Heavy-duty trucking enthusiasts will swarm nearly 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space March 26-28 at the Kentucky Expo Center. Researching the latest products and services in the trucking industry and networking with other attendees and exhibitors, this year's Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

What started in the early 1970s as an effort to create the largest and most diversified trucking show in America, first racked up an attendance of 4,000 visitors and 83 exhibitors. Today, the MATS attendance is expected to explode to more than 70,000 attendees and over 1,000 exhibitors. The MATS is the largest annual heavy-duty trucking industry event in the world. No other show offers more under one roof than the Mid-America Trucking Show.

As the industry's premier business venue, attendees are given an opportunity to efficiently research the latest products personally, gain insight into current topics in the industry, and network with attendees and exhibitors from around the world. Here are some of the highlights Louisville Switching is anticipating at this year's show.

• Competition will be heating up again this year as the largest grouping of show trucks in the country compete for the title of Truck Beauty Champion at this year's 26th annual premier truck beauty show. This star attraction celebrates North America's heavy-duty, working show trucks and has proven to be a crowd favorite.
• MATS Fleet Forum for fleet executives and Heavy Duty/Commercial Vehicle Industry VIPs will utilize the expertise of trucking's two major publications (Fleet Owner & Heavy Duty Trucking) and the largest trade show, to provide an in-depth look at the future of trucking and equipment.
• Attendees might have "heard it in a love song," but they can hear in live and in person at the free concert on Friday night presented by Mobil Delvac and headlined by the Marshall Tucker Band. Singer, songwriter and Nashville musician Chris Hennessee will open for Marshall Tucker Band, who has earned seven gold and three platinum albums.

Louisville Switching and Kalmar Ottawa are excited about this year's show and all of the new products and services available this year. Come out the Kentucky Expo Center and see what's new this year and when you do, stop by our booth and say hello!