It is that time of year again, when the largest annual heavy-duty trucking industry event makes its way to Louisville, Kentucky. This years MATS is taking place Thursday, March 28 – Saturday, March 30. With an event as large as MATS, you should always come prepared with your own tentative agenda to help your trip run smoothly. Here are a few tips to consider for your 2019 MATS experience.
ExpressAmber
If you’re familiar with ExpressAmber, you know that she tackles all truck industry news on her Youtube channel, and this year’s MATS event is no different. Since attending MATS for about 6 years she and her team have a pretty good handle on one of the truck industries largest events.
With a buzzing atmosphere and leading truck industry innovators all around, Amber and Bryan advise all attendees to take full advantage of the networking taking place all in one area. Amber and her team have learned to prepare months in advance to secure potential partnerships and make the voyage to Louisville, Kentucky well worth it. By networking throughout the year the team develops a strategy on spending their time wisely at trucking events.
Research Exhibitors
There are over 1,000 exhibitors from 47 states who have already registered for this years event. It is very easy to overlook a booth if you aren’t sure where to look. The MATS website has a great feature that allows for you to search for exhibitors in the 2019 exhibitor directory. Look for your favorite product and companies by name to see if they’ll be attending.
(ExpressAmber MATS Tip: Don’t avoid the FMCSA booth. Visiting the FMCSA booth at MATS is your chance to express your concerns about new rules and regulations, outside of blog and vlog rants. Who knows, they just might listen.)
Experience Louisville
Take time to get away from the convention center and tour the city. Some people may consider this a work trip, but all work doesn’t have to be anti fun. Louisville has a lot to offer from the Louisville Slugger Museum to the Muhammad Ali Center. There is rich history that awaits to be explored. If your schedule doesn’t allow for you to explore, consider coming a day earlier or staying a day late to enjoy the Louisville experience outside of MATS. Research unique and top rated restaurants that will make you feel like the tourist you truly are.
Show Your Badge
Louisville offers the Show Us Your Badge program, it offers discounts throughout the city to conference attendees. Discounts range from restaurants, attractions and retail shops, all designed to give visitors a special guest experience.
Participating locations
Food
Patrick O’Shea’s
Tavern On Fourth
Buckhead Mountain Grill
Morton’s, The Steakhouse
Brasserie Provence
Pizza Bar
Attractions
Belle of Louisville Boat Tour
The Caravan Comedy Club
Bluegrass Karting & Events
Retail
5-0-Lou
Peace Of The Earth
Network & Promote Yourself
When having fun, don’t lose sight of your goal. There are so many opportunities at MATS and all attendees have the right to explore them. Being on the road for majority of the year can damper human interaction leaving the forerunners of the industry to solely rely on social media to network.
The seminars each year feature standout industry names, who are known for success. On any other day a direct answer from them may not be realistic, but during a live seminar your chances become a bit greater.
6 Can’t Miss Opportunities
- PKY Truck Beauty Championship
Thursday, March 28 – Saturday, 30 10AM – 6PM | Location: Lot J
- Roadworks 25th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, March 28 3PM – 4PM | Booth # : 34105
- Helping You Navigate The Biggest Obstacles to Success in Today’s Market
Thursday, March 28 12:30PM – 1:30PM | Location: B-104
- MATS Concert Sponsored by Mobil Delvac Featuring Michael Ray and Runaway June
Friday, March 29 7PM | Location: Freedom Hall – Kentucky Exposition Center
- Red Eye Rendezvous
Thursday, March 28 – Saturday, 30 10AM – 6PM* | Booth # : 41064
- Giveaway: My20 Trucker Pack
Thursday, March 28 1PM-5:30PM | Booth # : 62140