Maximize Your MATS Experience: A Guide for Small Carriers/Owner-Operators

Attending the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) can be an overwhelming experience for small carriers and owner-operators, with over 50,000 attendees, thousands of vendors, and over a million square feet of exhibition space. However, with the right strategy and planning, mats can be one of the most productive events of the year. Here's a guide to help you maximize your MATS experience and make the most of your time and investment.

1. Have a Business Objective
Before stepping foot in the convention center, ask yourself: What do I want to achieve at MATS? Identify your top three priorities, such as improving fleet efficiency, seeking better fuel solutions, or networking with brokers. This will guide your experience and ensure that every move you make supports your business goals.

2. Download the Exhibitor List and Plan Your Visits First
MATS provides an exhibitor list ahead of time—download it. Identify the vendors that align with your objectives and map out a plan to visit them first. Prioritize key exhibitors, have a list of questions ready, and make real business connections. This will help you avoid wasting valuable time wandering around the show floor.

3. Be Strategic with Your Time
Trying to see everything at MATS is a rookie mistake. Focus on exhibitors that align with your business goals, have productive conversations, and if you have extra time, explore other areas. This approach keeps you focused and ensures you leave with actionable takeaways rather than just sore feet.

4. Plan for the Scale of the Event
MATS is over a million square feet—trust me, it's easy to get lost in the different wings. Make sure you know where your key exhibitors are located and plan your route accordingly. Trying to bounce back and forth across the entire venue is a time-waster. Stay organized and move efficiently.

5. Attend MATS Pro Talks—but Be Strategic
MATS offers Pro Talks, a series of educational sessions featuring industry experts discussing the latest trends, best practices, and strategies for small carriers and owner-operators. These sessions can be extremely valuable, but again, be strategic about which ones you attend. Look for talks that directly benefit your business objectives, such as fuel efficiency, maintenance strategies, or negotiating better rates. Don't just attend a session because it sounds interesting—make sure it directly benefits your business.

6. Get the 'Ohhs and Ahhs' Out of the Way on Thursday
If it's your first time at MATS, you will be overwhelmed. The lights, the displays, the custom rigs—it's a lot to take in. That's why I recommend using Thursday as your day to soak it all in. Walk the floor, take your pictures, and let yourself enjoy the spectacle. But come Friday and Saturday, it's all business. Get focused, have meetings, and execute your plan.



By following these steps and leveraging the educational sessions at MATS, small carriers and owner-operators can gain valuable insights, stay informed about industry trends, and make data-driven decisions to grow their businesses. Don't miss out on this opportunity to maximize your MATS experience and take your business to the next level.