The Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS), the largest annual event dedicated to the heavy-duty trucking industry, is excited to announce the return of its Opening Reception for the 2025 show. Scheduled for Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the South Wing Lobby A and South Wing Room B101 of the Kentucky Exposition Center, this event will set the stage for 3 days of inspiration, collaboration, and entertainment for the trucking industry.

Made possible by the sponsorship of Triumph and Wex, the Opening Reception will feature an evening of networking, celebration, tradition, and fun. Attendees can look forward to free drinks and food, live entertainment, a silent auction for charity, and many opportunities for seeing old friends and making new ones. The highly-anticipated event is free to all badged attendees. 

The Opening Reception offers a dynamic lineup of activities designed to engage participants and foster networking opportunities:

• • Silent Auction: St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund will be hosting a silent auction at the MATS opening reception, featuring many unique items, with all proceeds going towards charity. You can donate to the silent auction by filling out this form.
  • Bourbon Tasting: Experience the rich flavors of Kentucky’s finest bourbons through an immersive tasting experience. Free activity tickets are required and can be obtained from event sponsors Triumph (Booth #37301) and WEX (Booth #18068) during show hours on Thursday.
  • Wall of Fame Induction: Join us in honoring the newest inductees into the MATS Wall of Fame, celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to the trucking industry. Nominations for the Class of 2025 can be submitted at www.truckingshow.com/mats-wall-of-fame/.
  • Complimentary Food & Beer: Raise a glass with complimentary beer provided by our generous sponsors. Free drink tickets are available from Triumph (Booth #37301) and WEX (Booth #18068) during Thursday’s show hours. Free food will also be available in South Wing Room B101 during reception hours.  
  • Craft Beer Tasting: Explore Louisville’s vibrant craft beer scene with tastings from local breweries, guided by the Louisville Ale Trail. Participating breweries include Monnik, Hometown, Against The Grain, and Hi-Wire. Free activity tickets are required and can be obtained from event sponsors Triumph (Booth #37301) and WEX (Booth #18068) during show hours on Thursday.
  • Live Music: Celebrate the spirit of trucking and join us in opening up MATS with a live, on-stage performance by Bourbon Revival during the Opening Reception. 

For more information and to register for MATS 2025, please visit www.truckingshow.com.

#MATS2025

About MATS

Since 1972, MATS – Mid-America Trucking Show has become the world’s largest and longest running annual heavy-duty trucking event. MATS is the place to experience everything from new technologies to networking with industry thought leaders. This is where the industry’s largest brands and promising startups do business, form partnerships, and make meaningful connections. Over 870 exhibitors and more than 56,000 attendees experience MATS each year, making it the education and innovation epicenter of the trucking industry. All roads lead to MATS 53 on March 27-29, 2025.