Attendance Policy
Last updated July 01, 2026
This attendance policy applies to all Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) attendees, exhibitors, media, and guests (collectively referred to as “Attendees”). By registering for and attending MATS, you agree to abide by this policy and all other rules applicable to your badge type.
Show Management has sole discretion over admission and strictly enforces all show rules. Violating this policy may result in the immediate revocation of your badge without a refund and removal from the premises.
Who Can Attend?
MATS is an industry tradeshow and is not open to the general public. To attend, you must work in the trucking industry or be accompanied by someone who does.
Registration & Badges
- Admission: Registration is required to attend MATS.
- Show Badges: Every registrant will receive an official show badge and must present a photo ID to pick it up. Badges must be worn and prominently displayed at all times to gain entry.
- Badge Rules: Badges are the property of Show Management. They cannot be reproduced, transferred, or resold. Badges may be revoked at any time for any reason.
Cancellations, Substitutions & Refunds
All event registration sales are final. No refunds will be offered, regardless of the reason for non-attendance, and substitutions are not allowed. Lost, stolen, or misplaced badges will be charged the full original replacement amount. Any discounts must be applied at the time of registration and cannot be applied retroactively.
Code of Conduct
MATS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and professional environment for everyone. We expect all participants to interact with respect and consideration.
- Zero Tolerance for Harassment: Unacceptable behavior—including discrimination, intimidation, harassment (verbal, physical, or visual), and offensive conduct related to gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation—will not be tolerated.
- Consequences: Show Management reserves the right to immediately revoke the badge of anyone violating this Code of Conduct without a refund, and may disqualify the Attendee from participating in future events.
Security & Weapons Policy
For the safety of all attendees, MATS and the Kentucky Expo Center strictly prohibit fireworks, firearms, explosives, and weapons of any kind (including concealed firearms) on the premises.
- This prohibition applies to all interior and exterior facilities, including parking areas, vehicles, and exhibit displays.
- Show Management and venue security reserve the right to search all bags, backpacks, and personal items upon entry.
Animal Policy
Pets are not permitted on the show floor or within the Kentucky Expo Center. Only ADA-compliant, trained service animals assisting an individual with a disability are allowed.
No Soliciting, “Suitcasing”, or “Outboarding”
To protect the investment of our official Exhibitors, strict rules apply to the MATS show floor, public areas, the Kentucky Exposition Center, and official show hotels.
- Soliciting: Attendees are prohibited from soliciting business from other attendees or exhibitors. (Exceptions apply to authorized MATS Exhibitors within their own contracted exhibit space).
- Suitcasing: All marketing, promotion, and sales must remain within contracted exhibit space. You may not distribute marketing materials in the aisles, public areas, or outside the exhibit halls.
- Outboarding: Exhibitors are restricted from hosting or participating in competing/conflicting events or activities during official MATS show hours.
Recording (Audio, Video, and Photography)
Copyright of MATS is owned by Show Management. Photography, filming, taping, or recording in any medium without express written consent is strictly forbidden, with two exceptions:
- Personal Use: Hand-held equipment for strictly personal, non-commercial use is permitted if it is not disruptive.
- Exhibit Space: Recording by an Exhibitor (or their authorized third party) is permitted within the Exhibitor’s own space if it is not disruptive.
Note: Attendees may not take photos or videos of an exhibit without the exhibitor’s explicit permission.
Badge Scanning & Communication
- Communications: By registering, you consent to receive communications (mail, email, text, or phone) from Show Management regarding important show information and updates.
- Badge Scanning: Your registration info is encoded on your show badge. If you allow an exhibitor to scan your badge, you are opting in to share your contact info and receive communications from them. If you do not wish to share your information, you must decline to be scanned.
Legal Releases & Liability
- Photo & Video Release: By attending MATS, you grant Show Management and authorized third parties permission to use your image, likeness, actions, and statements in live or recorded media (now known or later developed) without further authorization or compensation.
- Waiver of Liability & Indemnification: Attendees waive and release all claims for injuries, losses, damages, or liabilities (including property damage or bodily injury) arising from their participation in MATS against Show Management, its officers, employees, agents, and venue partners. Attendees agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees from any claims, costs, or expenses (including attorney’s fees) related to their attendance.
If attendees have any questions regarding this attendance policy or attendee conduct, please contact Show Management at [email protected] or 502.702.2000.
