American Trucking Associations announced it has opened registration for the 85th annual ATA Management Conference & Exhibition, scheduled for October 27-31 in Austin, Texas.

“Hosting this year’s MCE in Texas creates a central location for attendees from all over the country, enabling the most efficient and productive use of their time,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear.

At this year’s MCE, ATA is celebrating 85 years of leading the charge through federation, strength and unity in the trucking industry. ATA leadership will provide updates on the significant wins and strides made, and where ATA is next focused. Attendees will have the opportunity to contribute to the conversation and share their opinions in committee meetings held throughout the conference, helping lay the groundwork for ATA’s priorities in 2019 and beyond.

“Our members have high expectations of our work in Washington, in the states, and in the courts. In 2017, we delivered some major victories, with unmatched visibility on a truly global scale. I’m excited to share how we have revitalized the association and to demonstrate our commitment to advancing the industry,” said Spear. “More than that, MCE brings our members and industry together with the opportunity to learn from some of the sharpest minds in business and politics.”

The agenda includes a range of policy issues affecting the industry, including hours-of-service, workforce development, trade, infrastructure, finance and much more. In addition, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd will perform at the annual banquet on the final evening.

“MCE is an invaluable event on the trucking calendar,” said ATA Chairman Dave Manning, president of TCW, Inc. “I would strongly encourage anyone with an interest in this industry to join me in Austin this October. There is no other trucking conference in North America that provides such a candid, first-hand look at the issues in Washington affecting our workforce and businesses.”

This year’s Exhibit Hall will showcase hundreds of products, services and new technologies that suppliers are bringing to market to benefit the trucking industry. The Exhibit Hall also provides a prime environment for networking among C-level executives and industry leaders while reviewing the latest innovations. It’s also where the well-attended ATA General Sessions are held, giving attendees the opportunity to learn from industry experts and other luminaries. The MCE Exhibit Hall also features the ATA Pavilion, which offers attendees the chance to talk with ATA staff about important issues and learn more about what ATA is doing for its members.

For more information about this year’s ATA Management Conference & Exhibition, including preliminary schedule and how to register, visit http://mce.trucking.org/.