Dealer Summit at the NATDA Trailer Show will undoubtedly foster deeper connections and elevate industry standards, driving the success and growth of all involved.”
The NATDA Trailer Show will serve as a vibrant venue for learning and networking, ultimately helping to enhance industry standards and practices. We are excited to further enhance the show in a manner that benefits not only our dealer affiliates and members but also the entire industry.
NATM looks forward to welcoming industry professionals to the NATM Dealer Summit at NATDA’s September show and is committed to furthering the development and success of the entire light- and medium-duty trailer industry. As part of this commitment, the NATM Dealer Summit track will be provided free of charge to all attendees. NATM looks forward to this joint effort with NATDA and to the benefits it will provide to our industry.
What to Expect At the NATM Dealer Summit
Session 1: 9:00am-10:30am (90 minutes)
Morning Momentum: How to Build a High Velocity Sales Team
Speaker: Dr. Rick Goodman, Executive Coach
Description: Start your day with a high-energy session designed to motivate, challenge, and elevate your sales approach. Dynamic speaker Dr. Rick Goodman will share practical strategies for building a high-velocity sales team that communicates value, builds trust, and drives results. Discover how to shift conversations from price to value, uncover your customers’ real needs, and present solutions that solve problems and build loyalty. Walk away with actionable strategies to differentiate your dealership, strengthen customer relationships, and drive more consistent, long-term sales success.
Session 2: 11:00am-11:50am (50 minutes)
Beyond the Build: A Dealer’s Guide to Trailer Manufacturer Partnerships
Speaker: TBD (Dealer-Led)
Description: Choosing the right trailer manufacturer goes far beyond the trailer itself. In this session, learn how to evaluate trailer manufacturer partners based on the factors that truly impact your business—from communication and lead times to warranty support and business tools. Walk away with practical insights and a clear framework to help you build stronger, more profitable partnerships.
Session 3: 1:00pm-2:30pm (90 minutes)
Protecting Your Dealership: Compliance, Tire Recordkeeping and Documentation
Speaker: Scott Crimmins, NATM Technical Director
Description: In today’s landscape, not knowing isn’t a safe place to be. Compliance with required Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, documentation, and tire recordkeeping play a critical role in protecting both your business and your customers. In this session, NATM's Technical Director Scott Crimmins shares practical insights into trailer safety standards and what it really takes to build a compliant trailer. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how compliance and proper recordkeeping impact not just manufacturers—but dealers as well.
Session 4: 3:00pm-4:30pm (90 minutes)
From Line to Lot: A Dealer-Manufacturer Panel
Speaker: 2 Dealers, 2 Manufacturers moderated by Johnathan Bradley (All American Trailer Connection)
Description: Close out the day with the conversation everyone will be talking about.
A panel of NATDA Dealer Council Members, NATM Dealer Affiliates and trailer manufacturers come together for a live, unfiltered discussion driven by real-time polling questions. As dealers weigh in on what’s working—and what’s not—a panel from both sides responds in the moment, offering perspective, context, and candid insight.
The session ends with a Hot Seat finale, where panelists take on audience-submitted questions.
Bring your phone and your perspective. Come add your voice and get in on the conversation, as we help shape what’s next for the industry.