ATA to host 86th annual meeting
by May 3, 2018 11:24 am 350 views
‘Science Bob’ Pflugfelder will be one of the featured speakers at the Arkansas Trucking Associations' 86th annual meeting May 16-18 in Hot Springs.
Arkansas Trucking Association’s 86th annual meeting May 16-18 will focus more on trucking industry issues instead of the history of the organization, like in the meeting last year, said Shannon Newton, president of the ATA
The Annual Business Conference & Vendor Showcase at Hot Springs Convention Center will include several speakers from the trucking industry and feature ‘Science Bob’ Pflugfelder, who is often a guest on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” “Live with Kelly and Ryan” and “The Dr. Oz Show.”
On May 17, Pflugfelder will have science demonstrations and relate science to trucking.
“In addition to science demonstrations, I’ll be showing how science and the ‘Maker Movement’ will be transforming how students today problem solve and innovate in the future,” he said. “The maker movement inspires students and amateur inventors to tinker, fail and innovate using the tools and methods of science. New technologies, such as 3-D printers, programmable microcontrollers and laser cutters are now widely available to most people.”
The conference also will include forums on technology, the economy, safety and key industry issues like electronic logging devices. Chris Spear, president and CEO of American Trucking Associations, will give a state of the industry address. Stephan Keese, senior partner for Roland Berger, will speak on trucking technology, alternative fuels and the future of trucks. Brad Delco, managing director for Little Rock-based Stephens Inc., will provide an economic brief.
Also, Bill Sullivan, executive vice president of advocacy for American Trucking Associations, will speak on hours of service. In another forum, a panel of trucking executives, including James Reed, president and CEO of Van Buren-based carrier USA Truck, will address the driver shortage.
Registration fee is $400 per ATA member and $600 for non-members. Additional ATA members who attend from the same company will receive a discount. Attendees can register by calling the ATA at 501-372-3462 or at the event. About 330 attendees are expected this year, Newton said. On May 18, the Spring Golf Classic will take place at Hot Springs Country Club.