Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/715755
26 // OWNER OPERATOR // SEPTEMBER 2016 By Sean M. Lyden ExpediteEXPO RECAP W hen the trumpet player sounded the traditional Kentucky Derby call at 9:00 a.m. on July 15, at the Lexington Center in Lexington, Ky., the 16th annual Expedite Expo was off and running — a "race" packed with education, networking, and entertainment. And it finished strong the next day with a driver appreciation BBQ at 4:00 p.m. Launched in 2001, Expedite Expo has been the only trade event focused exclusively on the expedited trucking industry, attracting thousands of attendees and exhibitors across North America. In addition to learning about the newest trucks, products and business potential from every major industry category, truckers also gain numerous networking opportunities to make lasting connections with people who can help them succeed in the business. This year was the fi rst at Lexington Center for Expedite Expo, which had been held at the Roberts Convention Centre in Wilmington, Ohio, for the past decade. While overall attendance for this year's show was off from previous years, the quality of attendees was higher, says Lawrence McCord, chief executive offi cer of On Time Media, the producers of Expedite Expo. "Our show is the industry show. And with the freight market soft right now, the Expo is a mirror of the industry — with participation as a direct refl ection of the market," says McCord. "But the attendees this year were the best quality of people we have had at the show. Most of them were serious about the business, who came with the right questions. And it seemed that they were a good match for many of the product and service exhibits. This was a very high-caliber group of owner- operators, fl eet owners and drivers." Here are some of the highlights from Expedite Expo 2016. Education Whether you're new to expediting or have been in the business for years, there was a workshop for you. Attendees learned from veteran expediters and industry experts about a wide range of topics, from the basics EXPANDING YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND NETWORK TO WIN IN TODAY'S FREIGHT MARKET 0916 expediteexpo recap oo.indd 1 8/9/16 11:01 AM