Fleet managers, truck equipment distributors, leasing company representatives and other professionals involved in buying, selling or using commercial vehicles and equipment crowded the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta for The Work Truck Show® 2003. The show, produced by the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA), was held March 3 through 5 in conjunction with the 39th Annual NTEA Convention. More than 5,600 representatives from industries that use work trucks — including delivery, government, utility, construction and landscaping — attended the show. This is an increase of 10 percent over attendance at the 2002 show held in Orlando, FL. (The 5,600 figure is based on results of the initial verification process conducted by the NTEA.) “There was a positive atmosphere at the show this year. It was obvious that business was getting done,” says Jim Carney, NTEA executive director. “We see that reflected in our booth sales to-date for the 2004 show. Because of the success they had in Atlanta, exhibitors are increasing the size of their booths for the Baltimore show next March. We’ve already sold almost 90 percent of the available exhibit space at the Baltimore Convention Center.” Show attendees examined the latest work truck chassis, bodies and equipment and got technical assistance from 435 exhibiting companies. According to the NTEA, the Work Truck Show is the only place to see full-size commercial trucks and transportation equipment from vehicle Classes 1 through 8, making it easy for fleets and distributors with a variety of equipment demands to find what they need to improve productivity and efficiency. New products and technical innovations were evident in practically every aisle, as more than 50 exhibiting companies used The Work Truck Show as a launching pad for new products, from components and accessories to entire vehicles. Among the show’s exhibitors were 12 of the world’s leading chassis manufacturers — 10 of which held educational sessions to review technical information on chassis specifications; design; body installation; equipment mounting; and current and future model lineups. Attendees also took advantage of the 37 industry-specific educational sessions, numerous networking opportunities and a keynote address by Steve Spurrier, head coach of the National Football League’s Washington Redskins. “This year’s event was a success on all fronts,” Carney said. “The expanded Conference provided industry professionals with even more valuable educational resources. Exhibitors were also happy with the number and quality of leads they collected during the show, indicating a win-win scenario for industry suppliers and attendees alike.” The Work Truck Show 2004 is scheduled for March 3–5 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, MD. The show will be held in conjunction with the 40th Annual NTEA Convention (March 2–5). Registration for The Work Truck Show 2004 opens in September 2003. The National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) was established in 1964 and currently represents nearly 1,600 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial trucks, truck bodies, truck equipment, trailers and accessories. Buyers of work trucks and the major commercial truck chassis manufacturers also belong to the NTEA. The NTEA provides in-depth technical information, education and money-saving opportunities through its member programs, publications, services and sponsorship of The Work Truck Show. The Association maintains its administrative headquarters in suburban Detroit and a government relations office in Washington, DC. Its Web site, www.ntea.com, provides an interactive listing of members and their products/services as well as important industry news and resources. Contact the NTEA at 1-800-441-NTEA (6832).