As the trucking industry navigates constant and rapid change, the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) has opened its official Call for Speakers for the 2026 Pro Talks Education Series. The event, scheduled for March 26-28, 2026, at the Kentucky Exposition Center, is seeking dynamic thought leaders to provide actionable solutions and forward-thinking insights to the industry’s most pressing issues.

To learn more about this opportunity and to submit a speaker proposal, please visit the official Call for Speakers Page.

In a market defined by economic shifts, new technologies, and evolving regulations, access to practical, expert-led education is no longer a luxury: it is essential for survival and success. The MATS Pro Talks stage offers an unparalleled platform for companies to establish themselves as trusted leaders by teaching and connecting with a captive audience at their point of greatest need.

To ensure the 2026 educational program directly addresses the real-world concerns of attendees, MATS recently surveyed over 50,000 trucking professionals, which includes a diverse mix of owner-operators, fleet executives, and maintenance specialists. The results pinpointed the exact topics MATS attendees want to learn more about. Respondents identified Equipment, Maintenance, Government & Regulations, Business, Technology, and Safety as the most critical areas of interest. 

View the Full MATS Education Survey Report.

“The trucking industry is looking for answers, and MATS is the place they come to find them,” said Toby Young, President of MATS. “We are looking for experts who can provide not just information, but real-world solutions that our attendees can use to improve their businesses immediately. This is an opportunity to move beyond the exhibit hall and become a vital resource for the entire industry.”

Presenting at MATS is more than a speaking engagement—it is a launchpad for ideas, influence, and business growth. It is a direct line to thousands of professionals actively looking for guidance in their purchasing decisions. The selection process will prioritize sessions that offer practical, actionable insights and forward-looking perspectives tailored to the data-driven needs of the MATS audience.

The priority deadline for submissions is January 1st, 2026. Submissions will continue to be accepted after the priority deadline, but may have limited options for day and time selection.

About MATS

Since 1972, the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) has grown to be 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. More than 800 exhibitors and 50,000 attendees are expected from across the globe at MATS this year, making it the education and innovation epicenter of the trucking industry. The entire industry connects at MATS 54 on March 26-28, 2026.