Workshops and forums
The NATM Convention & Trade Show will offer Educational Workshops and Technical Forums on Feb. 15-18, 2027.
Unlock Innovation and Master Your Craft: A Preview of Educational Workshops and Technical Forums at the 2027 NATM Convention & Trade Show
Get ready to experience an extraordinary lineup of workshops and technical forums at the 2027 NATM Convention & Trade Show in Nashville, TN, from Feb. 15-18, 2027. Set in the Gaylord Opryland, this year’s event is packed with valuable sessions tailored to empower trailer manufacturers and suppliers with the knowledge and tools they need to excel. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect:
Educational Workshop & Technical Forum Line-Up*
Tuesday, February 16
Workshop Session 1 - Keeping Your Best People: Practical Strategies to Reduce Turnover in Trailer Manufacturing
Presenter: Lisa Ryan, Founder of Grategy
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2027 | Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Location: Davidson C
Turnover starts on the floor, and the right strategies can make a difference. In this practical session, attendees will explore what drives employee retention, how leadership behaviors impact engagement, and why the first 18 months can be critical. Learn how stay interviews, meaningful recognition, and stronger team relationships can help reduce turnover and build a more committed workforce.
Technical Forum Session 1 - More Arc, Less Idle: Improving Welding Shop Productivity Without Major Capital Investmen
Presenters: Daniel Hernandez, Airgas
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2027 | Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Location: Davidson D
Meaningful productivity gains don’t always require new equipment or major investments. This session will explore how shielding gas, filler metals, and key performance indicators can help welding shops uncover hidden inefficiencies and improve productivity. Attendees will learn practical ways to optimize processes, measure performance, and increase throughput, potentially by 20–40%, without major capital changes
Workshop Session 2 - Leadership Strategies for Trailer Manufacturers Navigating Uncertainty, Workforce Challenges, and Industry Change
Presenters: Mary C. Kelly, Hall of Fame leadership Economist, retired Navy Commander, Author
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2027 | Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Location: Davidson C
Today’s trailer industry leaders are navigating workforce challenges, economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and constant change. In this engaging session, Dr. Mary Kelly will share practical leadership strategies for improving communication, strengthening accountability, supporting teams, and making confident decisions in uncertain times. Attendees will also explore her P.I.V.O.T. framework for prioritizing effectively, assessing risk, and preparing their organizations for what’s next.
Technical Forum Session 2A - Beyond the Lens: Trailer Lighting 101 and Compliance
Presenter: Michael Whitman, Optronics International
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2027 | Time: 2:00 p.m. - 2:40 p.m. | Location: Davidson D
Trailer lighting requirements may seem straightforward—until design constraints, customization requests, and real-world applications come into play. This session will explore the fundamentals of compliant trailer lighting and provide guidance for applying requirements in everyday scenarios. Learn how to interpret common lighting codes and markings, evaluate compliant options when installation space is limited, and understand how emerging design trends intersect with visibility, safety, and compliance. Attendees will walk away with tools and examples they can apply immediately to make more informed trailer lighting decisions.
Presenter: Jim Braessler, Kenda American Tire
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2027 | Time: 2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Location: Davidson D
Selecting trailer tires and wheels involves more than choosing the largest option available. This session will provide an overview of trailer tires and wheels with a focus on understanding ply ratings, load capacity, and selecting the appropriate tire construction for different trailer applications. Attendees will explore how trailer design, use and loading conditions influence tire and wheel selection and tackle a common industry question: Is bigger always better? Walk away with insights to support informed design decisions and optimize trailer load performance.
Don't Miss Out On These Additional Educational Opportunities!
Bacon & Brilliance: Association Update and Awards Brunch
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2027 | Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Location: Davidson AE
Experience something exciting with the interactive Bacon & Brilliance Polling Panel, sponsored by Optronics International. Using live audience polling and real-time expert commentary, attendees will explore industry trends, challenges, and opportunities while comparing perspectives from across the trailer industry. Bring your phone, cast your vote, and be part of the conversation as we launch the first day of the trade show with energy and industry insights!
Presenters: K&L Gates
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2027 | Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Location: Davidson AE
Join NATM for a lunchtime discussion on the legislative and regulatory issues shaping the trailer industry. Hear updates from K&L Gates and members of the NATM Government Affairs Committee on key federal initiatives, advocacy efforts, and issues impacting the industry. Gain a better understanding of NATM’s advocacy priorities and how member engagement can make a difference.
Presenters: NATM CVP Team
Date: Thursday, Feb. 18, 2027 | Time: 10:45 a.m. - Noon | Location: Ryman Exhibit Hall
Close out the Convention with a look at the current state and future of the trailer industry. NATM Technical Director Scott Crimmins will review the Compliance Verification Program (CVP), common compliance challenges, and practical strategies for strengthening compliance. The session will also explore emerging technologies and innovations shaping the future of trailer safety, manufacturing, and compliance.
*As of 09/22/2027– Topics/presenters are subject to change.
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