MATS
This can only be one thing: The Mid-America Trucking Show. The biggest truck show of the year will run March 28-30 at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville.
Put some comfortable shoes on, because the venue is large and you will want to see as much as you possibly can. More than 1,000 companies will be showing off their latest products, ranging from small knickknacks for your dash to full-sized trucks from manufacturers. Looking for a bed bug heater for your sleeper? Yup, you can find one at MATS. If it is in any way related to trucking, there’s a good chance it can be found at the Mid-America Trucking Show.
In addition to checking out the newest and coolest products, attendees can also learn a thing or two. Free seminars will be offered throughout show hours. Last year’s seminar topics included sharpening negotiation skills, managing diabetes on the road, insurance for new authorities and several town hall-style meetings with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
MATS is not just about being a product showcase. Plenty of events will make the show as much fun as it is informational. Go outside to Lot J behind the West Wing of the center and marvel at show trucks competing in the PKY Truck Beauty Championship. The PKY Light Show will take place on Thursday night, with the PKY parade starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Friday night will include a concert featuring country musicians Michael Ray and Runaway June. The concert will be held on-site in the Freedom Hall at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will start at 7 p.m. Complimentary tickets are available to MATS attendees at the Mobil Delvac booth, 18160, in the North Wing during show hours.
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.
Come say ‘Hi’
As usual, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association will have two booths at MATS. OOIDA will be in Booth 11128 in the North Wing and Booth 65229 in the West Wing. You can catch OOIDA’s tour truck in the PKY Truck Beauty Championship in Lot J behind the West Wing.
Land Line staff will be all over the map. In fact, they will be creating the map. If you cannot attend the show, periodically check in at LandLineMag.com and check out the interactive map. It’s like being there from the comfort of your sleeper wherever you are.
Registration and Parking
Preregistration has already passed, but you can still go for only $10. Whether you register online or pay at the door, you will have to wait in line to receive your badge. If you registered online, make sure to print your registration confirmation.
Doors are scheduled to open to the public from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. A VIP session is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday.
A couple of options are available for parking your truck. Tractor-trailer parking will be $30 each day without hook-ups and $50 for spots with hook-ups. Spots with hook-ups must be reserved by calling 502-367-5380. If you’re in your personal automobile or pickup truck, it will cost you $10 to park each day.
Free tractor-trailer parking is available courtesy of show management at Cardinal Stadium. Shuttle buses to and from the Kentucky Expo Center also are provided for anyone parking at the stadium. LL