EVENTS & EDUCATION

Join us for breakfast and networking  with other trucking professionals as industry leaders share valuable insights on the current state of the industry, updates on trucking regulations, and strategies for owner-operators and small fleets to optimize their operations and overcome any challenges in 2026.

Admission is $100. Attendees and Exhibitors can add this event to their badge during Registration.
More Info at Opening Breakfast

An elite competition hosting the best of the best custom show trucks in North America. More info at PKY Championship.

The session addresses the dual challenge faced by carriers – soft market rates and
internal cash flow drag – by proposing strategies for success. The 2026 market outlook
emphasizes capitalizing on the pre-spring surges and demand hotspots. Financial acceleration
is highlighted as a key tool to resolve cashflow issues. Leveraging instant payment solutions to
stop carriers from financing customers (the 30-90 day gap) will convert potential growth capital
into active capital. Attendees will leave knowing the importance of financial health signals and
where to look for demand in 2026 markets.

The trucking industry is changing fast, and AI is already in your cab whether you invited it or not. But here’s the truth: fighting every new technology will leave you behind, while accepting everything means giving up the autonomy that makes you a professional driver.

This session cuts through the hype and fear to give you a practical strategy. We’ll explore which AI tools actually work FOR you – saving time, solving problems, and making your job easier – and which ones are just dressed-up surveillance. You’ll learn what’s worth embracing, what to push back on, and how strategic use of technology can actually preserve your control over what matters most: your decisions on the road and your long-term career.

Walk away with a clear-eyed understanding of AI in trucking and a game plan for using it on YOUR terms. Because the drivers who thrive won’t be the ones who resist all change or accept it blindly – they’ll be the ones who know the difference.

Join Tapan from Hey Bubba AI for a fast-paced, practical look at how artificial intelligence is transforming the trucking industry today—not in theory, but in daily operations. This session will break down the latest AI tools that fleets of all sizes are using to cut operating costs, improve driver retention, enhance safety compliance, and eliminate back-office bottlenecks.
Attendees will learn how modern AI can:

• Reduce empty miles and improve dispatch accuracy
• Automate paperwork, billing, and load-tracking tasks
• Streamline recruiting and driver communications
• Enhance maintenance planning using predictive insights
• Improve customer service with real-time, AI-powered responses

Whether you’re a small carrier or a large fleet, you’ll leave with clear, actionable steps to start leveraging AI—without needing a technical team or massive budget. This is a must-attend session for trucking leaders looking to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

More than 30 acres of FREE truck parking located less than one mile from the Kentucky Expo Center with a free shuttle to and from the Expo Center during show hours. More info at Truck Parking Community.

The PKY Light Show is a spectacle like no other. Competitors light up the night with a wide array of colors displayed on their custom trucks. More info at PKY Light Show.

An elite competition hosting the best of the best custom show trucks in North America. More info at PKY Championship.

Join industry experts for a dynamic panel discussion focused on empowering carriers
with essential success strategies for 2026. This session moves beyond simple rate-per-mile
metrics, teaching you to redefine your value through data-driven insights and key performance
benchmarks. You’ll learn how to build a professional brand that commands financial credibility,
master negotiation tactics that shift the conversation from cost to service. Panelists will discuss
the "Walk-Away Rule" to protect your business and cash flow. Attendees will leave with
actionable steps to audit their portfolios, calculate their price floors, and modernize their
professional image to thrive in today’s competitive market.

Cargo theft rings are getting more sophisticated, and drivers are often the first ones to spot when something’s off – if they know what to look for. This session gives you the practical tools to protect yourself and your load before problems happen.

Learn the red flags that signal a fraudulent broker, sketchy pickup instructions, or a setup for theft. We’ll walk through the right questions to ask dispatch, brokers, and shippers to vet a load properly. You’ll understand what to do if something feels wrong, how to document everything to protect yourself legally, and why speaking up early can save your career.

Whether you’re an owner/operator or company driver, you’re on the front line. This session arms you with the knowledge to trust your instincts, ask the hard questions, and avoid becoming an unwitting participant in cargo fraud.

More than 30 acres of FREE truck parking located less than one mile from the Kentucky Expo Center with a free shuttle to and from the Expo Center during show hours. More info at Truck Parking Community.

Join us for the official MATS Concert, presented by Bennett Family of Companies, Bridgehaul, and Ace Doran. More details at MATS Concert.

An elite competition hosting the best of the best custom show trucks in North America. More info at PKY Championship.

The custom trucks have been judged, now it’s time to celebrate these works of art and crown the winners. All attendees are invited to the Awards Ceremony where the winners of each class will be announced, along with Best of Show, People’s Choice, Big Rig Build-Off, and other awards.

More than 30 acres of FREE truck parking located less than one mile from the Kentucky Expo Center with a free shuttle to and from the Expo Center during show hours. More info at Truck Parking Community.

Post-show parade of show trucks as they travel around the circle road that surrounds the Kentucky Expo Center