Join OOIDA at MATS 2019; the show starts Thursday

The MATS 2019 starts Thursday at the Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville.

The Mid-America Trucking Show is scheduled for March 28-30 at the Kentucky Exposition Center is at the junction of Interstate 65 and Interstate 264.

Attendees must be employed in the heavy-duty trucking industry or accompany someone who is in the industry. Attendees can register online or onsite at the Kentucky Exposition Center for $10.

MATS 2019 offers more than 1 million square feet of exhibit space and more than 1,000 exhibitors. There also will be demonstrations, seminars and other activities. Check here for the schedule.

OOIDA at MATS 2019

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has planned a Town Hall Meeting exclusively for its members at MATS 2019.

The OOIDA Town Hall Meeting is scheduled 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 28 in room C-104 of the South Wing corridor inside the Kentucky Exposition Center. Register for the Town Hall Meeting here.

OOIDA encourages all of its members attending MATS 2019 to take part in the Town Hall Meeting, which takes place before the show doors open to the public on Thursday.

“This is an opportunity to provide OOIDA executives and government affairs staff your feedback on our legislative and regulatory agenda in Washington, D.C.,” OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh said. “We want you to share your insight and professional experience regarding the decisions made in D.C. and how they impact your business.”

OOIDA President Todd Spencer, Pugh, and OOIDA Manager of Government Affairs Mike Matousek will lead the discussion, highlight legislative and regulatory opportunities and challenges in 2019, and answer questions.

In addition, OOIDA will have two booths at MATS 2019. OOIDA will be in Booth 11128 in the North Wing and Booth 65229 in the West Wing.

Outside in Lot J, behind the West Wing of the center, find the OOIDA’s touring tractor-trailer and its skipper, Jon Osburn, among the show trucks competing in the PKY Truck Beauty Championship.

There also will be a strong contingent from Land Line Magazine and Land Line Now broadcast staffs at MATS, including Managing Editor Jami Jones, Digital Content Editor Greg Grisolano, staff writers Tyson Fisher and Wendy Parker, radio host Mark Reddig and Land Line Now anchor Terry Scruton.

Government officials at MATS 2019

• The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is scheduled to lead a “Legislatively Mandated Actions Update” session at 3 p.m., Thursday, March 28, in room B-104.
• FMCSA is scheduled to lead a session on “Assisted Technologies for Drivers” at 11:15 a.m. Friday, March 29, in room B-104.
• The Kentucky State Police is scheduled to lead a session on commercial motor vehicle inspections at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, in room B-104.

Friday concert

Mobil Delvac’s MATS 2019 concert at the event on March 29 will feature Michael Ray and Runaway June.

Free concert tickets will be available at the Mobil Delvac booth (18160 in the North Hall) on Thursday and Friday during regular show hours.

Ray was the winner of “The Next: Fame is at Your Doorstep,” which aired on The CW in 2012. He was mentored by John Rich of Big and Rich in the competition. He recently released his third album, “Amos.”

With their debut single, “Lipstick,” Runaway June became the first all-female trio in over a decade to score a Top 25 hit, according to the MATS website. The group was nominated for 2018 ACM for New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year. The also recently released a self-titled album featuring the single “Buy My Own Drinks.”

In addition, musicians Gretchen Wilson, Jesse G., Bridgette Tatum, Jayne Denham and others will be at the Red Eye Radio booth in the South A lobby for live appearances and musical performances.

PKY Truck Beauty Championship

The PKY Light Show is scheduled for Thursday night, and the PKY parade is planned to start at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

The annual PKY Truck Beauty Championship celebrates North America’s heavy-duty, working show trucks. Look for the trucks in Lot “J” behind the West Wing.

This is the 23rd year for the PKY Truck Beauty Championship. The show was named in honor of Paul K. Young, who founded the Mid-America Trucking Show in 1972.

Check out some of the eye candy at last year’s PKY Truck Beauty Championship.