New Entry Categories
As part of its expansion, NATDA™ has organized the showcase into three categories – The Trailer Innovation Award, The Dealership Innovation Award, and the Manufacturer Innovation Award. Category descriptions and qualifications are listed below:
The Trailer Innovation Award
The Trailer Innovation Award is reserved for physical products and components used on a trailer or truck bed, including Axles and components, Brake Assemblies, Brake Controls and Actuators, Cargo and Outdoor Gear, Chemicals and Coatings, Electrical and Lighting, Hitches and Towing Systems, Jacks, Couplers and Winches, Suspension Systems, Tires and Wheels, and Trailer Accessories.
These products will be physically displayed at the NATDA Trailer Show and must have been released after the previous year's show (September 1, 2023).
Similar to previous New Product Displays, products will be voted on by those in attendance at the NATDA Trailer Show. The product with the most votes will receive The Trailer Innovation Award. Second and third place finalists will also receive recognition.
The Dealership Innovation Award
The NEW Dealership Innovation Award highlights the latest programs and services designed for trailer dealerships. These include programs in the following categories: Business Consulting, Electronic Payment Processing, Employee Benefits, Equipment and tools, Financial Programs, Marketing and promotional Programs, Software Solutions, and Transport Logistics programs.
These programs must have been released after the previous year’s show (September 1, 2023).
Though not physical products, these programs will still be highlighted at the show using meter boards spread throughout the Innovation Showcase area. Products will be voted on by those in attendance at the NATDA Trailer Show, with the product receiving the most votes earning The Dealership Innovation Award. Second and third place finalists will also receive recognition.
The Manufacturer Innovation Award
Formerly known as the Most Innovative Trailer or Truck Bed Award, the Manufacturer Innovation Award highlights the most innovative trailer or truck bed created since the close of
the previous year's show. The categories for this award are as follows: Cargo/Concession Trailer, Heavy-Duty Trailer, Livestock Trailer, Truck Bed or Service Body, Utility Trailer, and Vehicle Trailer.
While certificates will be awarded to the product receiving the most votes (open to all attendees) in each category, the NATDA Dealer Advisory Council will determine who wins the overall Manufacturer Innovation Award.
Like the rest of the awards, trailers or truck beds in contention for this award must have been released after the close of the previous year's show (September 1, 2023) and display some innovative quality.