94th Annual Conference

94th Annual
Conference

August 4-6 I Cragun's Resort -Brainerd, MN

Don't miss out on our biggest event of the year! This 3-day conference offers premier keynotes by national speakers, topical and timely educational workshop sessions that impact your day-to-day trucking operations, and plenty of time to network and have fun with other leaders in the trucking industry.

Conference registration

Conference Information

Sessions

Networking Opportunities

Sponsor/Exhibit

Golf

Book Rooms

Presented by:

MINNESOTA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION'S

conference
details

conference pricing

member full conference (early bird) -- $549
member full conference -- $599
spouse -- $399
child -- $99
member wednesday day sessions only -- $399
member tuesday night only (welcome party & bbq) -- $199
non-member full conference -- $999
golf tournament -- separate registration below

conference registration

golf registration

wednesday
morning sessions

opening session

Vantage Point: A New Perspective on Leadership and Retention
Jack Stahlman

With the speed of change in this world, our roles can shift without warning. And for those of us in new positions the road ahead may look daunting. But if you’re in the right role and you’re able to surround yourself with the right team, it just might be the adventure of a lifetime.

In this presentation Jack Stahlmann creatively weaves in life lessons, challenging you to think outside of yourself and see the world through the eyes of others. By taking that perspective shift, you will gain a new appreciation for decision making at any level within an organization. Along this journey, we’ll examine a new approach to workplace retention away from “holding on” and instead thinking of “developing forward.”

general session

Managing Risk in a Volatile Environment
Noel Perry, Economist, Truckstop.com

In today’s unpredictable freight market, staying ahead of risk isn’t optional; it’s a competitive advantage. This session delivers a clear-eyed macroeconomic outlook focused on emerging risks, explores how evolving supply chains and AI-driven disruption are reshaping operations, and unpacks the latest regulatory developments. You’ll also gain expert forecasts on capacity utilization and pricing to sharpen your strategy. If you’re making high-stakes decisions in a rapidly changing market, this session will equip you to act with confidence.

keynote

Beyond resilience: Turning Supply Chain Uncertainty into Opportunity
Ari Silkey, Director, Amazon Freight

In this forward-looking session, Amazon pulls back the curtain on operating one of the world’s largest trailer networks, sharing hard-earned lessons from pivotal moments and how technology unlocks maximum asset efficiency. You’ll also gain a data-driven view of today’s freight landscape, where cautious optimism meets geopolitical pressure and rapid tech evolution. Walk away with practical strategies, from AI-powered automation to advanced cargo security and scalable capacity solutions, that help you navigate uncertainty and capitalize on what’s next.

wednesday
afternoon sessions

Defending Your Identity: The New Front Line in Freight Theft

Panel Discussion

Mike McDonough- McDonough Truckline; Dale Prax, Freight Validate; Nate Johnson, GLCS; Facilitator: Todd Waldron, Truckstop.com

Freight theft today isn’t just about stolen loads—it’s about stolen identities. Criminal networks are impersonating carriers, brokers, and drivers to gain access to freight and exploit gaps in verification. This executive panel explores how identity-based theft is reshaping the risk landscape, the warning signs carriers should be watching for, and practical steps to protect your company, your drivers, and your reputation.

breakout session option 1A

Peer-to-peer industry conversations

Pick 3 Topics. Three 15-minute facilitated discussion sessions.

Facilitated by: Jana Schindele, CEO, Spee-Dee Delivery

Human Resources
Recruitment & Retention
Cargo Theft & Fraud
Lease v. Buy Equipment
AI & Outsourcing
Communicating with Customers
Re-engaging Your Team
Maintenance
Contracts
FMCSA
Commercial Enforcement

breakout session option 1B

coming soon.

breakout session option 2A

The Leadership Power Behind Safety Outcomes

Panel of Safety Directors

This session explores how embracing full responsibility across people, processes, and outcomes creates the authority to drive meaningful change. Attendees will learn how to translate accountability into influence; empowering them to challenge unsafe practices, align cross-functional teams around shared priorities, and elevate safety from compliance to culture. Participants will walk away with practical approaches to strengthen decision-making under pressure, leverage data to shape leadership conversations, and foster an environment, where doing the right thing consistently leads to better operational and human outcomes.

breakout session option 2B

coming soon.

thursday
morning sessions

thursday membership meeting

Industry and legislative updates- hear what MTA has accomplished and is working on for you!

closing session

IMPACT LEADERSHIP: Influence Through Purpose, Persistence and Passion
Joe Schmit

In this high energy, high-impact presentation loaded with humor Joe Schmit inspires and helps you discover how to ramp up the profound power of your influence. When you become more aware and intentional with the impact you have as a leader, it will improve your bottom line and your R.O.I.– Return on Impact. Through research, Joe has discovered that, “we make our biggest impressions when we are not trying to be impressive.” Impact Leadership is a blueprint to help you improve company culture, help you develop a high-performance team and make you a leader of significance. The impact can also be seen on the bottom line.

If there were a going away party today, who would the most people show up for? That person is having a "Silent Impact" on everyone around them, but what is their secret? Who would you place on your personal Mt. Rushmore of Influence and why would they be there? Explore what “Impact Resolutions” can you make

networking
opportunities

women's trucking leadership council pontoon ride

MTA's Women's Trucking Leadership Council will be going on a pontoon ride on Tuesday.

first-time attendee gathering

First time at an MTA Annual Conference? Don't sweat it! Join us in the hospitality suite for a warm welcome and casual networking at the First-Time Attendee Gathering, where newcomers can connect, ask questions, and start the event off right.

tuesday welcome bbq

Get the evening started by enjoying dinner by the lake. Whether you are coming off the golf course or have just arrived, this dinner will feature live music and catching up with your trucking friends. Golf winners will also be announced at this event.

tuesday welcome party & Expo

Enjoy complimentary beverages and desserts while you network, visit vendor booths and check out the latest trucks on the market. This evening is sure to be exciting as vendors will be giving away door prizes starting at 8:00 p.m. Be sure to drop your cards at the vendor booths to enter!

tuesday hospitality lounge

Continue a great night of networking with complimentary beverages and food at the hospitality lounge! Refer to the schedule to find out when the hospitality lounge will be open.

fleet safety award luncheon

Help honor and celebrate Minnesota's safest fleets with your peers at Wednesday's Fleet Safety Award Luncheon, where one fleet will be named the Grand Champion!