Worth the wait
Who is ready for some Mid-America Trucking Show fun? The largest in-person truck show in the U.S. is back on track for 2022 and ready to amp things up a notch or two.
What does MATS have to offer?
For veteran attendees of MATS, plan on things looking a little different for the 50th anniversary shindig.
“We intend to set a new standard for trucking industry events,” says show president Toby Young. “We’ve developed new in-person experiences that will reconnect the entire trucking industry through face to face interactions that will educate and entertain.”
Young said some experiences include a new expanded education program – the MATS Pro Talks Seminar Series – with twice as many seminars and product demonstrations, more outdoor events including a larger-than-ever 30th anniversary PKY Truck Beauty championship.
There will be a MATS 50th anniversary celebration and ceremony on the opening night that will include live music, drinks and an interactive history display with the MATS Wall of Fame and other immersive experiences.
Never fear, however, 2022 MATS attendees also can expect to experience other long-standing events, such as the MATS Friday night concert and five exhibit halls with exhibits covering more than 1 million square feet.
When and where?
MATS is scheduled for March 24-26 at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville. On Thursday, a VIP session is planned from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Doors are scheduled to open to the general public from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. On Friday, the doors are scheduled to open to the general public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday, the show is planned to open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Kentucky Expo Center is at 937 Phillips Lane in Louisville.
How do I register?
To register for the show, go to TruckingShow.com/Registration and fill out the form. Registration remains free until late February. After February, it will cost $10 online and $20 onsite to attend. VIP badges can be purchased for $99.
If you register before the end of February, a badge will be mailed to your address. After February you will have to wait in line for your badge to be printed. If you register online, be sure to print out your registration confirmation and bring it with you to the show to exchange for your badge.
Badges will be good for all three days of the show. Children under the age of 14 are not required to register and will not need a badge.
What’s the parking situation?
Tractor-trailer parking at the Kentucky Expo Center will cost $30 daily, and RV spots without utility hook-ups are available for $50 per day or $75 per day for spots with electrical hookups. RV spots must be reserved by calling 502-367-5380. If you’re in your personal vehicle, it will cost you $10 to park each day.
Offsite overnight truck parking is planned to be available for free at Cardinal Stadium, 4146 Park Blvd., Gate D. Shuttle buses to and from the Kentucky Expo Center also are provided for anyone parking at the stadium.
Where is OOIDA going to be at the show?
As usual, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association will have a booth at MATS. OOIDA will be in Booth 11128 in the North Wing. You can catch OOIDA’s tour truck in the PKY Truck Beauty Championship in Lot J behind the West Wing.
It will cost only $35 to join or renew your OOIDA membership at MATS.
You still want to know more
Go to TruckingShow.com for answers to a list of frequently asked questions. The website will also update daily schedules and announce the concert performers as it gets closer to the days of the show. Plus, the March-April edition of Land Line Magazine is planned to have even more information about MATS in 2022. LL