In mid-June, I had the opportunity to participate and attend the 2015 Private Motor Truck Council (PMTC) annual conference, held at the Kingsbridge Centre just north of Toronto. What an outstanding event! A record crowd attended, which was was a nice tribute to incoming President Mike Millian and the event coordinator and long-time PMTC associate, Vanessa Cox.
The Kingsbridge Centre is an outstanding venue that easily accommodated the 200 delegates for the conference. The service, meals and staff were all exceptional. As far as value for those who register, I must say, like many of you, I attend my share of conferences and functions over the course of a year. Moving forward, this conference will be on my “must attend” list. Simply put, Millian and his team get it. The conference is well known for addressing the issues and challenges facing the industry for those involved in private trucking, but I also see the value in attending for any carrier – For Hire, LTL or others.
One of the highlights of the conference was Lou Smyrlis. He is one of the best on either side of the border when it comes to market analysis and is a true expert on trends and statistics in the trucking industry. The exhibitors showcase was packed, sold out, and the people who attended were given plenty of time over the two days to learn about the exhibitors’ services and products. Every exhibitor I talked to found great value in attending and I heard more than once that they felt it was affordable to participate with lots of “eye-ball” time with those attending.
I could not attend every presentation but the ones I did attend were chock full of information on topics like distracted driving, driver training and retention strategies, and much more. Included in your registration was a packed room full of industry decision makers attending the network reception and Chairman’s dinner, along with a scotch tasting that followed dinner outside beside some very impressive International, Peterbilt, Kenworth and Volvo trucks. The value, for $475, in my opinion was exceptional. For me, one of the highlights was seeing the professional drivers (and their families) recognized at the PMTC – Huron Services Driver’s Hall of Fame luncheon along with the PMTC – Making Eligibility Easier (MEE) Private Fleet Safety Awards. Both awards ceremonies were tastefully done.
Keep your eyes open for the 2016 PMTC Conference and mark it on your calendar – you will not be disappointed.
Speaking of conferences, I am pleased that the Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO) is hosting a conference in 2016 in Mississauga. The conference will be rolled around the association’s annual general meeting which will be February 22nd, 2016. The actual conference will be February 23rd, and from what I have seen so far, will be packed with great information and speakers. The conference will be affordable, educational, and most importantly fun for those attending. Stay tuned for more information.