7 ways to make the most out of your trip to MATS March 26, 27 & 28

If you're new to trucking or just a first time visitor to the Mid-America Trucking Show later this month, you need to be sure to make the most out of this combination product showcase, truck show and industry family reunion.

Here are things you can do to maximize your trip to MATS March Marxch 26, 27 and 28 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.

1. First and foremost, wear your best and most comfortable walking shoes. MATS covers 1 million square feet of exhibition space. If you want to get your money's worth (even if you registered for a free pass) you'll have to visit several exhibit halls, the outdoor parking lots where the show truckers are parked and Freedom Hall, where the concert is held. Pace yourself!
2. Do a virtual visit before you go. Use this online version of the show program to get a decent lay of the land. Make notes on the locations of exhibitors you know yoiu'll want to visit. Check out the schedule of educational programs and other special events, and make a schedule of what yiu wish to attedned and when it's held.
3. Plan to go home smarter than you came. MATS has a robust schedule of educational programs delivered by industry experts. The range is vast and the topics beneficial. You can count on sessions about cargo theft, driver health and wellness, safety and insurance. Here's the schedule of educational programs. Be sure to catch new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Derek Barrs Friday, March 27 at 10 a.m. He'll be joined by Phillip Thomas, FMCSA's deputy associate administrator.
4. MATS is a great place to see old trucking friends and colleagues and make new ones. One of the best places to do that is the show's opening reception. Thursday, March 26, when the show officialy closes, the reception begins. Held in South Wing Lobby A and South Wing Rm B101, the reception includes music by Tony Justice, bourbon and craft beer tastings, a silent auction to benefit fot the St.  Christopher Trucker Relief Fund, induction of ther latest class of members on the show's Wall of Fame and free beer. Be sure to get your tickets at Triumph's booth; they're the reception's sponsor.
5. Bring your business cards. Plenty of them. MATS is this country's biggest trucking gathering so that means it attracts OEMs, suppliers, product sellers, manufacturers, organizations, and recruiters. So that makes MATS a good place to network, shop, and maybe even look for a new job if you're in the market.
6. Now's the time to get your fix of custom show trucks, both new and vintage. The PKY Truck Championship attracts some of the classiest rigs around. They'll be on display in Lot N in front of the West Wing & South Wing. There's a truck light show Thursday night at 9:30 p.m. You can get a second lomk during the PKY Parade Saturday at 7:15.
7. If being a huge truck show isn't enough, MATS also is a great place to catch some music ... for free. Friday at 7 p.m. Freedom Hall will host a concert featuring Frank Foster, Mark Ware, and Long Haul Paul Marhoefer. Be sure to get your free admission ticket at the Bennett Booth Thursday or Friday.