Close to 1,300 for-hire carriers, industry suppliers, and professionals involved with truckload-specific operations will make their way to Nashville in the next few days to share ideas, develop new strategies for the future, and learn about the latest technology and services.

Organization: Truckload Carriers Association

Conference: 79th TCA Annual Convention

Venue: Gaylord Opryland

Location: Nashville

Following the board meeting and evening reception on Sunday, the TCA Annual Convention officially begins on Monday morning with a general session featuring Rich Karlgaard. The publisher, editor-at-large, and global futurist for Forbes magazine will discuss “Trump’s Economy and Yours.” Also on the agenda:

Party with a purpose. During Monday evening’s Whistlin’ Dixie Jamboree, attendees—who are encouraged to dress in country western attire—will be mixing and mingling as they help raise money for the TCA Scholarship Fund, which benefits families in the trucking industry.  Musical duo the Bellamy Brothers will entertain guests, and a silent auction will also take place.

Get in the know. During the meeting’s “Trucking in the Round” roundtable discussions, attendees will discuss timely and relevant issues with their colleagues. Among the topics to be covered: getting more women involved in the trucking industry, driver fatigue management programs, and the future of the independent contractor model.

Survival of the fittest. Making its meeting debut this year is TCA Wellness Fittest Executive Challenge. Ten trucking execs will compete against each other as they complete an eight-station fitness course and vie for the title of “Fittest Executive.” Before the meeting, each exec was assigned a wellness coach and received biometric screenings and other tools to get in peak condition.

Facebook, Twitter (#2017TCA), and Instagram are your best bets for other conference details.

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