The trucking industry is in positive territory as it recovers from several years of unprecedented recessionary activity. Nowhere was that more apparent than at this year’s Great West Truck Show, held June 9-11 in Las Vegas, Nev.
“We felt that this show was the best in recent years, and we’re excited about its future,” says Mike Reilly, president and chief executive officer of Randall-Reilly, which owns The Great West Truck Show. “Exhibitors told us that the attendance was steady and that attendees were interested buyers.”
“The show floor and visitor registrations were static year over year, but the feel and the level of business that took place on the show floor was remarkably higher,” says Alan Sims, vice president/executive director. “Exhibitors told us that they were selling trucks, trailers and everything that goes along with them.”
Show management reported overall visitor registrations totaled 16,926, slightly up but in-line with 2010. Qualified registered attendees came from executive fleet management/owners, middle management transportation safety/operations and owner- operators. Attendees were employed by for-hire trucking companies, private fleets, municipalities and others that use heavy- and medium-duty trucks in their everyday operations.
“We continue to be pleased with the quality of attendees,” Sims says. “Our Great West Truck Show delivers truck buyers from the West who typically don’t attend trucking events in the eastern U.S. They have to make an investment to get to Las Vegas, so that contributes to the quality of attendees we attract. We are committed to the continued development of GWTS. The western United States has some unique needs both in equipment and practice. Outside of GWTS, no other show adequately speaks to the western market.”
GWTS offers a full slate of comprehensive educational sessions, more than 200 exhibiting companies, free truck parking, a stop on the Custom Rigs Pride and Polish National Championship Series, and a Health and Wellness pavilion.
GWTS is supported by the California Trucking Association, Nevada Motor Transport Association, Arizona Trucking Association and other key partners. CTA holds one of its two annual board of directors meetings in conjunction with the show.
Next year’s Great West Truck Show will be held in June in Las Vegas. Randall-Reilly also produces the Great American Trucking Show, held annually in Dallas, which consistently has been the second-largest trucking event in the United States; as well as The Charlotte Diesel Super Show, CCJ Symposiums and other key face-to-face events within the trucking and construction industries.
