Regulatory Roundup 2026: Bringing the Trailer Industry’s Voice to Capitol Hill
When people think about advocacy in Washington, D.C., they often picture polished speeches, political debates, or lobbyists behind closed doors. What many do not see are the people behind the conversations: business owners, manufacturers, engineers, and industry professionals sharing firsthand experiences about how policies affect their companies, employees, and customers.
That is what makes the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Regulatory Roundup different.
This year marked the largest Regulatory Roundup in NATM history, with 40 members attending, and 64 meetings conducted with members of Congress and congressional staff. Together, members represented an industry that manufactures an estimated 77% of the nearly one million new trailers registered in the United States and supports more than half a million American jobs.
For longtime attendees and first-time participants alike, the event was about more than meetings and talking points. It was about understanding how legislation develops, building relationships, and ensuring the trailer industry has a voice in discussions that can impact manufacturers and consumers alike.
The week kicked off Monday, April 20, with a private Capitol tour led by Bart Gordon, a retired Congressman from Tennessee. Members gathered on the Capitol steps before walking through the historic halls where legislation takes shape. Attendees were also able to snap photos while visiting the Speaker of the House’s veranda which offers a spectacular view of D.C and the Washington Monument.
There was something memorable about seeing everyone together in that setting. Beyond the architecture and history, there was a realization that the discussions taking place over the next few days could help shape the future of the industry. Walking the same halls where policies are debated and decisions are made gave members a behind-the-scenes perspective that some had never experienced.
Tuesday morning started early as members gathered at K&L Gates offices to prepare for the day ahead. Teams reviewed talking points and handouts prepared by NATM, while veteran attendees helped guide first-time participants through the process. Some groups headed directly to their first meetings while others finalized schedules and strategy before stepping into the legislative offices.
The conversations focused on key topics affecting the trailer industry, including NATM's Compliance Verification Program (CVP), Trailer Safety Week, and broader industry issues impacting manufacturers. Members also discussed an important challenge facing the industry: because trailers are defined as motor vehicles, legislation and regulations intended for other vehicle sectors can sometimes unintentionally affect trailer manufacturers and operations.
Having a seat at the table for these discussions matters. The goal is not simply to react to legislation after it happens, but to help policymakers better understand the trailer industry before decisions are made.
For many attendees, the most memorable moments came from the conversations and experiences that happened along the way.
Dexter's Randy McMann recalled one particularly memorable meeting with Indiana’s Rudy Yakym, saying, "Meeting with Rudy really stood out to me. We walked through a live Ways and Means meeting, and he pointed out the back table where he said much of the last budget had been hammered out.” McMann also noted that what makes Regulatory Roundup different from other industry events is: "Seeing the real grassroots efforts of NATM. Working side by side with members, some of whom are competitors, for a common effort. Seeing and engaging in the real workings of D.C."
Dave McKee of ATW talked about his experience by stating, "Direct facetime with Congressman Taylor of Ohio and Congressman Joyce of Pennsylvania was very valuable. Both represent districts where ATW manufactures, employing 400+ between the two districts."
He also noted how meaningful it was to see the industry's presence becoming more recognized:
"It was especially rewarding to see the work of NATM paying off as several of the House and Senate offices I met with recognized NATM, our industry and me in a few cases. They are getting to know who we are and our impact in the industry. While I selfishly want to meet with leaders representing districts ATW has a presence in, the Roundup is rewarding in the sense that we are representing our industry, and I believe making a difference for manufacturers from a regulatory standpoint and for consumers from a safety standpoint."
He continued by staying, "Often lobbyists are viewed in a negative light when in fact the vast majority are made up of people like us—no hidden agenda, no bribes—just business owners and employees trying to do what is right for our industry. I would highly recommend others from our industry experience this firsthand—at least once."
For Marcus Hester of EMCO Industries, the impact of conversations in Washington continues after the trip, stating, "We met directly with Congressman Brecheen of Oklahoma, who is a customer and supporter of our industry. His office has already followed up with a site visit to EMCO and is planning a site visit for the Congressman later this year."
Hester also shared that conversations generated additional engagement with a site visit planned from Senator Lankford’s office as a direct result of meetings in D.C.
When asked what he would say to someone considering attending for the first time, Hester said:
"Our meetings are very conversational, and the staffers and members are both typically engaged since our talking points are mostly common-sense items that they agree with, and in a lot of cases, can relate to. NATM makes it easy to attend these meetings and does a great job in providing material to help guide the conversations."
Wednesday brought the group back together at K&L Gates for a policy-focused day of presentations and discussion. Members heard from K&L Gates Analyst Finch Fulton about emerging issues and what may be on the horizon, followed by a congressional staff panel discussing the Surface Transportation Bill. K&L Gates’ Brian Hopkins also provided an update on trade and tariffs, including developments surrounding steel, aluminum, and ongoing discussions regarding tariff refunds.
Behind the scenes, significant coordination takes place long before members arrive in Washington.
Brody Garland of K&L Gates explained that selecting meetings involves much more than simply scheduling appointments.
"There are many factors that we consider when putting together congressional meetings: what committees members sit on, what issues they care about, and what bills they have sponsored. But in its simplest form, advocacy is about letting people know why something should matter to them."
Garland explained that congressional meetings are strategically centered around NATM member locations and communities.
"We are a representative democracy, and the men and women we send to Congress are there to listen to the voters they represent."
He also emphasized that member participation is what makes the event successful.
"I can't stress this enough. NATM Member participation ALWAYS makes a noticeable difference in conversations with policymakers. Members of Congress want to hear from the people that live in their districts, the businesses that are the lifeblood of their local communities."
When asked what most people do not realize about organizing Regulatory Roundup, Garland's answer returned to the same point:
"This event is unachievable without the faces and voices of the people our lawmakers represent. Without their presence, our job becomes impossible."
Regulatory Roundup is more than a few days in Washington, D.C. It is an opportunity for members to tell the story of their businesses, their employees, and their industry.
This year's record attendance and participation showed something important: when NATM Members come together and speak with one voice, it matters.