The Highlights
Wednesday Afternoon Sponsor Cabanas
Several sponsors will host guests at the cabanas by the pool from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. What a great way to start your time in Orlando. Don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen!
Wednesday Evening Welcome Reception
The Meet & Greet is from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and is the official kickoff to the convention and is a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new contacts. Enjoy food, drinks, and camaraderie on the Coquina Lawn at this stunning resort.
Thursday
We are switching things up a bit in 2024 and starting the convention with the announcement of the UTA’s awards: Dealer Group Individual Members of the Year and the prestigious UTA Marvin F. Gordon Lifetime Achievement Award. Why wait until the last day when we can congratulate and celebrate these winners throughout the event!
We’ll follow the awards with our general session and economic overview. Our afternoon session features the workshops. See below for our speakers and workshops.
Honoring Our Veterans
We continue our tradition of honoring those who have served. Because we have so many veterans to celebrate, we will showcase them at different times throughout the convention. Fill out this FORM to be included in our celebration.
Thursday Vendor Expo will be 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm and booths are available to Silver level sponsors and higher. Our sponsors are important partners for the convention and the Vendor Expo provides maximum exposure to directly promote their products and services to the used truck industry. This year the evening is open so you can plan parties, dinners, or events for you and your potential customers!
Friday Afternoon Tour Activities
Because we are in Florida and many of us want to take advantage of this exciting destination, we have moved the activities and free time to the end of the week! There are two options to choose from that are fun, and memorable. These tours fill up quickly so sign up asap! See tour options below. Of course you aren’t obligated to sign up for an organized tour. It’s Orlando! There are countless things to do…or NOT do. This resort has a world-class water park/pool and plenty of other relaxing amenities.
Thursday Morning Awards
The 25th Annual UTA Convention begins with a celebration of several industry awards. These include the Dealer Group’s Individual Members of the Year awards (Vendor & Dealer) and the prestigious UTA Marvin F. Gordon Lifetime Achievement Award.
Be sure to congratulate them as you see them throughout the days of convention. They deserve the recognition!
OUR 2024 SPEAKERS
Keynote Jim Morris
Jim Morris was a high school science teacher and coach in west Texas who miraculously made it the Major Leagues at the age of 35. His life story made cinematic history with the heartwarming and unforgettable Disney movie, The Rookie, starring Dennis Quaid. Jim pitched two seasons for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays reaching speeds up to 102 mph and chose to retire to raise his children. Since 2000, Jim has been a highly sought-after motivational speaker traveling the world inspiring audiences to follow their dreams and never give up.
In his latest book, Dream Makers: Surround Yourself with the Best to Be Your Best, Jim shares more of his incredible life story including the people who helped make him the success he is today: his Dream Makers.
Jim has been honored to receive a Lifetime Achievement award from the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation, a CAMIE award for Character and Morality in Entertainment for The Rookie, has been involved with BCFS, Arms of Hope, Texas Youth Commission and other philanthropic efforts. He launched his own Foundation in 2015 giving back to underserved communities and children. Jim and his wife, Shawna, have raised five children and live near San Antonio.
Economist Dr. Chris Kuehl
(Kuehl is pronounced “Keel” – like the bottom of a boat)
Dr. Chris Kuehl is a Managing Director of Armada Corporate Intelligence. He provides forecasts and strategic guidance for a wide variety of corporate clients around the world. He is the chief economist for several national and international organizations.
Prior to starting Armada in 1999 he was a professor of economics and finance for 15 years – teaching in the US, Hungary, Russia, Estonia, Singapore and Taiwan. He holds advanced degrees in economics, Soviet studies and East Asian studies.
Chris is the writer/editor of Business Intelligence Briefs and a writer for the Black Owl Report – both publications from Armada. He is an economic analyst for the Armada Strategic Intelligence System and is responsible for the Credit Manager’s Index from NACM as well Fabrinomics from the FMA.
Steve Tam
Vice President, Analyst
ACT Research
As Vice President at ACT Research, Steve Tam is one of two principal commercial vehicle market analysts. Since being promoted to his current position in October 2008, he was appointed to the Board of Directors and became a Managing Member of ACT Research in September 2016. He also leads the used truck market efforts for ACT. Other responsibilities include project and database management; and collection, analysis, and reporting of specialty data series. In addition to being frequently sought after as a guest speaker at industry events and giving presentations to private companies, you will often see him quoted in industry publications, newspapers and business periodicals.
A graduate of Indiana University, Steve has also served in the military and spent time in various accounting positions at two Fortune 500 companies before joining ACT Research in 2000. He has been involved in the commercial vehicle industry since 1993 and has been vital to the growth of ACT Research over the years.
Honoring Our Veterans
Once again we will recognize our members who have served. There will be posters and slide presentations to celebrate our military individuals. In order to give all of them the honor they deserve, we will show slides at different times throughout the convention.
If you or someone at your organization has served, please click the link below to submit service information and photos. If you filled this out already you don’t need to resubmit unless you want to update your information and/or photos!
Thank you for your service!
Thursday Afternoon Workshops
From 1:00 pm to 3:15 pm we will have two workshops filled with valuable information by expert speakers and panels, followed by Q&A sessions. You won’t want to miss these!
Regulatory Changes
The California Market — Will new and future California regulations impact used truck demand in the state? Regulatory Changes and emissions standards — what are they and what is the best way to keep trucks in compliance?
Sales/Marketing
Small and Mid-Size company growth — How to stand out in a crowded market. Exposing your equipment to the largest audience. E-commerce driving growth!
Friday Activity Options
UTA John Gresley Golf Tournament
Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
2200 Golf Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Additional $180. Limited number of golfers. Lunch provided.
This classic country-club style course winds through pastel villas, pine forests, palmetto trees and sparkling lakes. Certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Wildlife Sanctuary, this 18-hole course was conceived by Joe Lee and most notably features elevated bunkered greens that put a premium on accurate approach shots. Rental clubs available.
Airboat & Wildlife Park
Additional $180. Limited space available. Lunch provided.
The Everglades start here! Enjoy a closer look at alligators and exotic wildlife as you glide through 4,200 acres of untouched nature preserve on an airboat ride. Experience a part of Florida that has barely changed from when early pioneers arrived in covered wagons in the 1800s. The local inhabitants are often visible along the shoreline and native birds can be heard when the airboat slows.
Following the tour, get closer to a Florida icon during a Gator Demo. Stroll through the Gator and Wildlife Park full of more than 200 native and exotic animals. You’ll find lemurs, bobcats, two-toed sloths, and other wild animals. Of course, you’ll find plenty of alligators in their wild habitats.
Spouse/Guest Experiences
Thursday afternoon, our spouses have a choice between a special Wine Tasting at Old Hickory restaurant on property or a shopping excursion at Disney Springs.
Wine Tasting at Old Hickory
A professional sommelier will introduce you to several wines while you enjoy a light nosh and the company of other UTA spouses/guests at the beautiful Old Hickory restaurant in the atrium of the Gaylord Palms resort.
Disney Springs Excursion
Our bus will take you to 120 acres of shopping, dining, and entertainment so you can squeeze in some Disney magic. See all the things Disney Springs has to offer here!
These options are for spouses. Please do not sign up for these if you are a standard convention attendee. Thank you!
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