FARMINGTON HILLS, MI - More than 8,400 work truck industry professionals attended The Work Truck Show 2009 and 45th Annual National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Convention at the McCormick Place West Building in Chicago, March 3-6.

This represents an increase of 18.5 percent over The Work Truck Show 2008, and is the second largest turnout for this event in its 10-year history. At The Work Truck Show 2009, 490 exhibitors filled out the show floor that covered nearly 500,000 square feet with new vocational trucks, components and equipment.

"The fact the Work Truck Show grew significantly during these exceptionally tough economic times is a testament to the value this event provides to NTEA manufacturer and distributor members, as well as to truck dealers, fleet managers and end-users," said Jim Carney, NTEA executive director."The large number of attendees and new products at the show also reflect the resilience of our industry and the spirit of our members. Even in challenging economic times, business moves forward. The trucks and equipment exhibited at the Work Truck Show facilitate work across a wide range of industries, and it is most encouraging that more than 8,400 professionals came together to explore the latest developments from nearly 500 suppliers."

Verified attendance at The Work Truck Show 2009 was 8,449. In comparison, attendance at The Work Truck Show 2008, which was held in Atlanta, was approximately 7,200. The largest turnout for any NTEA event was just over 9,000 at The Work Truck Show 2007 in Indianapolis.

Plans are well underway for next year. The Work Truck Show 2010 will be held in conjunction with the 46th Annual NTEA Convention March 9-12, 2010 (Show floor opens March 10) in America's Center, St. Louis.

For more information, visit www.ntea.com or call (800) 441-NTEA (6832).