Ben Winter
2025-2026 NTEA Board Chair
Vice Chairman/Business Development Transfer Flow (Chico, California)
From technological innovation to evolving regulatory requirements, the commercial vehicle industry is constantly changing. When keeping up with this fast pace becomes difficult, we should remember the importance of industry education and training.
Obtaining education and training gives individuals the skills and tools necessary to adapt to change and fill gaps in current knowledge, rather than constantly trying to catch up with the demands of an increasingly competitive, continually shifting market. An employee equipped with the knowledge necessary to work in an evolving industry will have the space to come up with new ideas, to contribute more to their teams and the industry, and to enhance their own careers.
Industry leaders should ensure their employees are aware of educational and training opportunities available to them and encourage participation. Not only can taking advantage of the newest training elevate your own business, it can also propel the entire industry forward. An individual who knows all the ins-and-outs of advanced driver assistance systems might be the one who innovates the solution to a common problem. An individual keeping tabs on all the industry’s market trends can help make better business decisions. Employees who’ve taken advantage of every educational opportunity possible will be prepared when the industry makes pivotal changes and they must adapt.
An educated workforce will also be able to engage with others in the industry on the same level, offering new ideas to one another. Through collaboration, we can learn from each other and further drive our own growth.
With this in mind, I’d like to share some of the educational and networking opportunities Work Truck Week 2026 (WTW26) offers. Hosted March 10–13 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, WTW26 is the perfect opportunity to invest in education and be better positioned to adapt to change. Program topics range from chassis updates directly from OEMS, market insights, technology deep-dives, and more. At WTW26, there’s something for everyone to learn.
WTW26 also provides space for participants to network, collaborate and engage in thoughtful discussion on industry issues and trends. Building strong professional relationships is just as essential in driving industry progress as continued learning and education. The conversations attendees have at WTW26 might spark the next big idea, partnership, or strategy that will shape the commercial vehicle industry’s future.
As WTW26 approaches, I encourage you to learn more about what it offers at worktruckweek.com and by browsing this issue of NTEA News. I look forward to seeing learning in action and the connections we’ll foster in Indianapolis.