A mix of industry professionals totaling 10,362 gathered at Tradex last weekend for Truxpo, Western Canada’s largest commercial trucking show. Held biennially, Truxpo provides a venue for industry leaders to source, compare new products and see the latest in commercial truck and transportation equipment and services.
“This year’s show was an unquestionable success,” said Mark Cusack, national show manager. “Traffic was steady throughout the two-day event and attendance surpassed our expectations. Exhibitor feedback about the quantity and quality of visitors has been overwhelmingly positive. And we were thrilled that members of the Indo-Canadian community came out in especially high numbers in support of their industry.”
Exhibitors gave the show raves.
“We found the quality and volume of the traffic up from previous years at Truxpo,” said Kevin Olson-Brooks, sales manager with Harbour International Trucks, an exhibitor with this year’s show. “The show was well-attended and customers seemed to be relaxed and enjoying themselves. Advertising was up this year, which definitely drove traffic into the show.”
Johnny Z, with exhibor ZZ Chrome, was also pleased with the show.
“It was an awesome show – the best in the past eight years,” he said. “We don’t usually sell at the show, but we sold over $30,000 in equipment. I also talked with several other exhibitors and they indicated it was the best show ever.”
A variety of special features helped to bolster attendance at Truxpo 2014 – including the BCTA Sector Update Conference, which took place immediately prior to the show opening; an industry luncheon with keynote speaker Michael “Pinball” Clemons; an educational component with seminar sessions geared to drivers and industry personnel; special performances by multicultural entertainment; and a professionally organized and judged Show & Shine.
Presenting partner, the British Columbia Trucking Association (BCTA), were pleased with the success.
“The additional events and promotional activities provided great value to the show’s exhibitors and visitors alike," said BCTA president and CEO Louise Yako. "It was energizing to be at Truxpo to see so many industry people enjoying the show, being exposed to and learning about new technologies, equipment and opportunities, as well as having the chance to re-connect with old friends and make new acquaintances. Participation in the show demonstrated the strength of the industry and the fact that the future is very bright.”
