ARE YOU READY FOR WTW24?
By Derek Hill (LinkedIn), Governor at Large, NTEA Generation Next
This article was originally published in the December 2023 issue of Generation Next Edition.
As an annual event for the commercial vehicle community to help connect those who design, build, use and maintain the world’s commercial vehicles and equipment, Work Truck Week is a great opportunity to network and share experiences with those who are in similar shoes. If you’re brand new to the work truck industry, I would highly recommend checking out Generation Next events ideal for those who have been in the industry for less than 10 years. Generation Next is free to join and the networking possibilities are endless.
Time and time again I hear fellow truck equipment enthusiasts at Work Truck Week wishing they had just one more day to hit a couple more booths. We all know it’s not realistic to think you’ll be able to visit all 500 exhibitors, but with some help, you can plan out your journey with some handy resources provided by NTEA – and with the event scheduled for March 5-8, now is the time.
Register and stay
Remember to register for WTW24 on or before Feb. 8, to receive advance pricing discounts (registration prices increase Feb. 9).
Secondly, if you’re traveling to the event, make sure you line up a place to stay. Visit worktruckweek.com/hotelandtravel to locate available hotels.
Familiarize yourself with the schedule
When registering for WTW24, familiarize yourself with the scheduled events at their respective times and dates. Once you’ve registered, you can create a planner to schedule which events and booths you plan to attend and visit. You can also use the mobile app which will be available early next year.
What should be on your packing list
This will be my third year walking the floor of WTW, and I know from experience that there are a few things you’ll want to bring with you.
- Cell phone charger or battery bank: No one wants to have a dead phone by noon with lingering questions to be answered by your coworkers or customers. Although there will be charging stations set up throughout the floor, these may be in high demand.
- Light backpack or bag: You will be talking with multiple vendors and grabbing lots of swag or literature. Having a bag of some sort to hold all these things will keep your hands free for easier handshakes toward the end of the day.
- Comfortable shoes: I cannot stress enough the importance of comfortable walking shoes. Your feet will thank me later.
- Map: A floor plan will be provided when you pick up your badge on the first day. I highly recommend you always keep this with you. It will save you endless time walking up and down each aisle to find specific vendors.
- Pack light but think of other essentials you will need.
Sessions and events
If you would like to get more involved, multiple sessions and events are scheduled throughout each day of the week. Some of these may require additional purchases to hold your spot, such as the Generation Next Leadership Workshop & Networking Reception. These are set to provide additional insights into work truck-related topics, as well as professional development and networking opportunities.
There are many ways to prepare yourself for WTW24. Preparation is the key to success, and I recommend doing your research now. The show can be intimidating without a plan, but if you follow any of my tips above, you should be well positioned to get the most out of this upcoming event.
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