ATA Unveils Highlights of MC&E Conference

American Trucking Associations announced that its 2014 Management Conference & Exhibition is due to take place in San Diego in the fall, providing a forum for discussion of some of the most significant issues for the industry.

Highlights of ATA’s largest annual event, set for Oct. 4-7, will range from the economy and electronics to regulatory matters and rates.

“Our agenda is dedicated to helping you find the answers you need to run your fleet efficiently and profitably,” ATA President Bill Graves said. “We will have a host of industry experts and trucking executives discussing key issues.”

Graves is scheduled to present his annual “State of the Industry” address during the opening session on Oct 6.

Later that day, the focus is set to turn to the economy. ATA Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Bob Costello is scheduled to address the federation during a luncheon. He will be joined by American Petroleum Institute Chief Economist John Felmy, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz and Chad Moutray, chief economist of the National Association of Manufacturers.

The grand opening of the exhibit hall — expected to be one of MC&E’s largest — is scheduled for Oct. 5, following a luncheon where advocacy and government affairs issues will be discussed. The exhibit hall will be open several hours each day.

Throughout the conference, committee meetings and educational sessions will consider issues including: how a resurgence in U.S. manufacturing is poised to provide new opportunities; driver compensation policies; and how technology is continuing to change the industry, including preparing for electronic logging devices.

The conference’s final day has on deck a discussion titled “Living with Congestion — Is There a Light at the End of this Tunnel?” It will feature panelists from Transport Topics and the American Transportation Research Institute.

MC&E will close with ATA’s board of directors and general membership meetings.

Also at the conclusion of the conference, Grammy and Tony Award nominee Michael Cavanaugh will headline the annual banquet. He is best known for playing the piano and the lead vocals for the Broadway musical “Movin’ Out.”

Journalist Jane Pauley will be the guest speaker at the spouse annual business meeting. Pauley, who recently wrote the book, Your Life Calling: Reimagining the Rest of Your Life, is a former “Today” show and “Dateline NBC” co-host.