Another successful Work Truck Week is officially in the books, bringing together professionals from across the industry for a week of connection, innovation and shared learning.
Taking time away from work and family is never easy — especially with busy schedules and growing responsibilities. But the strong turnout year after year speaks volumes about the dedication and passion within the work truck community.
During my nine-and-a-half-hour drive home, I had plenty of time to reflect. As always, I found myself wishing for more time — more time on the show floor, more time in educational sessions, and more time connecting with people. From meeting new faces to catching up with customers, colleagues, and friends, the week was filled with meaningful conversations centered around what we all enjoy most: work trucks.
Three highlights from the week
Gen Next Leadership Workshop and Networking Reception
One standout moment was the session led by Jon Colby, who brought a fresh and engaging perspective on communication through improv techniques. If you attended, you were likely laughing as much as you were learning. His ability to energize the room and get everyone involved was remarkable. I encourage you to use the communication strategies we learned in the session and apply them to your everyday work — especially in your team meetings.
2026 NTEA Annual Meeting
The NTEA Annual Meeting continues to be a cornerstone of Work Truck Week, offering a moment to reflect on leadership, industry direction and the road ahead. A highlight each year is the transition of Board leadership — a meaningful reminder of the continuity and evolution that drive the Association forward.
In 2026, attendees witnessed that tradition firsthand as Rick Albertini, president & CEO of Phenix Truck & Van, stepped into the role of NTEA’s 62nd board chairman. The industry also recognized immediate past chairman Ben Winter, vice chairman of business development at Transfer Flow, for his leadership and service.
This year’s keynote session added timely context to those leadership themes. Political strategists Karl Rove and Jim Messina delivered insightful perspectives on the current political landscape, helping attendees better understand the forces shaping the business environment and what they could mean for the work truck industry moving forward.
This year was especially meaningful for me and the entire Gen Next community. As a member of the Steering Committee, I had the incredible opportunity to step on stage and speak during the breakfast — something I see as both an honor and a reflection of how far our group has come. I’m grateful to have been part of what I hope becomes a lasting tradition of elevating emerging leaders in this space.
That experience reinforced something I strongly believe: real growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones. In a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry like ours, saying yes to opportunities like this isn’t just exciting — it’s essential.
The exhibit hall
This is where everything comes to life. As always, the exhibit hall brought together a wide range of participants — from manufacturers and OEMs to upfitters, vendors, and end users. While everyone may have their own goals, most share two common objectives: improving business efficiency and building meaningful connections.
The energy was unmistakable — new products on display, conversations happening at every turn, and a shared eagerness to learn from one another. It’s always inspiring to see the industry come together in such a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.
As we look ahead and think about the future of this industry, it’s clear that continued growth depends on developing and supporting the next generation of leaders. Programs like Generation Next — open exclusively to NTEA members with 10 or fewer years of industry experience — are designed to support and connect emerging leaders who are building their careers in the commercial vehicle industry. If you know someone within your organization — or across your network — who meets this criteria, encourage them to get involved. It’s a valuable opportunity to expand their perspective, grow their network and engage more deeply with the industry.
Learn more and share the opportunity: https://www.ntea.com/generationnext