Page 4 - TrailerTalk - February 2026

TRAILERTALK
Mark Your Calendar for 36th Annual

NTDA Convention at Sawgrass Marriott…

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serves in advisory roles in research and policy. She is a highly sought- for Foundation and PAC donors and a reception for first-time
after speaker who inspires others to overcome obstacles and lead with attendees and event sponsors. A Welcome Reception will take
resilience. place on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, at the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse.
The Mediterranean-style, 77,000-square-foot clubhouse is a majestic
The General Session on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, which serves as the centerpiece that will highlight local foods and brews in an upscale
Association’s Annual Meeting, will kick off with a presentation by setting with an expansive gallery. Docents will be on hand to share the
NTDA Chairperson of the Board Heather Wilson. history of TPC Sawgrass and THE PLAYERS Championship.

The session will also feature “Build a Dealership People Never Want We are exited to offer a pool party again this year on Thursday, Oct.
to Leave,” presented by Allen Phibbs, Director of Education at KEA 15 for spouses and guests. The day will wrap up with the National
Advisors. In addition, attendees will gain insights from an economic Trailer Dealers Foundation Duck Derby Fundraiser. This year,
overview and will hear from a Fleet Panel Discussion focused on the watch flamingo ducks make their way down a slide into the pool. Each
trailer industry outlook for 2027, challenges facing the industry, and winning duck from four “heats” will race their duck around the pool on
more. Top-level sponsors will provide brief product presentations. a remote-controlled boat. The winner of the boat race will take home a
special grand prize!
The Convention will also feature concurrent sessions, including
“Winning the Talent War: How to Attract and Keep the Best GOLF TOURNAMENT
Talent in the Up-and-Coming Generation,” presented by Jeff As always, the annual Golf Tournament draws a sizable attendance.
Butler. He is a speaker (who has presented two TEDx talks), This year’s tournament will take place Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at TPC
author, and workplace strategist who helps organizations create Sawgrass, the stunning home of the PGA TOUR. TPC Sawgrass features
workplaces where employees thrive in a rapidly changing work. (A two renowned 18-hole championship courses designed by Pete Dye:
fun fact about Butler is that he trained for the 2012 Olympics and THE PLAYERS Stadium Course (home to THE PLAYERS Championship)
was 15 lbs. from breaking a world record in weighted pull ups.) and Dye’s Valley Course. Both courses are open to the public and offer a
premier PGA TOUR experience with challenging, scenic layouts.
Phibbs will follow up his General Session presentation with a concurrent
session titled “Most Critical Attributes to Maximizing Personnel The Tournament serves as a fundraiser for the National Trailer Dealers
Performance and Operating Results.” Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in May 2023
to provide scholarships to children of NTDA member employees, trailer
The popular “Dealer Big Ideas” session, first introduced in 2023, will industry professionals, and others seeking to further develop their
return to help dealers improve productivity, efficiency, and profitability. technical skills by attending training programs, trade schools, colleges,
Dealers interested in delivering a five-minute presentation should or universities.
contact NTDA President Gwen Brown at (810) 229-5960 or email
gwen@ntda.org. ACTIVITIES
Attendees and guests can explore optional activities in and around
EXHIBITION Ponte Vedra Beach — an affluent coastal community in Northeast
The annual Exhibition and Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 15, will feature Florida located between Jacksonville and St. Augustine, renowned for
80 displays showcasing new products and innovations, finance options, luxury, world-class golf, and pristine beaches. More information will be
and more. available when registration opens in May 2026.

NETWORKING Attendees will conclude the Convention with a final evening featuring a
The registration area will offer attendees the opportunity to print delicious dinner and wine pairings on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. Get ready to
badges and tickets, enjoy beverages and snacks, network with enjoy a “Havana Nights” themed event where the NTDA will recognize
colleagues, and meet with Association partners, including Tim outstanding membership ambassadors, sponsors, members of the
Reynolds, Partner at Richey May; Becky Harding, Director of Board of Directors, and other notable individuals during a fun and
Association Programs at J.D. Fulwiler & Co. Insurance; and Nyla entertaining evening. Truck, Parts & Service magazine will announce the
Storms of CardConnect. Attendees can also meet members of the winning dealer of the 2026 Trailblazer award. Prize drawings are always
National Trailer Dealers Association Board of Directors, the National a highlight of the event.
Trailer Dealers Foundation Board of Directors, and Political Action
Committee volunteers. MORE INFO
For more information, contact NTDA toll-free (U.S. and Canada) at
Multiple networking events are planned, including a reception (800) 800-4552, direct dial (810) 229-5960, or email gwen@ntda.org.

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